British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after U<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-back-at-britains-ambassador-in-us-says-not-served-the-uk-well-233860">S President Donald Trump</a> said he would no longer deal with him.

"Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support," a spokesman said.

Trump launched an extraordinary attack on outgoing British premier Theresa May, following the leak of diplomatic cables highly critical of his presidency.

London has been scrambling to stem the damage caused by the weekend release of confidential telegrams in which its envoy to Washington, Kim Darroch, described the US leader as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-top-envoy-in-us-says-trump-executive-inept-report-233737">"inept" and his White House as "uniquely dysfunctional."</a>

Visibly angered by May's continuing support for her ambassador -- which Downing Street reiterated on Monday -- Trump assailed the prime minister over her handling of fraught Brexit negotiations, and welcomed her impending departure from office.

"What a mess she and her representatives have created," Trump fumed in a series of tweets. "I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way."

"The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister," he wrote.&nbsp;

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....thought of within the U.S. We will no longer deal with him. The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister. While I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent State Visit last month, it was the Queen who I was most impressed with!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1148298497189392384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As for London's man in Washington, Trump declared he would have no further contact with him.

"I do not know the Ambassador, but he is not liked or well thought of within the US," the president said, doubling down on weekend comments claiming his administration were "not big fans" of Darroch.

"We will no longer deal with him," Trump vowed.

But even after Trump's remarks, a government spokesman said that "Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support."

The cables' publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper came just a month after Trump enjoyed a state visit to Britain that included a 41-gun salute welcome at Buckingham Palace and a banquet dinner with the queen.

The incident threatens to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade agreement with key ally the United States, in hope of mitigating potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

May's office called the leak "unacceptable," but said, "the prime minister has full faith in her ambassador to Washington."

'Very serious consequences'

British officials defended Darroch as carrying out his duties by providing "frank" accounts of developments in Washington.

"We have made clear to the US how unfortunate this leak is. The selective extracts leaked do not reflect the closeness of, and the esteem in which we hold, the relationship," the government spokesperson said.

"At the same time we have also underlined the importance of ambassadors being able to provide honest, unvarnished assessments of the politics in their country."

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the culprit, if identified, would face "very serious consequences."

His US affairs deputy Alan Duncan told parliament police could launch their own investigation "if evidence of criminality is found."

The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments.

"But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote.

The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within the governing Conservative Party.

Coveted job

British politics are in for a major revamp once May ends her three-year spell in power later this month.

Brexit-supporting former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favourite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-envoy-to-us-calls-trump-incompetent-233758/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires in January.

Commentators note that the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team.

"There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote.

But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexiter".

Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage -- who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 -- does."

Farage has met Trump on several occasions and has brandished his anti-EU credentials by leading his Brexit Party to victory in European elections in May.

Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" even as he played down his interest in the job.

"I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio.

But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine."

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after US President Donald Trump said he would no longer deal with him.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after US President Donald Trump said he would no longer deal with him. "Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support," a spokesman said. Trump launched an extraordinary attack on outgoing British premier Theresa May, following the leak of diplomatic cables highly critical of his presidency. London has been scrambling to stem the damage caused by the weekend release of confidential telegrams in which its envoy to Washington, Kim Darroch, described the US leader as "inept" and his White House as "uniquely dysfunctional." Visibly angered by May's continuing support for her ambassador -- which Downing Street reiterated on Monday -- Trump assailed the prime minister over her handling of fraught Brexit negotiations, and welcomed her impending departure from office. "What a mess she and her representatives have created," Trump fumed in a series of tweets. "I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way." "The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister," he wrote. ....thought of within the U.S. We will no longer deal with him. The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister. While I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent State Visit last month, it was the Queen who I was most impressed with! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2019 × As for London's man in Washington, Trump declared he would have no further contact with him. "I do not know the Ambassador, but he is not liked or well thought of within the US," the president said, doubling down on weekend comments claiming his administration were "not big fans" of Darroch. "We will no longer deal with him," Trump vowed. But even after Trump's remarks, a government spokesman said that "Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support." The cables' publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper came just a month after Trump enjoyed a state visit to Britain that included a 41-gun salute welcome at Buckingham Palace and a banquet dinner with the queen. The incident threatens to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade agreement with key ally the United States, in hope of mitigating potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. May's office called the leak "unacceptable," but said, "the prime minister has full faith in her ambassador to Washington." 'Very serious consequences' British officials defended Darroch as carrying out his duties by providing "frank" accounts of developments in Washington. "We have made clear to the US how unfortunate this leak is. The selective extracts leaked do not reflect the closeness of, and the esteem in which we hold, the relationship," the government spokesperson said. "At the same time we have also underlined the importance of ambassadors being able to provide honest, unvarnished assessments of the politics in their country." Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the culprit, if identified, would face "very serious consequences." His US affairs deputy Alan Duncan told parliament police could launch their own investigation "if evidence of criminality is found." The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments. "But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote. The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within the governing Conservative Party. Coveted job British politics are in for a major revamp once May ends her three-year spell in power later this month. Brexit-supporting former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favourite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt. The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires in January. Commentators note that the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team. "There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote. But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexiter". Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage -- who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 -- does." Farage has met Trump on several occasions and has brandished his anti-EU credentials by leading his Brexit Party to victory in European elections in May. Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" even as he played down his interest in the job. "I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio. But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine."

UK offers 'full support' to US ambassador, Trump lashes out at Theresa May after leak of damning cables

World stocks fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, as a stinging warning came from German chemicals giant BASF about the effects of the global trade war and traders hedged bets on a hefty US interest rate cut later this month.

With global macroeconomic clouds looming and critical policy signals due from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/herman-cain-withdraws-from-consideration-for-federal-reserve-board-seat-donald-trump-212699">US Federal Reserve</a> chief Jerome Powell on Wednesday, the headlines and mood focused on three individual stocks.

Shares in BASF slumped almost 6 per cent in Europe after the German chemicals giant issued what one trader described as a "shocking" profit warning, blaming a global slowdown and trade war between the United States and China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/deutsche-bank-to-cut-18000-jobs-in-74-billion-euro-overhaul-233820">Deutsche Bank</a> tumbled 4 per cent - having already dropped 5.4 per cent the previous day after it axed 18,000 staff - while Apple's overnight drop of more than 2 per cent on Wall Street after a broker downgrade dragged the tech sector lower.

"Both from a bottom-up and top-down perspective, equity market valuations appear far too ambitious," analysts at Morgan Stanley wrote in a note.

It was particularly stark, they said, as the US business cycle was in a downturn and both forward-looking indicators like global PMIs and global trade are now in contraction territory.

"Indeed, companies have begun cutting their 2019 profit forecasts, citing the trade conflict as a reason."

In the currency markets, the big question remained the potential reaction to the weaker outlook from the world's top central banks.

US Fed chairman Powell gives testimony before Congress on Wednesday. Money market futures are still fully pricing in a 25 basis point (bps) cut at the Fed's July 30-31 meeting, but have almost priced out a larger 50 bps move that had been seen as a real possibility a couple of weeks ago.

The dollar changed hands at 108.78 yen, having risen in the previous session to its highest in more than a month.

The dollar index versus a basket of six major currencies was also a touch higher at 97.432, while the euro dropped as low as 1.1204, its weakest level since mid-June.

"It would be pretty disruptive at this stage for Powell to rule out a cut in July or dampen expectations of a cut in July," said Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets.

"The last few Fed speakers, albeit non-voting speakers, have suggested July is not a done deal... and even now, if you look at economists' forecasts, there is not a consensus that there will be a move, and yet the market is 100 per cent priced."

World stocks fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, as a stinging warning came from German chemicals giant BASF about the effects of the global trade war and traders hedged bets on a hefty US interest rate cut later this month.

With global macroeconomic clouds looming and critical policy signals due from US Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell on Wednesday, the headlines and mood focused on three individual stocks.

Shares in BASF slumped almost 6 per cent in Europe after the German chemicals giant issued what one trader described as a "shocking" profit warning, blaming a global slowdown and trade war between the United States and China.

Deutsche Bank tumbled 4 per cent - having already dropped 5.4 per cent the previous day after it axed 18,000 staff - while Apple's overnight drop of more than 2 per cent on Wall Street after a broker downgrade dragged the tech sector lower.

"Both from a bottom-up and top-down perspective, equity market valuations appear far too ambitious," analysts at Morgan Stanley wrote in a note.

It was particularly stark, they said, as the US business cycle was in a downturn and both forward-looking indicators like global PMIs and global trade are now in contraction territory.

"Indeed, companies have begun cutting their 2019 profit forecasts, citing the trade conflict as a reason."

In the currency markets, the big question remained the potential reaction to the weaker outlook from the world's top central banks.

US Fed chairman Powell gives testimony before Congress on Wednesday. Money market futures are still fully pricing in a 25 basis point (bps) cut at the Fed's July 30-31 meeting, but have almost priced out a larger 50 bps move that had been seen as a real possibility a couple of weeks ago.

The dollar changed hands at 108.78 yen, having risen in the previous session to its highest in more than a month.

The dollar index versus a basket of six major currencies was also a touch higher at 97.432, while the euro dropped as low as 1.1204, its weakest level since mid-June.

"It would be pretty disruptive at this stage for Powell to rule out a cut in July or dampen expectations of a cut in July," said Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets.

"The last few Fed speakers, albeit non-voting speakers, have suggested July is not a done deal... and even now, if you look at economists' forecasts, there is not a consensus that there will be a move, and yet the market is 100 per cent priced."

Brexit Factor

Elsewhere, the pound stood at 1.2485, not far from six-month lows of $1.2481 touched on Friday. Britain's parliament will weigh an amendment later aimed at ensuring it cannot be sidestepped if the next UK prime minister wants to pursue a no-deal Brexit divorce from the European Union.

Overnight in Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.4 per cent but pared earlier losses, having traded at its lowest level since June 19.

Chinese blue-chips ended down 0.3 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell by 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei was the only outlier as gains in a few heavyweights in the index helped it edge up 0.1 per cent.

Apple's suppliers, such as Murata Manufacturing and Taiyo Yuden, fell 2 per cent and 4 per cent, however, after Rosenblatt Securities cited a "fundamental deterioration" for the US gadget giant over the next 6-12 months.

In Greater China, suppliers from Hon Hai to AAC Tech also lost between 1.4 per cent and 3.1 per cent and in Europe Infineon, ASM and STMicroelectronics slipped about 2 per cent.

Among commodities, oil prices were slightly softer as concerns about whether slowing global growth would hit demand eclipsed tensions over Iran's nuclear programme.

Brent crude futures fell 0.2 per cent to $64.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures shed 0.4 per cent to $57.46.

Gold prices also ticked lower, as the dollar scaled its multi-week highs. Spot gold was down 0.2 per cent at $1,393.03 per ounce and US gold futures fell 0.3 per cent to $1,395.70 an ounce.

Wall Street futures were 0.4 per cent to 0.6 percent lower.

Elsewhere, the pound stood at 1.2485, not far from six-month lows of $1.2481 touched on Friday. Britain's parliament will weigh an amendment later aimed at ensuring it cannot be sidestepped if the next UK prime minister wants to pursue a no-deal Brexit divorce from the European Union.

Overnight in Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.4 per cent but pared earlier losses, having traded at its lowest level since June 19.

Chinese blue-chips ended down 0.3 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell by 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei was the only outlier as gains in a few heavyweights in the index helped it edge up 0.1 per cent.

Apple's suppliers, such as Murata Manufacturing and Taiyo Yuden, fell 2 per cent and 4 per cent, however, after Rosenblatt Securities cited a "fundamental deterioration" for the US gadget giant over the next 6-12 months.

In Greater China, suppliers from Hon Hai to AAC Tech also lost between 1.4 per cent and 3.1 per cent and in Europe Infineon, ASM and STMicroelectronics slipped about 2 per cent.

Among commodities, oil prices were slightly softer as concerns about whether slowing global growth would hit demand eclipsed tensions over Iran's nuclear programme.

Brent crude futures fell 0.2 per cent to $64.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures shed 0.4 per cent to $57.46.

Gold prices also ticked lower, as the dollar scaled its multi-week highs. Spot gold was down 0.2 per cent at $1,393.03 per ounce and US gold futures fell 0.3 per cent to $1,395.70 an ounce.

Wall Street futures were 0.4 per cent to 0.6 percent lower.

World stocks fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, as a stinging warning came from German chemicals giant BASF about the effects of the global trade war and traders hedged bets on a hefty US interest rate cut later this month.

