Facebook on Wednesday reversed a decision to take down a video posted by a Hungarian political aide that blamed crime on immigrants, saying it was making an exception to its usual ban on hate speech.&nbsp;

The incident was the latest test of how Facebook, the world`s largest social media network, and other internet firms will negotiate the tricky business of refereeing online political content.&nbsp;

The video was posted on Facebook on Tuesday by the chief of staff of the Hungarian prime minister. It focused on crime in neighbouring Austria and blamed immigrants for pushing out &quot;white Christians&quot;.

Janos Lazar, the top aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who himself was called a racist by the UN human rights chief this week, accused Facebook of censorship after the social network removed his post.&nbsp;

A screenshot posted by Lazar said the post had been removed for violating Facebook`s guidelines.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Facebook said it was restoring the video.&nbsp;

&quot;People use Facebook to challenge ideas and raise awareness about important issues, but we will remove content that violates our community standards, including hate speech,&quot; the company said in a statement.

&quot;Exceptions are sometimes made if the content is newsworthy, significant or important to the public interest,&quot; it said.&nbsp;

It did not say why the video merited an exception.&nbsp;

In the video Lazar posted to his page, he addresses the camera in a street in Favoriten, the district of Vienna with the most foreigners living in it.

&quot;Disorder is much higher, there is much more dirt and litter in the streets and the few Viennese still living here say that crime is a lot higher and people are living in bigger fear,&quot; Lazar says, accompanied by downbeat piano music and shots of Muslim immigrants.

&quot;If we let them in and they are going to live in our towns, the result will be crime, poverty, dirt and impossible conditions in our cities,&quot; Lazar said.

The Social Democrats (SPO), who govern Vienna in coalition with the Greens, rejected the comments, saying they were part of a &quot;racist and xenophobic election strategy&quot; by Orban`s Fidesz party ahead of April 8 elections.&nbsp;

Facebook, Twitter and other networks have in many countries surpassed traditional media as a way for politicians to reach voters, effectively giving them a new role as referees of political speech.&nbsp;

Last year, Twitter removed a video from Republican US Representative Marsha Blackburn, saying a remark she made about abortion was inflammatory. Twitter later reversed the decision.

A screenshot posted by Lazar said the post had been removed for violating Facebook`s guidelines

Facebook on Wednesday reversed a decision to take down a video posted by a Hungarian political aide that blamed crime on immigrants, saying it was making an exception to its usual ban on hate speech. The incident was the latest test of how Facebook, the world`s largest social media network, and other internet firms will negotiate the tricky business of refereeing online political content. The video was posted on Facebook on Tuesday by the chief of staff of the Hungarian prime minister. It focused on crime in neighbouring Austria and blamed immigrants for pushing out "white Christians". Janos Lazar, the top aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who himself was called a racist by the UN human rights chief this week, accused Facebook of censorship after the social network removed his post. A screenshot posted by Lazar said the post had been removed for violating Facebook`s guidelines. On Wednesday, Facebook said it was restoring the video. "People use Facebook to challenge ideas and raise awareness about important issues, but we will remove content that violates our community standards, including hate speech," the company said in a statement. "Exceptions are sometimes made if the content is newsworthy, significant or important to the public interest," it said. It did not say why the video merited an exception. In the video Lazar posted to his page, he addresses the camera in a street in Favoriten, the district of Vienna with the most foreigners living in it. "Disorder is much higher, there is much more dirt and litter in the streets and the few Viennese still living here say that crime is a lot higher and people are living in bigger fear," Lazar says, accompanied by downbeat piano music and shots of Muslim immigrants. "If we let them in and they are going to live in our towns, the result will be crime, poverty, dirt and impossible conditions in our cities," Lazar said. The Social Democrats (SPO), who govern Vienna in coalition with the Greens, rejected the comments, saying they were part of a "racist and xenophobic election strategy" by Orban`s Fidesz party ahead of April 8 elections. Facebook, Twitter and other networks have in many countries surpassed traditional media as a way for politicians to reach voters, effectively giving them a new role as referees of political speech. Last year, Twitter removed a video from Republican US Representative Marsha Blackburn, saying a remark she made about abortion was inflammatory. Twitter later reversed the decision.

Facebook removes, then restores anti-immigrant video in Hungary

Eleven Asia-Pacific nations on Thursday are to sign a slimmed-down trade pact to lower tariffs just as US President Donald Trump seeks to raise them after withdrawing from the deal last year.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would have represented 40 per cent of the global economy and nearly one-quarter of its trade, was left for dead after Trump pulled out to pursue his &quot;America First&quot; agenda before the TPP could take effect.

But the revamped deal, now known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), is still a significant achievement that sends a message of openness, its supporters said ahead of the signing ceremony in Santiago, Chile.

The pact will include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, representing together 13.5 per cent of global gross domestic product.

The 11 states form a market of 500 million people, greater than that of the European Union`s single market.

