North Korea has expressed its commitment to "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula and is not seeking conditions, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday, as the United States vowed to maintain "maximum pressure" on Pyongyang.

Moon said big-picture agreements about denuclearisation, establishing a peace regime and normalisation of relations between the two Koreas and the United States should not be difficult to reach through summits between the North and South, and between the North and the United States.

"I don't think denuclearisation has different meanings for South and North Korea. The North is expressing a will for a complete denuclearization," Moon said during a lunch with chief executives of Korean media companies.&nbsp;

"They have not attached any conditions that the US&nbsp;cannot accept, such as the withdrawal of American troops from South Korea. All they are talking about is the end of hostile policies against North Korea, followed by a guarantee of security."

North Korea has defended its nuclear and missile programmes, which it pursues in defiance of UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions, as a necessary deterrent against perceived US&nbsp;hostility. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War.

North Korea has said over the years that it could consider giving up its nuclear arsenal if the United States removed its troops from South Korea and withdrew its so-called nuclear umbrella of deterrence from South Korea and Japan.

South Korea announced on Wednesday that it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement as it prepares for the North-South summit this month.&nbsp;

Reclusive North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.&nbsp;

Moon said he saw the possibility of a peace agreement, or even international aid for the North's economy, if it denuclearises.&nbsp;

But he also said the inter-Korean summit had "a lot of constraints", in that the two Koreas could not make progress separate from the North Korea-United States summit, and could not reach an agreement that transcends international sanctions.

"So first, the South-North Korean summit must make a good beginning, and the dialogue between the two Koreas likely must continue after we see the results of the North Korea-United States summit," Moon said.

US&nbsp;CIA Director Mike Pompeo visited North Korea last week and met leader Kim Jong Un with whom he formed a "good relationship", US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, ahead of a summit planned for May or June.

Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the summit would be successful, but warned he would call it off if he did not think it would produce results.

Trump told a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that his campaign of "maximum pressure" on North Korea would continue until Pyongyang gave up its nuclear weapons.

"The United States remains committed to complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearsisation of North Korea," US&nbsp;Disarmament Ambassador Robert Wood told a news conference in Geneva on Thursday ahead of a two-week conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

"In terms of the pressure campaign, things we are very interested in are maintaining the pressure, meaning enforcing sanctions, ensuring that the North is not able to get access to funds that help further his nuclear and ballistic missile programmes."

China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing in Beijing that China supported ending the state of war on the Korean peninsula.

"China supports ending the war state on the peninsula at an early date," she said. "As a party involved in the peninsula issue, China is willing to play an active role."

Ahead of next week's summit, Seoul and Pyongyang will also complete the instalment of a telephone hotline between the two leaders on Friday, directly connecting the South's presidential Blue House and the North's State Affairs Commission, the South's presidential spokesman said.&nbsp;

Six top South Korean officials will accompany Moon to the summit, including his chief of staff, spy chief, national security adviser and unification, defence and foreign ministers, the spokesman said.

North Korea meanwhile will hold a plenary meeting of its ruling party's central committee on Friday, state media KCNA said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The meeting was convened to discuss and decide "policy issues of a new stage" to meet the demands of the current "important historic period", KCNA said.&nbsp;

Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the summit would be successful, but warned he would call it off if he did not think it would produce results

North Korea has expressed its commitment to "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula and is not seeking conditions, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday, as the United States vowed to maintain "maximum pressure" on Pyongyang. Moon said big-picture agreements about denuclearisation, establishing a peace regime and normalisation of relations between the two Koreas and the United States should not be difficult to reach through summits between the North and South, and between the North and the United States. "I don't think denuclearisation has different meanings for South and North Korea. The North is expressing a will for a complete denuclearization," Moon said during a lunch with chief executives of Korean media companies. "They have not attached any conditions that the US cannot accept, such as the withdrawal of American troops from South Korea. All they are talking about is the end of hostile policies against North Korea, followed by a guarantee of security." North Korea has defended its nuclear and missile programmes, which it pursues in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, as a necessary deterrent against perceived US hostility. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea has said over the years that it could consider giving up its nuclear arsenal if the United States removed its troops from South Korea and withdrew its so-called nuclear umbrella of deterrence from South Korea and Japan. South Korea announced on Wednesday that it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement as it prepares for the North-South summit this month. Reclusive North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. Moon said he saw the possibility of a peace agreement, or even international aid for the North's economy, if it denuclearises. But he also said the inter-Korean summit had "a lot of constraints", in that the two Koreas could not make progress separate from the North Korea-United States summit, and could not reach an agreement that transcends international sanctions. "So first, the South-North Korean summit must make a good beginning, and the dialogue between the two Koreas likely must continue after we see the results of the North Korea-United States summit," Moon said. US CIA Director Mike Pompeo visited North Korea last week and met leader Kim Jong Un with whom he formed a "good relationship", US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, ahead of a summit planned for May or June. Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the summit would be successful, but warned he would call it off if he did not think it would produce results. Trump told a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that his campaign of "maximum pressure" on North Korea would continue until Pyongyang gave up its nuclear weapons. "The United States remains committed to complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearsisation of North Korea," US Disarmament Ambassador Robert Wood told a news conference in Geneva on Thursday ahead of a two-week conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. "In terms of the pressure campaign, things we are very interested in are maintaining the pressure, meaning enforcing sanctions, ensuring that the North is not able to get access to funds that help further his nuclear and ballistic missile programmes." China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing in Beijing that China supported ending the state of war on the Korean peninsula. "China supports ending the war state on the peninsula at an early date," she said. "As a party involved in the peninsula issue, China is willing to play an active role." Ahead of next week's summit, Seoul and Pyongyang will also complete the instalment of a telephone hotline between the two leaders on Friday, directly connecting the South's presidential Blue House and the North's State Affairs Commission, the South's presidential spokesman said. Six top South Korean officials will accompany Moon to the summit, including his chief of staff, spy chief, national security adviser and unification, defence and foreign ministers, the spokesman said. North Korea meanwhile will hold a plenary meeting of its ruling party's central committee on Friday, state media KCNA said on Thursday. The meeting was convened to discuss and decide "policy issues of a new stage" to meet the demands of the current "important historic period", KCNA said.

North Korea seeks 'complete denuclearisation', US vows continued pressure

China on Thursday finally reacted to Qualcomm Inc.'s proposed acquisition of NXP Semiconductors. The government noted that the proposed $44 billion acquisition plan "has difficulty" resolving concerns of anti-monopoly regulators.

China has been withholding approval of the deal which aims at allowing Qualcomm to broaden its product range.&nbsp

A finance ministry spokesperson noted that Qualcomm, on Monday, withdrew its proposal for the deal and submitted a new plan.

Meanwhile, the American chip maker Qualcomm Inc on Wednesday announced cutting jobs as part of its promise to investors to cut annual costs by $1 billion.

"Qualcomm is conducting a reduction of our full-time and temporary workforce," a company spokesperson who declined to be identifies said, without disclosing the exact numbers of job cuts.

Though the company first evaluated non-headcount expense reductions, it concluded that a workforce reduction is needed to support long-term growth and success, the spokesperson said.

Qualcomm had in January said it would implement a series of targeted reductions across businesses to save $1 billion in annual costs, as part of its attempt to win over investors support against a hostile bid from rival Broadcom Inc.&nbsp

The bid, however, was cancelled by the Trump administration on national security grounds.

The chipmaker has been ramping up its operations since then to improve earnings growth.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp

China has been withholding approval of the deal which aims at allowing Qualcomm to broaden its product range

China on Thursday finally reacted to Qualcomm Inc.'s proposed acquisition of NXP Semiconductors. The government noted that the proposed $44 billion acquisition plan "has difficulty" resolving concerns of anti-monopoly regulators. China has been withholding approval of the deal which aims at allowing Qualcomm to broaden its product range. A finance ministry spokesperson noted that Qualcomm, on Monday, withdrew its proposal for the deal and submitted a new plan. Meanwhile, the American chip maker Qualcomm Inc on Wednesday announced cutting jobs as part of its promise to investors to cut annual costs by $1 billion. "Qualcomm is conducting a reduction of our full-time and temporary workforce," a company spokesperson who declined to be identifies said, without disclosing the exact numbers of job cuts. Though the company first evaluated non-headcount expense reductions, it concluded that a workforce reduction is needed to support long-term growth and success, the spokesperson said. Qualcomm had in January said it would implement a series of targeted reductions across businesses to save $1 billion in annual costs, as part of its attempt to win over investors support against a hostile bid from rival Broadcom Inc. The bid, however, was cancelled by the Trump administration on national security grounds. The chipmaker has been ramping up its operations since then to improve earnings growth. (With inputs from agencies)

China says Qualcomm's acquisition plan 'has difficulty' resolving concerns

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over the Easter weekend and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.

Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official ever known to have met with Kim and provided the strongest sign yet to Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader.

Pompeo's conversations fueled Trump’s belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, but far from guaranteed, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip.

The visit, a second U.S. official said, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks.&nbsp;

Pompeo, one of Trump's most trusted advisers, returned to report that it was worth continuing to pursue the possibility of a summit, but added that no site had been selected from lists of options, and consequently no logistical arrangements had been made so far, the second official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump said earlier on Tuesday the United States was engaged in direct talks at "extremely high levels" with North Korea to try to set up a summit between him and Kim.

He sowed some confusion by suggesting he had been speaking to Kim directly, but later clarified by saying: "Let's leave it a little bit short of the highest level."

Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders added: "The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly.”

Asked about Pompeo, she said: “The administration does not comment on the CIA director’s travel.”

Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state this week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting.

Pompeo said the aim of the summit would be “an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons” and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps.

Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official to visit North Korea since then-intelligence chief James Clapper in 2014.

The news came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened two days of talks at the president's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen.

Efforts to arrange the unprecedented meeting have helped ease tensions over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Kim has agreed to discuss denuclearization, according to U.S. and South Korean officials.

"I really believe there’s a lot of goodwill a lot of good things are happening," Trump told reporters.

"As I always say, we’ll see what happens, because ultimately it’s the end result that matters, not the fact that we’re thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting."

MEETING SITE?

Trump, who has exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year, said U.S. officials were looking at five locations for a meeting. Asked if any of those were in the United States, Trump replied: "No."

A U.S. official said sites in Southeast Asia and Europe were among those under discussion. Kim has rarely left North Korea.

Speculation has centered on a range of sites including Pyongyang, the demilitarized zone between the Koreas, Stockholm, Geneva and Mongolia.

Talks between Trump and Abe are largely focused on the prospective summit as Japan seeks a U.S. commitment that any denuclearization deal with Kim will include not just long-range missiles but those that could be aimed at Japan.

Reflecting the closeness of their ties, the Trump-Abe meetings included a walk around the carefully manicured grounds of the beachfront club and dinner on the patio with their wives. A round of golf was planned for Wednesday.

"For the North Korean issue, I’d like to underscore the importance of achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization, as well as the abandonment of missile programs of North Korea," Abe told Trump.

Abe also obtained an agreement from Trump to bring up the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, a highly emotive issue for the Japanese.

'IT'S POSSIBLE THINGS WON'T GO WELL'

Trump stressed that he and Abe were united.

"Japan and ourselves are locked, and we are very unified on the subject of North Korea," he said.

Trump said it was possible diplomatic efforts to arrange a Kim summit would fall short and if it did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions.

"It’s possible things won’t go well and we won’t have the meetings and we’ll just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken," he said.

Trump also backed efforts between South Korea and the North aimed at ending a state of war that has existed between the two countries since 1953.

"People don’t realize the Korean War has not ended. It’s going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that," he said.

TRADE AGENDA

Trump and Abe could use a successful summit to give themselves a political boost at home. Trump has been hounded by controversies linked to an investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, and Abe is struggling with declining popularity because of scandals over suspected cronyism.

Trump has forged close ties with Abe during his 15 months in power and the two have bonded over rounds of golf during Abe's last visit to Florida more than a year ago and Trump's visit to Tokyo last November.

Japan fears Trump will try to link vital security matters with touchy trade topics. Tokyo is eager to avoid being pushed into talks on a two-way free trade agreement aimed not only at market access but at currency policies, something South Korea recently accepted when it renegotiated a trade deal with the United States.

Another irritant on trade is that Japan has not been given an exemption to tariffs on steel and aluminum exports to the United States, unlike the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

Pompeo travelled over the Easter weekend to discuss a planned summit with US President Donald Trump, who had said earlier that the US was talking to North Korea at 'extremely high levels'

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over the Easter weekend and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official ever known to have met with Kim and provided the strongest sign yet to Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader. Pompeo's conversations fueled Trump’s belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, but far from guaranteed, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip. The visit, a second U.S. official said, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks. Pompeo, one of Trump's most trusted advisers, returned to report that it was worth continuing to pursue the possibility of a summit, but added that no site had been selected from lists of options, and consequently no logistical arrangements had been made so far, the second official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump said earlier on Tuesday the United States was engaged in direct talks at "extremely high levels" with North Korea to try to set up a summit between him and Kim. He sowed some confusion by suggesting he had been speaking to Kim directly, but later clarified by saying: "Let's leave it a little bit short of the highest level." Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders added: "The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly.” Asked about Pompeo, she said: “The administration does not comment on the CIA director’s travel.” Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state this week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. Pompeo said the aim of the summit would be “an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons” and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps. Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official to visit North Korea since then-intelligence chief James Clapper in 2014. The news came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened two days of talks at the president's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen. Efforts to arrange the unprecedented meeting have helped ease tensions over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Kim has agreed to discuss denuclearization, according to U.S. and South Korean officials. "I really believe there’s a lot of goodwill a lot of good things are happening," Trump told reporters. "As I always say, we’ll see what happens, because ultimately it’s the end result that matters, not the fact that we’re thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting." MEETING SITE? Trump, who has exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year, said U.S. officials were looking at five locations for a meeting. Asked if any of those were in the United States, Trump replied: "No." A U.S. official said sites in Southeast Asia and Europe were among those under discussion. Kim has rarely left North Korea. Speculation has centered on a range of sites including Pyongyang, the demilitarized zone between the Koreas, Stockholm, Geneva and Mongolia. Talks between Trump and Abe are largely focused on the prospective summit as Japan seeks a U.S. commitment that any denuclearization deal with Kim will include not just long-range missiles but those that could be aimed at Japan. Reflecting the closeness of their ties, the Trump-Abe meetings included a walk around the carefully manicured grounds of the beachfront club and dinner on the patio with their wives. A round of golf was planned for Wednesday. "For the North Korean issue, I’d like to underscore the importance of achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization, as well as the abandonment of missile programs of North Korea," Abe told Trump. Abe also obtained an agreement from Trump to bring up the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, a highly emotive issue for the Japanese. 'IT'S POSSIBLE THINGS WON'T GO WELL' Trump stressed that he and Abe were united. "Japan and ourselves are locked, and we are very unified on the subject of North Korea," he said. Trump said it was possible diplomatic efforts to arrange a Kim summit would fall short and if it did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions. "It’s possible things won’t go well and we won’t have the meetings and we’ll just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken," he said. Trump also backed efforts between South Korea and the North aimed at ending a state of war that has existed between the two countries since 1953. "People don’t realize the Korean War has not ended. It’s going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that," he said. TRADE AGENDA Trump and Abe could use a successful summit to give themselves a political boost at home. Trump has been hounded by controversies linked to an investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, and Abe is struggling with declining popularity because of scandals over suspected cronyism. Trump has forged close ties with Abe during his 15 months in power and the two have bonded over rounds of golf during Abe's last visit to Florida more than a year ago and Trump's visit to Tokyo last November. Japan fears Trump will try to link vital security matters with touchy trade topics. Tokyo is eager to avoid being pushed into talks on a two-way free trade agreement aimed not only at market access but at currency policies, something South Korea recently accepted when it renegotiated a trade deal with the United States. Another irritant on trade is that Japan has not been given an exemption to tariffs on steel and aluminum exports to the United States, unlike the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

CIA chief made secret visit to North Korea and met Kim Jong-Un: US officials

China has various contingency plans and policy reserves to deal with trade frictions started by the United States, the country's top economic planner said on Wednesday.