World stocks fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, as a stinging warning came from German chemicals giant BASF about the effects of the global trade war and traders hedged bets on a hefty US interest rate cut later this month. With global macroeconomic clouds looming and critical policy signals due from US Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell on Wednesday, the headlines and mood focused on three individual stocks. Shares in BASF slumped almost 6 per cent in Europe after the German chemicals giant issued what one trader described as a "shocking" profit warning, blaming a global slowdown and trade war between the United States and China. Deutsche Bank tumbled 4 per cent - having already dropped 5.4 per cent the previous day after it axed 18,000 staff - while Apple's overnight drop of more than 2 per cent on Wall Street after a broker downgrade dragged the tech sector lower. "Both from a bottom-up and top-down perspective, equity market valuations appear far too ambitious," analysts at Morgan Stanley wrote in a note. It was particularly stark, they said, as the US business cycle was in a downturn and both forward-looking indicators like global PMIs and global trade are now in contraction territory. "Indeed, companies have begun cutting their 2019 profit forecasts, citing the trade conflict as a reason." In the currency markets, the big question remained the potential reaction to the weaker outlook from the world's top central banks. US Fed chairman Powell gives testimony before Congress on Wednesday. Money market futures are still fully pricing in a 25 basis point (bps) cut at the Fed's July 30-31 meeting, but have almost priced out a larger 50 bps move that had been seen as a real possibility a couple of weeks ago. The dollar changed hands at 108.78 yen, having risen in the previous session to its highest in more than a month. The dollar index versus a basket of six major currencies was also a touch higher at 97.432, while the euro dropped as low as 1.1204, its weakest level since mid-June. "It would be pretty disruptive at this stage for Powell to rule out a cut in July or dampen expectations of a cut in July," said Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets. "The last few Fed speakers, albeit non-voting speakers, have suggested July is not a done deal... and even now, if you look at economists' forecasts, there is not a consensus that there will be a move, and yet the market is 100 per cent priced." World stocks fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, as a stinging warning came from German chemicals giant BASF about the effects of the global trade war and traders hedged bets on a hefty US interest rate cut later this month. With global macroeconomic clouds looming and critical policy signals due from US Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell on Wednesday, the headlines and mood focused on three individual stocks. Shares in BASF slumped almost 6 per cent in Europe after the German chemicals giant issued what one trader described as a "shocking" profit warning, blaming a global slowdown and trade war between the United States and China. Deutsche Bank tumbled 4 per cent - having already dropped 5.4 per cent the previous day after it axed 18,000 staff - while Apple's overnight drop of more than 2 per cent on Wall Street after a broker downgrade dragged the tech sector lower. "Both from a bottom-up and top-down perspective, equity market valuations appear far too ambitious," analysts at Morgan Stanley wrote in a note. It was particularly stark, they said, as the US business cycle was in a downturn and both forward-looking indicators like global PMIs and global trade are now in contraction territory. "Indeed, companies have begun cutting their 2019 profit forecasts, citing the trade conflict as a reason." In the currency markets, the big question remained the potential reaction to the weaker outlook from the world's top central banks. US Fed chairman Powell gives testimony before Congress on Wednesday. Money market futures are still fully pricing in a 25 basis point (bps) cut at the Fed's July 30-31 meeting, but have almost priced out a larger 50 bps move that had been seen as a real possibility a couple of weeks ago. The dollar changed hands at 108.78 yen, having risen in the previous session to its highest in more than a month. The dollar index versus a basket of six major currencies was also a touch higher at 97.432, while the euro dropped as low as 1.1204, its weakest level since mid-June. "It would be pretty disruptive at this stage for Powell to rule out a cut in July or dampen expectations of a cut in July," said Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets. "The last few Fed speakers, albeit non-voting speakers, have suggested July is not a done deal... and even now, if you look at economists' forecasts, there is not a consensus that there will be a move, and yet the market is 100 per cent priced." Brexit Factor Elsewhere, the pound stood at 1.2485, not far from six-month lows of $1.2481 touched on Friday. Britain's parliament will weigh an amendment later aimed at ensuring it cannot be sidestepped if the next UK prime minister wants to pursue a no-deal Brexit divorce from the European Union. Overnight in Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.4 per cent but pared earlier losses, having traded at its lowest level since June 19. Chinese blue-chips ended down 0.3 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell by 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei was the only outlier as gains in a few heavyweights in the index helped it edge up 0.1 per cent. Apple's suppliers, such as Murata Manufacturing and Taiyo Yuden, fell 2 per cent and 4 per cent, however, after Rosenblatt Securities cited a "fundamental deterioration" for the US gadget giant over the next 6-12 months. In Greater China, suppliers from Hon Hai to AAC Tech also lost between 1.4 per cent and 3.1 per cent and in Europe Infineon, ASM and STMicroelectronics slipped about 2 per cent. Among commodities, oil prices were slightly softer as concerns about whether slowing global growth would hit demand eclipsed tensions over Iran's nuclear programme. Brent crude futures fell 0.2 per cent to $64.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures shed 0.4 per cent to $57.46. Gold prices also ticked lower, as the dollar scaled its multi-week highs. Spot gold was down 0.2 per cent at $1,393.03 per ounce and US gold futures fell 0.3 per cent to $1,395.70 an ounce. Wall Street futures were 0.4 per cent to 0.6 percent lower. Elsewhere, the pound stood at 1.2485, not far from six-month lows of $1.2481 touched on Friday. Britain's parliament will weigh an amendment later aimed at ensuring it cannot be sidestepped if the next UK prime minister wants to pursue a no-deal Brexit divorce from the European Union. Overnight in Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.4 per cent but pared earlier losses, having traded at its lowest level since June 19. Chinese blue-chips ended down 0.3 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell by 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei was the only outlier as gains in a few heavyweights in the index helped it edge up 0.1 per cent. Apple's suppliers, such as Murata Manufacturing and Taiyo Yuden, fell 2 per cent and 4 per cent, however, after Rosenblatt Securities cited a "fundamental deterioration" for the US gadget giant over the next 6-12 months. In Greater China, suppliers from Hon Hai to AAC Tech also lost between 1.4 per cent and 3.1 per cent and in Europe Infineon, ASM and STMicroelectronics slipped about 2 per cent. Among commodities, oil prices were slightly softer as concerns about whether slowing global growth would hit demand eclipsed tensions over Iran's nuclear programme. Brent crude futures fell 0.2 per cent to $64.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures shed 0.4 per cent to $57.46. Gold prices also ticked lower, as the dollar scaled its multi-week highs. Spot gold was down 0.2 per cent at $1,393.03 per ounce and US gold futures fell 0.3 per cent to $1,395.70 an ounce. Wall Street futures were 0.4 per cent to 0.6 percent lower.

World stocks drop for third day, BASF warning stings Europe

The future of Obamacare could be at stake on Tuesday when a coalition of Democratic-led states and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-launches-probe-into-possible-obstruction-by-trump-200941">House of Representatives</a> urge a federal appeals court to overturn a Texas judge's ruling that the US healthcare reform law is unconstitutional.

Republicans have repeatedly tried to repeal Obamacare, or the Affordable Care Act (ACA), since its 2010 passage, and while the Justice Department would normally defend a federal law, the Trump administration has declined to defend its constitutionality against a challenge by 18 Republican-led states.

A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-desert-braces-for-aftershocks-from-major-71-quake-233580">California</a> Attorney General Xavier Becerra stepped into the void to defend the law. The House intervened after Democrats won control in November's elections after many focused their campaigns on defunding Obamacare.

A three-judge panel of the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, including two judges appointed by Republican presidents and one by a Democrat, will take up a ruling by a federal judge in Texas last year that the entire ACA was unconstitutional.

An appellate ruling declaring Obamacare unconstitutional could prompt an appeal to the US Supreme Court, opening the door for the top court to take up the issue during the 2020 US presidential election.

Obamacare, the signature domestic achievement of Trump's Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, has been a political flashpoint since its passage.

Republican opponents call the law an unwarranted intervention by government in health insurance markets, while supporters say that striking it down would put at risk the healthcare of 20 million people who have gained insurance since its enactment.

In 2012, a divided <a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-to-take-up-dreamers-case-231345">US Supreme Court</a> upheld most of its provisions, including the individual mandate, which requires people to obtain insurance or pay a penalty.

The mandate compelled healthy people to buy insurance to offset sicker patients' costs after Obamacare barred insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.

The Supreme Court's conservative majority argued that Congress could not constitutionally order people to buy insurance. But Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court's four liberal members to hold the mandate was a valid exercise of Congress' tax power.

Republicans in Congress subsequently failed to overturn Obamacare, but in December 2017, <a href="http://wionews.com/world/donald-trump-has-discussed-iran-nuclear-standoff-with-macron-white-house-234187">Trump</a> signed into law a tax bill passed by a Republican-led Congress that reduced the tax penalty to zero dollars.

A coalition of Republican-led states headed by Texas sued, alleging the tax penalty's elimination rendered Obamacare unconstitutional.

US District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth, Texas, agreed in December 2018, saying the individual mandate was unconstitutional because it no longer triggered a tax.

O'Connor, nominated by former Republican President George W. Bush, said that because Obamacare called the mandate "essential," the entire law must be struck down.

The Justice Department initially argued the mandate was unconstitutional but most of Obamacare could be severed from it. But it argues on appeal the law's balance must be struck down.

The future of Obamacare could be at stake on Tuesday when a coalition of Democratic-led states and House of Representatives urge a federal appeals court to overturn a Texas judge's ruling that the US healthcare reform law is unconstitutional.

The future of Obamacare could be at stake on Tuesday when a coalition of Democratic-led states and House of Representatives urge a federal appeals court to overturn a Texas judge's ruling that the US healthcare reform law is unconstitutional. Republicans have repeatedly tried to repeal Obamacare, or the Affordable Care Act (ACA), since its 2010 passage, and while the Justice Department would normally defend a federal law, the Trump administration has declined to defend its constitutionality against a challenge by 18 Republican-led states. A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general led by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra stepped into the void to defend the law. The House intervened after Democrats won control in November's elections after many focused their campaigns on defunding Obamacare. A three-judge panel of the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, including two judges appointed by Republican presidents and one by a Democrat, will take up a ruling by a federal judge in Texas last year that the entire ACA was unconstitutional. An appellate ruling declaring Obamacare unconstitutional could prompt an appeal to the US Supreme Court, opening the door for the top court to take up the issue during the 2020 US presidential election. Obamacare, the signature domestic achievement of Trump's Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, has been a political flashpoint since its passage. Republican opponents call the law an unwarranted intervention by government in health insurance markets, while supporters say that striking it down would put at risk the healthcare of 20 million people who have gained insurance since its enactment. In 2012, a divided US Supreme Court upheld most of its provisions, including the individual mandate, which requires people to obtain insurance or pay a penalty. The mandate compelled healthy people to buy insurance to offset sicker patients' costs after Obamacare barred insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. The Supreme Court's conservative majority argued that Congress could not constitutionally order people to buy insurance. But Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court's four liberal members to hold the mandate was a valid exercise of Congress' tax power. Republicans in Congress subsequently failed to overturn Obamacare, but in December 2017, Trump signed into law a tax bill passed by a Republican-led Congress that reduced the tax penalty to zero dollars. A coalition of Republican-led states headed by Texas sued, alleging the tax penalty's elimination rendered Obamacare unconstitutional. US District Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth, Texas, agreed in December 2018, saying the individual mandate was unconstitutional because it no longer triggered a tax. O'Connor, nominated by former Republican President George W. Bush, said that because Obamacare called the mandate "essential," the entire law must be struck down. The Justice Department initially argued the mandate was unconstitutional but most of Obamacare could be severed from it. But it argues on appeal the law's balance must be struck down.

United States appeals court to take up constitutionality of Obamacare

The US State Department has approved the possible sale to Taiwan of M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles and related equipment at an estimated value of $2.2 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-jab-at-united-states-china-vice-president-wang-qishan-says-world-cannot-shut-china-out-233914">despite Chinese criticism of the deal</a>.

China's Foreign Ministry said last month when the possible sale was first reported that it was seriously concerned about US arms sales to self-ruled Taiwan, and it urged the United States to halt the sales to avoid harming bilateral ties.

The sale of the weapons requested by Taiwan, including 108 General Dynamics Corp Abrams tanks and 250 Stinger missiles, would not alter the basic military balance in the region, the Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

DSCA notified Congress on Monday of the possible arms sale, which it said could also include mounted machine guns, ammunition, Hercules armoured vehicles for recovering inoperative tanks, heavy equipment transporters and related support.

Reuters reported last month that an informal notification of the proposed sale had been sent to the US Congress.

The United States is the main arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems a renegade province. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

G20 Summit Day 2: US-China Bilateral

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g20-summit-day-2-us-china-bilateral-231364/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said in March that Washington was responding positively to Taipei's requests for new arms sales to bolster its defences in the face of pressure from China. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide it with the means to defend itself.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry confirmed it had requested those weapons and that the request was proceeding normally.

The US commitment to providing Taiwan with the weapons to defend itself helps Taipei's military raise its combat abilities, consolidates the Taiwan-US security partnership and ensures Taiwan's security, the ministry said last month in a statement.

The US State Department has approved the possible sale to Taiwan of M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles and related equipment at an estimated value of $2.2 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday, despite Chinese criticism of the deal.

The US State Department has approved the possible sale to Taiwan of M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles and related equipment at an estimated value of $2.2 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday, despite Chinese criticism of the deal. China's Foreign Ministry said last month when the possible sale was first reported that it was seriously concerned about US arms sales to self-ruled Taiwan, and it urged the United States to halt the sales to avoid harming bilateral ties. The sale of the weapons requested by Taiwan, including 108 General Dynamics Corp Abrams tanks and 250 Stinger missiles, would not alter the basic military balance in the region, the Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. DSCA notified Congress on Monday of the possible arms sale, which it said could also include mounted machine guns, ammunition, Hercules armoured vehicles for recovering inoperative tanks, heavy equipment transporters and related support. Reuters reported last month that an informal notification of the proposed sale had been sent to the US Congress. The United States is the main arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems a renegade province. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. G20 Summit Day 2: US-China Bilateral Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said in March that Washington was responding positively to Taipei's requests for new arms sales to bolster its defences in the face of pressure from China. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide it with the means to defend itself. Taiwan's Defence Ministry confirmed it had requested those weapons and that the request was proceeding normally. The US commitment to providing Taiwan with the weapons to defend itself helps Taipei's military raise its combat abilities, consolidates the Taiwan-US security partnership and ensures Taiwan's security, the ministry said last month in a statement.

US approves possible $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan amid tension with China

New York state on Monday cleared the way for Democrats in the US Congress to obtain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">President Donald Trump's state tax</a> returns, raising the possibility of fresh avenues of inquiry for lawmakers investigating his finances.

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an amendment to a tax law that would require the commissioner of the Department of Taxation and Finance to share state income tax returns and reports when certain congressional committees request them.

"This bill gives Congress the ability to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities, strengthen our democratic system and ensure that no one is above the law," said Cuomo, a Democrat.&nbsp;

Trump's attorney Jay Sekulow responded to the law by calling it an example of "more presidential harassment."

"We will respond to this as appropriate," he said in a statement.

The law, effective immediately, opens a new avenue for the Democratic majority in Congress to investigate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-rally-trump-says-russia-probe-backers-tried-to-steal-power-illegally-206396">Trump's business affairs</a>.

New York's state legislature has had a Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate since Democrats won control of the Senate in 2018.

US congressional Democrats have pushed for the release of Trump's tax returns since he took office.

In May, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin denied the House Ways and Means committee's request that the Internal Revenue Service turn over six years of Trump's federal tax returns, citing his belief that the committee did not have a legitimate legislative reason for the request.

The committee sued Mnuchin and the Treasury Department last week to appeal to Mnuchin's decision.

New York state on Monday cleared the way for Democrats in the US Congress to obtain President Donald Trump's state tax returns, raising the possibility of fresh avenues of inquiry for lawmakers investigating his finances.

New York state on Monday cleared the way for Democrats in the US Congress to obtain President Donald Trump's state tax returns, raising the possibility of fresh avenues of inquiry for lawmakers investigating his finances. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an amendment to a tax law that would require the commissioner of the Department of Taxation and Finance to share state income tax returns and reports when certain congressional committees request them. "This bill gives Congress the ability to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities, strengthen our democratic system and ensure that no one is above the law," said Cuomo, a Democrat. Trump's attorney Jay Sekulow responded to the law by calling it an example of "more presidential harassment." "We will respond to this as appropriate," he said in a statement. The law, effective immediately, opens a new avenue for the Democratic majority in Congress to investigate Trump's business affairs. New York's state legislature has had a Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate since Democrats won control of the Senate in 2018. US congressional Democrats have pushed for the release of Trump's tax returns since he took office. In May, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin denied the House Ways and Means committee's request that the Internal Revenue Service turn over six years of Trump's federal tax returns, citing his belief that the committee did not have a legitimate legislative reason for the request. The committee sued Mnuchin and the Treasury Department last week to appeal to Mnuchin's decision.

New York clears way for release of Donald Trump's state tax returns

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-rejects-international-criminal-court-bid-for-full-rohingya-probe-230916">International Criminal Court</a> judges on Monday convicted a&nbsp;Congolese rebel chief nicknamed "Terminator" of war crimes including massacring civilians and sexual enslavement, in a badly-needed victory for prosecutors in The Hague.

Bosco Ntaganda's forces carried out horrific attacks including one in a banana field that left babies and children disembowelled or with their heads smashed in, judges said.

The 45-year-old was a "key leader" who recruited child soldiers and gave "direct orders to target and kill" non-combatants in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-300000-flee-congo-violence-complicating-ebola-fight-united-nations-228316"> Democratic Republic of Congo</a>'s Ituri region in 2002 and 2003.

Ntaganda was found guilty of 18 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, directing attacks against civilians, displacing civilians, rape, sexual slavery and enlisting children under the age of 15.

"Mr Ntaganda rallied the troops before battle, he gave direct orders to the troops during operations, and he debriefed them afterward," head judge Robert Fremr said.

Rwandan-born Ntaganda will be sentenced at a later date after judges hear submissions from victims. Judges can give a life sentence.

Human Rights Watch director Kenneth Roth hailed the verdict as &nbsp;"big win for the survivors", while the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) said it was a "day of joy for Ituri victims."

Ntaganda is known for his pencil moustache and a penchant for fine dining proclaimed his innocence throughout the trial, insisting that he was "soldier not a criminal" and that the "Terminator" nickname did not apply to him.

Prosecutors portrayed him as the ruthless leader of ethnic Tutsi revolts amid the civil wars that wracked the DRC after the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in neighbouring Rwanda.