&quot;While taxes are going to be applied to certain products and there is a threat of a trade war, we are going to give a signal of openness,&quot; said Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz.

&quot;It`s the most important free trade agreement and the most rigorous that has been signed until now in the world.&quot;

The deal will be finalized in the same week that Trump has risked a global trade war over his decision to introduce tariffs on imported steel and aluminium.

Former president Barack Obama`s administration pushed for the TPP as a counterweight to growing Chinese commercial power. It not only cut tariffs but required members to comply with a high level of regulatory standards in areas like labour law and environmental protection.

Fernando Estenssoro, of Chile`s University of Santiago, says the revamped pact will be &quot;a type of suicide&quot; for the United States. Washington`s absence leaves an open path for China - which remains excluded from the deal - as it negotiates separately with Asian countries and New Zealand.

The CPTPP aims to slash tariffs among the 11 members and foster trade to boost growth.&nbsp;

Felipe Lopeandia, Chile`s top trade negotiator, said the deal will &quot;send a political signal to the world and to the United States itself, that this is a global agreement.&quot;

It is one which remains hugely significant, said Ignacio Bartesaghi of the Catholic University of Uruguay`s business school.

&quot;There is no trade agreement involving that number of countries, and one that has 30 chapters which deal with all the most modern topics of international trade,&quot; Bartesaghi told.

Most provisions of the original agreement remain, except those related to intellectual property originally inserted at the demand of US negotiators.

&quot;The CPTPP will establish a new standard for other regional economic integration agreements, and even for future negotiations in the WTO (World Trade Organization) and in APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation),&quot; said Chile`s foreign ministry, which is hosting Thursday`s ceremony.

Chile said membership of the new pact will improve access to markets currently responsible for 17 per cent of its total exports.

Mexico and Peru will also get better entry to countries on the other side of the Pacific.

&quot;It means an increase in our potential market and the possibility that our people can access more products,&quot; said Mario Mongilardi, head of Lima`s chamber of commerce.

The pact will come into force 60 days after it is fully ratified by six of the 11 members.&nbsp;

The 11 states form a market of 500 million people, greater than that of the European Union`s single market

Eleven Asia-Pacific nations on Thursday are to sign a slimmed-down trade pact to lower tariffs just as US President Donald Trump seeks to raise them after withdrawing from the deal last year. The Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would have represented 40 per cent of the global economy and nearly one-quarter of its trade, was left for dead after Trump pulled out to pursue his "America First" agenda before the TPP could take effect. But the revamped deal, now known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), is still a significant achievement that sends a message of openness, its supporters said ahead of the signing ceremony in Santiago, Chile. The pact will include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, representing together 13.5 per cent of global gross domestic product. The 11 states form a market of 500 million people, greater than that of the European Union`s single market. "While taxes are going to be applied to certain products and there is a threat of a trade war, we are going to give a signal of openness," said Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz. "It`s the most important free trade agreement and the most rigorous that has been signed until now in the world." The deal will be finalized in the same week that Trump has risked a global trade war over his decision to introduce tariffs on imported steel and aluminium. Former president Barack Obama`s administration pushed for the TPP as a counterweight to growing Chinese commercial power. It not only cut tariffs but required members to comply with a high level of regulatory standards in areas like labour law and environmental protection. Fernando Estenssoro, of Chile`s University of Santiago, says the revamped pact will be "a type of suicide" for the United States. Washington`s absence leaves an open path for China - which remains excluded from the deal - as it negotiates separately with Asian countries and New Zealand. The CPTPP aims to slash tariffs among the 11 members and foster trade to boost growth. Felipe Lopeandia, Chile`s top trade negotiator, said the deal will "send a political signal to the world and to the United States itself, that this is a global agreement." It is one which remains hugely significant, said Ignacio Bartesaghi of the Catholic University of Uruguay`s business school. "There is no trade agreement involving that number of countries, and one that has 30 chapters which deal with all the most modern topics of international trade," Bartesaghi told. Most provisions of the original agreement remain, except those related to intellectual property originally inserted at the demand of US negotiators. "The CPTPP will establish a new standard for other regional economic integration agreements, and even for future negotiations in the WTO (World Trade Organization) and in APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)," said Chile`s foreign ministry, which is hosting Thursday`s ceremony. Chile said membership of the new pact will improve access to markets currently responsible for 17 per cent of its total exports. Mexico and Peru will also get better entry to countries on the other side of the Pacific. "It means an increase in our potential market and the possibility that our people can access more products," said Mario Mongilardi, head of Lima`s chamber of commerce. The pact will come into force 60 days after it is fully ratified by six of the 11 members.

Without US, 11 Asia-Pacific states to sign trade deal

The US Holocaust Memorial Museum has said it was stripping Myanmar&#39;s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi of a prestigious human rights award, accusing her of doing little to halt the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims.

Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her long campaign against the country&#39;s military dictatorship, was awarded the Holocaust Museum&#39;s Elie Wiesel award six years ago &quot;for her courageous leadership and great personal sacrifice in resisting tyranny and advancing the freedom and dignity of the Burmese people.&quot;

But the Museum said it was rescinding the award due to her inaction over what it called &quot;mounting evidence of genocide&quot; committed by the Myanmar military against civilians from the Rohingya minority.

&quot;As the military&#39;s attacks against the Rohingya unfolded in 2016 and 2017, we had hoped that you -- as someone we and many others have celebrated for your commitment to human dignity and universal human rights -- would have done something to condemn and stop the military&#39;s brutal campaign and to express solidarity with the targeted Rohingya population,&quot; the museum said in a letter to Suu Kyi.

Instead, it said, her political party, the National League for Democracy, has refused to cooperate with UN investigators and added to the anti-Rohingya rhetoric. 
The party has also obstructed journalists trying to report on the mass murder and expulsion to Bangladesh of the Rohingya.

&quot;The military&#39;s orchestration of the crimes against Rohingya and the severity of the atrocities in recent months demand that you use your moral authority to address this situation,&quot; they said.

In November a joint report by the Museum and Southeast Asia-based watchdog Fortify Rights -- based on testimony they gathered in the field -- documented &quot;widespread and systematic attacks&quot; on Rohingya civilians.

The award was named after Elie Wiesel, a survivor of the Nazi genocide against Jews who spent much of his life campaigning for human rights, himself winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986.

Suu Kyi, the country&#39;s symbol of democracy for decades, has come under heavy criticism for her refusal to stand up for the Rohingya.

In January US diplomat Bill Richardson resigned from a Suu Kyi-appointed panel set up to ease tensions with the Rohingya, assailing her for an &quot;absence of moral leadership.&quot;

About 700,000 Rohingya have fled over the border to Bangladesh since August, with horrifying testimony of murder, rape and arson by soldiers and vigilante mobs.

In Geneva on Wednesday the UN human rights chief Zeid Ra&#39;ad Al Hussein called for a new body tasked with preparing criminal indictments over the Myanmar atrocities.

Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her long campaign against the country's military dictatorship

The US Holocaust Memorial Museum has said it was stripping Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi of a prestigious human rights award, accusing her of doing little to halt the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims. Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her long campaign against the country's military dictatorship, was awarded the Holocaust Museum's Elie Wiesel award six years ago "for her courageous leadership and great personal sacrifice in resisting tyranny and advancing the freedom and dignity of the Burmese people." But the Museum said it was rescinding the award due to her inaction over what it called "mounting evidence of genocide" committed by the Myanmar military against civilians from the Rohingya minority. "As the military's attacks against the Rohingya unfolded in 2016 and 2017, we had hoped that you -- as someone we and many others have celebrated for your commitment to human dignity and universal human rights -- would have done something to condemn and stop the military's brutal campaign and to express solidarity with the targeted Rohingya population," the museum said in a letter to Suu Kyi. Instead, it said, her political party, the National League for Democracy, has refused to cooperate with UN investigators and added to the anti-Rohingya rhetoric. The party has also obstructed journalists trying to report on the mass murder and expulsion to Bangladesh of the Rohingya. "The military's orchestration of the crimes against Rohingya and the severity of the atrocities in recent months demand that you use your moral authority to address this situation," they said. In November a joint report by the Museum and Southeast Asia-based watchdog Fortify Rights -- based on testimony they gathered in the field -- documented "widespread and systematic attacks" on Rohingya civilians. The award was named after Elie Wiesel, a survivor of the Nazi genocide against Jews who spent much of his life campaigning for human rights, himself winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. Suu Kyi, the country's symbol of democracy for decades, has come under heavy criticism for her refusal to stand up for the Rohingya. In January US diplomat Bill Richardson resigned from a Suu Kyi-appointed panel set up to ease tensions with the Rohingya, assailing her for an "absence of moral leadership." About 700,000 Rohingya have fled over the border to Bangladesh since August, with horrifying testimony of murder, rape and arson by soldiers and vigilante mobs. In Geneva on Wednesday the UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called for a new body tasked with preparing criminal indictments over the Myanmar atrocities.

US Holocaust Museum strips Myanmar's Suu Kyi of rights award

A trade war with the US will benefit no one, China warned on Thursday, as it prepares for an &#39;appropriate and necessary response&#39; to US&nbsp;if President Donald Trump fires the first shots.

&quot;Choosing a trade war is surely the wrong prescription, in the end, you will only hurt others and yourself,&quot; news agency AFP quoted Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi as saying during a press conference, adding that &quot;China will certainly make an appropriate and necessary response.&quot;

The Trump administration is expected to formally introduce previously announced tariffs on steel and aluminium imports on Thursday in the US.