The impact from trade frictions between China and the United States on China's macro economy is limited and manageable, Yan Pengcheng, spokesman for the National Development and Reform Commission, told a news conference.

Trade tensions have been escalating between the world's top two economies, leading to worries that Washington and Beijing may engage in a full-scale trade war that could damage global growth and roil markets.

The impact from trade frictions between China and the United States on China's macro economy is limited and manageable, Yan Pengcheng, spokesman for the National Development and Reform Commission, told a news conference

China has various contingency plans and policy reserves to deal with trade frictions started by the United States, the country's top economic planner said on Wednesday. The impact from trade frictions between China and the United States on China's macro economy is limited and manageable, Yan Pengcheng, spokesman for the National Development and Reform Commission, told a news conference. Trade tensions have been escalating between the world's top two economies, leading to worries that Washington and Beijing may engage in a full-scale trade war that could damage global growth and roil markets.

China has contingency plans to deal with US trade frictions: Top economic planner

US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley fired back at White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Tuesday over his remarks that she may have been confused over Washington's plans to impose more sanctions on Russia.&nbsp;

"With all due respect, I don't get confused," Haley, a member of President Donald Trump's cabinet, told Fox News.

Haley said on Sunday that Washington was preparing new sanctions on Russia over its support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, Trump delayed further action, according to a senior administration official.

Kudlow said of Haley on Tuesday: "She's doing a great job, she's a very effective ambassador. There might have been some momentary confusion about that."

"I think the issue here is we have a set of sanctions and additional sanctions are under consideration but have not been determined," Kudlow told a briefing at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump was meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for two days of talks.

He said there was no confusion in the White House approach toward Moscow.

A senior administration official said on Monday that Trump was unlikely to approve them unless Moscow carried out a new cyber attack or some other provocation.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kudlow said of Haley on Tuesday: She's doing a great job, she's a very effective ambassador. There might have been some momentary confusion about that

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley fired back at White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Tuesday over his remarks that she may have been confused over Washington's plans to impose more sanctions on Russia. "With all due respect, I don't get confused," Haley, a member of President Donald Trump's cabinet, told Fox News. Haley said on Sunday that Washington was preparing new sanctions on Russia over its support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, Trump delayed further action, according to a senior administration official. Kudlow said of Haley on Tuesday: "She's doing a great job, she's a very effective ambassador. There might have been some momentary confusion about that." "I think the issue here is we have a set of sanctions and additional sanctions are under consideration but have not been determined," Kudlow told a briefing at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump was meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for two days of talks. He said there was no confusion in the White House approach toward Moscow. A senior administration official said on Monday that Trump was unlikely to approve them unless Moscow carried out a new cyber attack or some other provocation.

I don't get confused: Nikki Haley fires back at Kudlow over Russia

President Donald Trump today said the US was in direct talks with North Korea "at a very high level" ahead of his planned summit with Kim Jong-un.

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have not spoken directly, the White House said, but the US president confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" to prepare for a historic meeting between them.

The Washington Post reported that CIA director Mike Pompeo had met Kim on a secret trip to the North over the first weekend of April, shortly after he was nominated to be secretary of state.

Both the White House and the CIA declined to comment on the report.

The two countries were looking at five potential venues for the summit, "but it is not in the United States", Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago where he was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

"We've also started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels -- extremely high levels -- with North Korea," Trump said before a restricted bilateral meeting with Abe.

"I really believe there's a lot of goodwill.&nbsp;A lot of good things are happening. We'll see what happens. As I always say, we'll see what happens. Because ultimately, it's the end result that counts, not the fact that we're thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting," he said.

Asked about the location of the potential venues, Trump confirmed that they were outside the US.&nbsp;China, North Korea, South Korea, and Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas are seen as possible locations.

"We have not picked a site yet, but we've picked five sites where it's potentially going to be. We'll let you know fairly soon. Let's see what happens. We'll either have a very good meeting or we won't have a good meeting. Maybe we won't even have a meeting at all depending on what's going in," he said.

Panmunjom was the site of the signing of the 1953 armistice and will be the location of the April 27 summit between Kim and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in.

Officials from the two Koreas were to meet Wednesday in preparation, after Seoul's culture minister -- who sat next to Kim at a K-pop concert in Pyongyang earlier this month -- said Tuesday that Seoul "thinks that the inter-Korean summit should lead to the signing of a peace treaty".

The US president said irrespective of whether the meeting happens or not, there was mutual respect for each other between the two countries.

"I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un. And hopefully, that will be a success. Maybe it will be, and maybe it won't be. We don't know. But we will see what happens. But I can say this: They do respect us. We are respectful of them. We are going to see what happens," Trump said.&nbsp;In his remarks, Abe said prior to the small group discussion at the one-on-one session, the two leaders already had a very in-depth discussion focusing on the issue of North Korea and also the economic issues.

"On those two points, we actually successfully forged a mutual understanding. So, I'm very happy to see the outcome of our one-on-one discussion," he said. Abe said the planned meeting between South Korea and North Korea was made possible with the help of Trump who successfully pressured Pyongyang into softening its stance.

"Since the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, we have observed major change in terms of North Korea's behaviour. Background of this change is Donald's (Trump) unwavering conviction, as well as the determination that you demonstrated in addressing the issue of North Korea.&nbsp;So your stance made it possible to achieve this major change," he said.

"As a matter of fact, the US has the overwhelming military power in the world.? By using this strength, you have been effectively applying the overwhelming level of pressure against North Korea. And this, actually, successfully led to the outcome that we have already observed," Abe said.

The Japanese prime minister expressed hope that the US-North Korea summit meeting yield tangible progress toward resolving a wide range of issues, from nuclear issues, missile issues to the abductions issue.

"So this will be a historic meeting, and I certainly hope that there will be progress on these fronts," he said. Trump said he will bring up the abductees.&nbsp;

The US President also thanked the Chinese President Xi Jinping for playing a "constructive" role on the issue of North Korea.

"He's been incredibly generous.&nbsp;They have never been this way with the United States. I think they have more respect for us, perhaps our leadership, but for us than they've ever had before," he said.

"President Xi has been very strong on the border, much stronger than anyone thought they would be. I'd like them to be stronger on the border. But he has been at a level that nobody ever expected. The goods coming into North Korea have been cut down very substantially. As you know, 93 per cent of the goods coming into North Korea come through China, come through the border," Trump said.

'I really believe there's a lot of goodwill. A lot of good things are happening. We'll see what happens,' said Trump. He and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un are slated to meet soon

President Donald Trump today said the US was in direct talks with North Korea "at a very high level" ahead of his planned summit with Kim Jong-un. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have not spoken directly, the White House said, but the US president confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" to prepare for a historic meeting between them. The Washington Post reported that CIA director Mike Pompeo had met Kim on a secret trip to the North over the first weekend of April, shortly after he was nominated to be secretary of state. Both the White House and the CIA declined to comment on the report. The two countries were looking at five potential venues for the summit, "but it is not in the United States", Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago where he was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We've also started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels -- extremely high levels -- with North Korea," Trump said before a restricted bilateral meeting with Abe. "I really believe there's a lot of goodwill. A lot of good things are happening. We'll see what happens. As I always say, we'll see what happens. Because ultimately, it's the end result that counts, not the fact that we're thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting," he said. Asked about the location of the potential venues, Trump confirmed that they were outside the US. China, North Korea, South Korea, and Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas are seen as possible locations. "We have not picked a site yet, but we've picked five sites where it's potentially going to be. We'll let you know fairly soon. Let's see what happens. We'll either have a very good meeting or we won't have a good meeting. Maybe we won't even have a meeting at all depending on what's going in," he said. Panmunjom was the site of the signing of the 1953 armistice and will be the location of the April 27 summit between Kim and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in. Officials from the two Koreas were to meet Wednesday in preparation, after Seoul's culture minister -- who sat next to Kim at a K-pop concert in Pyongyang earlier this month -- said Tuesday that Seoul "thinks that the inter-Korean summit should lead to the signing of a peace treaty". The US president said irrespective of whether the meeting happens or not, there was mutual respect for each other between the two countries. "I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un. And hopefully, that will be a success. Maybe it will be, and maybe it won't be. We don't know. But we will see what happens. But I can say this: They do respect us. We are respectful of them. We are going to see what happens," Trump said. In his remarks, Abe said prior to the small group discussion at the one-on-one session, the two leaders already had a very in-depth discussion focusing on the issue of North Korea and also the economic issues. "On those two points, we actually successfully forged a mutual understanding. So, I'm very happy to see the outcome of our one-on-one discussion," he said. Abe said the planned meeting between South Korea and North Korea was made possible with the help of Trump who successfully pressured Pyongyang into softening its stance. "Since the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, we have observed major change in terms of North Korea's behaviour. Background of this change is Donald's (Trump) unwavering conviction, as well as the determination that you demonstrated in addressing the issue of North Korea. So your stance made it possible to achieve this major change," he said. "As a matter of fact, the US has the overwhelming military power in the world.? By using this strength, you have been effectively applying the overwhelming level of pressure against North Korea. And this, actually, successfully led to the outcome that we have already observed," Abe said. The Japanese prime minister expressed hope that the US-North Korea summit meeting yield tangible progress toward resolving a wide range of issues, from nuclear issues, missile issues to the abductions issue. "So this will be a historic meeting, and I certainly hope that there will be progress on these fronts," he said. Trump said he will bring up the abductees. The US President also thanked the Chinese President Xi Jinping for playing a "constructive" role on the issue of North Korea. "He's been incredibly generous. They have never been this way with the United States. I think they have more respect for us, perhaps our leadership, but for us than they've ever had before," he said. "President Xi has been very strong on the border, much stronger than anyone thought they would be. I'd like them to be stronger on the border. But he has been at a level that nobody ever expected. The goods coming into North Korea have been cut down very substantially. As you know, 93 per cent of the goods coming into North Korea come through China, come through the border," Trump said.

US in direct talks with North Korea 'at a very high level': Trump

The US will place "reciprocal restrictions" on the movement of Pakistani diplomats in the country from May 1, forcing them to stay within 40 kms of the city they are posted in, according to media reports.

The US' move came after Pakistan imposed restrictions on American diplomats in the country and barred them from visiting the tribal belt and Karachi.

Pakistani officials, however, had argued that those were not restrictions but security measures intended to protect American diplomats.

The US is doing so as Islamabad has already imposed similar restrictions on US diplomats in Pakistan, the DawnNews reported quoting a senior State Department official.

In an interview with the Voice of America's Uzbek service, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon said, "Typically, these kinds of restrictions are reciprocal in nature, so I'll just leave it at that."&nbsp

He was asked if the US government was going to restrict the movement of Pakistani diplomats in the country.

Asked if the Trump administration had notified the Pakistani government, the senior US official said: "Our diplomats are under travel restrictions. They can travel further, but they have to notify the government of Pakistan."

Shannon tried to downplay the impact of the US decision by adding that such practices were "very common in diplomacy", and instead of focusing on this the need was to look at the continued engagement between the two countries, the Dawn reported.

According to earlier media reports, the Trump administration had notified Pakistan recently that from May 1, diplomats at their embassy in Washington and at consulates in other cities would not be able to travel beyond 40 km of their offices without permission.

According to this notification, diplomats would need to apply for permission at least five days ahead of an intended travel outside the imposed 40km radius.

Officials from both the countries, the US and Pakistan, however, have made it clear that the notice had nothing to do with the case of an American military attache at the US embassy in Islamabad, who is charged with causing the death of a Pakistani national and injuring another in a road accident.

Islamabad has already imposed similar restrictions on US diplomats in Pakistan

The US will place "reciprocal restrictions" on the movement of Pakistani diplomats in the country from May 1, forcing them to stay within 40 kms of the city they are posted in, according to media reports. The US' move came after Pakistan imposed restrictions on American diplomats in the country and barred them from visiting the tribal belt and Karachi. Pakistani officials, however, had argued that those were not restrictions but security measures intended to protect American diplomats. The US is doing so as Islamabad has already imposed similar restrictions on US diplomats in Pakistan, the DawnNews reported quoting a senior State Department official. In an interview with the Voice of America's Uzbek service, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon said, "Typically, these kinds of restrictions are reciprocal in nature, so I'll just leave it at that." He was asked if the US government was going to restrict the movement of Pakistani diplomats in the country. Asked if the Trump administration had notified the Pakistani government, the senior US official said: "Our diplomats are under travel restrictions. They can travel further, but they have to notify the government of Pakistan." Shannon tried to downplay the impact of the US decision by adding that such practices were "very common in diplomacy", and instead of focusing on this the need was to look at the continued engagement between the two countries, the Dawn reported. According to earlier media reports, the Trump administration had notified Pakistan recently that from May 1, diplomats at their embassy in Washington and at consulates in other cities would not be able to travel beyond 40 km of their offices without permission. According to this notification, diplomats would need to apply for permission at least five days ahead of an intended travel outside the imposed 40km radius. Officials from both the countries, the US and Pakistan, however, have made it clear that the notice had nothing to do with the case of an American military attache at the US embassy in Islamabad, who is charged with causing the death of a Pakistani national and injuring another in a road accident.