Judges said Ntaganda "fulfilled a very important military function" as a leader of the Union of Congolese Patriots rebels and its military wing, the Patriotic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (FPLC).&nbsp;

The FPLC killed at least 800 people as it fought rival militias in Ituri for control of valuable minerals. More than 60,000 people have been killed since violence erupted there in 1999.

&nbsp;'Bodies were disembowelled'&nbsp;

In one attack directed by Ntaganda, judges said that soldiers killed at least 49 captives in a banana field behind a village, using "sticks and batons as well as knives and machetes."

"Men, women and children and babies were found in the field. Some bodies were found naked, some had hands tied up, some had their heads crushed. Several bodies were disembowelled or otherwise mutilated," Fremr said.

In other attacks, women were "killed either while resisting rape or after being raped" while people were forced to dig mass graves that they were later killed and thrown into.

Ntaganda was found guilty of personally shooting dead a Catholic priest and as an "indirect perpetrator" for the other crimes by giving "direct orders to target and kill civilians" and other crimes.

These included recruiting child soldiers who "wore uniforms that were often too large for them" but were "punished and suffered physical violence" in the same way as adult soldiers," the judgment said.

The judges said it was "common for female members to be raped", including three girls under the age of 15.

Formerly a Congolese army general, Ntaganda then became a founding member of the M23 rebel group, which was eventually defeated by Congolese government forces in 2013.

Later that year he became the first-ever suspect to voluntarily surrender to the ICC when he walked into the US embassy in the Rwandan capital Kigali and asked to be sent to the court, based in the Netherlands.

Ntaganda is one of five Congolese warlords brought before the ICC, which was set up in 2002 as an independent international body to prosecute those accused of the world's worst crimes.

Ntaganda's former FPLC commander Thomas Lubanga was sentenced to 14 years in jail in 2012.&nbsp;

But it has suffered a string of setbacks over recent years with some of its most high-profile suspects walking free, including Ivorian former leader Laurent Gbagbo earlier this year.

It has also been criticised for mainly trying African suspects so far.

The US administration of President Donald Trump has also attacked the court after warning it against prosecuting US service members over war crimes in Afghanistan.

International Criminal Court judges on Monday convicted a Congolese rebel chief nicknamed "Terminator" of war crimes including massacring civilians and sexual enslavement, in a badly-needed victory for prosecutors in The Hague.

International Criminal Court judges on Monday convicted a Congolese rebel chief nicknamed "Terminator" of war crimes including massacring civilians and sexual enslavement, in a badly-needed victory for prosecutors in The Hague. Bosco Ntaganda's forces carried out horrific attacks including one in a banana field that left babies and children disembowelled or with their heads smashed in, judges said. The 45-year-old was a "key leader" who recruited child soldiers and gave "direct orders to target and kill" non-combatants in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri region in 2002 and 2003. Ntaganda was found guilty of 18 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, directing attacks against civilians, displacing civilians, rape, sexual slavery and enlisting children under the age of 15. "Mr Ntaganda rallied the troops before battle, he gave direct orders to the troops during operations, and he debriefed them afterward," head judge Robert Fremr said. Rwandan-born Ntaganda will be sentenced at a later date after judges hear submissions from victims. Judges can give a life sentence. Human Rights Watch director Kenneth Roth hailed the verdict as "big win for the survivors", while the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) said it was a "day of joy for Ituri victims." Ntaganda is known for his pencil moustache and a penchant for fine dining proclaimed his innocence throughout the trial, insisting that he was "soldier not a criminal" and that the "Terminator" nickname did not apply to him. Prosecutors portrayed him as the ruthless leader of ethnic Tutsi revolts amid the civil wars that wracked the DRC after the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in neighbouring Rwanda. Judges said Ntaganda "fulfilled a very important military function" as a leader of the Union of Congolese Patriots rebels and its military wing, the Patriotic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (FPLC). The FPLC killed at least 800 people as it fought rival militias in Ituri for control of valuable minerals. More than 60,000 people have been killed since violence erupted there in 1999. 'Bodies were disembowelled' In one attack directed by Ntaganda, judges said that soldiers killed at least 49 captives in a banana field behind a village, using "sticks and batons as well as knives and machetes." "Men, women and children and babies were found in the field. Some bodies were found naked, some had hands tied up, some had their heads crushed. Several bodies were disembowelled or otherwise mutilated," Fremr said. In other attacks, women were "killed either while resisting rape or after being raped" while people were forced to dig mass graves that they were later killed and thrown into. Ntaganda was found guilty of personally shooting dead a Catholic priest and as an "indirect perpetrator" for the other crimes by giving "direct orders to target and kill civilians" and other crimes. These included recruiting child soldiers who "wore uniforms that were often too large for them" but were "punished and suffered physical violence" in the same way as adult soldiers," the judgment said. The judges said it was "common for female members to be raped", including three girls under the age of 15. Formerly a Congolese army general, Ntaganda then became a founding member of the M23 rebel group, which was eventually defeated by Congolese government forces in 2013. Later that year he became the first-ever suspect to voluntarily surrender to the ICC when he walked into the US embassy in the Rwandan capital Kigali and asked to be sent to the court, based in the Netherlands. Ntaganda is one of five Congolese warlords brought before the ICC, which was set up in 2002 as an independent international body to prosecute those accused of the world's worst crimes. Ntaganda's former FPLC commander Thomas Lubanga was sentenced to 14 years in jail in 2012. But it has suffered a string of setbacks over recent years with some of its most high-profile suspects walking free, including Ivorian former leader Laurent Gbagbo earlier this year. It has also been criticised for mainly trying African suspects so far. The US administration of President Donald Trump has also attacked the court after warning it against prosecuting US service members over war crimes in Afghanistan.

International Criminal Court convicts 'Terminator' warlord guilty of Congo atrocities

Why China is afraid of US Abrams tanks to be delivered to Taiwan

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-department-of-homeland-security-warns-of-data-threat-from-chinese-made-drones-220524">US Department of Homeland Security</a> requested 1,000 additional soldiers to help manage the migrant crisis in Texas, the Pentagon said Monday, amid growing outcry over conditions in migrant detention facilities.

In a statement, the Pentagon said they had been asked to authorize the Texas National Guard to lend support to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, who say they are overwhelmed by the numbers of refugees crossing the southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-15000-soldiers-deployed-on-us-border-mexico-army-chief-230133">US border</a>.

Thousands of active duty and National Guard troops have already been deployed for months along the US-Mexico border to support immigration officials.

"DHS requests authorization for 1,000 Texas National Guard members... to provide supplemental holding and Port of Entry (POE) enforcement support to CBP within the State of Texas," the statement said.

The Guard members will help manage CBP-run holding facilities for single, adult migrants in the towns of Donna, on the eastern end of the border with Mexico, and Tornillo, which is in the middle of the border.

They will also provide support at ports of entry and commercial airports in El Paso and Laredo, to improve border security and traffic flow.

While the Pentagon did not specify when they received the request or if they had made a decision, the statement did note that "Texas Governor (Greg) Abbott has consented to the use of the National Guard to support CBP."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been criticized after a report from its inspector general, a watchdog, last week warned about "dangerous overcrowding" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-how-does-the-situation-on-the-us-mexico-border-compare-with-the-past-225130">migrant detention</a> facilities in Texas.

The report included images taken at several Texas sites, showing dozens of migrants including young children packed shoulder to shoulder into cage-like holding areas or cells.

Most single adults had not had a shower in a month and were being given wet wipes. Some detainees were suffering from constipation after a diet consisting only of bologna sandwiches.

The report came a day after a group of Democratic lawmakers toured the detention centers and denounced the conditions as "horrifying."

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who toured two such centers, told reporters the migrants were being subjected to "abuse."

"They put them in a room with no running water and these women were being told by CBP officers to drink out of the toilet," she said upon returning to New York.

CBP deputy commissioner Robert Perez, appearing on CNN, said the detention centers were "never designed to deal with the volume of migrants coming our way" and the Border Patrol is doing its best to deal with "absolutely over saturated conditions."

According to Border Patrol figures, 223,263 people were detained in the Rio Grande Valley sector between October 2018 and May 2019, up 124 percent from the same period a year earlier.

In April the US Defense Department said it would deploy about 320 additional troops to the southern border, adding to around 2,900 active duty military and 2,000 National Guard members currently posted to the boundary region.

The US Department of Homeland Security requested 1,000 additional soldiers to help manage the migrant crisis in Texas, the Pentagon said Monday, amid growing outcry over conditions in migrant detention facilities.

The US Department of Homeland Security requested 1,000 additional soldiers to help manage the migrant crisis in Texas, the Pentagon said Monday, amid growing outcry over conditions in migrant detention facilities. In a statement, the Pentagon said they had been asked to authorize the Texas National Guard to lend support to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, who say they are overwhelmed by the numbers of refugees crossing the southern US border. Thousands of active duty and National Guard troops have already been deployed for months along the US-Mexico border to support immigration officials. "DHS requests authorization for 1,000 Texas National Guard members... to provide supplemental holding and Port of Entry (POE) enforcement support to CBP within the State of Texas," the statement said. The Guard members will help manage CBP-run holding facilities for single, adult migrants in the towns of Donna, on the eastern end of the border with Mexico, and Tornillo, which is in the middle of the border. They will also provide support at ports of entry and commercial airports in El Paso and Laredo, to improve border security and traffic flow. While the Pentagon did not specify when they received the request or if they had made a decision, the statement did note that "Texas Governor (Greg) Abbott has consented to the use of the National Guard to support CBP." The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been criticized after a report from its inspector general, a watchdog, last week warned about "dangerous overcrowding" in migrant detention facilities in Texas. The report included images taken at several Texas sites, showing dozens of migrants including young children packed shoulder to shoulder into cage-like holding areas or cells. Most single adults had not had a shower in a month and were being given wet wipes. Some detainees were suffering from constipation after a diet consisting only of bologna sandwiches. The report came a day after a group of Democratic lawmakers toured the detention centers and denounced the conditions as "horrifying." Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who toured two such centers, told reporters the migrants were being subjected to "abuse." "They put them in a room with no running water and these women were being told by CBP officers to drink out of the toilet," she said upon returning to New York. CBP deputy commissioner Robert Perez, appearing on CNN, said the detention centers were "never designed to deal with the volume of migrants coming our way" and the Border Patrol is doing its best to deal with "absolutely over saturated conditions." According to Border Patrol figures, 223,263 people were detained in the Rio Grande Valley sector between October 2018 and May 2019, up 124 percent from the same period a year earlier. In April the US Defense Department said it would deploy about 320 additional troops to the southern border, adding to around 2,900 active duty military and 2,000 National Guard members currently posted to the boundary region.

US department of homeland security requests 1,000 soldiers to manage migrant crisis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-calls-india-bangladesh-ties-organic-232905">Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a> on Monday criticised a top US lawmaker's proposal to merge <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dozens-of-boat-people-found-stranded-in-myanmars-rakhine-official-234047">Myanmar's restive Rakhine state</a> into her country, saying it was an attempt to "start a fire in the region" and the move was "not acceptable".

On June 13, the proposal was placed in the US Congress for bringing Rakhine state in Myanmar under Bangladesh since millions of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asian-leaders-meet-expected-to-discuss-rohingyas-south-china-sea-229680">Rohingyas</a> fled the Buddhist-majority country and taken refuge in the neighbouring nation.

The proposal was made by Congressman Bradley Sherman, Chairman of the Sub-committee on Asia-Pacific, during a hearing on the State Department`s budget for South Asia.

"It is never right to create troubles inside a sovereign country. And the issue they have touched upon is already a burning one. There has not been any peace wherever they have stepped in but instead, it has led to militancy and unrest," Hasina was quoted by bdnews24 as saying while reacting to the proposal.

"We are trying to bring peace to this region. But they are trying to start a fire here. This is not acceptable," she said.&nbsp;

Underlining that Bangladesh respected Myanmar`s sovereignty, Hasina said that her government would never allow the integration of a territory of one`s country with another.

"We have our borders and we are happy with it. We completely disagree with adding another country's territory to ours. We will never take it," she stressed.&nbsp;

The Bangladeshi leader advised Sherman to instead urge Myanmar to allow Rohingyas to return to the country and asked the US to initiate an investigation into human rights violations.

"Sherman should instead urge Myanmar to take back its citizens. That would be a humanitarian act. And they should also look into all the human rights violations," Hasina said.

Hasina, who recently paid a state visit to China, said she held talks with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang on Rohingya crisis and informed that Beijing will work on resolving the pressing issue.

Over 1.1 million Rohingyas have been forced to take shelter in Bangladesh`s Cox Bazaar after Myanmar`s armed forces while responding to attacks by an armed group, launched a brutal campaign against the community in Rakhine state in 2017.

According to a UN report, titled 'Forced Migration of Rohingya: The Untold Experience', around 18,000 Rohingya women and girls were allegedly raped by Myanmar's security forces and over 115,000 Rohingya homes were burned down and 113,000 others vandalised.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday criticised a top US lawmaker's proposal to merge Myanmar's restive Rakhine state into her country, saying it was an attempt to "start a fire in the region" and the move was "not acceptable".

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday criticised a top US lawmaker's proposal to merge Myanmar's restive Rakhine state into her country, saying it was an attempt to "start a fire in the region" and the move was "not acceptable". On June 13, the proposal was placed in the US Congress for bringing Rakhine state in Myanmar under Bangladesh since millions of Rohingyas fled the Buddhist-majority country and taken refuge in the neighbouring nation. The proposal was made by Congressman Bradley Sherman, Chairman of the Sub-committee on Asia-Pacific, during a hearing on the State Department`s budget for South Asia. "It is never right to create troubles inside a sovereign country. And the issue they have touched upon is already a burning one. There has not been any peace wherever they have stepped in but instead, it has led to militancy and unrest," Hasina was quoted by bdnews24 as saying while reacting to the proposal. "We are trying to bring peace to this region. But they are trying to start a fire here. This is not acceptable," she said. Underlining that Bangladesh respected Myanmar`s sovereignty, Hasina said that her government would never allow the integration of a territory of one`s country with another. "We have our borders and we are happy with it. We completely disagree with adding another country's territory to ours. We will never take it," she stressed. The Bangladeshi leader advised Sherman to instead urge Myanmar to allow Rohingyas to return to the country and asked the US to initiate an investigation into human rights violations. "Sherman should instead urge Myanmar to take back its citizens. That would be a humanitarian act. And they should also look into all the human rights violations," Hasina said. Hasina, who recently paid a state visit to China, said she held talks with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang on Rohingya crisis and informed that Beijing will work on resolving the pressing issue. Over 1.1 million Rohingyas have been forced to take shelter in Bangladesh`s Cox Bazaar after Myanmar`s armed forces while responding to attacks by an armed group, launched a brutal campaign against the community in Rakhine state in 2017. According to a UN report, titled 'Forced Migration of Rohingya: The Untold Experience', around 18,000 Rohingya women and girls were allegedly raped by Myanmar's security forces and over 115,000 Rohingya homes were burned down and 113,000 others vandalised.

Sheikh Hasina slams US lawmaker's proposal to integrate Rakhine with Bangladesh

China and the rest of the world must co-exist, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-will-always-stand-by-pakistans-core-interests-chinese-vice-president-221991">Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan</a> said on Monday, in an indirect jab at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-congress-expands-probe-of-white-house-personal-email-use-232215">United States</a> with which Beijing is currently trying to resolve a bitter trade war.

"China's development can't shut out the rest of the world. The world's development can't shut out China," Wang said in an opening address to the World Peace Forum at Beijing's elite Tsinghua University.

Wang also warned against "protectionism in the name of national security", without mentioning the United States, and called major powers to make more contributions to global peace and stability.