US imports from China of these two goods make up a small proportion of its total imports from the world&#39;s second-largest economy.&nbsp;But the tariffs may be the first foray into an American trade war with Beijing.

In coming weeks, the Trump administration is expected to issue a report on intellectual property theft which may hammer China and possibly incite further tariffs on a wide range of Chinese imports, reported AFP.

Trump brought up the forthcoming moves on Wednesday, saying on Twitter that the US had asked China to develop a plan to reduce the deficit by one billion dollars.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
China has been asked to develop a plan for the year of a One Billion Dollar reduction in their massive Trade Deficit with the United States. Our relationship with China has been a very good one, and we look forward to seeing what ideas they come back with. We must act soon!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/971402791930552322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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The amount is a drop in the bucket compared with record $375.2 billion trade deficit with China the US racked up last year.

&quot;The U.S. is acting swiftly on Intellectual Property theft. We cannot allow this to happen as it has for many years!&quot; the president also tweeted on Wednesday.

(With AFP inputs)&nbsp;

The Trump administration is expected to formally introduce previously announced tariffs on steel and aluminium imports on Thursday in the US.

A trade war with the US will benefit no one, China warned on Thursday, as it prepares for an 'appropriate and necessary response' to US if President Donald Trump fires the first shots. "Choosing a trade war is surely the wrong prescription, in the end, you will only hurt others and yourself," news agency AFP quoted Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi as saying during a press conference, adding that "China will certainly make an appropriate and necessary response." The Trump administration is expected to formally introduce previously announced tariffs on steel and aluminium imports on Thursday in the US. US imports from China of these two goods make up a small proportion of its total imports from the world's second-largest economy. But the tariffs may be the first foray into an American trade war with Beijing. In coming weeks, the Trump administration is expected to issue a report on intellectual property theft which may hammer China and possibly incite further tariffs on a wide range of Chinese imports, reported AFP. Trump brought up the forthcoming moves on Wednesday, saying on Twitter that the US had asked China to develop a plan to reduce the deficit by one billion dollars. China has been asked to develop a plan for the year of a One Billion Dollar reduction in their massive Trade Deficit with the United States. Our relationship with China has been a very good one, and we look forward to seeing what ideas they come back with. We must act soon! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 7, 2018 × The amount is a drop in the bucket compared with record $375.2 billion trade deficit with China the US racked up last year. "The U.S. is acting swiftly on Intellectual Property theft. We cannot allow this to happen as it has for many years!" the president also tweeted on Wednesday. (With AFP inputs)

Trade war with US will benefit no one, warns China as it readies for 'appropriate response'

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The TDP on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked two of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation tomorrow, but kept the door for ties with the BJP ajar.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-confirm-russian-ex-spy-and-daughter-hit-by-nerve-agent-35026">UK police confirm Russian ex-spy, daughter hit by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-confirm-russian-ex-spy-and-daughter-hit-by-nerve-agent-35026">nerve</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-confirm-russian-ex-spy-and-daughter-hit-by-nerve-agent-35026"> agent</a>

The Russian former double-agent who collapsed in a British town alongside his daughter was targeted with a nerve agent, while a responding policeman has also been hospitalised, police said Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pornstar-stormy-daniels-lawyer-confirms-her-affair-with-donald-trump-35037">Pornstar Stormy Daniels&#39; lawyer confirms her affair with Donald Trump</a>

Pornstar Stormy Daniels&#39; lawyer admitted that she had a sexual relationship with US President Donald Trump. In a television interview, Michael Avenatti confirmed the same also stating that he was not aware of the $130,000 payoff to buy her silence.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/grenade-blast-kills-one-in-sri-lanka-communal-violence-social-media-blocked-35029">Grenade blast kills one in Sri Lanka communal violence, social media blocked</a>

A grenade blast killed one person in further violence between majority Buddhist Sinhalese and minority Muslims in Sri Lanka on Wednesday as the government moved to block social messaging networks in an effort to halt the bloodshed.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-sooner-than-later-35044">China urges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-sooner-than-later-35044">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-sooner-than-later-35044">, North Korea to hold talks &#39;sooner than later&#39;</a>

China&#39;s foreign minister urged the United States and North Korea Thursday to start talks as soon as possible, stressing that &quot;the sincerity&quot; of all parties to solve the nuclear crisis would be tested.

TDP to pull out of NDA government, keeps door for alliance with BJP ajar The TDP on Wednesday night decided to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre and asked two of its ministers in the Modi government to tender their resignation tomorrow, but kept the door for ties with the BJP ajar. UK police confirm Russian ex-spy, daughter hit by nerve agent The Russian former double-agent who collapsed in a British town alongside his daughter was targeted with a nerve agent, while a responding policeman has also been hospitalised, police said Wednesday. Pornstar Stormy Daniels' lawyer confirms her affair with Donald Trump Pornstar Stormy Daniels' lawyer admitted that she had a sexual relationship with US President Donald Trump. In a television interview, Michael Avenatti confirmed the same also stating that he was not aware of the $130,000 payoff to buy her silence. Grenade blast kills one in Sri Lanka communal violence, social media blocked A grenade blast killed one person in further violence between majority Buddhist Sinhalese and minority Muslims in Sri Lanka on Wednesday as the government moved to block social messaging networks in an effort to halt the bloodshed. China urges US, North Korea to hold talks 'sooner than later' China's foreign minister urged the United States and North Korea Thursday to start talks as soon as possible, stressing that "the sincerity" of all parties to solve the nuclear crisis would be tested.