US to restrict movement of Pakistani diplomats from May 1

South Korea said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement, as U.S. officials confirmed an unprecedented top-level meeting with the North Korean leader.

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo became the most senior U.S. official known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang at the end of March to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Pompeo's visit provided the strongest sign yet about Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader.

At the same time, old rivals North Korea and South Korea are preparing for their own summit, between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor in talks.

"As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsula's armistice to a peace regime," a high-ranking South Korean presidential official told reporters when asked about the North-South summit.

"But that's not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea," the official said.

South Korea and a U.S.-led U.N. force are technically still at war with North Korea after the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The U.S.-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party.

"I do not know if any joint statement to be reached at the inter-Korean summit would include wording about ending the war, but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North," the official said.

Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable at the end of last year, after months of escalating tension, and fear of war, over the North's nuclear and missile programmes.

But then Kim declared in a New Year's speech his country was "a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power" and called for lower military tension and improved ties with the South.

He also said he was considering sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, a visit that began a succession of steps to improve ties.

Pompeo's visit to the North was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks, a U.S. official said.

Pompeo flew from a U.S. air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with the South's defence ministry said. The South's presidential office declined to comment on the trip.

Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping also planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had no information about any Xi visit to North Korea.

"What I can stress is that China and North Korea have a tradition of high level mutual visits," she told reporters.

"China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with North Korea, deepen strategic communications, expand talks and cooperation, and to bring out the important leading role of high-level contact in China-North Korea relations."

Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war.

"People don't realise the Korean War has not ended," Trump told reporters.

"It's going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that."

Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen.

If the summit did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on North Korea through sanctions, he said.

Nevertheless, Pompeo's conversations in North Korea had fuelled Trump's belief that productive negotiations were possible, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip.

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo became the most senior U.S. official known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang at the end of March to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump

South Korea said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement, as U.S. officials confirmed an unprecedented top-level meeting with the North Korean leader. U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo became the most senior U.S. official known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang at the end of March to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Pompeo's visit provided the strongest sign yet about Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader. At the same time, old rivals North Korea and South Korea are preparing for their own summit, between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor in talks. "As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsula's armistice to a peace regime," a high-ranking South Korean presidential official told reporters when asked about the North-South summit. "But that's not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea," the official said. South Korea and a U.S.-led U.N. force are technically still at war with North Korea after the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The U.S.-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party. "I do not know if any joint statement to be reached at the inter-Korean summit would include wording about ending the war, but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North," the official said. Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable at the end of last year, after months of escalating tension, and fear of war, over the North's nuclear and missile programmes. But then Kim declared in a New Year's speech his country was "a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power" and called for lower military tension and improved ties with the South. He also said he was considering sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, a visit that began a succession of steps to improve ties. Pompeo's visit to the North was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks, a U.S. official said. Pompeo flew from a U.S. air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with the South's defence ministry said. The South's presidential office declined to comment on the trip. Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping also planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had no information about any Xi visit to North Korea. "What I can stress is that China and North Korea have a tradition of high level mutual visits," she told reporters. "China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with North Korea, deepen strategic communications, expand talks and cooperation, and to bring out the important leading role of high-level contact in China-North Korea relations." Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war. "People don't realise the Korean War has not ended," Trump told reporters. "It's going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that." Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen. If the summit did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on North Korea through sanctions, he said. Nevertheless, Pompeo's conversations in North Korea had fuelled Trump's belief that productive negotiations were possible, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip.

South Korea says discussing peace deal with North Korea ahead of summit

The United States accused Russia on Monday of blocking international inspectors from reaching the site of a suspected poison gas attack in Syria and said Russians or Syrians may have tampered with evidence on the ground.

Moscow denied the charge and blamed delays on retaliatory U.S.-led missile strikes on Syria on Saturday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism from political opponents over their decisions to take part in the air strikes.

Syria and Russia deny unleashing poison gas on April 7 during their offensive on Douma, which ended with the recapture of the town that had been the last rebel stronghold near the capital, Damascus.

Relief organisations say dozens of men, women and children were killed. Footage of young victims foaming at the mouth and weeping in agony has thrust Syria's civil war - in which half a million people have been killed in the past seven years - to the forefront of world concern again.

Inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) travelled to Syria last week to inspect the site, but have yet to gain access to Douma, which is now under government control after the rebels withdrew.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chemical-weapons-inspectors-how-do-they-work-130954">How do chemical weapons inspectors work?&nbsp;</a>

"It is our understanding the Russians may have visited the attack site," U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Ward said at an OPCW meeting in The Hague on Monday.

"It is our concern that they may have tampered with it with the intent of thwarting the efforts of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission to conduct an effective investigation," he said. His comments at the closed-door meeting were obtained by Reuters.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied Moscow had interfered with any evidence. "I can guarantee that Russia has not tampered with the site," he told the BBC.

Increasing regional jitters, Syrian anti-aircraft defences shot down missiles fired at the Syrian air base of Shayrat in Homs province, Syrian state television said.

The Pentagon said there was no U.S. military activity in that area "at this time".

Separately, the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia said Syrian air defences intercepted three missiles aimed at Dumair military airport northeast of Damascus.

An Israeli military spokesman said: "We don't comment on such reports".

TRUMP WANTS US&nbsp;TROOPS HOME

Two days after the missile strikes that he hailed as a well-executed military operation, President Donald Trump still wants to bring the small number of U.S. troops in northern Syria home, the White House said.

But spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said he had not set a timeline for a pullout. Trump was also willing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, she added, while indicating that no such encounter was imminent.

Britain's delegation to the OPCW accused Russia and the Assad government of stopping inspectors from reaching Douma.

"Unfettered access is essential," it said in a statement. "Russia and Syria must cooperate."

The team aims to collect samples, interview witnesses and document evidence to determine whether banned toxic munitions were used, although it is not permitted to assign blame for the attack.

British Ambassador Peter Wilson said in The Hague that the United Nations had cleared the inspectors to go but they had been unable to reach Douma because Syria and Russia had been unable to guarantee their safety.

Moscow blamed the delay on the air strikes, in which the United States, France and Britain targeted what the Pentagon said were three chemical weapons facilities.

"We called for an objective investigation. This was at the very beginning after this information (of the attack) appeared. Therefore allegations of this towards Russia are groundless," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

A Russian defence ministry official said later the OPCW experts would travel to Douma on Wednesday.

Russia's defence ministry said the United States and its allies had hit military targets and not just research facilities, Interfax news agency reported.

The RIA news agency quoted the ministry as saying the Syrian military destroyed 71 out of 103 cruise missiles detected in Syrian airspace.

The inspectors met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in the presence of Russian officers and a senior Syrian security official in Damascus for about three hours on Sunday.

OPCW inspectors have been attacked on two previous missions to the sites of chemical weapons attacks in Syria.

Syrian flags flew in Douma on Monday, security forces stood on street corners and Russian military police patrolled the streets. State aid trucks handed out bread, rice and pasta to people who had lived under siege for years.

A government-organised media tour did not include the building where, according to rescue workers and medics who were in town at the time, dozens of people were killed by poison gas.

Doctors at the hospital where suspected victims were treated told reporters on the tour that none of the patients that night had suffered chemical weapons injuries - they were asphyxiated by dust and smoke in a bombardment.

Medical aid groups and the White Helmets rescue organisation have said such statements - already aired on state television in recent days - were made under duress.

'RIGHT THING TO DO'

The U.S.-led strikes did nothing to alter the strategic balance or dent Assad's supremacy, and the Western allies have said the aim was to prevent the further use of chemical weapons, not to intervene in the civil war or topple Assad.

At a meeting in Luxembourg, the 28 EU foreign ministers endorsed the missile strikes and considered steps to deepen Assad's isolation.

Britain's May told parliament the decision to conduct air strikes against Syria was in the British national interest and not as a result of pressure from Trump.

"We have not done this because President Trump asked us to, we have done it because we believed it was the right thing to do, and we are not alone. There is broad-based international support for the action we have taken," May said.

May has said she did not seek a green light from parliament for the attacks, citing the need to act quickly.

The US added the Russians or Syrians may have tampered with evidence on the ground in Douma

The United States accused Russia on Monday of blocking international inspectors from reaching the site of a suspected poison gas attack in Syria and said Russians or Syrians may have tampered with evidence on the ground. Moscow denied the charge and blamed delays on retaliatory U.S.-led missile strikes on Syria on Saturday. British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism from political opponents over their decisions to take part in the air strikes. Syria and Russia deny unleashing poison gas on April 7 during their offensive on Douma, which ended with the recapture of the town that had been the last rebel stronghold near the capital, Damascus. Relief organisations say dozens of men, women and children were killed. Footage of young victims foaming at the mouth and weeping in agony has thrust Syria's civil war - in which half a million people have been killed in the past seven years - to the forefront of world concern again. Inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) travelled to Syria last week to inspect the site, but have yet to gain access to Douma, which is now under government control after the rebels withdrew. Also read: How do chemical weapons inspectors work? "It is our understanding the Russians may have visited the attack site," U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Ward said at an OPCW meeting in The Hague on Monday. "It is our concern that they may have tampered with it with the intent of thwarting the efforts of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission to conduct an effective investigation," he said. His comments at the closed-door meeting were obtained by Reuters. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied Moscow had interfered with any evidence. "I can guarantee that Russia has not tampered with the site," he told the BBC. Increasing regional jitters, Syrian anti-aircraft defences shot down missiles fired at the Syrian air base of Shayrat in Homs province, Syrian state television said. The Pentagon said there was no U.S. military activity in that area "at this time". Separately, the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia said Syrian air defences intercepted three missiles aimed at Dumair military airport northeast of Damascus. An Israeli military spokesman said: "We don't comment on such reports". TRUMP WANTS US TROOPS HOME Two days after the missile strikes that he hailed as a well-executed military operation, President Donald Trump still wants to bring the small number of U.S. troops in northern Syria home, the White House said. But spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said he had not set a timeline for a pullout. Trump was also willing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, she added, while indicating that no such encounter was imminent. Britain's delegation to the OPCW accused Russia and the Assad government of stopping inspectors from reaching Douma. "Unfettered access is essential," it said in a statement. "Russia and Syria must cooperate." The team aims to collect samples, interview witnesses and document evidence to determine whether banned toxic munitions were used, although it is not permitted to assign blame for the attack. British Ambassador Peter Wilson said in The Hague that the United Nations had cleared the inspectors to go but they had been unable to reach Douma because Syria and Russia had been unable to guarantee their safety. Moscow blamed the delay on the air strikes, in which the United States, France and Britain targeted what the Pentagon said were three chemical weapons facilities. "We called for an objective investigation. This was at the very beginning after this information (of the attack) appeared. Therefore allegations of this towards Russia are groundless," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. A Russian defence ministry official said later the OPCW experts would travel to Douma on Wednesday. Russia's defence ministry said the United States and its allies had hit military targets and not just research facilities, Interfax news agency reported. The RIA news agency quoted the ministry as saying the Syrian military destroyed 71 out of 103 cruise missiles detected in Syrian airspace. The inspectors met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in the presence of Russian officers and a senior Syrian security official in Damascus for about three hours on Sunday. OPCW inspectors have been attacked on two previous missions to the sites of chemical weapons attacks in Syria. Syrian flags flew in Douma on Monday, security forces stood on street corners and Russian military police patrolled the streets. State aid trucks handed out bread, rice and pasta to people who had lived under siege for years. A government-organised media tour did not include the building where, according to rescue workers and medics who were in town at the time, dozens of people were killed by poison gas. Doctors at the hospital where suspected victims were treated told reporters on the tour that none of the patients that night had suffered chemical weapons injuries - they were asphyxiated by dust and smoke in a bombardment. Medical aid groups and the White Helmets rescue organisation have said such statements - already aired on state television in recent days - were made under duress. 'RIGHT THING TO DO' The U.S.-led strikes did nothing to alter the strategic balance or dent Assad's supremacy, and the Western allies have said the aim was to prevent the further use of chemical weapons, not to intervene in the civil war or topple Assad. At a meeting in Luxembourg, the 28 EU foreign ministers endorsed the missile strikes and considered steps to deepen Assad's isolation. Britain's May told parliament the decision to conduct air strikes against Syria was in the British national interest and not as a result of pressure from Trump. "We have not done this because President Trump asked us to, we have done it because we believed it was the right thing to do, and we are not alone. There is broad-based international support for the action we have taken," May said. May has said she did not seek a green light from parliament for the attacks, citing the need to act quickly.

Russia blocking international inspectors from reaching suspected Syria chemical attack site: US

Syrian anti-aircraft defences shot down missiles fired at the Syrian air base of Shayrat in Homs province late on Monday and another base northeast of the capital, Damascus, Syria's state television and pro-Iranian Hezbollah media said.

State television showed pictures of a missile that was shot in the air above the air base only days after a U.S., British and French attack on Syrian targets in retaliation for a suspected chemical attack on the city of Douma on the outskirts of Damascus.

State television did not mention three missiles that were fired at Dumair military airport, northeast of Damascus, that pro-Iranian Hezbollah's media service reported were intercepted by Syrian air defences.

Opposition sources say Dumair airport is a major air base used in a large-scale military campaign waged by the Syrian army with Russian firepower that regained eastern Ghouta, a rebel enclave on the outskirts of Damascus.

A Pentagon spokesman said there was no U.S. military activity in that area at this time.

Asked about the missile attack, an Israeli military spokesman said: "We don't comment on such reports."

Shayrat air base was targeted last year in a U.S. cruise missile attack in response to a chemical attack that killed at least 70 people, including children, on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun.

Israel has struck Syrian army locations many times in the course of the conflict, hitting convoys and bases of Iranian-backed militias that fight alongside Syrian President Bashar al- Assad's forces.

Israel has long said Iran was expanding its influence in a belt of territory that stretches from the Iraqi border to the Lebanese border, where Israel says Iran supplies Hezbollah with arms.

Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias have a large military presence in Syria and are well entrenched in central and eastern areas near the Iraqi border.