The Trump administration has accused China of engaging in unfair trade practices that discriminate against US firms, forced technology transfers, and intellectual property rights theft, all charges Beijing has denied.

Both sides have levelled increasingly severe tariffs on each other's imports.

China has also been angered by the US sanctions against Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd over national security concerns.

Wang, who is extremely close to Chinese President Xi Jinping and who only rarely speaks in public, reiterated China's commitment to opening up.

The world needs China just as much as China needs the world, said Wang, who became vice president last year having previously lead Xi's fight against deep-rooted corruption.

"Large countries must assume their responsibilities and set an example, make more contributions to global peace and stability, and broaden the path of joint development," he said.

"Development is the key to resolving all issues," Wang told an audience that included senior Beijing-based Western diplomats and former European Council President Herman Van Rompuy.

Top representatives of the United States and China are organizing a resumption of talks for this week to try to resolve the year-long trade war between the world's two largest economies.

The two sides have been in communication by telephone since last month's G20 summit when US President Donald Trump and Xi agreed to relaunch talks that had stalled in May.

Talks between the two sides broke down in May after US officials accused China of pulling back from commitments it had made previously in the text of an agreement that negotiators said was nearly finished.

The two countries have been at loggerheads over a series of other issues, from human rights to the disputed South China Sea and US support of self-ruled Taiwan, claimed by China as its own.

Wang said that no matter how the international situation develops or how China develops, it will walk the path of peace, and not seek spheres of influence or expansion.

"If there is no peaceful, stable international environment, there will be no development to talk of."

China and the rest of the world must co-exist, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan said on Monday, in an indirect jab at the United States with which Beijing is currently trying to resolve a bitter trade war.

China and the rest of the world must co-exist, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan said on Monday, in an indirect jab at the United States with which Beijing is currently trying to resolve a bitter trade war. "China's development can't shut out the rest of the world. The world's development can't shut out China," Wang said in an opening address to the World Peace Forum at Beijing's elite Tsinghua University. Wang also warned against "protectionism in the name of national security", without mentioning the United States, and called major powers to make more contributions to global peace and stability. The Trump administration has accused China of engaging in unfair trade practices that discriminate against US firms, forced technology transfers, and intellectual property rights theft, all charges Beijing has denied. Both sides have levelled increasingly severe tariffs on each other's imports. China has also been angered by the US sanctions against Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd over national security concerns. Wang, who is extremely close to Chinese President Xi Jinping and who only rarely speaks in public, reiterated China's commitment to opening up. The world needs China just as much as China needs the world, said Wang, who became vice president last year having previously lead Xi's fight against deep-rooted corruption. "Large countries must assume their responsibilities and set an example, make more contributions to global peace and stability, and broaden the path of joint development," he said. "Development is the key to resolving all issues," Wang told an audience that included senior Beijing-based Western diplomats and former European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. Top representatives of the United States and China are organizing a resumption of talks for this week to try to resolve the year-long trade war between the world's two largest economies. The two sides have been in communication by telephone since last month's G20 summit when US President Donald Trump and Xi agreed to relaunch talks that had stalled in May. Talks between the two sides broke down in May after US officials accused China of pulling back from commitments it had made previously in the text of an agreement that negotiators said was nearly finished. The two countries have been at loggerheads over a series of other issues, from human rights to the disputed South China Sea and US support of self-ruled Taiwan, claimed by China as its own. Wang said that no matter how the international situation develops or how China develops, it will walk the path of peace, and not seek spheres of influence or expansion. "If there is no peaceful, stable international environment, there will be no development to talk of."

In jab at US, China's vice president Wang Qishan says world cannot shut China out

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">UN human rights</a> chief said Monday that she was "deeply shocked" by conditions under which migrants and refugees are held at US detention centres, following reports of severe overcrowding and disease-ridden cells.&nbsp;

"As a paediatrician, but also as a mother and a former head of State, I am deeply shocked that children are forced to sleep on the floor in overcrowded facilities, without access to adequate healthcare or food, and with poor sanitation conditions," the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">Michelle Bachelet</a>, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog report released last week warned of "dangerous overcrowding" in multiple detention facilities holding thousands of migrants seeking to remain in the United States. Most of them are fleeing violence and poverty in Central America.

On Saturday, the New York Times and The El Paso Times published an article describing a Border Patrol station in Clint, Texas as filled with hundreds of children wearing filthy clothing and packed into disease-ridden cells.

President Donald Trump called the story a "hoax" and said he would take the media to visit the centres.&nbsp;

Democratic lawmakers who recently visited detention facilities reported massive crowding in cells with no running water, where children and adults lacked access to medicines and were deprived of showers for up to two weeks.

Responding to the DHS report, Bachelet said that even detaining children "for short periods under good conditions can have a serious impact on their health and development.

"Consider the damage being done every day by allowing this alarming situation to continue," added Bachelet, the former president of Chile.

Trump has previously expressed little sympathy for migrants in the facilities.

On Twitter, he wrote,&nbsp;"If Illegal Immigrants are unhappy with the conditions in the quickly built or refitted detentions centres, just tell them not to come. All problems solved!"

'This should never happen, anywhere'&nbsp;

Bachelet called for compassion, stressing that those who find themselves in these facilities "have embarked on perilous journeys with their children in search of protection and dignity and away from violence and hunger."

"When they finally believe they have arrived in safety, they may find themselves separated from their loved ones and locked in undignified conditions. This should never happen anywhere."

She noted that states have the right to determine the circumstances surrounding the entry of foreign nationals and acknowledged the complex challenges surrounding migration management, including in Central America.&nbsp;

"But clearly, border management measures must comply with the State’s human rights obligations and should not be based on narrow policies aimed only at detecting, detaining and expeditiously deporting irregular migrants," she added.

The UN human rights chief said Monday that she was "deeply shocked" by conditions under which migrants and refugees are held at US detention centres, following reports of severe overcrowding and disease-ridden cells.

The UN human rights chief said Monday that she was "deeply shocked" by conditions under which migrants and refugees are held at US detention centres, following reports of severe overcrowding and disease-ridden cells. "As a paediatrician, but also as a mother and a former head of State, I am deeply shocked that children are forced to sleep on the floor in overcrowded facilities, without access to adequate healthcare or food, and with poor sanitation conditions," the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said in a statement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog report released last week warned of "dangerous overcrowding" in multiple detention facilities holding thousands of migrants seeking to remain in the United States. Most of them are fleeing violence and poverty in Central America. On Saturday, the New York Times and The El Paso Times published an article describing a Border Patrol station in Clint, Texas as filled with hundreds of children wearing filthy clothing and packed into disease-ridden cells. President Donald Trump called the story a "hoax" and said he would take the media to visit the centres. Democratic lawmakers who recently visited detention facilities reported massive crowding in cells with no running water, where children and adults lacked access to medicines and were deprived of showers for up to two weeks. Responding to the DHS report, Bachelet said that even detaining children "for short periods under good conditions can have a serious impact on their health and development. "Consider the damage being done every day by allowing this alarming situation to continue," added Bachelet, the former president of Chile. Trump has previously expressed little sympathy for migrants in the facilities. On Twitter, he wrote, "If Illegal Immigrants are unhappy with the conditions in the quickly built or refitted detentions centres, just tell them not to come. All problems solved!" 'This should never happen, anywhere' Bachelet called for compassion, stressing that those who find themselves in these facilities "have embarked on perilous journeys with their children in search of protection and dignity and away from violence and hunger." "When they finally believe they have arrived in safety, they may find themselves separated from their loved ones and locked in undignified conditions. This should never happen anywhere." She noted that states have the right to determine the circumstances surrounding the entry of foreign nationals and acknowledged the complex challenges surrounding migration management, including in Central America. "But clearly, border management measures must comply with the State’s human rights obligations and should not be based on narrow policies aimed only at detecting, detaining and expeditiously deporting irregular migrants," she added.

United Nation rights chief 'shocked' by conditions at US migrant detention centres

Ukraine's recently elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-says-new-ukraine-peace-talks-possible-under-volodymyr-zelensky-228118">President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> on Monday offered to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for their first talks, calling for Western leaders to mediate.

"Now I want to address the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vladimir-putin-replies-to-elton-johns-hypocrisy-comment-231519">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>. Do we need to talk? We do. Let's do it," Zelensky said in a video address.

The former comic actor who was elected with a landslide in April's presidential polls called for a meeting with the Russian strongman that would involve US President Donald Trump and other Western leaders.

He proposed discussing Russian-annexed Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine where Ukrainian forces are battling Russian-backed separatists.

Zelensky said on his inauguration in May that ending the war in the east and returning the annexed territory to Ukraine was his priority.

'Will be considered'&nbsp;

So far Zelensky has not met Putin and the Russian leader has commented that Zelensky's acting talent does not make up for lack of political experience.

"Let's discuss who Crimea belongs to and who isn't in the Donbass region," Zelensky said, referring to the eastern conflict zone.&nbsp;

Some 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine that erupted in 2014 after a popular uprising ousted pro-Kremlin president Viktor Yanukovych and Russia responded by annexing Crimea.&nbsp;

Kiev and its Western backers accuse Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border to fan the flames of the conflict. Moscow has denied any military involvement despite evidence to the contrary.

A peace process involving Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine has stalled. In June, French President Emmanuel Macron said new talks could be possible with the same countries involved.

Zelensky suggested in comments addressed to Putin that fresh talks also include the United States and Britain, which are strong backers of Kiev.

"I suggest the following lineup for talks: me, you, US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (and) French President Emmanuel Macron," Zelensky said. May is to step down later this month.

"We are not changing or dropping any diplomatic formats," Zelensky added.&nbsp;

Moscow said it was not ready to immediately comment on the possibility of such talks, calling Zelensky's proposal an "absolutely new format".

"First there's a need to understand whether such a meeting has any prospects," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.

"This is a new initiative. Of course, it will be considered, but so far I can't express any reaction," he added. 
&nbsp;

Ukraine's recently elected President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday offered to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for their first talks, calling for Western leaders to mediate.

Ukraine's recently elected President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday offered to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for their first talks, calling for Western leaders to mediate. "Now I want to address the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Do we need to talk? We do. Let's do it," Zelensky said in a video address. The former comic actor who was elected with a landslide in April's presidential polls called for a meeting with the Russian strongman that would involve US President Donald Trump and other Western leaders. He proposed discussing Russian-annexed Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine where Ukrainian forces are battling Russian-backed separatists. Zelensky said on his inauguration in May that ending the war in the east and returning the annexed territory to Ukraine was his priority. 'Will be considered' So far Zelensky has not met Putin and the Russian leader has commented that Zelensky's acting talent does not make up for lack of political experience. "Let's discuss who Crimea belongs to and who isn't in the Donbass region," Zelensky said, referring to the eastern conflict zone. Some 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine that erupted in 2014 after a popular uprising ousted pro-Kremlin president Viktor Yanukovych and Russia responded by annexing Crimea. Kiev and its Western backers accuse Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border to fan the flames of the conflict. Moscow has denied any military involvement despite evidence to the contrary. A peace process involving Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine has stalled. In June, French President Emmanuel Macron said new talks could be possible with the same countries involved. Zelensky suggested in comments addressed to Putin that fresh talks also include the United States and Britain, which are strong backers of Kiev. "I suggest the following lineup for talks: me, you, US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (and) French President Emmanuel Macron," Zelensky said. May is to step down later this month. "We are not changing or dropping any diplomatic formats," Zelensky added. Moscow said it was not ready to immediately comment on the possibility of such talks, calling Zelensky's proposal an "absolutely new format". "First there's a need to understand whether such a meeting has any prospects," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday. "This is a new initiative. Of course, it will be considered, but so far I can't express any reaction," he added.

Let's do it: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky offers to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin for first talks

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-back-at-britains-ambassador-in-us-says-not-served-the-uk-well-233860">UK ambassador</a> called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> "inept".

The confidential telegrams from ambassador Kim Darroch created a political firestorm in London after their publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

One of them called the Trump administration "uniquely dysfunctional" while another characterized the US leader as "incompetent" and "insecure".

Their release came just a month after Trump's state visit to Britain during which he visibly enjoyed himself while dining with Queen Elizabeth II and touring Buckingham Palace with his family.

They also threatened to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dysfunctional-inept-britains-trade-minister-liam-fox-to-apologise-to-ivanka-over-leaked-memo-233969">Washington</a> that could help mitigate potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

Trump fired back by saying that people in his administration were "not big fans" of London's man in Washington.

"The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that," Trump told reporters on Sunday.

"We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother."

Very serious consequences

UK officials took turns defending Darroch as a professional who was carrying out his duties by providing "frank" assessments of the latest developments in the White House.

"We need to find out how it happened, not least to give confidence to our teams all over the world that they can continue to give us their frank assessments," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday.

"I hope we get to the bottom of it, and of course there will be very serious consequences if and when we find out who was responsible."

The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments.

"But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote.

The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within Britain's governing Conservative Party.

British politics are in for a major revamp once Prime Minister Theresa May ends her three-year spell in power later this month.

Brexiteer former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favorite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt.

The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires at the end of the year.

But commentators note the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team.

"There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote.

But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexit".

Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 does".

Farage is an anti-EU populist whose new Brexit Party won nearly a third of the vote in European elections in May, and has met Trump several times.

Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" but played down interest in the Washington Post.

"I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio.

But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine".

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the UK ambassador called US President Donald Trump "inept".

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the UK ambassador called US President Donald Trump "inept". The confidential telegrams from ambassador Kim Darroch created a political firestorm in London after their publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper. One of them called the Trump administration "uniquely dysfunctional" while another characterized the US leader as "incompetent" and "insecure". Their release came just a month after Trump's state visit to Britain during which he visibly enjoyed himself while dining with Queen Elizabeth II and touring Buckingham Palace with his family. They also threatened to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade deal with Washington that could help mitigate potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. Trump fired back by saying that people in his administration were "not big fans" of London's man in Washington. "The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that," Trump told reporters on Sunday. "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother." Very serious consequences UK officials took turns defending Darroch as a professional who was carrying out his duties by providing "frank" assessments of the latest developments in the White House. "We need to find out how it happened, not least to give confidence to our teams all over the world that they can continue to give us their frank assessments," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday. "I hope we get to the bottom of it, and of course there will be very serious consequences if and when we find out who was responsible." The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments. "But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote. The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within Britain's governing Conservative Party. British politics are in for a major revamp once Prime Minister Theresa May ends her three-year spell in power later this month. Brexiteer former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favorite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt. The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires at the end of the year. But commentators note the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team. "There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote. But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexit". Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 does". Farage is an anti-EU populist whose new Brexit Party won nearly a third of the vote in European elections in May, and has met Trump several times. Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" but played down interest in the Washington Post. "I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio. But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine".

Britain hunts for leaker of cables calling Donald Trump 'inept'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-polls-opposition-leader-kyriakos-mitsotakis-wins-vows-to-make-country-proud-233849">Greece's new prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis</a>, formally takes up the reins Monday, a day after an election victory that puts him in charge of the EU's most indebted member with promises to end a decade of economic crisis.

The challenge facing the US-educated conservative is a hefty one as he takes over from defeated left-wing leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-conservatives-take-strong-lead-in-exit-poll-233844">Alexis Tsipras</a>, who imposed austerity measures required under a bailout to keep Greece in the eurozone.

The country's public debt last year stood at 335 billion euros ($376 billion), or 180 per cent of GDP.&nbsp;

The debt load is forecast to fall to 168 per cent of GDP this year, but only under belt-tightening brought in under Tsipras's Syriza party something that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-things-to-know-about-greeces-july-7-vote-233712">Mitsotakis's New Democracy party</a> says is stifling growth.