WION Morning News Brief, March 8, 2018

China&#39;s foreign minister urged the United States and North Korea Thursday to start talks as soon as possible, stressing that &quot;the sincerity&quot; of all parties to solve the nuclear crisis would be tested.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi cautiously welcomed Seoul&#39;s announcement that Pyongyang had offered to hold denuclearisation talks with the United States in return for security guarantees.

The North also agreed to hold a historic summit between its leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in late April.

&quot;The Korean peninsula issue has finally taken an important step in the right direction,&quot; Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of annual parliamentary session.

&quot;These initial steps must be followed up by corresponding and concerted efforts by the parties. We call on the parties, particularly the United States and the DPRK, to engage in dialogue sooner rather than later,&quot; he said.

But Wang issued a word of caution, noting that breakthroughs on the North Korean nuclear issue had collapsed in the past.

&quot;Of course it takes more than one cold day to freeze three feet of ice,&quot; he said.

&quot;Despite light at the end of the tunnel, the journey ahead won&rsquo;t be smooth. History has reminded us time and again that whenever tensions subsided on the peninsula the situation would be clouded by various interferences,&quot; he said.

&quot;Now is the crucial moment to test the sincerity of the parties to solve the nuclear issue.&quot;

Foreign Minister Wang Yi cautiously welcomed Seoul's announcement that Pyongyang had offered to hold denuclearisation talks with the United States in return for security guarantees.

China's foreign minister urged the United States and North Korea Thursday to start talks as soon as possible, stressing that "the sincerity" of all parties to solve the nuclear crisis would be tested. Foreign Minister Wang Yi cautiously welcomed Seoul's announcement that Pyongyang had offered to hold denuclearisation talks with the United States in return for security guarantees. The North also agreed to hold a historic summit between its leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in late April. "The Korean peninsula issue has finally taken an important step in the right direction," Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of annual parliamentary session. "These initial steps must be followed up by corresponding and concerted efforts by the parties. We call on the parties, particularly the United States and the DPRK, to engage in dialogue sooner rather than later," he said. But Wang issued a word of caution, noting that breakthroughs on the North Korean nuclear issue had collapsed in the past. "Of course it takes more than one cold day to freeze three feet of ice," he said. "Despite light at the end of the tunnel, the journey ahead won’t be smooth. History has reminded us time and again that whenever tensions subsided on the peninsula the situation would be clouded by various interferences," he said. "Now is the crucial moment to test the sincerity of the parties to solve the nuclear issue."

China urges US, North Korea to hold talks 'sooner than later'

China&#39;s foreign minister sought Thursday to downplay concerns about Beijing&#39;s global ambitions, while also hinting at consequences for countries that don&#39;t fall in line on issues like Taiwan.

Pledging that China had no desire to &quot;replace America&quot; on the global stage, Wang Yi said the Asian nation&#39;s path &quot;is totally different than the one that has already been taken by traditional major powers&quot;.

&quot;The more China develops, the more it can contribute to the world,&quot; Wang said in a wide-ranging press conference.

Wang spoke as 3,000 members of China&#39;s mostly ceremonial national legislature have gathered for their annual meeting in Beijing, where they are set to grant President Xi Jinping a nearly limitless mandate to realise his vision of a resurgent China.

Xi&#39;s ambitions are not limited to home: he has clearly articulated his vision of putting China at the centre of world affairs, a position reflecting its Chinese name: &quot;the Middle Kingdom.&quot;

The departure from the country&#39;s long-held stance of keeping a low profile had raised fears abroad of spreading Chinese influence.

On Thursday, Wang tried to strike a balance between reassurance and assertiveness, as Beijing deals with pressure from countries like the US to change its behaviour.

Here are some of the main takeaways:

Us-China Relations

As US president Donald Trump threatens a trade war with China, Wang warned that Beijing is ready to take an &quot;appropriate and necessary response&quot;.

&quot;China&#39;s development and rejuvenation can&#39;t be stopped,&quot; he said.

&quot;Some Americans think that therefore China wants to replace the US&#39;s international role, but that is a fundamental strategic misjudgement.&quot;

China and the US &quot;don&#39;t need to be rivals, they should be partners&quot;.

South China Sea

Nevertheless, China will not give an inch in the South China Sea, where it has built an archipelago of artificial islands hosting military facilities that the US and other nations say threaten freedom of navigation through the strategically vital waterway.