State television showed pictures of a missile that was shot in the air above the air base only days after a US, British and French attack on Syrian targets in retaliation for a suspected chemical attack on the city of Douma on the outskirts of Damascus

Syrian anti-aircraft defences shot down missiles fired at the Syrian air base of Shayrat in Homs province late on Monday and another base northeast of the capital, Damascus, Syria's state television and pro-Iranian Hezbollah media said. State television showed pictures of a missile that was shot in the air above the air base only days after a U.S., British and French attack on Syrian targets in retaliation for a suspected chemical attack on the city of Douma on the outskirts of Damascus. State television did not mention three missiles that were fired at Dumair military airport, northeast of Damascus, that pro-Iranian Hezbollah's media service reported were intercepted by Syrian air defences. Opposition sources say Dumair airport is a major air base used in a large-scale military campaign waged by the Syrian army with Russian firepower that regained eastern Ghouta, a rebel enclave on the outskirts of Damascus. A Pentagon spokesman said there was no U.S. military activity in that area at this time. Asked about the missile attack, an Israeli military spokesman said: "We don't comment on such reports." Shayrat air base was targeted last year in a U.S. cruise missile attack in response to a chemical attack that killed at least 70 people, including children, on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun. Israel has struck Syrian army locations many times in the course of the conflict, hitting convoys and bases of Iranian-backed militias that fight alongside Syrian President Bashar al- Assad's forces. Israel has long said Iran was expanding its influence in a belt of territory that stretches from the Iraqi border to the Lebanese border, where Israel says Iran supplies Hezbollah with arms. Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias have a large military presence in Syria and are well entrenched in central and eastern areas near the Iraqi border.

Syrian air defences shoot down missiles over two air bases in Homs: State TV

Germany's role in the Syrian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-us-france-says-highly-likely-evidence-will-be-removed-from-syria-attack-site-131026">peace process must be to </a>secure the channels of communication with Russia that are necessary to achieve a political solution to the country's seven-year-old civil war, foreign minister Heiko Maas said on Tuesday.

Maas's remarks came as Western foreign ministers braced for another round of diplomacy on the conflict at a Toronto summit this weekend, from which Russia, the strongest international backer of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, will be absent.

Germany backed missile strikes by the United States, Britain and France against Syrian targets over the suspected use of chemical weapons by Assad's forces, but also wants to avoid further isolating Russia, despite a sharp cooling in relations.

"The aim we are pursuing in the foreign ministry is to keep Germany an appreciable part of the peace initiative," Maas told a joint news conference with visiting Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland.

"The aim ... is that in our role we can be the ones who can prop open the window for dialogue with Russia," he added.

Since taking office earlier this year, Maas, a Social Democrat, has spearheaded a harsher line towards Moscow, one which has divided his party, which sees itself as the heir to Germany's pioneering "Ostpolitik" policy of opening up to the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

"We have to use this moment to get the political process going again," he added. "We also need Russia for this dialogue."

Since taking office earlier this year, Maas, a Social Democrat, has spearheaded a harsher line towards Moscow.

Germany's role in the Syrian peace process must be to secure the channels of communication with Russia that are necessary to achieve a political solution to the country's seven-year-old civil war, foreign minister Heiko Maas said on Tuesday. Maas's remarks came as Western foreign ministers braced for another round of diplomacy on the conflict at a Toronto summit this weekend, from which Russia, the strongest international backer of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, will be absent. Germany backed missile strikes by the United States, Britain and France against Syrian targets over the suspected use of chemical weapons by Assad's forces, but also wants to avoid further isolating Russia, despite a sharp cooling in relations. "The aim we are pursuing in the foreign ministry is to keep Germany an appreciable part of the peace initiative," Maas told a joint news conference with visiting Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland. "The aim ... is that in our role we can be the ones who can prop open the window for dialogue with Russia," he added. Since taking office earlier this year, Maas, a Social Democrat, has spearheaded a harsher line towards Moscow, one which has divided his party, which sees itself as the heir to Germany's pioneering "Ostpolitik" policy of opening up to the Soviet Union in the 1970s. "We have to use this moment to get the political process going again," he added. "We also need Russia for this dialogue."

Syria strikes: 'Can open window for dialogue with Russia,' says German foreign minister

The United States is preparing new sanctions on Russia over its continued support of Syrian President Bashar-al Assad, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said Sunday.

In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," Haley said that the sanctions would be announced Monday by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. "They will go directly to any sort of companies that were dealing with equipment related to Assad and chemical weapons use," Haley said.

Haley said that the sanctions would be announced Monday by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin

The United States is preparing new sanctions on Russia over its continued support of Syrian President Bashar-al Assad, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said Sunday. In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," Haley said that the sanctions would be announced Monday by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. "They will go directly to any sort of companies that were dealing with equipment related to Assad and chemical weapons use," Haley said.

US preparing new sanctions on Russia over Syria, says Nikki Haley

A visit by chemical weapons inspectors to the site of a suspected gas attack in Syria was delayed on Monday, British and Russian officials said, as Western powers and Russia traded accusations in the aftermath of retaliatory US-led missile strikes.

Moscow, the main ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, on Sunday condemned the United States, Britain and France for refusing to wait for the findings of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) inspection team on the alleged attack on Douma before they launched the strikes.

OPCW inspectors arrived in Damascus on Saturday and had planned to head to Douma, on the outskirts of the capital, on Monday. But the British delegation to the OPCW said Russia and Syria had not yet allowed inspectors access to Douma.

Britain's Ambassador Peter Wilson said at a news conference in The Hague that the United Nations had cleared the inspectors to go but they had been unable to reach Douma because Syria and Russia had been unable to guarantee their safety.

"Unfettered access (is) essential," a British statement said. "Russia and Syria must cooperate."

Russia's deputy foreign minister said the delay was due to the Western strikes.

The US&nbspenvoy to the global watchdog said Russia may have tampered with the site of the April 7 attack, which aid organisations say killed dozens of men, women and children.

"It is long overdue that this council condemns the Syrian government for its reign of chemical terror and demands international accountability of those responsible for these heinous acts," US&nbspAmbassador Kenneth Ward said in comments seen by Reuters.

The inspectors for the Hague-based OPCW met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in the presence of Russian officers and a senior Syrian security official in Damascus for about three hours on Sunday.

Washington, meanwhile, prepared to increase pressure on Russia with new economic sanctions, and European Union foreign ministers threatened similar measures.

In London and Paris, British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism from political opponents over their decisions to take part in the air strikes against Syria.

Horrible, miserable

The United States, France and Britain launched 105 missiles targeting what the Pentagon said were three chemical weapons facilities in Syria in retaliation for the suspected poison gas attack in Douma.

The Western countries blame Assad for the attack, which thrust Syria's seven-year-old conflict into the forefront of global concern once again and heightened a diplomatic confrontation with the Kremlin. The Syrian government and its Russian ally deny involvement in any such incident.

Douma, in the eastern Goutha district, was one of the last bastions near Damascus of rebels fighting to topple Assad, and the alleged attack took place amid a ferocious government offensive.

In the aftermath, the remnants of a rebel army evacuated, handing Assad one of the biggest victories in a war that has killed about half a million people and laid waste to whole cities.

The US-led strikes did nothing to alter the strategic balance or dent Assad's supremacy and the Western allies have said the aim was to prevent the further use of chemical weapons, not to intervene in the civil war or topple Assad.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson made this clear on Monday as he arrived at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, telling reporters: "I'm afraid the Syrian war will go on in its horrible, miserable way. But it was the world saying that we've had enough of the use of chemical weapons."

The 28 ministers endorsed the missile strikes and considered steps to deepen Assad's isolation.

"The European Union will continue to consider further restrictive measures against Syria as long as the repression continues," they said in a statement after their talks.

The US&nbspambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said on Sunday the United States would announce new economic sanctions aimed at companies dealing with equipment related to Assad's alleged use of chemical weapons.

Responding to Haley's remarks, Evgeny Serebrennikov, deputy head of a Russian parliamentary defence committee, said Moscow was ready for the penalties.

"They are hard for us, but will do more damage to the USA and Europe," RIA news agency quoted Serebrennikov as saying.

Although US&nbspPresident Donald Trump had declared: "Mission accomplished" after the strikes, US&nbspLieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie at the Pentagon acknowledged that elements of the program remained and he could not guarantee that Syria would be unable to conduct a chemical attack in the future.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, which fights alongside the Syrian army, said the US&nbspmilitary had kept its strikes limited because it knew a wider attack would bring retaliation from Damascus and its allies and inflame the region.

Domestic opposition

The Western leaders were also facing scrutiny at home over their actions.

Britain's May will make a statement to parliament on Monday on her decision and will repeat her assertion that Assad's forces were highly likely responsible for the attack.

The allies could not wait "to alleviate further humanitarian suffering caused by chemical weapons attacks", according to excerpts of her speech.

But she will be questioned over why she did not seek parliamentary approval for the action, a decision that she and her ministers say was driven by the need to act quickly.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, has questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement.

Britain has said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria, but Johnson warned Assad that all options would be considered if chemical weapons were used against Syrians again.

In France, the conservatives, the far-left and the far-right have all criticised the strikes.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Monday will respond to their criticism in a debate in parliament on Monday afternoon. The French Constitution bars presidents from going to parliament and President Emmanuel Macron will therefore not be questioned by law-makers.

A visit by chemical weapons inspectors to the site of a suspected gas attack in Syria was delayed on Monday, British and Russian officials said, as Western powers and Russia traded accusations in the aftermath of retaliatory US-led missile strikes

A visit by chemical weapons inspectors to the site of a suspected gas attack in Syria was delayed on Monday, British and Russian officials said, as Western powers and Russia traded accusations in the aftermath of retaliatory US-led missile strikes. Moscow, the main ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, on Sunday condemned the United States, Britain and France for refusing to wait for the findings of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) inspection team on the alleged attack on Douma before they launched the strikes. OPCW inspectors arrived in Damascus on Saturday and had planned to head to Douma, on the outskirts of the capital, on Monday. But the British delegation to the OPCW said Russia and Syria had not yet allowed inspectors access to Douma. Britain's Ambassador Peter Wilson said at a news conference in The Hague that the United Nations had cleared the inspectors to go but they had been unable to reach Douma because Syria and Russia had been unable to guarantee their safety. "Unfettered access (is) essential," a British statement said. "Russia and Syria must cooperate." Russia's deputy foreign minister said the delay was due to the Western strikes. The US&nbspenvoy to the global watchdog said Russia may have tampered with the site of the April 7 attack, which aid organisations say killed dozens of men, women and children. "It is long overdue that this council condemns the Syrian government for its reign of chemical terror and demands international accountability of those responsible for these heinous acts," US&nbspAmbassador Kenneth Ward said in comments seen by Reuters. The inspectors for the Hague-based OPCW met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in the presence of Russian officers and a senior Syrian security official in Damascus for about three hours on Sunday. Washington, meanwhile, prepared to increase pressure on Russia with new economic sanctions, and European Union foreign ministers threatened similar measures. In London and Paris, British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism from political opponents over their decisions to take part in the air strikes against Syria. Horrible, miserable The United States, France and Britain launched 105 missiles targeting what the Pentagon said were three chemical weapons facilities in Syria in retaliation for the suspected poison gas attack in Douma. The Western countries blame Assad for the attack, which thrust Syria's seven-year-old conflict into the forefront of global concern once again and heightened a diplomatic confrontation with the Kremlin. The Syrian government and its Russian ally deny involvement in any such incident. Douma, in the eastern Goutha district, was one of the last bastions near Damascus of rebels fighting to topple Assad, and the alleged attack took place amid a ferocious government offensive. In the aftermath, the remnants of a rebel army evacuated, handing Assad one of the biggest victories in a war that has killed about half a million people and laid waste to whole cities. The US-led strikes did nothing to alter the strategic balance or dent Assad's supremacy and the Western allies have said the aim was to prevent the further use of chemical weapons, not to intervene in the civil war or topple Assad. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson made this clear on Monday as he arrived at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, telling reporters: "I'm afraid the Syrian war will go on in its horrible, miserable way. But it was the world saying that we've had enough of the use of chemical weapons." The 28 ministers endorsed the missile strikes and considered steps to deepen Assad's isolation. "The European Union will continue to consider further restrictive measures against Syria as long as the repression continues," they said in a statement after their talks. The US&nbspambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said on Sunday the United States would announce new economic sanctions aimed at companies dealing with equipment related to Assad's alleged use of chemical weapons. Responding to Haley's remarks, Evgeny Serebrennikov, deputy head of a Russian parliamentary defence committee, said Moscow was ready for the penalties. "They are hard for us, but will do more damage to the USA and Europe," RIA news agency quoted Serebrennikov as saying. Although US&nbspPresident Donald Trump had declared: "Mission accomplished" after the strikes, US&nbspLieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie at the Pentagon acknowledged that elements of the program remained and he could not guarantee that Syria would be unable to conduct a chemical attack in the future. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, which fights alongside the Syrian army, said the US&nbspmilitary had kept its strikes limited because it knew a wider attack would bring retaliation from Damascus and its allies and inflame the region. Domestic opposition The Western leaders were also facing scrutiny at home over their actions. Britain's May will make a statement to parliament on Monday on her decision and will repeat her assertion that Assad's forces were highly likely responsible for the attack. The allies could not wait "to alleviate further humanitarian suffering caused by chemical weapons attacks", according to excerpts of her speech. But she will be questioned over why she did not seek parliamentary approval for the action, a decision that she and her ministers say was driven by the need to act quickly. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, has questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement. Britain has said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria, but Johnson warned Assad that all options would be considered if chemical weapons were used against Syrians again. In France, the conservatives, the far-left and the far-right have all criticised the strikes. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Monday will respond to their criticism in a debate in parliament on Monday afternoon. The French Constitution bars presidents from going to parliament and President Emmanuel Macron will therefore not be questioned by law-makers.

Inspectors' visit to suspected Syria gas attack site delayed

Former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by US President Donald Trump last year, will release his highly anticipated memoir on Tuesday. Some US media organizations have already been reporting excerpts from the book.

"A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership", comes almost a year after Comey's dismissal, which raised questions about whether Trump tried to interfere with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's probe into Russia's alleged meddling with the US presidential election.

Russia denies any interference, and Trump has denied collusion with Russia and interfering with the investigation.

In addition to reflections on Comey's interactions with Trump last year, the book will feature anecdotes from his role in leading an investigation into the use of a private email server by Democrat Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign.

Comey's announcement that the FBI was reopening the Clinton email investigation days before the November election led to accusations by some Democrats that he was unfairly influencing the outcome. The FBI eventually closed the probe without taking any action.

Comey said his assumption that Hillary Clinton would win the 2016 presidential election was a factor in opening an inquiry into her emails, according to part of an ABC interview broadcast on Saturday.