The tricky job of keeping Greece's international creditors onside while easing the hardship on Greeks by lowering taxes and renegotiating fiscal targets could result in a short honeymoon phase for Mitsotakis.

'Message for change'&nbsp;

The 51-year-old Harvard graduate and former McKinsey consultant have pledged to create jobs and get rid of obstacles to business.

Those pledges wooed Greek voters, who handed him 40 per cent of the votes in Sunday's election, well ahead of the 31.5 per cent given to Tsipras.

"It's a strong message for a change in Greece," Mitsotakis told the channel CNBC.

Last week he told AFP that he saw it as his mission "to make sure we restart the economy" with "ambitious growth driven by private investments, exports, and innovation".

He predicted that he could persuade Greece's creditors to accept the easing of tight fiscal targets if "a comprehensive reforms package" was presented.

Tsipras, for his part, warned that Mitsotakis would do away with the social spending he brought in to help Greece's vulnerable groups.

He portrayed the Mitsotakis family -- one of Greece's leading political dynasties -- as part of a failed system that bankrupted the country in 2010, which he blamed for the humiliating bailout.

Son of a PM&nbsp;

Mitsotakis is the son of former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, one of the country's longest-serving parliamentarians. His sister Dora Bakoyannis is a former minister and Athens's first female mayor.&nbsp;

He took charge of the New Democrats three years ago. Following the election, his party will have a majority of 158 seats in the 300-member parliament.

New Democracy was last in power in 2014, in coalition with the Greek socialists.

Syriza's parliamentary presence will shrink from 144 seats to 86. Tsipras has promised to remain an "active" voice in opposition.

Sunday's election was Greece's third in as many months.

In May, New Democracy beat Syriza by nearly 9.5 points in European parliament elections. A week later, it completed a near-sweep of Greek regions in local elections. After that, Tsipras was forced to call an early general election.

"A painful cycle has closed," Mitsotakis said in a televised address immediately following his electoral victory, adding that Greece would "proudly raise its head again" on his watch. 
&nbsp;

Greece's new prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, formally takes up the reins Monday, a day after an election victory that puts him in charge of the EU's most indebted member with promises to end a decade of economic crisis.

Greece's new prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, formally takes up the reins Monday, a day after an election victory that puts him in charge of the EU's most indebted member with promises to end a decade of economic crisis. The challenge facing the US-educated conservative is a hefty one as he takes over from defeated left-wing leader Alexis Tsipras, who imposed austerity measures required under a bailout to keep Greece in the eurozone. The country's public debt last year stood at 335 billion euros ($376 billion), or 180 per cent of GDP. The debt load is forecast to fall to 168 per cent of GDP this year, but only under belt-tightening brought in under Tsipras's Syriza party something that Mitsotakis's New Democracy party says is stifling growth. The tricky job of keeping Greece's international creditors onside while easing the hardship on Greeks by lowering taxes and renegotiating fiscal targets could result in a short honeymoon phase for Mitsotakis. 'Message for change' The 51-year-old Harvard graduate and former McKinsey consultant have pledged to create jobs and get rid of obstacles to business. Those pledges wooed Greek voters, who handed him 40 per cent of the votes in Sunday's election, well ahead of the 31.5 per cent given to Tsipras. "It's a strong message for a change in Greece," Mitsotakis told the channel CNBC. Last week he told AFP that he saw it as his mission "to make sure we restart the economy" with "ambitious growth driven by private investments, exports, and innovation". He predicted that he could persuade Greece's creditors to accept the easing of tight fiscal targets if "a comprehensive reforms package" was presented. Tsipras, for his part, warned that Mitsotakis would do away with the social spending he brought in to help Greece's vulnerable groups. He portrayed the Mitsotakis family -- one of Greece's leading political dynasties -- as part of a failed system that bankrupted the country in 2010, which he blamed for the humiliating bailout. Son of a PM Mitsotakis is the son of former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, one of the country's longest-serving parliamentarians. His sister Dora Bakoyannis is a former minister and Athens's first female mayor. He took charge of the New Democrats three years ago. Following the election, his party will have a majority of 158 seats in the 300-member parliament. New Democracy was last in power in 2014, in coalition with the Greek socialists. Syriza's parliamentary presence will shrink from 144 seats to 86. Tsipras has promised to remain an "active" voice in opposition. Sunday's election was Greece's third in as many months. In May, New Democracy beat Syriza by nearly 9.5 points in European parliament elections. A week later, it completed a near-sweep of Greek regions in local elections. After that, Tsipras was forced to call an early general election. "A painful cycle has closed," Mitsotakis said in a televised address immediately following his electoral victory, adding that Greece would "proudly raise its head again" on his watch.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis becomes Greece's new Prime Minister on vow to end economic crisis

A hedge fund billionaire has been arrested on sex trafficking charges in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rainbows-fill-new-yorks-streets-as-gay-pride-parade-celebrates-50-year-anniversary-of-stonewall-riots-231855">New York area</a>, after having long been followed by accusations of molesting young girls, US media reported.

Jeffrey Epstein, who is expected to appear before a federal magistrate on Monday, was arrested Saturday at a New Jersey airport after arriving from Paris in his private jet, CBS Miami reported.

A source familiar with the case told the television station Epstein was charged with one count of sex trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Epstein had long been the subject of accusations of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach, Florida mansion.

A police investigation found that he had engaged in sex with underage girls, some as young as 13, according to reporting by the Miami Herald.

But Epstein avoided federal prosecution in those cases with a 2007 plea deal negotiated by R&nbsp;Alexander Acosta, now the US labour secretary and at the time the top federal prosecutor in Miami.

Under the deal, he pleaded guilty to a state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and was sentenced to 18 months in the county jail.

The Miami Herald investigation found that Epstein was granted work release privileges that allowed him to leave jail for 12 hours a day, six days a week, and that he was released after 13 months.

The revelations threw a spotlight on Epstein, a well-connected financier whose friends included US President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton.

It also drew attention to Acosta's role in negotiating the plea deal.

A hedge fund billionaire has been arrested on sex trafficking charges in the New York area, after having long been followed by accusations of molesting young girls, US media reported.

A hedge fund billionaire has been arrested on sex trafficking charges in the New York area, after having long been followed by accusations of molesting young girls, US media reported. Jeffrey Epstein, who is expected to appear before a federal magistrate on Monday, was arrested Saturday at a New Jersey airport after arriving from Paris in his private jet, CBS Miami reported. A source familiar with the case told the television station Epstein was charged with one count of sex trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Epstein had long been the subject of accusations of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach, Florida mansion. A police investigation found that he had engaged in sex with underage girls, some as young as 13, according to reporting by the Miami Herald. But Epstein avoided federal prosecution in those cases with a 2007 plea deal negotiated by R Alexander Acosta, now the US labour secretary and at the time the top federal prosecutor in Miami. Under the deal, he pleaded guilty to a state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and was sentenced to 18 months in the county jail. The Miami Herald investigation found that Epstein was granted work release privileges that allowed him to leave jail for 12 hours a day, six days a week, and that he was released after 13 months. The revelations threw a spotlight on Epstein, a well-connected financier whose friends included US President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton. It also drew attention to Acosta's role in negotiating the plea deal.

United States billionaire Jeffrey Epstein arrested on sex trafficking charges: Reports

North Korea remembers Kim II-Sung on 25th death anniversary

In a bid to cut costs with a struggling economy back home, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-quotes-russian-philosopher-links-it-to-pakistans-current-situation-233922">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> has expressed his wish to stay at the ambassador's residence during his visit to the US capital later this month.&nbsp;

Pakistan local media reported the news while adding that the US Secret Service, which is responsible for the security of all visiting dignitaries, is not "very receptive" towards the idea.&nbsp;

Local authorities, who are responsible for the smooth flow of Washington traffic during a foreign dignitary`s visit, have not expressed their keenness either.&nbsp;

Visiting leaders usually stay at one of the hotels which are a stone's throw away from the White House, including the Four Seasons in Georgetown, Ritz Carlton, and Willard Inter-continental.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Ambassador's house, on the other hand, is located in Washington's diplomatic enclave.&nbsp;

It is located right off the bustling Massachusetts Avenue. If Khan stays at the envoy's house, the road may face closures when his entourage travels to hold meetings with other leaders and officials.&nbsp;

This may lead to traffic snarls right up to downtown, which houses hundreds of offices. Hotels usually have all arrangements for VVIPs, including halls to hold community events and space for meetings with other dignitaries.

They also include separate elevators, exit and entry points which ease the US Secret Service`s job in protecting the visiting leader.

&nbsp;In the face of this, another option that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-meet-trump-for-talks-on-improving-ties-233041">Pakistani Prime Minister</a> has is to stay with an affluent Pakistani-American in DC's suburbs. However, this option too entails travelling to Washington every morning to hold meetings at the Pakistan Embassy.

In a bid to cut costs with a struggling economy back home, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his wish to stay at the ambassador's residence during his visit to the US capital later this month.

In a bid to cut costs with a struggling economy back home, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his wish to stay at the ambassador's residence during his visit to the US capital later this month. Pakistan local media reported the news while adding that the US Secret Service, which is responsible for the security of all visiting dignitaries, is not "very receptive" towards the idea. Local authorities, who are responsible for the smooth flow of Washington traffic during a foreign dignitary`s visit, have not expressed their keenness either. Visiting leaders usually stay at one of the hotels which are a stone's throw away from the White House, including the Four Seasons in Georgetown, Ritz Carlton, and Willard Inter-continental. The Pakistan Ambassador's house, on the other hand, is located in Washington's diplomatic enclave. It is located right off the bustling Massachusetts Avenue. If Khan stays at the envoy's house, the road may face closures when his entourage travels to hold meetings with other leaders and officials. This may lead to traffic snarls right up to downtown, which houses hundreds of offices. Hotels usually have all arrangements for VVIPs, including halls to hold community events and space for meetings with other dignitaries. They also include separate elevators, exit and entry points which ease the US Secret Service`s job in protecting the visiting leader. In the face of this, another option that the Pakistani Prime Minister has is to stay with an affluent Pakistani-American in DC's suburbs. However, this option too entails travelling to Washington every morning to hold meetings at the Pakistan Embassy.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan expresses wish to stay at Ambassador's home during US visit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-meet-in-doha-for-fresh-round-of-talks-as-us-eyes-peace-with-taliban-233144">Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks</a> with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights.

Stakes are high for the talks which follow a week of US-Taliban negotiations with both sides eyeing a resolution to the bloody 18-year conflict.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the Afghan gathering "has been a long time coming" and praised the country's "government, civil society, women, and Taliban" for coming together.

Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw.

Around 70 delegates are attending the two-day gathering which has been organized by Germany and Qatar.

"History will remember those who were able to set their differences aside for the sake of the country," said Germany envoy Markus Potzel as he opened the gathering Sunday.

A German source confirmed the second day of talks got underway just before 0600 GMT.

Delegate Asila Wardak, a member of the High Peace Council established by former president Hamid Karzai to engage with Taliban elements, said: "everybody is emphasizing on a ceasefire" during Sunday's session.

The Taliban spoke about "women's role, economic development, (and) the role of minorities" in a future settlement, she added.

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said on Twitter that he looked "forward to a constructive dialogue".

The so-called intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks that have been put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference and are set to resume Tuesday, according to both sides.

Most productive

US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said Saturday that the latest round of US-Taliban talks "have been the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs".

The Taliban said they were "happy with progress".

The United States is not participating directly in the two-day Afghan summit, which is being attended by political heavyweights, government officials, and at least six women.

The Taliban, who have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, have stressed that those attending are only doing so in a "personal capacity".

Ghani's administration, which the Taliban consider a puppet regime, has also been excluded from the direct US-Taliban talks.

Sunday and Monday's gathering is the third such meeting following landmark summits in Moscow in February and May.

An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- a US withdrawal from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-based-terrorists-joining-hands-with-afghan-outfits-after-balakot-strike-sources-233866">Afghanistan</a> and a commitment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists.&nbsp;

The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago.

But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration remain unresolved.

Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights.

Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights. Stakes are high for the talks which follow a week of US-Taliban negotiations with both sides eyeing a resolution to the bloody 18-year conflict. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the Afghan gathering "has been a long time coming" and praised the country's "government, civil society, women, and Taliban" for coming together. Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw. Around 70 delegates are attending the two-day gathering which has been organized by Germany and Qatar. "History will remember those who were able to set their differences aside for the sake of the country," said Germany envoy Markus Potzel as he opened the gathering Sunday. A German source confirmed the second day of talks got underway just before 0600 GMT. Delegate Asila Wardak, a member of the High Peace Council established by former president Hamid Karzai to engage with Taliban elements, said: "everybody is emphasizing on a ceasefire" during Sunday's session. The Taliban spoke about "women's role, economic development, (and) the role of minorities" in a future settlement, she added. Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said on Twitter that he looked "forward to a constructive dialogue". The so-called intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks that have been put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference and are set to resume Tuesday, according to both sides. Most productive US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said Saturday that the latest round of US-Taliban talks "have been the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs". The Taliban said they were "happy with progress". The United States is not participating directly in the two-day Afghan summit, which is being attended by political heavyweights, government officials, and at least six women. The Taliban, who have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, have stressed that those attending are only doing so in a "personal capacity". Ghani's administration, which the Taliban consider a puppet regime, has also been excluded from the direct US-Taliban talks. Sunday and Monday's gathering is the third such meeting following landmark summits in Moscow in February and May. An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration remain unresolved.

Afghanistan rivals resume talks for peace with Taliban in Doha

Britain's ambassador in the United States has described <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-promises-to-reduce-us-drug-prices-to-worlds-lowest-233452">President Donald Trump</a> and his administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional", according to leaked diplomatic memos published by the Mail on Sunday.

Ambassador Kim Darroch reportedly said Trump's presidency could "crash and burn" and "end in disgrace", in the cache of secret cables and briefing notes sent back to Britain seen by the newspaper.

"We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch allegedly wrote in one dispatch.

The paper said the most damning comments by Darroch described Trump, who was received by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Britain just last month, as "insecure" and "incompetent".

A memo sent following the controversial visit said the president and his team had been "dazzled" by the visit but warned Britain might not remain "flavour of the month" because "this is still the land of America First".

He reportedly wrote that the "vicious infighting and chaos" inside the White House -- widely reported in the US but dismissed by Trump as "fake news" -- was "mostly true".

Darroch is one of Britain's most experienced diplomats whose posting in Washington DC&nbsp;began in January, 2016, prior to Trump winning the presidency.

The Mail on Sunday said the memos, likely leaked by someone within Britain's sprawling civil service, cover a period beginning in 2017.

In one of the most recent reported dispatches filed on June 22 Darroch criticised Trump's fraught foreign policy on Iran, which has prompted fears in global capitals of a military conflict, as "incoherent" and "chaotic".

He allegedly said the president's assertion, that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, "doesn't stand up".

"It's more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020," Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election.

Britain's Foreign Office did not dispute the veracity of the memos.

"The British public would expect our ambassadors to provide ministers with an honest, unvarnished assessment of the politics in their country," a spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

"Their views are not necessarily the views of ministers or indeed the government," she added, noting "we pay them to be candid".&nbsp;

"Our team in Washington have strong relations with the White House and no doubt that these will withstand such mischievous behaviour," the spokeswoman said of the potential fallout from the leak.

Britain's ambassador in the United States has described President Donald Trump and his administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional", according to leaked diplomatic memos published by the Mail on Sunday.