Beijing&#39;s &quot;resolve to protect the peace and the stability of the South China Sea cannot be shaken&quot;, Wang said about the region, where it has overlapping territorial claims with the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

The problems in the region are due to &quot;foreign forces&quot; which &quot;have sent fully armed warships and fighters to the South China Sea to flaunt their military might&quot;, he said, referring to operations by the US, Australia and Britain to assert their right to sail through the region.

Taiwan

Although China does not recognise the self-ruled island as an independent nation, Wang took questions about Beijing&#39;s relationship with Taipei, warning that the Taiwanese government must come around to China&#39;s way of thinking if it hopes to enjoy &quot;peaceful development&quot;.

The relationship between Beijing and Taipei has soured since the election of President Tsai Ying-wen, who has refused to acknowledge the so-called &quot;1992 consensus&quot;, which agrees that there is only one China without specifying whether Beijing or Taipei is its rightful representative.

&quot;The person who locked the door should open it,&quot; Wang said.

Only by taking the &quot;correct path&quot; of recognising the consensus can &quot;cross-strait relations restart building a promising prospect for peaceful development&quot;.

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Abe is expected to make a visit to China after years of tense relations set off by a territorial dispute and festering disagreements over the legacy of the Second World War.

After mocking a Japanese reporter&#39;s Chinese language skills, Wang said that China &quot;wants the Japanese side to speak credibly in its politics, to behave properly in its actions&quot;.

North Korea

Wang cautiously welcomed the apparent breakthrough over the North Korea nuclear issue as an &quot;important step in the right direction&quot;.

He urged the US and North Korea to hold talks as soon as possible after Seoul said that Pyongyang was ready to discuss denuclearisation with Washington in return for security guarantees.

&quot;Now is the crucial moment to test the sincerity of the parties to solve the nuclear issue,&quot; he said.

Chinese minister Wang Yi spoke as 3,000 members of China's mostly ceremonial national legislature have gathered for their annual meeting in Beijing

China's foreign minister sought Thursday to downplay concerns about Beijing's global ambitions, while also hinting at consequences for countries that don't fall in line on issues like Taiwan. Pledging that China had no desire to "replace America" on the global stage, Wang Yi said the Asian nation's path "is totally different than the one that has already been taken by traditional major powers". "The more China develops, the more it can contribute to the world," Wang said in a wide-ranging press conference. Wang spoke as 3,000 members of China's mostly ceremonial national legislature have gathered for their annual meeting in Beijing, where they are set to grant President Xi Jinping a nearly limitless mandate to realise his vision of a resurgent China. Xi's ambitions are not limited to home: he has clearly articulated his vision of putting China at the centre of world affairs, a position reflecting its Chinese name: "the Middle Kingdom." The departure from the country's long-held stance of keeping a low profile had raised fears abroad of spreading Chinese influence. On Thursday, Wang tried to strike a balance between reassurance and assertiveness, as Beijing deals with pressure from countries like the US to change its behaviour. Here are some of the main takeaways: Us-China Relations As US president Donald Trump threatens a trade war with China, Wang warned that Beijing is ready to take an "appropriate and necessary response". "China's development and rejuvenation can't be stopped," he said. "Some Americans think that therefore China wants to replace the US's international role, but that is a fundamental strategic misjudgement." China and the US "don't need to be rivals, they should be partners". South China Sea Nevertheless, China will not give an inch in the South China Sea, where it has built an archipelago of artificial islands hosting military facilities that the US and other nations say threaten freedom of navigation through the strategically vital waterway. Beijing's "resolve to protect the peace and the stability of the South China Sea cannot be shaken", Wang said about the region, where it has overlapping territorial claims with the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. The problems in the region are due to "foreign forces" which "have sent fully armed warships and fighters to the South China Sea to flaunt their military might", he said, referring to operations by the US, Australia and Britain to assert their right to sail through the region. Taiwan Although China does not recognise the self-ruled island as an independent nation, Wang took questions about Beijing's relationship with Taipei, warning that the Taiwanese government must come around to China's way of thinking if it hopes to enjoy "peaceful development". The relationship between Beijing and Taipei has soured since the election of President Tsai Ying-wen, who has refused to acknowledge the so-called "1992 consensus", which agrees that there is only one China without specifying whether Beijing or Taipei is its rightful representative. "The person who locked the door should open it," Wang said. Only by taking the "correct path" of recognising the consensus can "cross-strait relations restart building a promising prospect for peaceful development". Japan Japanese Prime Minister Abe is expected to make a visit to China after years of tense relations set off by a territorial dispute and festering disagreements over the legacy of the Second World War. After mocking a Japanese reporter's Chinese language skills, Wang said that China "wants the Japanese side to speak credibly in its politics, to behave properly in its actions". North Korea Wang cautiously welcomed the apparent breakthrough over the North Korea nuclear issue as an "important step in the right direction". He urged the US and North Korea to hold talks as soon as possible after Seoul said that Pyongyang was ready to discuss denuclearisation with Washington in return for security guarantees. "Now is the crucial moment to test the sincerity of the parties to solve the nuclear issue," he said.