The controversy involved Clinton’s use of a private email server for official correspondence when she was secretary of state under then-President Barack Obama, including for messages that were later determined to contain classified information.

Although the FBI ultimately decided not to refer Clinton’s case for prosecution, Democrats said Comey’s announcement damaged her with voters right before the election, and he faced complaints that his moves were politically motivated.

"I don’t remember consciously thinking about that, but it must have been because I was operating in a world where Hillary Clinton was going to beat Donald Trump, and so I’m sure that it was a factor,” Comey said in an excerpt of an interview aired on Saturday.

"I don’t remember spelling it out, but it had to have been, that she’s going to be elected president and if I hide this from the American people, she’ll be illegitimate the moment she’s elected, the moment this comes out," Comey added.

Trump, who criticized Comey repeatedly before and after he fired him, denounced him on Twitter on Friday: "James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR," he said.

"I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His "memos" are self-serving and FAKE!" Trump tweeted.

Trump fired Comey last May, setting off a firestorm, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation was probing possible connections between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia's meddling in the American elections.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Unbelievably, James Comey states that Polls, where Crooked Hillary was leading, were a factor in the handling (stupidly) of the Clinton Email probe. In other words, he was making decisions based on the fact that he thought she was going to win, and he wanted a job. Slimeball!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985483513704124416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The big questions in Comey’s badly reviewed book aren’t answered like, how come he gave up Classified Information (jail), why did he lie to Congress (jail), why did the DNC refuse to give Server to the FBI (why didn’t they TAKE it), why the phony memos, McCabe’s $700,000 & more?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985487209510948864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I never asked Comey for Personal Loyalty. I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His “memos” are self serving and FAKE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985496023555608576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985504808646971392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In addition to reflections on Comey's interactions with Trump last year, the book will feature anecdotes from his role in leading an investigation into the use of a private email server by Democrat Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign

Former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by US President Donald Trump last year, will release his highly anticipated memoir on Tuesday. Some US media organizations have already been reporting excerpts from the book. "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership", comes almost a year after Comey's dismissal, which raised questions about whether Trump tried to interfere with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's probe into Russia's alleged meddling with the US presidential election. Russia denies any interference, and Trump has denied collusion with Russia and interfering with the investigation. In addition to reflections on Comey's interactions with Trump last year, the book will feature anecdotes from his role in leading an investigation into the use of a private email server by Democrat Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign. Comey's announcement that the FBI was reopening the Clinton email investigation days before the November election led to accusations by some Democrats that he was unfairly influencing the outcome. The FBI eventually closed the probe without taking any action. Comey said his assumption that Hillary Clinton would win the 2016 presidential election was a factor in opening an inquiry into her emails, according to part of an ABC interview broadcast on Saturday. The controversy involved Clinton’s use of a private email server for official correspondence when she was secretary of state under then-President Barack Obama, including for messages that were later determined to contain classified information. Although the FBI ultimately decided not to refer Clinton’s case for prosecution, Democrats said Comey’s announcement damaged her with voters right before the election, and he faced complaints that his moves were politically motivated. "I don’t remember consciously thinking about that, but it must have been because I was operating in a world where Hillary Clinton was going to beat Donald Trump, and so I’m sure that it was a factor,” Comey said in an excerpt of an interview aired on Saturday. "I don’t remember spelling it out, but it had to have been, that she’s going to be elected president and if I hide this from the American people, she’ll be illegitimate the moment she’s elected, the moment this comes out," Comey added. Trump, who criticized Comey repeatedly before and after he fired him, denounced him on Twitter on Friday: "James Comey is a proven LEAKER & LIAR," he said. "I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His "memos" are self-serving and FAKE!" Trump tweeted. Trump fired Comey last May, setting off a firestorm, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation was probing possible connections between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia's meddling in the American elections. Unbelievably, James Comey states that Polls, where Crooked Hillary was leading, were a factor in the handling (stupidly) of the Clinton Email probe. In other words, he was making decisions based on the fact that he thought she was going to win, and he wanted a job. Slimeball! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2018 × The big questions in Comey’s badly reviewed book aren’t answered like, how come he gave up Classified Information (jail), why did he lie to Congress (jail), why did the DNC refuse to give Server to the FBI (why didn’t they TAKE it), why the phony memos, McCabe’s $700,000 & more? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2018 × I never asked Comey for Personal Loyalty. I hardly even knew this guy. Just another of his many lies. His “memos” are self serving and FAKE! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2018 × Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2018 ×

His memos are self-serving and fake: Trump fires James Comey over memoir

Vice president of United States, Michale Pence on Saturday said that Russia is ''on the wrong side of the war'' as he referred to the recent strike carried out by the US and UK and France on Syria.

Pence also showed his agreement to Donald Trump's Syria attack statement where he referred&nbspthe operation as "mission accomplished" and called it "completely successful".

Pence statement came&nbsphours later of the operation while he was attending the America summit at the Washington DC which he had to attend as president Trump cancelled due to the official statement he had to make about the action&nbspagainst the Syrian chemical attack.

Earlier on Saturday, US, UK and France lanched 105 missiles at three facilitties connected to the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-assad as a retaliation to April 7 chemical attacks which took lives of at least 50 civillians.

The missile hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus.

On the type of chemical that was used in the attack, Pence informed that 'minimum' chlorine was used along with serin.

Pence also said, "It's time for Russia to get the message President Trump delivered last night. You're known by the company you keep."

He further mentioned of the NAFTA wall being built up at the US-Mexico border while saying that United States, Mexico, and Canada are close to renegotiating a new NAFTA deal.&nbsp

Meanwhile, in United Nations Security Council, Russia's bid to condemn the US, British and France over the air strike failed as only China and Bolivia was ones who ones who voted with Russia to draft resolution during the 15-member council meet requested by Russia.

However, The United States, France and Britain defended their military action as legal during the Security Council meeting.

&nbsp(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp

Vice president of United States, Michale Pence on Saturday said that Russia is 'on the wrong side of the war' as he referred to the recent strike carried out by the US and UK and France on Syria

Vice president of United States, Michale Pence on Saturday said that Russia is ''on the wrong side of the war'' as he referred to the recent strike carried out by the US and UK and France on Syria. Pence also showed his agreement to Donald Trump's Syria attack statement where he referred&nbspthe operation as "mission accomplished" and called it "completely successful". Pence statement came&nbsphours later of the operation while he was attending the America summit at the Washington DC which he had to attend as president Trump cancelled due to the official statement he had to make about the action&nbspagainst the Syrian chemical attack. Earlier on Saturday, US, UK and France lanched 105 missiles at three facilitties connected to the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-assad as a retaliation to April 7 chemical attacks which took lives of at least 50 civillians. The missile hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus. On the type of chemical that was used in the attack, Pence informed that 'minimum' chlorine was used along with serin. Pence also said, "It's time for Russia to get the message President Trump delivered last night. You're known by the company you keep." He further mentioned of the NAFTA wall being built up at the US-Mexico border while saying that United States, Mexico, and Canada are close to renegotiating a new NAFTA deal. Meanwhile, in United Nations Security Council, Russia's bid to condemn the US, British and France over the air strike failed as only China and Bolivia was ones who ones who voted with Russia to draft resolution during the 15-member council meet requested by Russia. However, The United States, France and Britain defended their military action as legal during the Security Council meeting. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia is on the wrong side of the war: Michael Pence

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Sunday that the United States will not pull its troops out of Syria until its goals were accomplished.

It is our goal "to see American troops come home, but we are not going to leave until we know we have accomplished those things," Haley said.

In an interview to an American news channel, Haley listed out three aims for the United States. Haley noted that the Trump administration aims to ensure that chemical weapons are not used in any way that poses a risk to the US, that Islamic State is defeated and that there is a good vantage point to watch what Iran is doing.

US joined France and Britain on Friday to carry out missile strikes against Syrian targets.

Trump had previously expressed his intention to withdraw nearly 2,000 US troops deployed in Syria involved in the anti-Islamic State campaign. However, Trump's recent statement on Saturday appeared to contradict that message when he said that Western allies were prepared to "sustain" the military response if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad does not stop using prohibited chemical weapons.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp

US joined France and Britain on Friday and carried out missile strikes against Syrian targets

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Sunday that the United States will not pull its troops out of Syria until its goals were accomplished. It is our goal "to see American troops come home, but we are not going to leave until we know we have accomplished those things," Haley said. In an interview to an American news channel, Haley listed out three aims for the United States. Haley noted that the Trump administration aims to ensure that chemical weapons are not used in any way that poses a risk to the US, that Islamic State is defeated and that there is a good vantage point to watch what Iran is doing. US joined France and Britain on Friday to carry out missile strikes against Syrian targets. Trump had previously expressed his intention to withdraw nearly 2,000 US troops deployed in Syria involved in the anti-Islamic State campaign. However, Trump's recent statement on Saturday appeared to contradict that message when he said that Western allies were prepared to "sustain" the military response if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad does not stop using prohibited chemical weapons. (With inputs from Reuters)

US troops not leaving Syria until goals accomplished: Nikki Haley

Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed.

"I appeal again to all the political leaders, so that justice and peace prevail," he said in his weekly address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"I am deeply disturbed by the current world situation, in which, despite the tools available to the international community, it is difficult to agree on a common action in favour of peace in Syria and other regions of the world," he said.

Last Sunday, the pope denounced a reported gas attack in Syria as an unjustifiable use of "instruments of extermination".

The United States, France and Britain fired dozens of missiles early Saturday to strike at Syria's chemical weapons program -- the biggest intervention yet by Western countries against Syria, which is backed by Russia and Iran.&nbsp;

Last Sunday, the pope denounced a reported gas attack in Syria as an unjustifiable use of 'instruments of extermination'

Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed. "I appeal again to all the political leaders, so that justice and peace prevail," he said in his weekly address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. "I am deeply disturbed by the current world situation, in which, despite the tools available to the international community, it is difficult to agree on a common action in favour of peace in Syria and other regions of the world," he said. Last Sunday, the pope denounced a reported gas attack in Syria as an unjustifiable use of "instruments of extermination". The United States, France and Britain fired dozens of missiles early Saturday to strike at Syria's chemical weapons program -- the biggest intervention yet by Western countries against Syria, which is backed by Russia and Iran.

Pope deeply disturbed by lack of efforts to bring peace to Syria

The United States is "locked and loaded" to strike again if Syria's President Bashar al-Assad's government again uses chemical weapons, US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the Security Council on Saturday.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/western-strikes-on-syria-unacceptable-and-lawless-sergei-lavrov-130464">Western strikes on Syria 'unacceptable and lawless', says Russian Foreign Minister</a>

"We are confident that we have crippled Syria's chemical weapons program. We are prepared to sustain this pressure, if the Syrian regime is foolish enough to test our will," she said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-were-highly-successful-says-britain-130384">Strikes on Syria were 'highly successful', says Britain; France says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-were-highly-successful-says-britain-130384">more possible</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-were-highly-successful-says-britain-130384"> if red line crossed</a>

"If the Syrian regime uses this poison gas again, the United States is locked and loaded," Haley said. 
&nbsp;

'If the Syrian regime uses this poison gas again, the United States is locked and loaded,' the US Ambassador to the UN said

The United States is "locked and loaded" to strike again if Syria's President Bashar al-Assad's government again uses chemical weapons, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the Security Council on Saturday. Also read: Western strikes on Syria 'unacceptable and lawless', says Russian Foreign Minister "We are confident that we have crippled Syria's chemical weapons program. We are prepared to sustain this pressure, if the Syrian regime is foolish enough to test our will," she said. Also read: Strikes on Syria were 'highly successful', says Britain; France says more possible if red line crossed "If the Syrian regime uses this poison gas again, the United States is locked and loaded," Haley said.

If Syria uses toxic gas again, America is 'locked and loaded': US envoy to UN Nikki Haley

US, UK and France-led air strikes on Syria have raked a wave of reactions from political leaders all across the globe. While US President Donald Trump praised Western air strikes against the Syrian government as "perfectly executed", and added "<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/trump-mission-accomplished-on-perfectly-executed-syria-strike-130445">Mission Accomplished</a>", <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-russia-calls-for-emergency-un-meeting-to-discuss-aggressive-actions-of-us-allies-130440">Russia called for an emergency meeting</a> of the United Nations Security Council.

India also reacted to the incident stating that the country closely follows the situation. The official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs called the "alleged" use of chemical weapons "deplorable".

"We have taken note of the recent strikes in Syria. India is closely following the situation. The alleged use of chemical weapons, if true, is deplorable. We call for an impartial and objective investigation by the OPCW to establish the facts," the MEA noted.

The Ministry urged all Parties to show restraint and to "avoid any further escalation in the situation".&nbsp;

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We urge all Parties to show restraint & to avoid any further escalation in the situation. The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations & on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law: MEA
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"The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations and on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law," the statement read.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d66-1dULfcc" width="560"></iframe>

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-backs-air-strikes-on-syria-as-necessary-and-appropriate-130386">necessary and appropriate</a>" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan noted that the operation sent a message to Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad that "<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-welcomes-western-attack-on-syria-130446">its massacres would not be left unanswered</a>".&nbsp;

A Western attack on Syria hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area, state media said, and a witness said the Syrian capital was rocked by explosions as smoke rose into the sky.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India reacted to the incident stating that the country closely follows the situation

US, UK and France-led air strikes on Syria have raked a wave of reactions from political leaders all across the globe. While US President Donald Trump praised Western air strikes against the Syrian government as "perfectly executed", and added "Mission Accomplished", Russia called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. India also reacted to the incident stating that the country closely follows the situation. The official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs called the "alleged" use of chemical weapons "deplorable". "We have taken note of the recent strikes in Syria. India is closely following the situation. The alleged use of chemical weapons, if true, is deplorable. We call for an impartial and objective investigation by the OPCW to establish the facts," the MEA noted. The Ministry urged all Parties to show restraint and to "avoid any further escalation in the situation". We urge all Parties to show restraint & to avoid any further escalation in the situation. The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations & on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law: MEA — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018 × "The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations and on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law," the statement read. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan noted that the operation sent a message to Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad that "its massacres would not be left unanswered". A Western attack on Syria hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area, state media said, and a witness said the Syrian capital was rocked by explosions as smoke rose into the sky. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus. (With inputs from agencies)

All parties should show restraint, avoid further escalation in situation: India on Syria air strikes

When Emmanuel Macron called Vladimir Putin on Friday, the day before launching his first major military operation with strikes on Syria, the French president knew the credibility of his foreign policy was at stake.