Britain's ambassador in the United States has described President Donald Trump and his administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional", according to leaked diplomatic memos published by the Mail on Sunday. Ambassador Kim Darroch reportedly said Trump's presidency could "crash and burn" and "end in disgrace", in the cache of secret cables and briefing notes sent back to Britain seen by the newspaper. "We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch allegedly wrote in one dispatch. The paper said the most damning comments by Darroch described Trump, who was received by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Britain just last month, as "insecure" and "incompetent". A memo sent following the controversial visit said the president and his team had been "dazzled" by the visit but warned Britain might not remain "flavour of the month" because "this is still the land of America First". He reportedly wrote that the "vicious infighting and chaos" inside the White House -- widely reported in the US but dismissed by Trump as "fake news" -- was "mostly true". Darroch is one of Britain's most experienced diplomats whose posting in Washington DC began in January, 2016, prior to Trump winning the presidency. The Mail on Sunday said the memos, likely leaked by someone within Britain's sprawling civil service, cover a period beginning in 2017. In one of the most recent reported dispatches filed on June 22 Darroch criticised Trump's fraught foreign policy on Iran, which has prompted fears in global capitals of a military conflict, as "incoherent" and "chaotic". He allegedly said the president's assertion, that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, "doesn't stand up". "It's more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020," Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election. Britain's Foreign Office did not dispute the veracity of the memos. "The British public would expect our ambassadors to provide ministers with an honest, unvarnished assessment of the politics in their country," a spokeswoman said. "Their views are not necessarily the views of ministers or indeed the government," she added, noting "we pay them to be candid". "Our team in Washington have strong relations with the White House and no doubt that these will withstand such mischievous behaviour," the spokeswoman said of the potential fallout from the leak.

UK's top envoy in US says Trump executive 'inept': Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">President Donald Trump</a> said on Friday mass deportation roundups would begin "fairly soon" as US&nbsp;migrant advocates vowed their communities would be "ready" when immigration officers come.

Trump, who has made a hardline immigration stance a key issue of his presidency and his 2020 re-election bid, postponed the operation last month after the planned date was leaked to the press, but on Monday he said the roundups would take place after the July 4 holiday.

"They'll be starting fairly soon, but I don't call them raids, we're removing people, all of these people who have come in over the years illegally," he told reporters at the White House on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-planned-immigration-sweep-delayed-for-two-weeks-229648">US&nbsp;Immigration</a> and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month said raids would target undocumented migrants who had recently arrived in the United States so as to discourage a surge of Central American families at the southwest border.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump's statement.

ICE operations are expected to involve "collateral arrests" in which undocumented migrants not directly targeted by officers are picked up in raids.

Government documents published this week by migrant rights groups showed some past ICE raids had more collateral arrests than apprehensions of targeted migrants. Migrant rights groups say this general, looming threat to undocumented migrants is harmful to communities and the US&nbsp;economy, as it forces adults to miss work and children to skip school out of fear they may be picked up and separated.

"We have to be ready, not just when Trump announces it, because there are arrests every day and they have been increasing," said Elsa Lopez, an organizer for New Mexico immigrant and workers' rights group Somos Un Pueblo Unido.

Migrant apprehensions on the southwest border hit a 13-year high in May but eased in June as Mexico increased immigration enforcement.

An increasing number of migrants are coming from countries outside Central America, including India, Cuba and Africa. The Del Rio, Texas, Border Patrol sector on Friday reported the arrest of over 1,000 Haitians since June 10.

Democratic lawmakers visited an El Paso, Texas, Border Patrol station on Monday and said migrants were being held in atrocious conditions, with women told to drink out of a toilet.

To "dispel" what he called "the misinformation," Chief Border Patrol Agent Roy Villareal put out a video showing fresh water available from a cooler and a faucet in a cell at a Tucson, Arizona, sector migrant processing centre.

"We're not forcing aliens to drink out of the toilet," said Villareal, head of an area that in May apprehended nearly six times fewer people than the El Paso sector, a stretch of border that has borne the brunt of the migrant surge.

President Donald Trump said on Friday mass deportation roundups would begin "fairly soon" as US migrant advocates vowed their communities would be "ready" when immigration officers come.

President Donald Trump said on Friday mass deportation roundups would begin "fairly soon" as US migrant advocates vowed their communities would be "ready" when immigration officers come. Trump, who has made a hardline immigration stance a key issue of his presidency and his 2020 re-election bid, postponed the operation last month after the planned date was leaked to the press, but on Monday he said the roundups would take place after the July 4 holiday. "They'll be starting fairly soon, but I don't call them raids, we're removing people, all of these people who have come in over the years illegally," he told reporters at the White House on Friday. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month said raids would target undocumented migrants who had recently arrived in the United States so as to discourage a surge of Central American families at the southwest border. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump's statement. ICE operations are expected to involve "collateral arrests" in which undocumented migrants not directly targeted by officers are picked up in raids. Government documents published this week by migrant rights groups showed some past ICE raids had more collateral arrests than apprehensions of targeted migrants. Migrant rights groups say this general, looming threat to undocumented migrants is harmful to communities and the US economy, as it forces adults to miss work and children to skip school out of fear they may be picked up and separated. "We have to be ready, not just when Trump announces it, because there are arrests every day and they have been increasing," said Elsa Lopez, an organizer for New Mexico immigrant and workers' rights group Somos Un Pueblo Unido. Migrant apprehensions on the southwest border hit a 13-year high in May but eased in June as Mexico increased immigration enforcement. An increasing number of migrants are coming from countries outside Central America, including India, Cuba and Africa. The Del Rio, Texas, Border Patrol sector on Friday reported the arrest of over 1,000 Haitians since June 10. Democratic lawmakers visited an El Paso, Texas, Border Patrol station on Monday and said migrants were being held in atrocious conditions, with women told to drink out of a toilet. To "dispel" what he called "the misinformation," Chief Border Patrol Agent Roy Villareal put out a video showing fresh water available from a cooler and a faucet in a cell at a Tucson, Arizona, sector migrant processing centre. "We're not forcing aliens to drink out of the toilet," said Villareal, head of an area that in May apprehended nearly six times fewer people than the El Paso sector, a stretch of border that has borne the brunt of the migrant surge.

Starting 'fairly soon', says Trump on immigration raids

By Benjamin Habib

Sunday’s trilateral meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae In made for compelling viewing, the latest chapter in Korean peninsula summit diplomacy.

Indeed, such a meeting would have been unthinkable only 18 months ago. It was an unprecedented event – the leaders of the US, South Korea and North Korea meeting together, especially in the DMZ.

Critics have argued, however, that the meeting was merely a heavily manicured photo-op. While heavy on symbolism, it covered nothing substantive and signalled only that the parties are willing to restart the negotiating process.

A couple of major questions remain unanswered. First, what is the ultimate purpose of negotiations? Are the US, North Korea and South Korea talking about the same thing when they talk about “denuclearisation”?

And is the endgame of negotiations ultimately about denuclearisation, or is it about reaching a permanent peace settlement to formally end the Korean War?

Symbolism vs Substance

Given the abrupt failure of the US-North Korea summit in Hanoi in February, a symbolic photo-op at the DMZ is an encouraging sign that the parties are still interested in talking.

These kinds of symbolic gestures are the foundation upon which negotiations can move forward, given that all parties are starting from a place of mutual mistrust. Without this kind of patient state-to-state relationship building, the US and North Korea will never reach a stage where more substantive issues can be discussed.

The symbolism is also important in signalling intent to the public in all three countries. For the US and South Korea, building domestic support for engagement is key to the ultimate ratification of any future agreement.

Define ‘Denuclearisation’

We also need to place the DMZ meeting in the proper context. There are several parallel games at play in which the US, North Korea and South Korea have diverging interests.

The first of these games revolves around the US demand of “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation”, or CVID, which has formed the basis of US policy on North Korea for successive administrations since 2002.

North Korea’s nuclear weapons program represents a threat to America’s nuclear weapons supremacy – both in and of itself, and as an example to other countries that might seek to develop their own nuclear weapons capability. A nuclear-armed North Korea also demonstrates the diminished authority of the US as a regional and global power.

We see the CVID game at play in the rhetorical commitment of the US government to denuclearising the DPRK, despite the evidence that CVID has thus far failed, and in the pushback against Trump for his perceived willingness to sacrifice this aim in order to reach a deal with Kim.

The North Korean interpretation of a nuclear-free Korea, meanwhile, involves the full relinquishment of nuclear weapons by all nuclear powers, including the US.

With this in mind, the Kim government is committing to a negotiating process from which it can obtain sweeteners, not an end goal.

This leads into the second game at play: Kim’s quest to modernise the North Korean economy, which is important to the legitimacy and longevity of his government. Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program was developed as a security umbrella under which the government can move forward with economic modernisation, while minimising the risk of state collapse.

As such, the North Koreans are likely to seek an easing of economic sanctions and economic assistance to accelerate the development of their economy in negotiations with the US.

One way to achieve these objectives is by stretching the negotiating process out for as long as possible – this allows the North Koreans to secure incentives for small concessions over a longer-term, incremental negotiating process.

The race to develop the North 
 
The third game relates to the potential opening of North Korea to foreign investment. Kim’s economic modernisation drive means that extensive opportunities for infrastructure development will emerge for foreign investors when the political climate eventually warms sufficiently.

The contours of a contest to develop North Korea are beginning to coalesce, with South Korean, Chinese and Russian companies jockeying for position to develop this relatively untapped space.

Moon, for one, sees this engagement strategy as part of South Korea’s broader push to integrate northeast Asia through economic and infrastructure linkages, such as gas pipelines, railway connections, seaports, regional electricity grid integration, Arctic shipping routes, shipbuilding, labour exchange, and the development of agriculture and fisheries projects.

Elements of this emerged in last year’s Panmunjom Declaration, which mentioned the potential opening of railway and road corridors across the DMZ.

A peace settlement, or at least a negotiating process towards that end, is the magic key that could unlock possibilities for infrastructure development in North Korea. This would remove economic sanctions as an obstacle to investment and reduce the political and economic risk for investors.

Trump’s Unique Diplomatic Style 
 
Finally, the fourth game relates to Trump himself. His businesslike approach to diplomacy and penchant for policy-by-Twitter are far removed from longstanding US diplomatic practices, in both style and substance.

Trump’s desire to reach an agreement with Kim has brought him to the brink of relinquishing the US demand for “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation” by the North.

While one could argue, as I have, that CVID has long been a fantasy anyway, Trump’s apparent willingness to make concessions on this front puts him at odds with many in his administration and within the broader US foreign policy establishment.

This may explain one notable absentee from Trump’s entourage in South Korea – National Security Advisor John Bolton, who was dispatched to Mongolia instead. Bolton’s hardline stance on North Korea is well known, so his absence was significant. In February, the North Korean media criticised Bolton for trying to be a spoiler in the negotiations in Hanoi.

More Work to be Done 
 
Engagement with the North is hugely preferable to the uneasy status quo on the Korean peninsula that carries with it a heightened risk of conflict escalation. However, for this engagement to continue, the parties need an agreed purpose to keep negotiations moving forward.

The DMZ leaders’ meeting shows just how far apart the interests of the US, South Korea and North Korea are, and how much work needs to be done to build trust and align the parties to a basic common goal.

Handshakes and symbolism only go so far. Eventually, the parties will need to work towards something more concrete for the process to be sustained.

 
(Benjamin Habib is Lecturer in International Relations, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trump-and-kim-are-talking-again-but-the-leaders-have-yet-to-find-real-common-ground-119737">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

By Benjamin Habib Sunday’s trilateral meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae In made for compelling viewing, the latest chapter in Korean peninsula summit diplomacy.

By Benjamin Habib Sunday’s trilateral meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae In made for compelling viewing, the latest chapter in Korean peninsula summit diplomacy. Indeed, such a meeting would have been unthinkable only 18 months ago. It was an unprecedented event – the leaders of the US, South Korea and North Korea meeting together, especially in the DMZ. Critics have argued, however, that the meeting was merely a heavily manicured photo-op. While heavy on symbolism, it covered nothing substantive and signalled only that the parties are willing to restart the negotiating process. A couple of major questions remain unanswered. First, what is the ultimate purpose of negotiations? Are the US, North Korea and South Korea talking about the same thing when they talk about “denuclearisation”? And is the endgame of negotiations ultimately about denuclearisation, or is it about reaching a permanent peace settlement to formally end the Korean War? Symbolism vs Substance Given the abrupt failure of the US-North Korea summit in Hanoi in February, a symbolic photo-op at the DMZ is an encouraging sign that the parties are still interested in talking. These kinds of symbolic gestures are the foundation upon which negotiations can move forward, given that all parties are starting from a place of mutual mistrust. Without this kind of patient state-to-state relationship building, the US and North Korea will never reach a stage where more substantive issues can be discussed. The symbolism is also important in signalling intent to the public in all three countries. For the US and South Korea, building domestic support for engagement is key to the ultimate ratification of any future agreement. Define ‘Denuclearisation’ We also need to place the DMZ meeting in the proper context. There are several parallel games at play in which the US, North Korea and South Korea have diverging interests. The first of these games revolves around the US demand of “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation”, or CVID, which has formed the basis of US policy on North Korea for successive administrations since 2002. North Korea’s nuclear weapons program represents a threat to America’s nuclear weapons supremacy – both in and of itself, and as an example to other countries that might seek to develop their own nuclear weapons capability. A nuclear-armed North Korea also demonstrates the diminished authority of the US as a regional and global power. We see the CVID game at play in the rhetorical commitment of the US government to denuclearising the DPRK, despite the evidence that CVID has thus far failed, and in the pushback against Trump for his perceived willingness to sacrifice this aim in order to reach a deal with Kim. The North Korean interpretation of a nuclear-free Korea, meanwhile, involves the full relinquishment of nuclear weapons by all nuclear powers, including the US. With this in mind, the Kim government is committing to a negotiating process from which it can obtain sweeteners, not an end goal. This leads into the second game at play: Kim’s quest to modernise the North Korean economy, which is important to the legitimacy and longevity of his government. Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program was developed as a security umbrella under which the government can move forward with economic modernisation, while minimising the risk of state collapse. As such, the North Koreans are likely to seek an easing of economic sanctions and economic assistance to accelerate the development of their economy in negotiations with the US. One way to achieve these objectives is by stretching the negotiating process out for as long as possible – this allows the North Koreans to secure incentives for small concessions over a longer-term, incremental negotiating process. The race to develop the North The third game relates to the potential opening of North Korea to foreign investment. Kim’s economic modernisation drive means that extensive opportunities for infrastructure development will emerge for foreign investors when the political climate eventually warms sufficiently. The contours of a contest to develop North Korea are beginning to coalesce, with South Korean, Chinese and Russian companies jockeying for position to develop this relatively untapped space. Moon, for one, sees this engagement strategy as part of South Korea’s broader push to integrate northeast Asia through economic and infrastructure linkages, such as gas pipelines, railway connections, seaports, regional electricity grid integration, Arctic shipping routes, shipbuilding, labour exchange, and the development of agriculture and fisheries projects. Elements of this emerged in last year’s Panmunjom Declaration, which mentioned the potential opening of railway and road corridors across the DMZ. A peace settlement, or at least a negotiating process towards that end, is the magic key that could unlock possibilities for infrastructure development in North Korea. This would remove economic sanctions as an obstacle to investment and reduce the political and economic risk for investors. Trump’s Unique Diplomatic Style Finally, the fourth game relates to Trump himself. His businesslike approach to diplomacy and penchant for policy-by-Twitter are far removed from longstanding US diplomatic practices, in both style and substance. Trump’s desire to reach an agreement with Kim has brought him to the brink of relinquishing the US demand for “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation” by the North. While one could argue, as I have, that CVID has long been a fantasy anyway, Trump’s apparent willingness to make concessions on this front puts him at odds with many in his administration and within the broader US foreign policy establishment. This may explain one notable absentee from Trump’s entourage in South Korea – National Security Advisor John Bolton, who was dispatched to Mongolia instead. Bolton’s hardline stance on North Korea is well known, so his absence was significant. In February, the North Korean media criticised Bolton for trying to be a spoiler in the negotiations in Hanoi. More Work to be Done Engagement with the North is hugely preferable to the uneasy status quo on the Korean peninsula that carries with it a heightened risk of conflict escalation. However, for this engagement to continue, the parties need an agreed purpose to keep negotiations moving forward. The DMZ leaders’ meeting shows just how far apart the interests of the US, South Korea and North Korea are, and how much work needs to be done to build trust and align the parties to a basic common goal. Handshakes and symbolism only go so far. Eventually, the parties will need to work towards something more concrete for the process to be sustained. (Benjamin Habib is Lecturer in International Relations, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have to find real common ground

The United States has called an emergency meeting of the UN atomic watchdog's 35-nation Board of Governors to discuss Iran, the US mission to the agency said on Friday, after Tehran breached its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers.