Not trying to 'replace America', says Chinese foreign minister

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar left for the US tonight for further treatment from Mumbai where he was admitted at Lilavati Hospital.

Parrikar left for the US for his further treatment by a special flight from Mumbai airport, a senior official of the chief minister office told.

The chief minister left for the US in Air India flight at around 1.30 AM. He is accompanied by a doctor and his elder son, Utpal, a senior official from CMO said.

Parrikar was admitted at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on February 15 and discharged on February 22. On the same day he returned to Goa and presented the Budget in the Assembly, but the session was truncated to only four days owing to his illness.

He was later admitted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital after he suffered from dehydration.

Before leaving for Mumbai yesterday, Parrikar held a series of meetings, including one with senior state ministers.

Earlier in the day, Goa BJP general secretary Sadanand Tanawade said that Parrikar will fly to the US for further treatment.

Parrikar also informed Governor Mridula Sinha earlier in the day about his absence from the country.

In the letter, Parrikar also informed the governor about the interim arrangement of a Cabinet advisory committee to guide the state administration.

The letter says that he would be chairing the meeting of the council of ministers, whenever it is held, through video conferencing from abroad.

&#39;&#39;I have been also advised by the expert team of doctors in Goa as well as in Mumbai and subsequent consultation with doctors abroad to travel overseas for a specialised treatment of my medical condition,&#39;&#39; according to the letter.

He said that during his absence in the state, the meeting of the council of ministers whenever held shall be presided over by him through video conferencing or by circulation.

&#39;&#39;If that is not possible for any reason, or I may decide at later point of time, the minister nominated by me shall preside the meeting and I will separately instruct the chief secretary in such exigency,&#39;&#39; the letter said.

He also informed that a team of three ministers --&nbsp;Sudin Dhavalikar (MGP), Francis D Souza (BJP) and Vijai Sardesai (Goa Forward Party) --&nbsp;will function as a Cabinet advisory committee.

The committee shall meet at least once a week, at such point of time and place, and is empowered to decide unanimously amongst themselves on the certain important financial year ending issues. The committee shall consult the finance department before taking any financial decisions,&nbsp;Parrikar said in the letter.&nbsp;

The chief minister left for the US in Air India flight at around 1.30 AM. He is accompanied by a doctor and his elder son, Utpal, a senior official from CMO said.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar left for the US tonight for further treatment from Mumbai where he was admitted at Lilavati Hospital. Parrikar left for the US for his further treatment by a special flight from Mumbai airport, a senior official of the chief minister office told. The chief minister left for the US in Air India flight at around 1.30 AM. He is accompanied by a doctor and his elder son, Utpal, a senior official from CMO said. Parrikar was admitted at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on February 15 and discharged on February 22. On the same day he returned to Goa and presented the Budget in the Assembly, but the session was truncated to only four days owing to his illness. He was later admitted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital after he suffered from dehydration. Before leaving for Mumbai yesterday, Parrikar held a series of meetings, including one with senior state ministers. Earlier in the day, Goa BJP general secretary Sadanand Tanawade said that Parrikar will fly to the US for further treatment. Parrikar also informed Governor Mridula Sinha earlier in the day about his absence from the country. In the letter, Parrikar also informed the governor about the interim arrangement of a Cabinet advisory committee to guide the state administration. The letter says that he would be chairing the meeting of the council of ministers, whenever it is held, through video conferencing from abroad. ''I have been also advised by the expert team of doctors in Goa as well as in Mumbai and subsequent consultation with doctors abroad to travel overseas for a specialised treatment of my medical condition,'' according to the letter. He said that during his absence in the state, the meeting of the council of ministers whenever held shall be presided over by him through video conferencing or by circulation. ''If that is not possible for any reason, or I may decide at later point of time, the minister nominated by me shall preside the meeting and I will separately instruct the chief secretary in such exigency,'' the letter said. He also informed that a team of three ministers -- Sudin Dhavalikar (MGP), Francis D Souza (BJP) and Vijai Sardesai (Goa Forward Party) -- will function as a Cabinet advisory committee. The committee shall meet at least once a week, at such point of time and place, and is empowered to decide unanimously amongst themselves on the certain important financial year ending issues. The committee shall consult the finance department before taking any financial decisions, Parrikar said in the letter.

Goa Chief Minister Parrikar leaves for US for treatment

The US trade deficit increased to a more than nine-year high in January, with the shortfall with China widening sharply, suggesting that President Donald Trump&rsquo;s &ldquo;America First&rdquo; trade policies are unlikely to have a material impact on the deficit.&nbsp;

The trade deficit continues to widen a year into the Trump presidency. Trump, who claims that the United States is being taken advantage of by its trading partners, has imposed tariffs on imports of some goods to shield domestic industries. The protectionist measures have sparked fears of a trade war.