Less than a year ago, in the ornate Gallery of Battles of the palace of Versailles, he warned the Russian leader in their first meeting that the use of chemical weapons in Syria would be a red line that would result in reprisals.

"I believe this chemical attack took place, I believe my red line was crossed," he told Putin in the Friday morning phone call, according to a close advisor at the Elysee palace.

"The tone was very direct, the two presidents were under no illusion about what was going to happen," the advisor told Reuters on Saturday, soon after the overnight air strikes.

The decision to strike Syrian government targets followed a week of hectic diplomacy and coordination with US&nbsp;and British allies.

Last Sunday evening, Macron sat with a small group of advisors at the Elysee palace to watch numerous graphic images and videos of suffering children following an attack the previous day on Douma, which France and allies say was a chemical attack.

"The president immediately realised the seriousness of these attacks," the first advisor said.

Red line&nbsp;'meant to be respected'&nbsp;

After a first phone call with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump that night, a series of painstaking daily meetings with defence and foreign affairs officials took place to check the authenticity of images and information coming from Syria.

On Thursday, sitting in a primary school in Normandy where he was giving his first TV interview in months, Macron said France now had proof the Syrian government had been involved.

After another series of calls, with Angela Merkel of Germany and again with Trump and Britain's Theresa May, Macron ordered his military to send Rafale warplanes to strike Syria's chemical weapons facilities.

It was in the "Jupiter" command centre of the Elysee palace in the early hours of Saturday morning that the 40-year-old French leader, surrounded by 10 of his diplomatic and defence officials, followed the operation as it unfolded.

Political opponents had criticised Macron for drawing a red line over chemical attacks after the unfortunate precedent set by former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama, who had put himself in a tough spot with a similar ultimatum in 2012.

Obama had to backtrack in the face of congressional opposition, signalling US&nbsp;fatigue in the Middle East and empowering Russia, Western military experts said at the time.

Pointing to the overnight strike, another advisor to Macron said: "This is proof today that the political line he drew at the start of his mandate was meant to be respected."

'I believe this chemical attack took place, I believe my red line was crossed,' Macron told Putin in the Friday morning phone call

When Emmanuel Macron called Vladimir Putin on Friday, the day before launching his first major military operation with strikes on Syria, the French president knew the credibility of his foreign policy was at stake. Less than a year ago, in the ornate Gallery of Battles of the palace of Versailles, he warned the Russian leader in their first meeting that the use of chemical weapons in Syria would be a red line that would result in reprisals. "I believe this chemical attack took place, I believe my red line was crossed," he told Putin in the Friday morning phone call, according to a close advisor at the Elysee palace. "The tone was very direct, the two presidents were under no illusion about what was going to happen," the advisor told Reuters on Saturday, soon after the overnight air strikes. The decision to strike Syrian government targets followed a week of hectic diplomacy and coordination with US and British allies. Last Sunday evening, Macron sat with a small group of advisors at the Elysee palace to watch numerous graphic images and videos of suffering children following an attack the previous day on Douma, which France and allies say was a chemical attack. "The president immediately realised the seriousness of these attacks," the first advisor said. Red line 'meant to be respected' After a first phone call with US President Donald Trump that night, a series of painstaking daily meetings with defence and foreign affairs officials took place to check the authenticity of images and information coming from Syria. On Thursday, sitting in a primary school in Normandy where he was giving his first TV interview in months, Macron said France now had proof the Syrian government had been involved. After another series of calls, with Angela Merkel of Germany and again with Trump and Britain's Theresa May, Macron ordered his military to send Rafale warplanes to strike Syria's chemical weapons facilities. It was in the "Jupiter" command centre of the Elysee palace in the early hours of Saturday morning that the 40-year-old French leader, surrounded by 10 of his diplomatic and defence officials, followed the operation as it unfolded. Political opponents had criticised Macron for drawing a red line over chemical attacks after the unfortunate precedent set by former US President Barack Obama, who had put himself in a tough spot with a similar ultimatum in 2012. Obama had to backtrack in the face of congressional opposition, signalling US fatigue in the Middle East and empowering Russia, Western military experts said at the time. Pointing to the overnight strike, another advisor to Macron said: "This is proof today that the political line he drew at the start of his mandate was meant to be respected."

For France's Macron, Syria red lines were credibility test

US, British and French air strikes on Syria are a violation of international law and are likely meant to prevent investigators from the global chemical weapons watchdog from doing their work, a senior Russian lawmaker was quoted by Interfax as saying on Saturday.

The chairman of the international affairs committee of Russia's upper house of parliament, Konstantin Kosachev, described the air strikes as a groundless attack on a sovereign government, Interfax said.

"It's also highly likely an attempt to create complications for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons mission which was just starting its work in Syria's Douma, or an attempt to completely derail it," Kosachev was quoted as saying.

None of the air strikes hit zones where Russian air defence systems protect the Russian bases of Tartus and Hmeimim, Russian news agencies cited the Ministry of Defence as saying.

None of the air strikes hit zones where Russian air defence systems protect the Russian bases of Tartus and Hmeimim, Russian Defence Ministry said.

US, British and French air strikes on Syria are a violation of international law and are likely meant to prevent investigators from the global chemical weapons watchdog from doing their work, a senior Russian lawmaker was quoted by Interfax as saying on Saturday. The chairman of the international affairs committee of Russia's upper house of parliament, Konstantin Kosachev, described the air strikes as a groundless attack on a sovereign government, Interfax said. "It's also highly likely an attempt to create complications for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons mission which was just starting its work in Syria's Douma, or an attempt to completely derail it," Kosachev was quoted as saying. None of the air strikes hit zones where Russian air defence systems protect the Russian bases of Tartus and Hmeimim, Russian news agencies cited the Ministry of Defence as saying.

Russian lawmaker: US strikes on Syria violate international law

There are die-hard non-vegetarians and then there are those who take their meat-loving fanaticism to a whole new level. Some foodies never budge or shrink away from trying out the weirdest items ever served.&nbsp;

A restaurant in Durham, North Carolina has a special, rather unusual meaty creation to entice the adventurous foodies.&nbsp;

Bull City Burger and Brewery celebrates April as the Exotic Meat Month and has given their regular menu a complete overhaul to feature some of the most gut-churning items.&nbsp;

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Martha did it yesterday, Randall did it today, and now it's David D's turn to give it a shot! 
 
David D. ticket # 907656 give us a call and claim your tarantula burger. ?️ <a href="https://t.co/rZh5cvTHKB">pic.twitter.com/rZh5cvTHKB</a>
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One of the star items on the menu is the tarantula burger. The eating joint has a Tarantula Burger eating challenge in place wherein a person can sign-up and if his/her is drawn, the person then has to appear for the challenge.&nbsp;

What some may dub as a nightmare served on a platter, the burger contains pasture-raised North Carolina beef, gruyere cheese, and chilli sauce with crunchy oven-roasted, salted tarantula atop.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhRraIrgou5/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">The secret to rainy day fun? Exotic meats and a brewery tour! ??? We've got both today - brewery tour starts at 4 PM, Bug Burger on, Camel on deck.</a>

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The tarantula burger is not the only repulsive item at Bull City's. For those who would not stop with the baked tarantula, there are other unimaginably horrifying eatables like bug ice cream and burgers, rabbit meatball subs and snacks made from alligators, python, bison, duck, cattle testicles, among others. Would you dare give them a try?&nbsp;

For those who would not stop with the baked tarantula, there are other unimaginably horrifying eatables like bug ice cream and burgers, rabbit meatball subs, among others

There are die-hard non-vegetarians and then there are those who take their meat-loving fanaticism to a whole new level. Some foodies never budge or shrink away from trying out the weirdest items ever served. A restaurant in Durham, North Carolina has a special, rather unusual meaty creation to entice the adventurous foodies. Bull City Burger and Brewery celebrates April as the Exotic Meat Month and has given their regular menu a complete overhaul to feature some of the most gut-churning items. Martha did it yesterday, Randall did it today, and now it's David D's turn to give it a shot! David D. ticket # 907656 give us a call and claim your tarantula burger. ?️ pic.twitter.com/rZh5cvTHKB — Bull City Burger (@BullCityBurger) April 6, 2018 × One of the star items on the menu is the tarantula burger. The eating joint has a Tarantula Burger eating challenge in place wherein a person can sign-up and if his/her is drawn, the person then has to appear for the challenge. What some may dub as a nightmare served on a platter, the burger contains pasture-raised North Carolina beef, gruyere cheese, and chilli sauce with crunchy oven-roasted, salted tarantula atop. The secret to rainy day fun? Exotic meats and a brewery tour! ??? We've got both today - brewery tour starts at 4 PM, Bug Burger on, Camel on deck. A post shared by BCBB (@bullcityburger) on Apr 7, 2018 at 9:38am PDT × The tarantula burger is not the only repulsive item at Bull City's. For those who would not stop with the baked tarantula, there are other unimaginably horrifying eatables like bug ice cream and burgers, rabbit meatball subs and snacks made from alligators, python, bison, duck, cattle testicles, among others. Would you dare give them a try?

Insects are passe, this American eatery has a Tarantula burger on the menu

Russia on Saturday called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council as Moscow said it would consider supplying S-300 missile systems to Syria following U.S.-led strikes.

"Russia convenes an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss aggressive actions of the U.S. and its allies," President Vladimir Putin said in a statement published on the Kremlin website.

"The current escalation of the situation around Syria has a devastating impact on the whole system of international relations," he added.

U.S., British and French forces pounded Syria with more than 100 missiles early on Saturday in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week, in the biggest intervention by Western powers against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Putin said the U.S. actions in Syria made the humanitarian catastrophe worse and caused pain for civilians.

"Russia in the most serious way condemns the attack on Syria where Russian military servicemen help the legitimate government to fight terrorism," Putin said.

MISSILES FOR SYRIA

Moscow may consider supplying S-300 surface to-air missile systems to Syria and "other countries", Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoi told a televised briefing on Saturday.

Russia had "refused" supplying those missiles to Syria a few years ago, he added, "taking into account the pressing request of some of our Western partners".

Following the U.S.-led strikes, however, "we consider it possible to return to examination of this issue not only in regard to Syria but to other countries as well," Rudskoi said.

Syria's air defence system, which mostly consists of systems made in the Soviet Union, has intercepted 71 of the missiles fired on Saturday by the U.S., British and French forces, he added.

"In the past year and a half Russia has fully restored Syria's air defence system and continues to further upgrade it," Rudskoi said.

'The current escalation of the situation around Syria has a devastating impact on the whole system of international relations,' Russian President Vladimir Putin said

Russia on Saturday called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council as Moscow said it would consider supplying S-300 missile systems to Syria following U.S.-led strikes. "Russia convenes an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss aggressive actions of the U.S. and its allies," President Vladimir Putin said in a statement published on the Kremlin website. "The current escalation of the situation around Syria has a devastating impact on the whole system of international relations," he added. U.S., British and French forces pounded Syria with more than 100 missiles early on Saturday in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week, in the biggest intervention by Western powers against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Putin said the U.S. actions in Syria made the humanitarian catastrophe worse and caused pain for civilians. "Russia in the most serious way condemns the attack on Syria where Russian military servicemen help the legitimate government to fight terrorism," Putin said. MISSILES FOR SYRIA Moscow may consider supplying S-300 surface to-air missile systems to Syria and "other countries", Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoi told a televised briefing on Saturday. Russia had "refused" supplying those missiles to Syria a few years ago, he added, "taking into account the pressing request of some of our Western partners". Following the U.S.-led strikes, however, "we consider it possible to return to examination of this issue not only in regard to Syria but to other countries as well," Rudskoi said. Syria's air defence system, which mostly consists of systems made in the Soviet Union, has intercepted 71 of the missiles fired on Saturday by the U.S., British and French forces, he added. "In the past year and a half Russia has fully restored Syria's air defence system and continues to further upgrade it," Rudskoi said.

Syria strikes: Russia calls for emergency UN meeting to discuss 'aggressive actions'

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the overnight U.S.-led missile attack on Syria and called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

Putin said the US&nbsp;actions in Syria made the humanitarian catastrophe worse and caused pain for civilians, as well as damaging international relations.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/action-will-not-be-without-consequences-russia-on-syria-strikes-130335">Action will not be without consequences, says Russia</a>

Putin said the US action in Syria made the humanitarian catastrophe worse and caused pain for civilians, as well as damaging international relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the overnight U.S.-led missile attack on Syria and called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the Kremlin said on Saturday. Putin said the US actions in Syria made the humanitarian catastrophe worse and caused pain for civilians, as well as damaging international relations. Also read: Action will not be without consequences, says Russia

Putin condemns strike on Syria, calls for emergency UN meeting

The prospect of Western military action in Syria that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East on Friday but there was no clear sign that a US-led attack was imminent.

International chemical weapons experts were travelling to Syria to investigate an alleged gas attack by government forces on the town of Douma which killed dozens of people. Two days ago US President Donald Trump warned that missiles “will be coming” in response to that attack.

The allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were eager on Friday to lay blame for the crisis not with him but with Trump.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations should not depend on one person’s morning mood, in apparent reference to Trump’s tweets.

“We cannot depend on what someone on the other side of the ocean takes into his head in the morning. We cannot take such risks,” said Dvorkovich, speaking at a forum.

Russia has warned the West against attacking Assad, who is also supported by Iran, and says there is no evidence of a chemical attack in Douma, a town near Damascus which had been held by rebels until this month.

Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow’s ambassador to the United Nations, said he “cannot exclude” war between the United States and Russia.

“The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war,” he told reporters. “We hope there will be no point of no return.”

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was in contact with Washington but the atmosphere was alarming. “God forbid anything adventurous will be done in Syria following the Libyan and Iraqi experience,” he told a news conference.

Sheikh Naim Qassem, deputy leader of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, told Lebanese daily al-Joumhouria: “The conditions do not point to a total war happening ...unless Trump and (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahu completely lose their minds.”

US allies have offered strong words of support for Washington but no clear military plans have yet emerged.

British Prime Minister Theresa May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria.

Some national leaders appeared anxious to avert a US-Russian showdown.

Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered.

But on Friday he appeared conciliatory. Macron’s office said he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing concern about the deterioration of the situation in Syria and calling for more dialogue with Moscow.

NATO members Germany and the Netherlands have said they will not take part in any military action.

Tayyip Erdogan, president of Syria’s neighbour Turkey, said on Friday he had spoken by phone with Trump and Putin and told both that increasing tensions in the region was not right.