Any country on the board can call a meeting, and the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed in a note to member states that the meeting would be held next Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. (1230 GMT) after the IAEA this week said Iran had exceeded the maximum stock of <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/iran-threatens-british-shipping-in-retaliation-for-tanker-seizure-233404">enriched uranium</a> allowed under the deal.

"Today ... U.S. Ambassador to International Organizations in Vienna Jackie Wolcott requested a special meeting of the Board to discuss the IAEA Director General's latest, concerning report on the Iranian regime's nuclear program," the US&nbsp;mission said in a statement, referring to the IAEA's report on Monday. "The international community must hold Iran's regime accountable."

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What exactly the meeting would achieve, however, was unclear, diplomats said.

Parties to the deal have a separate forum they meet in called the Joint Commission, and the deal lays out possible action that can be taken there. Washington pulled out of both the deal and the Joint Commission last year.

The IAEA is in charge of verifying the restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities imposed by the deal, which also lifted <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/iran-demands-britain-release-oil-tanker-held-in-gibraltar-233214">international sanctions </a>against Tehran.

The IAEA has repeatedly said it is up to the parties to the deal to decide whether there has been a breach of its terms.

Iran has said it will go over the deal's nuclear restrictions one by one in retaliation against crippling economic sanctions Washington has imposed on it since the US&nbsp;withdrawal. It has said that as of July 7 it will enrich uranium beyond the 3.67% purity cap imposed by the deal.

Other signatories to the 2015 deal, apart from Iran and the United States, are Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany. Those five countries are trying to keep the deal alive.

The United States has called an emergency meeting of the UN atomic watchdog's 35-nation Board of Governors to discuss Iran, the US mission to the agency said on Friday, after Tehran breached its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers.

The United States has called an emergency meeting of the UN atomic watchdog's 35-nation Board of Governors to discuss Iran, the US mission to the agency said on Friday, after Tehran breached its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers. Any country on the board can call a meeting, and the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed in a note to member states that the meeting would be held next Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. (1230 GMT) after the IAEA this week said Iran had exceeded the maximum stock of enriched uranium allowed under the deal. "Today ... U.S. Ambassador to International Organizations in Vienna Jackie Wolcott requested a special meeting of the Board to discuss the IAEA Director General's latest, concerning report on the Iranian regime's nuclear program," the US mission said in a statement, referring to the IAEA's report on Monday. "The international community must hold Iran's regime accountable." × What exactly the meeting would achieve, however, was unclear, diplomats said. Parties to the deal have a separate forum they meet in called the Joint Commission, and the deal lays out possible action that can be taken there. Washington pulled out of both the deal and the Joint Commission last year. The IAEA is in charge of verifying the restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities imposed by the deal, which also lifted international sanctions against Tehran. The IAEA has repeatedly said it is up to the parties to the deal to decide whether there has been a breach of its terms. Iran has said it will go over the deal's nuclear restrictions one by one in retaliation against crippling economic sanctions Washington has imposed on it since the US withdrawal. It has said that as of July 7 it will enrich uranium beyond the 3.67% purity cap imposed by the deal. Other signatories to the 2015 deal, apart from Iran and the United States, are Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany. Those five countries are trying to keep the deal alive.

United Nations nuclear watchdog's board to meet on Iran at request of US

Washington's refusal to condemn an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-40-killed-in-air-strike-on-libya-migrant-centre-232617/amp">airstrike on a detention centre</a> that killed dozens of migrants blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar by his rivals shows tacit US support, experts say.

The decision could prove damaging for the internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj -- as well as for the UN's influence and human rights in war-torn Libya.

Washington's move "should not come as a surprise", said James Dorsey, a researcher at Singapore's S&nbsp;Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "It is a sign of US policy changing towards Libya."

Following more than two hours of deliberations on Wednesday, the United States blocked the UN Security Council from adopting a unanimous statement condemning the incident.

Bodies were strewn on the floor of a hangar in Tripoli's Tajoura suburb, mixed with the blood-soaked clothes of migrants following the strike condemned by UN chief Antonio Guterres as "horrendous". At least 44 people were killed and more than 100 injured.

The US representatives at the UN gave no explanation for the Trump administration's decision not to condemn the outrage.

The British-drafted text did not lay the blame with either side of the bitter conflict that has pitted Haftar's eastern power-base against forces aligned with the UN-recognised government in Tripoli.

Instead, it called for a ceasefire and a resumption of talks.

But Washington refused to give the final go-ahead for the text to be adopted, according to a European diplomatic source.

'Shared vision'?

"This latest US stand is perfectly consistent with the policies of the past few years which have turned a blind eye to egregious human rights violations when committed by US allies," said Karim Bitar, a senior fellow at the Paris-based IRIS think-tank.

"The Trump administration and its Gulf allies have fully embraced Haftar's heavy-handed methods and authoritarian agenda."

Mired in chaos since the 2011 toppling of Moamer Kadhafi, Libya is ruled by two rival factions -- Sarraj's GNA in the west, and Haftar's in the east.

The UN has previously failed to agree a unified position after Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an assault on GNA-held Tripoli in April.

"The US have not withdrawn in any form or sense their recognition of -- nor revoked their support to -- the GNA, but de facto there has been contacts with Haftar at the highest level," added Dorsey.

After Haftar began to wage war on the country's west, US President Donald Trump called him to praise his "significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" and "shared vision".

'Our son of a bitch'

"Haftar fulfils two criteria in the eyes of Washington. One, he is projecting himself against the Islamists. Two, he is backed by the US's two closest allies in the region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia," said Dorsey.

Haftar has also received more subtle support from Egypt and France -- while even Russia has unusually sided with Washington and tilted towards him even as the GNA won backing from Turkey and Qatar.

"The last two months have witnessed a massive lobbying offensive in Washington with Haftar being represented by his own public relations firm backed by the extensive lobby apparatus of the UAE," said Andreas Krieg, a lecturer at King's College London.

"It looks as if the joint Haftar-UAE lobbying of Trump over the past months has been successful in convincing the White House that Haftar's LNA might be a partner to work with -- despite growing evidence of war crimes committed."

Haftar, 75, has sought to present himself as Libya's saviour while his rivals accuse him of once again seeking to subject Libya to a military dictatorship.

The US, which previously granted Haftar political asylum, knows him well.

Bitar, the IRIS analyst, summed up Washington's position by recounting the apocryphal comments of former US president Franklin D&nbsp;Roosevelt about Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza.

"He may be a son of a bitch," the 32nd president reputedly said. "But he's our son of a bitch."

Washington's refusal to condemn an airstrike on a detention centre that killed dozens of migrants blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar by his rivals shows tacit US support, experts say.

Washington's refusal to condemn an airstrike on a detention centre that killed dozens of migrants blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar by his rivals shows tacit US support, experts say. The decision could prove damaging for the internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj -- as well as for the UN's influence and human rights in war-torn Libya. Washington's move "should not come as a surprise", said James Dorsey, a researcher at Singapore's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "It is a sign of US policy changing towards Libya." Following more than two hours of deliberations on Wednesday, the United States blocked the UN Security Council from adopting a unanimous statement condemning the incident. Bodies were strewn on the floor of a hangar in Tripoli's Tajoura suburb, mixed with the blood-soaked clothes of migrants following the strike condemned by UN chief Antonio Guterres as "horrendous". At least 44 people were killed and more than 100 injured. The US representatives at the UN gave no explanation for the Trump administration's decision not to condemn the outrage. The British-drafted text did not lay the blame with either side of the bitter conflict that has pitted Haftar's eastern power-base against forces aligned with the UN-recognised government in Tripoli. Instead, it called for a ceasefire and a resumption of talks. But Washington refused to give the final go-ahead for the text to be adopted, according to a European diplomatic source. 'Shared vision'? "This latest US stand is perfectly consistent with the policies of the past few years which have turned a blind eye to egregious human rights violations when committed by US allies," said Karim Bitar, a senior fellow at the Paris-based IRIS think-tank. "The Trump administration and its Gulf allies have fully embraced Haftar's heavy-handed methods and authoritarian agenda." Mired in chaos since the 2011 toppling of Moamer Kadhafi, Libya is ruled by two rival factions -- Sarraj's GNA in the west, and Haftar's in the east. The UN has previously failed to agree a unified position after Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an assault on GNA-held Tripoli in April. "The US have not withdrawn in any form or sense their recognition of -- nor revoked their support to -- the GNA, but de facto there has been contacts with Haftar at the highest level," added Dorsey. After Haftar began to wage war on the country's west, US President Donald Trump called him to praise his "significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" and "shared vision". 'Our son of a bitch' "Haftar fulfils two criteria in the eyes of Washington. One, he is projecting himself against the Islamists. Two, he is backed by the US's two closest allies in the region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia," said Dorsey. Haftar has also received more subtle support from Egypt and France -- while even Russia has unusually sided with Washington and tilted towards him even as the GNA won backing from Turkey and Qatar. "The last two months have witnessed a massive lobbying offensive in Washington with Haftar being represented by his own public relations firm backed by the extensive lobby apparatus of the UAE," said Andreas Krieg, a lecturer at King's College London. "It looks as if the joint Haftar-UAE lobbying of Trump over the past months has been successful in convincing the White House that Haftar's LNA might be a partner to work with -- despite growing evidence of war crimes committed." Haftar, 75, has sought to present himself as Libya's saviour while his rivals accuse him of once again seeking to subject Libya to a military dictatorship. The US, which previously granted Haftar political asylum, knows him well. Bitar, the IRIS analyst, summed up Washington's position by recounting the apocryphal comments of former US president Franklin D Roosevelt about Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. "He may be a son of a bitch," the 32nd president reputedly said. "But he's our son of a bitch."

US banks on Libya strongman Khalifa Haftar: Experts

Rival Afghans will meet Sunday in Doha for a fresh round of talks mediated by Qatar and Germany, as the United States&nbsp;eyes peace with the Taliban within three months.

The first such encounter in Moscow was heralded as a breakthrough but many sensitive issues including women's rights, foreign military withdrawal, Al-Qaeda and power-sharing with the Taliban remain unresolved.

Two experts spoke to AFP about their expectations for the talks which follow a week of direct negotiations between the US and the Taliban also in Doha.

What will come of the two-day meeting?

"We can expect a broad, vague statement laying out some broad and innocuous principles and agreeing on the need to move forward," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia programme at the Wilson Centre.

"Since this dialogue is in its early stages, I don't anticipate any type of major breakthrough. Still, this isn't to understate the significance of these talks.&nbsp;

"The very fact that the dialogue is happening is an achievement in itself, given how fraught and fractured the Afghan political environment is and given that there have been false starts in the past."

Colin Clarke, an expert at the Soufan Centre think-tank, said that Washington was keen for quick progress at the talks after 18 years of war.

"The current (US) administration is so about getting a deal through and the more parties involved the longer it's going to take and it's more complicated," he said.&nbsp;

"They're rushing for the exits, they want to push this thing through. They want to tie up the war and they want to declare victory."

Is the Afghan government's exclusion a Taliban win?

Clarke said that the structure of Sunday's talks at which representatives of the Kabul government would not attend officially but only as individuals meant "Afghan politicians are being marginalised".

"But the fact that the talks are happening and that they're seemingly going as smoothly is a testament to the role that Doha has played in bringing together these disparate factions," he added.

Kugelman said "just about every aspect of this peace and reconciliation process has favoured the Taliban. And that's not a surprise, because the Taliban is negotiating from a position of strength and has all the leverage".

"No one -- not the US, the Afghan government, or anyone else -- is in a position to push back against the Taliban demand that Afghan officials attend these intra-Afghan talks in their personal capacity."

Is the timing significant?

"The US has repeatedly insisted that this dialogue take place, and the fact that it's happening right after its bilateral talks with the Taliban suggests that this may be the closest thing to a concession that the insurgents are willing to grant," said Kugelman.&nbsp;

"That said, the Taliban's refusal to let Afghan government representatives attend in their official capacity makes it a minor more than a major concession."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently voiced hope for a peace deal with the Taliban "before September 1".&nbsp;

The ambitious timeframe would allow a deal before Afghanistan holds elections in September, which Western officials fear could inject a new dose of instability.

Trump wants to pull all US troops from Afghanistan, believing that America's longest war -- launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks -- no longer makes military or financial sense.

"I also think there's a greater sense of urgency at play here," said Kugelman.

"With Afghanistan's presidential election scheduled for September, the Americans, the Afghan government, and other key stakeholders will want to do as much as possible before the country goes into election mode.

"Once you go into election mode, it will be hard to maintain the laser-like focus on peace talks in Afghanistan that you have now."

Who will attend the dialogue?

The final list of invitees may not be known until the talks get underway, but the Taliban have suggested on Twitter that more than 60 individuals could attend.

"The invitation list will be a critical factor in determining the dialogue's success," said Kugelman. "If Afghan President Ashraf Ghani seeks to prevent his political rivals from attending, then that would undercut the spirit of a truly inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue.&nbsp;

"In an ideal world, Ghani would step back and enable Afghanistan to put together a broad and diverse group of participants. But unfortunately it's not an ideal world, and there's reason to fear the roster of attendees won't be as inclusive as it should be."

Clarke warned that the exclusion of regional powers like Pakistan, Iran and India from Sunday's gathering could threaten progress.

"It's going to be a very fragile peace unless you get buy-in from regional parties. You're achieving your short-term objective but it's at the cost of longer-term stability. It's very myopic," he told AFP.

Rival Afghans will meet Sunday in Doha for a fresh round of talks mediated by Qatar and Germany, as the United States eyes peace with the Taliban within three months.