Assad tightens grip

Trump himself appeared on Thursday to cast doubt on at least the timing of any US-led military action, tweeting: “Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!”

He met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and “no final decision has been made,” the White House said in a statement.

“We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies,” it said.

Global stock markets have had a whipsaw week, largely fuelled by Trump’s tendency to change his mind over key policy issues.

A team of experts from global watchdog the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was travelling to Syria and will start its investigations into the Douma incident on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said.

The capture of Douma has clinched a major victory for Assad, crushing what was once a centre of the insurgency near Damascus, and underlines his unassailable position in the war.

He has cemented his control over most of the western, more heavily populated, part of the country, with rebels and jihadist insurgents largely contained to two areas on Syria’s northern and southern borders.

They still control the northwestern province of Idlib, near Turkey, and a southern region around Deraa, on the border with Jordan. Turkish forces and rebel allies control territory in northern Syria, while US-backed Kurdish forces hold wide areas of the northeast, and pockets of Islamic State fighters remain.

But none of those any longer directly threaten Assad’s grip on power, which has been reinforced by Russian air power and Iran-backed fighters on the ground.

The prospect of Western military action in Syria that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East on Friday but there was no clear sign that a US-led attack was imminent

The prospect of Western military action in Syria that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East on Friday but there was no clear sign that a US-led attack was imminent. International chemical weapons experts were travelling to Syria to investigate an alleged gas attack by government forces on the town of Douma which killed dozens of people. Two days ago US President Donald Trump warned that missiles “will be coming” in response to that attack. The allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were eager on Friday to lay blame for the crisis not with him but with Trump. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations should not depend on one person’s morning mood, in apparent reference to Trump’s tweets. “We cannot depend on what someone on the other side of the ocean takes into his head in the morning. We cannot take such risks,” said Dvorkovich, speaking at a forum. Russia has warned the West against attacking Assad, who is also supported by Iran, and says there is no evidence of a chemical attack in Douma, a town near Damascus which had been held by rebels until this month. Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow’s ambassador to the United Nations, said he “cannot exclude” war between the United States and Russia. “The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war,” he told reporters. “We hope there will be no point of no return.” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was in contact with Washington but the atmosphere was alarming. “God forbid anything adventurous will be done in Syria following the Libyan and Iraqi experience,” he told a news conference. Sheikh Naim Qassem, deputy leader of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, told Lebanese daily al-Joumhouria: “The conditions do not point to a total war happening ...unless Trump and (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahu completely lose their minds.” US allies have offered strong words of support for Washington but no clear military plans have yet emerged. British Prime Minister Theresa May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. Some national leaders appeared anxious to avert a US-Russian showdown. Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered. But on Friday he appeared conciliatory. Macron’s office said he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing concern about the deterioration of the situation in Syria and calling for more dialogue with Moscow. NATO members Germany and the Netherlands have said they will not take part in any military action. Tayyip Erdogan, president of Syria’s neighbour Turkey, said on Friday he had spoken by phone with Trump and Putin and told both that increasing tensions in the region was not right. Assad tightens grip Trump himself appeared on Thursday to cast doubt on at least the timing of any US-led military action, tweeting: “Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!” He met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and “no final decision has been made,” the White House said in a statement. “We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies,” it said. Global stock markets have had a whipsaw week, largely fuelled by Trump’s tendency to change his mind over key policy issues. A team of experts from global watchdog the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was travelling to Syria and will start its investigations into the Douma incident on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said. The capture of Douma has clinched a major victory for Assad, crushing what was once a centre of the insurgency near Damascus, and underlines his unassailable position in the war. He has cemented his control over most of the western, more heavily populated, part of the country, with rebels and jihadist insurgents largely contained to two areas on Syria’s northern and southern borders. They still control the northwestern province of Idlib, near Turkey, and a southern region around Deraa, on the border with Jordan. Turkish forces and rebel allies control territory in northern Syria, while US-backed Kurdish forces hold wide areas of the northeast, and pockets of Islamic State fighters remain. But none of those any longer directly threaten Assad’s grip on power, which has been reinforced by Russian air power and Iran-backed fighters on the ground.

Threat of US-Russia clash hangs over Syria

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Retail inflation slowed to 4.28 per cent in March, the third consecutive month of decline, mainly on account of easing food prices including vegetables, government data showed today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-star-shuttler-kidambi-srikanth-is-new-world-no-1-130094">Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is new World No. 1</a>

Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089">'Laziness, incompetence' of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089">previous</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089"> govt hurt India's defence: Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the previous UPA government for "policy paralysis" in the defence sector and told foreign companies that it will not take a decade to take a decision on procurement of a batch of 110 fighter jets.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-could-face-us-aid-cuts-over-human-trafficking-sources-130086">Pakistan could face US aid cuts over human trafficking: Sources</a>

The Trump administration is warning Pakistan it could lose US civilian aid worth tens of millions of dollars this year if Washington finds that the South Asian nation has not done enough to combat human trafficking, US officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-has-proof-assad-regime-behind-syria-chemical-attack-130110">Macron says has 'proof' Assad regime behind Syria chemical attack</a>

Speaking to a television interview France President Emmanuel Macron has admitted to having proof about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its civilians.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Inflation falls for third straight month, is at 4.28% in March Retail inflation slowed to 4.28 per cent in March, the third consecutive month of decline, mainly on account of easing food prices including vegetables, government data showed today. Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is new World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented. 'Laziness, incompetence' of previous govt hurt India's defence: Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the previous UPA government for "policy paralysis" in the defence sector and told foreign companies that it will not take a decade to take a decision on procurement of a batch of 110 fighter jets. Pakistan could face US aid cuts over human trafficking: Sources The Trump administration is warning Pakistan it could lose US civilian aid worth tens of millions of dollars this year if Washington finds that the South Asian nation has not done enough to combat human trafficking, US officials said. Macron says has 'proof' Assad regime behind Syria chemical attack Speaking to a television interview France President Emmanuel Macron has admitted to having proof about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its civilians.

News brief: Big stories of the day

China said on Wednesday it would allow foreign investors greater access to its stock markets and promised that other previously announced financial reforms would come into effect within months in its latest conciliatory signals amid US trade tensions.

China`s securities regulator said foreign investors would be allowed to trade a greater volume of shares on Chinese stock markets through existing programmes linking Hong Kong`s bourse with mainland exchanges, and also will "strive" to establish a similar link between Shanghai and London this year.

Central Bank Governor Yi Gang also said China would move ahead with plans to remove limits on foreign shareholdings in Chinese financial institutions.

Foreign firms will be allowed to own as much as 51 per cent of joint ventures in the securities, funds and futures industries, up from the current 49 percent, Yi told the Boao Forum for Asia in southern China.

All limits are to be removed in three years, the government had said previously.

Foreign ownership restrictions in Chinese banks and financial asset management firms also will be removed.

The foreign-ownership reforms were first announced in November during a state visit by US President Donald Trump, but the latest announcements appeared to set a firmer timetable for implementation, with Yi quoted saying they would commence "in the coming months".&nbsp

The latest promises came a day after President Xi Jinping pledged at the same forum that China would lower car tariffs this year and take other steps to open the world`s number two economy "wider and wider".

His comments addressed major US complaints in a simmering trade row that has seen both sides threaten retaliatory measures.

Both Yi and the China Securities Regulatory Commission said the allowable daily two-way trading volume between Hong Kong and mainland China's two exchanges would each be increased fourfold to 94 billion yuan ($15 billion), effective May 1.

A Hong Kong-Shanghai trading connection was established in 2014, and a similar one between Hong Kong and China`s second exchange in Shenzhen two years later, giving foreigners greater access to Chinese stocks via Hong Kong, and vice versa.

A proposed London-Shanghai link was first disclosed in 2015 but no firm timetable had been set.

The US and European Union have long complained about market access in a host of industries, with foreign firms unable to take controlling stakes in Chinese firms.

In the tightly controlled banking sector, for example, overseas companies currently cannot hold more than 25 per cent of a lender's capital, making it difficult for them to play a major role in the domestic market.

Analysts have previously downplayed such reform promises, saying they are being made now that Chinese enterprises have a firm hold on domestic markets.

Trump, however, on Tuesday praised Xi`s "kind words" on reform and pledged to cooperate with China toward "great progress" in resolving trade differences.

Yi also said China would not devalue its currency as a weapon in a trade war, state television said.

China said on Wednesday it would allow foreign investors greater access to its stock markets and promised that other previously announced financial reforms would come into effect within months in its latest conciliatory signals amid US trade tensions

China said on Wednesday it would allow foreign investors greater access to its stock markets and promised that other previously announced financial reforms would come into effect within months in its latest conciliatory signals amid US trade tensions. China`s securities regulator said foreign investors would be allowed to trade a greater volume of shares on Chinese stock markets through existing programmes linking Hong Kong`s bourse with mainland exchanges, and also will "strive" to establish a similar link between Shanghai and London this year. Central Bank Governor Yi Gang also said China would move ahead with plans to remove limits on foreign shareholdings in Chinese financial institutions. Foreign firms will be allowed to own as much as 51 per cent of joint ventures in the securities, funds and futures industries, up from the current 49 percent, Yi told the Boao Forum for Asia in southern China. All limits are to be removed in three years, the government had said previously. Foreign ownership restrictions in Chinese banks and financial asset management firms also will be removed. The foreign-ownership reforms were first announced in November during a state visit by US President Donald Trump, but the latest announcements appeared to set a firmer timetable for implementation, with Yi quoted saying they would commence "in the coming months". The latest promises came a day after President Xi Jinping pledged at the same forum that China would lower car tariffs this year and take other steps to open the world`s number two economy "wider and wider". His comments addressed major US complaints in a simmering trade row that has seen both sides threaten retaliatory measures. Both Yi and the China Securities Regulatory Commission said the allowable daily two-way trading volume between Hong Kong and mainland China's two exchanges would each be increased fourfold to 94 billion yuan ($15 billion), effective May 1. A Hong Kong-Shanghai trading connection was established in 2014, and a similar one between Hong Kong and China`s second exchange in Shenzhen two years later, giving foreigners greater access to Chinese stocks via Hong Kong, and vice versa. A proposed London-Shanghai link was first disclosed in 2015 but no firm timetable had been set. The US and European Union have long complained about market access in a host of industries, with foreign firms unable to take controlling stakes in Chinese firms. In the tightly controlled banking sector, for example, overseas companies currently cannot hold more than 25 per cent of a lender's capital, making it difficult for them to play a major role in the domestic market. Analysts have previously downplayed such reform promises, saying they are being made now that Chinese enterprises have a firm hold on domestic markets. Trump, however, on Tuesday praised Xi`s "kind words" on reform and pledged to cooperate with China toward "great progress" in resolving trade differences. Yi also said China would not devalue its currency as a weapon in a trade war, state television said.

China vows wider access to financial markets amid trade row

Russia and the United States have reportedly agreed to disagree over a probe into the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

According to several media reports, representatives of both nations in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) blocked each other over a move to allow international investigations into chemical attacks in Syria, where a civil war has been on since 2011.

The media reports said that three draft resolutions on the chemical weapons attacks in Syria failed to get passed in a UNSC meeting.

Russia vetoed a US&nbsptext, while two Russian-drafted resolutions failed to get the minimum nine votes required for approval.

Moscow opposes any Western strike on Syria.

It vetoed UNSC action on Syria on twelve previous occasions.

United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the UNSC that adopting her country's resolution was the least member nations could do.

"History will record that, on this day, Russia chose protecting a monster over the lives of the Syrian people," Haley was quoted, as saying, while referring to Syrian President Assad.

Russia's UN&nbspAmbassador Vassily Nebenzia said Washington's decision to put forward its resolution could be a prelude to a Western strike on Syria.

Meanwhile, international chemical weapons experts are expected to go to Douma to investigate a suspected poison gas attack.

The Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said Syria had been asked to make the necessary arrangements for the deployment of an investigation team.

"The team is preparing to deploy to Syria shortly," it said in a statement.

The mission will aim to determine whether banned munitions were used but will not assign blame.

European governments said they will wait for the results of the OPCW investigation and for more solid forensic evidence before taking the next step on the matter.&nbsp

Representatives of both nations in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) blocked each other over a move to allow international investigations into chemical attacks in Syria, where a civil war has been on since 2011

Russia and the United States have reportedly agreed to disagree over a probe into the use of chemical weapons in Syria. According to several media reports, representatives of both nations in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) blocked each other over a move to allow international investigations into chemical attacks in Syria, where a civil war has been on since 2011. The media reports said that three draft resolutions on the chemical weapons attacks in Syria failed to get passed in a UNSC meeting. Russia vetoed a US&nbsptext, while two Russian-drafted resolutions failed to get the minimum nine votes required for approval. Moscow opposes any Western strike on Syria. It vetoed UNSC action on Syria on twelve previous occasions. United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the UNSC that adopting her country's resolution was the least member nations could do. "History will record that, on this day, Russia chose protecting a monster over the lives of the Syrian people," Haley was quoted, as saying, while referring to Syrian President Assad. Russia's UN&nbspAmbassador Vassily Nebenzia said Washington's decision to put forward its resolution could be a prelude to a Western strike on Syria. Meanwhile, international chemical weapons experts are expected to go to Douma to investigate a suspected poison gas attack. The Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said Syria had been asked to make the necessary arrangements for the deployment of an investigation team. "The team is preparing to deploy to Syria shortly," it said in a statement. The mission will aim to determine whether banned munitions were used but will not assign blame. European governments said they will wait for the results of the OPCW investigation and for more solid forensic evidence before taking the next step on the matter.

US, Russia clash at UNSC over probing chemical attacks in Syria

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg accepted personal responsibility Tuesday for the leak of data on tens of millions of its users, while warning of an "arms race" against Russian disinformation during a high stakes face-to-face with US lawmakers.

In his first formal congressional appearance, the Facebook founder and chief executive sought to quell the storm over privacy and security lapses at the social media giant that have angered lawmakers and the network`s two billion users.

Under mounting pressure over the hijacking of its user data by a British political consultant, Zuckerberg reiterated his apology for the historic breach, before being grilled over how Facebook collects and protects people`s personal information.

"It was my mistake, and I`m sorry," Zuckerberg said the improper sharing of 87 million people`s information by Cambridge Analytica, a firm working for Donald Trump in 2016. "I started Facebook, I run it, and I`m responsible for what happens here."

He added that Facebook fell short in protecting the platform, noting, "That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy."&nbsp;

The 33-year-old CEO spoke of a constant struggle to guard against Russian manipulation of the Facebook platform to influence elections in the US and elsewhere.