Rival Afghans will meet Sunday in Doha for a fresh round of talks mediated by Qatar and Germany, as the United States eyes peace with the Taliban within three months. The first such encounter in Moscow was heralded as a breakthrough but many sensitive issues including women's rights, foreign military withdrawal, Al-Qaeda and power-sharing with the Taliban remain unresolved. Two experts spoke to AFP about their expectations for the talks which follow a week of direct negotiations between the US and the Taliban also in Doha. What will come of the two-day meeting? "We can expect a broad, vague statement laying out some broad and innocuous principles and agreeing on the need to move forward," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia programme at the Wilson Centre. "Since this dialogue is in its early stages, I don't anticipate any type of major breakthrough. Still, this isn't to understate the significance of these talks. "The very fact that the dialogue is happening is an achievement in itself, given how fraught and fractured the Afghan political environment is and given that there have been false starts in the past." Colin Clarke, an expert at the Soufan Centre think-tank, said that Washington was keen for quick progress at the talks after 18 years of war. "The current (US) administration is so about getting a deal through and the more parties involved the longer it's going to take and it's more complicated," he said. "They're rushing for the exits, they want to push this thing through. They want to tie up the war and they want to declare victory." Is the Afghan government's exclusion a Taliban win? Clarke said that the structure of Sunday's talks at which representatives of the Kabul government would not attend officially but only as individuals meant "Afghan politicians are being marginalised". "But the fact that the talks are happening and that they're seemingly going as smoothly is a testament to the role that Doha has played in bringing together these disparate factions," he added. Kugelman said "just about every aspect of this peace and reconciliation process has favoured the Taliban. And that's not a surprise, because the Taliban is negotiating from a position of strength and has all the leverage". "No one -- not the US, the Afghan government, or anyone else -- is in a position to push back against the Taliban demand that Afghan officials attend these intra-Afghan talks in their personal capacity." Is the timing significant? "The US has repeatedly insisted that this dialogue take place, and the fact that it's happening right after its bilateral talks with the Taliban suggests that this may be the closest thing to a concession that the insurgents are willing to grant," said Kugelman. "That said, the Taliban's refusal to let Afghan government representatives attend in their official capacity makes it a minor more than a major concession." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently voiced hope for a peace deal with the Taliban "before September 1". The ambitious timeframe would allow a deal before Afghanistan holds elections in September, which Western officials fear could inject a new dose of instability. Trump wants to pull all US troops from Afghanistan, believing that America's longest war -- launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks -- no longer makes military or financial sense. "I also think there's a greater sense of urgency at play here," said Kugelman. "With Afghanistan's presidential election scheduled for September, the Americans, the Afghan government, and other key stakeholders will want to do as much as possible before the country goes into election mode. "Once you go into election mode, it will be hard to maintain the laser-like focus on peace talks in Afghanistan that you have now." Who will attend the dialogue? The final list of invitees may not be known until the talks get underway, but the Taliban have suggested on Twitter that more than 60 individuals could attend. "The invitation list will be a critical factor in determining the dialogue's success," said Kugelman. "If Afghan President Ashraf Ghani seeks to prevent his political rivals from attending, then that would undercut the spirit of a truly inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue. "In an ideal world, Ghani would step back and enable Afghanistan to put together a broad and diverse group of participants. But unfortunately it's not an ideal world, and there's reason to fear the roster of attendees won't be as inclusive as it should be." Clarke warned that the exclusion of regional powers like Pakistan, Iran and India from Sunday's gathering could threaten progress. "It's going to be a very fragile peace unless you get buy-in from regional parties. You're achieving your short-term objective but it's at the cost of longer-term stability. It's very myopic," he told AFP.

Afghans meet in Doha for fresh round of talks as US eyes peace with Taliban

U.S. President Donald Trump said "our nation is stronger than it ever was before" at a fourth of July speech in Washington DC.

Trump: US is 'stronger than it ever was before'

In a sweltering capital threatened by storms, the traditional Fourth of July parade Thursday served as a warm-up act to a distinctly nontraditional evening event at the Lincoln Memorial, where President Donald Trump planned to command the stage against the backdrop of a show of military muscle.

Trump protesters, supporters mark July 4 in DC

Senior officials of India and the US are likely to meet in the next couple of weeks here to discuss differences on trade matters between the two countries.

"On trade, Foreign Secretary did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media at the weekly briefing.

A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) is expected to hold the meeting with senior officials of the commerce department very soon.

This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5.

The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers.

"The Broad trajectory of the relationship between India and the US remains positive. The discussion Prime Minister had with Donald Trump in Osaka was very open and productive. In any multi-dimensional relationship, there are bound to be a certain difference. What we agreed was to continue to talk on all issues," Kumar added in his briefing.

During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo`s visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them. Jaishankar asserted that India is committed to making business easier between the two countries.

Last year, India had announced tariffs in retaliation to higher US import duties on steel and aluminium.

Asserting that great friends are bound to have disagreements, Pompeo, in his remarks, said that Washington and New Delhi need to solve trade issues as there are millions of opportunity before the two countries.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Senior officials of India and the US are likely to meet in the next couple of weeks here to discuss differences on trade matters between the two countries. "On trade, Foreign Secretary did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon.

Senior officials of India and the US are likely to meet in the next couple of weeks here to discuss differences on trade matters between the two countries. "On trade, Foreign Secretary did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media at the weekly briefing. A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) is expected to hold the meeting with senior officials of the commerce department very soon. This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5. The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers. "The Broad trajectory of the relationship between India and the US remains positive. The discussion Prime Minister had with Donald Trump in Osaka was very open and productive. In any multi-dimensional relationship, there are bound to be a certain difference. What we agreed was to continue to talk on all issues," Kumar added in his briefing. During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo`s visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them. Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them. Jaishankar asserted that India is committed to making business easier between the two countries. Last year, India had announced tariffs in retaliation to higher US import duties on steel and aluminium. Asserting that great friends are bound to have disagreements, Pompeo, in his remarks, said that Washington and New Delhi need to solve trade issues as there are millions of opportunity before the two countries.

India, US officials likely to meet soon to discuss trade difference: MEA

As the United States and Iran appear set on a collision course, it is clear that no global or regional player is prepared to openly side with Iran and invite the wrath of President Donald Trump. Washington is the primary offender.

It set out to provoke Iran by pulling out of the nuclear deal last year. Taunted, sanctioned and challenged, Iran had no choice but to defy the US. It had to show that it did not fear Trump's threat of "obliteration". It did so by crossing the threshold of uranium enrichment. The European Union knows that Iran is being baited by the US. But the EU cannot stand up to Trump. So they ask Iran to back down.

China, locked in a trade war with the US, has no appetite to test Trump on another front when its own interests are at stake. Russia, which wants Trump to attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow's Red Square next year, is telling Tehran not to give in to emotion. As the nuclear stand-off continues, every country is asking Iran to stand by the 2015 nuclear deal although it is the US that has walked out of it. None is prepared to defy US sanctions against Iran.

Iran has long and deep civilisational, economic, political and diplomatic ties with India. India-Iran friendship has survived difficult tests. During this nuclear stand-off, so far, India has not raised its voice explicitly against Iran. At the same time, there is no doubt that it is on the side of the US. Like all those at G-20 who lined up to shake President Trump's hand, will India too turn its back on Iran? As of now, like Russia, China and the EU, India is playing the safe wait and watch game.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

As the United States and Iran appear set on a collision course, it is clear that no global or regional player is prepared to openly side with Iran and invite the wrath of President Donald Trump.

As the United States and Iran appear set on a collision course, it is clear that no global or regional player is prepared to openly side with Iran and invite the wrath of President Donald Trump. Washington is the primary offender. It set out to provoke Iran by pulling out of the nuclear deal last year. Taunted, sanctioned and challenged, Iran had no choice but to defy the US. It had to show that it did not fear Trump's threat of "obliteration". It did so by crossing the threshold of uranium enrichment. The European Union knows that Iran is being baited by the US. But the EU cannot stand up to Trump. So they ask Iran to back down. China, locked in a trade war with the US, has no appetite to test Trump on another front when its own interests are at stake. Russia, which wants Trump to attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow's Red Square next year, is telling Tehran not to give in to emotion. As the nuclear stand-off continues, every country is asking Iran to stand by the 2015 nuclear deal although it is the US that has walked out of it. None is prepared to defy US sanctions against Iran. Iran has long and deep civilisational, economic, political and diplomatic ties with India. India-Iran friendship has survived difficult tests. During this nuclear stand-off, so far, India has not raised its voice explicitly against Iran. At the same time, there is no doubt that it is on the side of the US. Like all those at G-20 who lined up to shake President Trump's hand, will India too turn its back on Iran? As of now, like Russia, China and the EU, India is playing the safe wait and watch game. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: India watches as US-Iran conflict unravels

An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale hit the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan on Thursday.

The earthquake occurred at around 9:50 am (IST) today, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).&nbsp;

An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale hit the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan on Thursday. The earthquake occurred at around 9:50 am (IST) today, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

5.5 magnitude earthquake strikes Hindu Kush in Afghanistan

North Korea's mission to the United Nations accused the United States on Wednesday of being "more and more hell-bent on hostile acts" against Pyongyang, despite President Donald Trump wanting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-kim-trump-in-demilitarized-zone-meeting-historic-231862">talks between the two countries</a>.

In a statement, the mission said it was responding to a US accusation that Pyongyang breached a cap on refined petroleum imports and a letter that it said was sent on June 29 by the United States, France, Germany and Britain to all UN member states urging them to implement sanctions against North Korea.

"What can't be overlooked is the fact that this joint letter game was carried out by the permanent mission of the United States to the UN under instruction of the State Department, on the very same day when President Trump proposed for the summit meeting," the statement said.

Trump became the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-lands-at-dmz-ahead-of-meeting-with-north-koreas-kim-231654">first sitting US president to set foot in North Korea</a> on Sunday when he met leader Kim Jong Un in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. The pair agreed to resume stalled talks aimed at getting Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons program.

The North Korean UN mission said the June 29 letter to UN&nbsp;member states "speaks to the reality that the United States is practically more and more hell-bent on the hostile acts against the DPRK, though talking about the DPRK-US dialogue."

North Korea is formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Watch:&nbsp;After surprise Trump-Kim meeting, US and North Korea to reopen talks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-surprise-trump-kim-meeting-us-and-north-korea-to-reopen-talks-232006/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UN Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

'Obsessed with sanctions'

The United States, backed by dozens of allies, told a council sanction committee last month that North Korea had breached an annual UN cap of 500,000 barrels imposed in December 2017, mainly through transfers between ships at sea.

Washington wanted the 15-member North Korea sanctions committee to demand an immediate halt to deliveries of refined petroleum to North Korea. However, Pyongyang allies Russia and China delayed the move.

The letter from the United States, Germany, Britain and France cited by North Korea's UN mission - and viewed by Reuters - was actually dated June 27. It urges all UN member states to comply with Security Council sanctions requiring the repatriation of all North Korean workers by December 22, 2019.

"It is quite ridiculous for the United States to continue to behave obsessed with sanctions and pressure campaign against the DPRK, considering sanctions as a panacea for all problems," the North Korean UN mission said on Wednesday.

Following Sunday's meeting between Kim and Trump, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said a new round of denuclearization talks would likely happen "sometime in July ... probably in the next two or three weeks" and North Korea's negotiators would be foreign ministry diplomats.

The United States and other UN Security Council members have said there must be strict enforcement of sanctions until Pyongyang acts, while Russia and China have suggested the council discuss easing the measures.

"All UN member states will have to keep vigilance against deliberate attempts by the United States to undermine the peaceful atmosphere that has been created on the Korean Peninsula in no easy way," the North Korean statement said.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations accused the United States on Wednesday of being "more and more hell-bent on hostile acts" against Pyongyang, despite President Donald Trump wanting talks between the two countries.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations accused the United States on Wednesday of being "more and more hell-bent on hostile acts" against Pyongyang, despite President Donald Trump wanting talks between the two countries. In a statement, the mission said it was responding to a US accusation that Pyongyang breached a cap on refined petroleum imports and a letter that it said was sent on June 29 by the United States, France, Germany and Britain to all UN member states urging them to implement sanctions against North Korea. "What can't be overlooked is the fact that this joint letter game was carried out by the permanent mission of the United States to the UN under instruction of the State Department, on the very same day when President Trump proposed for the summit meeting," the statement said. Trump became the first sitting US president to set foot in North Korea on Sunday when he met leader Kim Jong Un in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. The pair agreed to resume stalled talks aimed at getting Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons program. The North Korean UN mission said the June 29 letter to UN member states "speaks to the reality that the United States is practically more and more hell-bent on the hostile acts against the DPRK, though talking about the DPRK-US dialogue." North Korea is formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Watch: After surprise Trump-Kim meeting, US and North Korea to reopen talks The UN Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products. 'Obsessed with sanctions' The United States, backed by dozens of allies, told a council sanction committee last month that North Korea had breached an annual UN cap of 500,000 barrels imposed in December 2017, mainly through transfers between ships at sea. Washington wanted the 15-member North Korea sanctions committee to demand an immediate halt to deliveries of refined petroleum to North Korea. However, Pyongyang allies Russia and China delayed the move. The letter from the United States, Germany, Britain and France cited by North Korea's UN mission - and viewed by Reuters - was actually dated June 27. It urges all UN member states to comply with Security Council sanctions requiring the repatriation of all North Korean workers by December 22, 2019. "It is quite ridiculous for the United States to continue to behave obsessed with sanctions and pressure campaign against the DPRK, considering sanctions as a panacea for all problems," the North Korean UN mission said on Wednesday. Following Sunday's meeting between Kim and Trump, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said a new round of denuclearization talks would likely happen "sometime in July ... probably in the next two or three weeks" and North Korea's negotiators would be foreign ministry diplomats. The United States and other UN Security Council members have said there must be strict enforcement of sanctions until Pyongyang acts, while Russia and China have suggested the council discuss easing the measures. "All UN member states will have to keep vigilance against deliberate attempts by the United States to undermine the peaceful atmosphere that has been created on the Korean Peninsula in no easy way," the North Korean statement said.

US 'hell-bent on hostile acts' despite wanting to talk: North Korea

Environmental groups sued the Indonesian president and several government officials on Thursday over worsening air quality in the capital, Jakarta, one of the world's most congested cities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-troops-flood-jakarta-streets-after-post-election-riots-220989">Jakarta</a> is consistently ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, according to Air Visual, a Swiss-based group that monitors air quality.

Pollution levels in the city of over 10 million have spiked in recent weeks to nearly five times the level recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"We are suing the government so they will investigate where the pollution comes from and take actions based on their findings," climate campaigner Bondan Andriyanu told journalists at a central Jakarta district court.&nbsp;

Greenpeace and Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation are suing President Joko Widodo, the environment minister and home minister and three governors on Java island, including that of Jakarta.

Representatives for Widodo and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan were not immediately available for comment.

In recent weeks, Jakarta's PM2.5 levels - the amount of tiny particulate matter under 2.5 micrograms found in every cubic meter of air - have reached as high as 152. Anything above 35 is considered "unhealthy" by the EPA.

Some residents have complained of respiratory problems.

"I can see so much haze at night," said 23-year-old Cintya Ladyana who lives on the 25th floor of an apartment building in western Jakarta. "I have also caught the flu and cough."

Environmental groups sued the Indonesian president and several government officials on Thursday over worsening air quality in the capital, Jakarta, one of the world's most congested cities.

Environmental groups sued the Indonesian president and several government officials on Thursday over worsening air quality in the capital, Jakarta, one of the world's most congested cities. Jakarta is consistently ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, according to Air Visual, a Swiss-based group that monitors air quality. Pollution levels in the city of over 10 million have spiked in recent weeks to nearly five times the level recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "We are suing the government so they will investigate where the pollution comes from and take actions based on their findings," climate campaigner Bondan Andriyanu told journalists at a central Jakarta district court. Greenpeace and Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation are suing President Joko Widodo, the environment minister and home minister and three governors on Java island, including that of Jakarta. Representatives for Widodo and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan were not immediately available for comment. In recent weeks, Jakarta's PM2.5 levels - the amount of tiny particulate matter under 2.5 micrograms found in every cubic meter of air - have reached as high as 152. Anything above 35 is considered "unhealthy" by the EPA. Some residents have complained of respiratory problems. "I can see so much haze at night," said 23-year-old Cintya Ladyana who lives on the 25th floor of an apartment building in western Jakarta. "I have also caught the flu and cough."

Indonesian president sued over congested capital's air pollution

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