"There are people in Russia whose job it is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems and other systems as well," he said.&nbsp;

"So this is an arms race. They`re going to keep getting better and we need to invest in getting better at this too."

Zuckerberg has previously acknowledged the social network failed to do enough to prevent the spread of disinformation during the last US presidential race.

"After the 2016 election, our top priority was protecting the integrity of other elections around the world," he said.Zuckerberg said he was open to regulation, but cautioned against complex rules that might impact emerging social media firms.

"I am not the type of person who thinks all regulation is bad," he told Senator Dan Sullivan.

"I think the internet is becoming increasingly important in people`s lives and I think we need to have a full conversation about what is the right regulation."

He added that "you need to be careful (a new regulatory policy) doesn`t cement in the current companies that are winning."

Zuckerberg also revealed that Facebook is cooperating with the US special prosecutor investigating Russian interference in the 2016 vote.&nbsp;

"Our work with the special counsel is confidential. I want to make sure in an open session I don`t reveal something that`s confidential," he said.

Zuckerberg said he had personally not been contacted, and that he was not specifically aware of any subpoena of Facebook data.

"I believe there may be (a subpoena), but I know we`re working with them," he said.

Swapping his customary T-shirt for a business suit and tie, Zuckerberg appeared somber as he fielded tough questions over Cambridge Analytica`s massive data breach.

"We`ve been working to understand exactly what happened with Cambridge Analytica and taking steps to make sure this doesn`t happen again," he said in his prepared remarks.

The show of contrition was not enough for several lawmakers.

"We`ve seen the apology tours before," Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut told Zuckerberg.

"And so, my reservation about your testimony today is that I don`t see how you can change your business model unless there are specific rules of the road."

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana said Facebook has failed to deliver a promised "digital utopia."

"I don`t want to regulate Facebook but by God I will," he told the CEO. "A lot of that depends on you."Dozens of protestors gathered outside Congress before the hearing wearing Zuckerberg masks and #DeleteFacebook T-shirts.

Inside the jammed hearing room, activists from the Code Pink group wore oversized glasses with the words "STOP SPYING" written on the lenses, and waved signs that read "Stop corporate lying."

Testifying was a new step forward for Zuckerberg, who started Facebook as a Harvard dropout in 2004, and built it into the world`s largest social media company worth more than $450 billion.

During questioning, Zuckerberg rejected the suggestion that the social media giant, with over two billion users worldwide, has exclusive control over its market.

"It certainly doesn`t feel like that to me," he said when asked if he thinks Facebook has a monopoly.

"The average American uses eight different apps to communicate with their friends and stay in touch with people. Ranging from texting apps to e-mail," he said.

Zuckerberg also said the company believed in an ad-supported business model but appeared to leave open the possibility of a paid version.

"There will always be a version of Facebook that is free," Zuckerberg told the hearing.

Under mounting pressure over the hijacking of its user data by a British political consultant, Zuckerberg reiterated his apology for the historic breach, before being grilled over how Facebook collects and protects people`s personal information

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg accepted personal responsibility Tuesday for the leak of data on tens of millions of its users, while warning of an "arms race" against Russian disinformation during a high stakes face-to-face with US lawmakers. In his first formal congressional appearance, the Facebook founder and chief executive sought to quell the storm over privacy and security lapses at the social media giant that have angered lawmakers and the network`s two billion users. Under mounting pressure over the hijacking of its user data by a British political consultant, Zuckerberg reiterated his apology for the historic breach, before being grilled over how Facebook collects and protects people`s personal information. "It was my mistake, and I`m sorry," Zuckerberg said the improper sharing of 87 million people`s information by Cambridge Analytica, a firm working for Donald Trump in 2016. "I started Facebook, I run it, and I`m responsible for what happens here." He added that Facebook fell short in protecting the platform, noting, "That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy." The 33-year-old CEO spoke of a constant struggle to guard against Russian manipulation of the Facebook platform to influence elections in the US and elsewhere. "There are people in Russia whose job it is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems and other systems as well," he said. "So this is an arms race. They`re going to keep getting better and we need to invest in getting better at this too." Zuckerberg has previously acknowledged the social network failed to do enough to prevent the spread of disinformation during the last US presidential race. "After the 2016 election, our top priority was protecting the integrity of other elections around the world," he said.Zuckerberg said he was open to regulation, but cautioned against complex rules that might impact emerging social media firms. "I am not the type of person who thinks all regulation is bad," he told Senator Dan Sullivan. "I think the internet is becoming increasingly important in people`s lives and I think we need to have a full conversation about what is the right regulation." He added that "you need to be careful (a new regulatory policy) doesn`t cement in the current companies that are winning." Zuckerberg also revealed that Facebook is cooperating with the US special prosecutor investigating Russian interference in the 2016 vote. "Our work with the special counsel is confidential. I want to make sure in an open session I don`t reveal something that`s confidential," he said. Zuckerberg said he had personally not been contacted, and that he was not specifically aware of any subpoena of Facebook data. "I believe there may be (a subpoena), but I know we`re working with them," he said. Swapping his customary T-shirt for a business suit and tie, Zuckerberg appeared somber as he fielded tough questions over Cambridge Analytica`s massive data breach. "We`ve been working to understand exactly what happened with Cambridge Analytica and taking steps to make sure this doesn`t happen again," he said in his prepared remarks. The show of contrition was not enough for several lawmakers. "We`ve seen the apology tours before," Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut told Zuckerberg. "And so, my reservation about your testimony today is that I don`t see how you can change your business model unless there are specific rules of the road." Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana said Facebook has failed to deliver a promised "digital utopia." "I don`t want to regulate Facebook but by God I will," he told the CEO. "A lot of that depends on you."Dozens of protestors gathered outside Congress before the hearing wearing Zuckerberg masks and #DeleteFacebook T-shirts. Inside the jammed hearing room, activists from the Code Pink group wore oversized glasses with the words "STOP SPYING" written on the lenses, and waved signs that read "Stop corporate lying." Testifying was a new step forward for Zuckerberg, who started Facebook as a Harvard dropout in 2004, and built it into the world`s largest social media company worth more than $450 billion. During questioning, Zuckerberg rejected the suggestion that the social media giant, with over two billion users worldwide, has exclusive control over its market. "It certainly doesn`t feel like that to me," he said when asked if he thinks Facebook has a monopoly. "The average American uses eight different apps to communicate with their friends and stay in touch with people. Ranging from texting apps to e-mail," he said. Zuckerberg also said the company believed in an ad-supported business model but appeared to leave open the possibility of a paid version. "There will always be a version of Facebook that is free," Zuckerberg told the hearing.

Facebook in 'arms race' with Russia: Mark Zuckerberg

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that U.S. "smart missiles" should be aimed at terrorists, and not at the Syrian government, as it commented on U.S. President Donald Trump`s warning of a missile strike in Syria.&nbsp;

"Smart missiles should fly towards terrorists, and not towards the lawful government which has been fighting international terrorism on its territory for several years," Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, wrote on Facebook.&nbsp;

Trump on Wednesday warned of a forthcoming response to suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria, declaring that "smart" missiles will be coming and blasting Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Zakharova said that a possible U.S. missile strike could be an attempt to destroy evidence of an alleged chemical weapon attack in the Syrian town of Douma.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Russia of a forthcoming response to suspected chemical attack in Syria, declaring that missiles "will be coming" and blasting Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar Assad.

"Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Trump wrote in a post on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In another tweet, Trump said that the US relationship with Russia is worse than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War.&nbsp;

Russian lawmakers have warned the United States that Moscow would view an airstrike on Syria as a war crime, saying it could trigger a direct military clash, reports said.

Russian lawmakers have warned the United States that Moscow would view an airstrike on Syria as a war crime

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that U.S. "smart missiles" should be aimed at terrorists, and not at the Syrian government, as it commented on U.S. President Donald Trump`s warning of a missile strike in Syria. "Smart missiles should fly towards terrorists, and not towards the lawful government which has been fighting international terrorism on its territory for several years," Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, wrote on Facebook. Trump on Wednesday warned of a forthcoming response to suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria, declaring that "smart" missiles will be coming and blasting Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Zakharova said that a possible U.S. missile strike could be an attempt to destroy evidence of an alleged chemical weapon attack in the Syrian town of Douma. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Russia of a forthcoming response to suspected chemical attack in Syria, declaring that missiles "will be coming" and blasting Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar Assad. "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Trump wrote in a post on Twitter. Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 × In another tweet, Trump said that the US relationship with Russia is worse than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. Russian lawmakers have warned the United States that Moscow would view an airstrike on Syria as a war crime, saying it could trigger a direct military clash, reports said.

US 'smart missiles' should target 'terrorists', not 'legitimate' Syrian government: Russia

In a span of 20 minutes, 20 F-18 fighter jets took off and landed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier, in a powerful display of military precision and efficiency.

The nuclear-powered warship, leading a carrier strike group, was conducting what the US military called routine training in the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday, headed for a port call in the Philippines, a defence treaty ally.

The United States is not alone in carrying out naval patrols in the strategic waterway, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate, possibly increasing tensions and risking accidents at sea.

"We have seen Chinese ships around us," Rear Admiral Steve Koehler, the strike group commander, told a small group of reporters on board the three-decade-old carrier.

"They are one of the navies that operate in the South China Sea but I would tell you that we have seen nothing but professional work out of the ships we have encountered."

Navies in the western Pacific, including China and nine Southeast Asian countries, have been working on a code of unexpected encounters (CUES) at sea to avoid conflict.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt's presence in the South China Sea comes days after China's massive air and naval drills in the area, in what some analysts described as an unusually large display of Beijing's growing naval might.

China's growing military presence in the waters has fuelled concern in the West about Beijing's end game.

The United States has criticised China's apparent militarisation of manmade islands and carried out regular air and naval patrols to assert its right to freedom of navigation in stretches of a sea China claims largely as its own.

"This transit in the South China Sea is nothing new in our planning cycle or in a reaction to that. It is probably by happenstance that all that is happening at the same time," said Koehler, who gave a tour of the carrier to Philippine military officials and watched flight operations aboard the 100,000-tonne warship.

<img alt="2_0.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/2_0.PNG" width="770" />

US Navy personnel prepare to launch an F18 fighter jet on the deck of USS Carl Vinson in the South China Sea.(Reuters Photo)

Function of law

"All of the operations that we do in and around the South China Sea or any of the bodies of water we operate in, there is a function of international law and that is ultimately what we want to recognise," Koehler said.

The tension between the United States and China over trade and territory under US President Donald Trump has been stepped up of late, with fear in the region that the South China Sea, vital to global trade, could one day become a battleground between the two rival powers.

Philippine ties with China have meanwhile warmed under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has put aside disputes with Beijing and wants it to play a key role in building and funding urgently needed infrastructure, from highways and ports to railways and power plants.

China has long objected to US military operations off its coasts, even in areas Washington insists are free to international passage.

"They (China) certainly have the right to exercise off their coast like we do, nor are they necessarily in charge of our transit cycle, but our deployment's been planned," Koehler said.&nbsp;

As the crew in colour-coded uniforms raced to service dozens of aircraft taking off and landing, "handlers" in the flight deck control made sure the deck had enough room for jets to manoeuvre and refuel with the help of an "Ouija board".

The board has all the models of each aircraft, which are marked with squadron name, model, make, and the number of personnel. At any given moment, the flight deck is home to dozens of aircraft and helicopters.&nbsp;

"It is a showcase of the capability of the U.S. armed forces," Philippine army chief Rolando Bautista said of the demonstration.

"Since Americans are our friends in one way or another, they can help us deter any threat."&nbsp;

The USS Theodore Roosevelt's presence in the South China Sea comes days after China's massive air and naval drills in the area.

In a span of 20 minutes, 20 F-18 fighter jets took off and landed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier, in a powerful display of military precision and efficiency. The nuclear-powered warship, leading a carrier strike group, was conducting what the US military called routine training in the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday, headed for a port call in the Philippines, a defence treaty ally. The United States is not alone in carrying out naval patrols in the strategic waterway, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate, possibly increasing tensions and risking accidents at sea. "We have seen Chinese ships around us," Rear Admiral Steve Koehler, the strike group commander, told a small group of reporters on board the three-decade-old carrier. "They are one of the navies that operate in the South China Sea but I would tell you that we have seen nothing but professional work out of the ships we have encountered." Navies in the western Pacific, including China and nine Southeast Asian countries, have been working on a code of unexpected encounters (CUES) at sea to avoid conflict. The USS Theodore Roosevelt's presence in the South China Sea comes days after China's massive air and naval drills in the area, in what some analysts described as an unusually large display of Beijing's growing naval might. China's growing military presence in the waters has fuelled concern in the West about Beijing's end game. The United States has criticised China's apparent militarisation of manmade islands and carried out regular air and naval patrols to assert its right to freedom of navigation in stretches of a sea China claims largely as its own. "This transit in the South China Sea is nothing new in our planning cycle or in a reaction to that. It is probably by happenstance that all that is happening at the same time," said Koehler, who gave a tour of the carrier to Philippine military officials and watched flight operations aboard the 100,000-tonne warship. US Navy personnel prepare to launch an F18 fighter jet on the deck of USS Carl Vinson in the South China Sea.(Reuters Photo) Function of law "All of the operations that we do in and around the South China Sea or any of the bodies of water we operate in, there is a function of international law and that is ultimately what we want to recognise," Koehler said. The tension between the United States and China over trade and territory under US President Donald Trump has been stepped up of late, with fear in the region that the South China Sea, vital to global trade, could one day become a battleground between the two rival powers. Philippine ties with China have meanwhile warmed under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has put aside disputes with Beijing and wants it to play a key role in building and funding urgently needed infrastructure, from highways and ports to railways and power plants. China has long objected to US military operations off its coasts, even in areas Washington insists are free to international passage. "They (China) certainly have the right to exercise off their coast like we do, nor are they necessarily in charge of our transit cycle, but our deployment's been planned," Koehler said. As the crew in colour-coded uniforms raced to service dozens of aircraft taking off and landing, "handlers" in the flight deck control made sure the deck had enough room for jets to manoeuvre and refuel with the help of an "Ouija board". The board has all the models of each aircraft, which are marked with squadron name, model, make, and the number of personnel. At any given moment, the flight deck is home to dozens of aircraft and helicopters. "It is a showcase of the capability of the U.S. armed forces," Philippine army chief Rolando Bautista said of the demonstration. "Since Americans are our friends in one way or another, they can help us deter any threat."

After massive China drill, US patrols disputed South China Sea

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