The Commerce Department said on Wednesday the trade gap jumped 5.0 percent to $56.6 billion. That was the highest level since October 2008 and exceeded economists&rsquo; expectations of an increase to $55.1 billion. Part of the rise in the trade deficit in January reflected commodity price increases.

The politically sensitive trade deficit with China surged 16.7 percent to $36.0 billion, the highest since September 2015. The deficit with Canada soared 65 percent to a three-year high of $3.6 billion.

Trump in late January imposed broad tariffs on imported solar panels and large washing machines. Last week, Trump announced he would slap import tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium to protect domestic producers.

While these actions may prove politically popular with Trump&rsquo;s working-class political base, especially in states hard-hit by factory closures and import competition, analyst warns they could undercut economic growth.&nbsp;

There are fears that the tariffs could jeopardize talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) linking Canada, Mexico and the United States. Trump ordered a renegotiation of the trade pact to offer terms more favourable to Washington.&nbsp;

FULL EMPLOYMENT

Trump&rsquo;s &ldquo;America First&rdquo; trade policies are part of an attempt to boost annual economic growth to 3 percent on a sustainable basis. The government in January slashed corporate and individual income taxes.

But with the economy almost at full employment, the increase in demand spurred by the $1.5 trillion tax package will probably be satisfied with imports, further worsening the trade deficit.

In a separate report on Wednesday, ADP Research Institute said U.S. private employers added 235,000 jobs in February. The report, which is jointly developed with Moody&rsquo;s Analytics, was published ahead of the government&rsquo;s more comprehensive employment data on Friday.

According to a Reuters survey of economists, nonfarm payrolls probably increased by 200,000 jobs last month, matching January&rsquo;s gains. The unemployment rate is forecast falling one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.0 percent, which would be the lowest level since December 2000.

US&nbsp;financial markets were little moved by the data.

The surge in the January trade deficit was flagged by an advance goods trade deficit report last week. When adjusted for inflation, the trade deficit increased to $69.7 billion from $68.5 billion in December.

The so-called real trade deficit is above the fourth-quarter average of $66.8 billion. This suggests trade would subtract from first-quarter gross domestic product unless the deficit shrinks in February and March. Trade sliced 1.13 percentage point from fourth-quarter GDP growth.

The economy grew at a 2.5 percent annualized rate during that period. In January, exports fell 1.3 percent to $200.9 billion as shipments of civilian aircraft and crude oil declined. But exports of consumer goods rose to a record high and those of motor vehicles, parts and engines were the highest since July 2014.

Exports to China tumbled 28.1 percent. Imports were unchanged at $257.5 billion in January amid declines in imports of cellphones and civilian aircraft. Crude oil imports increased by $2.2 billion, reflecting higher prices. Imports from China rose 2.9 percent.

In the third report on Wednesday, the Labor Department said worker productivity was flat in the fourth quarter instead of declining at a 0.1 percent rate as it had reported last month. It increased at a 1.1 percent rate compared to the fourth quarter of 2016

Productivity grew at a 2.6 percent rate in the third quarter. Sluggish productivity could make it difficult for the Trump administration to achieve its 3 percent growth target. Annual economic growth has not surpassed 3 percent since 2005. Gross domestic product expanded 2.3 percent in 2017.

The politically sensitive trade deficit with China surged 16.7 percent to $36.0 billion, the highest since September 2015

The US trade deficit increased to a more than nine-year high in January, with the shortfall with China widening sharply, suggesting that President Donald Trump’s “America First” trade policies are unlikely to have a material impact on the deficit. The trade deficit continues to widen a year into the Trump presidency. Trump, who claims that the United States is being taken advantage of by its trading partners, has imposed tariffs on imports of some goods to shield domestic industries. The protectionist measures have sparked fears of a trade war. The Commerce Department said on Wednesday the trade gap jumped 5.0 percent to $56.6 billion. That was the highest level since October 2008 and exceeded economists’ expectations of an increase to $55.1 billion. Part of the rise in the trade deficit in January reflected commodity price increases. The politically sensitive trade deficit with China surged 16.7 percent to $36.0 billion, the highest since September 2015. The deficit with Canada soared 65 percent to a three-year high of $3.6 billion. Trump in late January imposed broad tariffs on imported solar panels and large washing machines. Last week, Trump announced he would slap import tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium to protect domestic producers. While these actions may prove politically popular with Trump’s working-class political base, especially in states hard-hit by factory closures and import competition, analyst warns they could undercut economic growth. There are fears that the tariffs could jeopardize talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) linking Canada, Mexico and the United States. Trump ordered a renegotiation of the trade pact to offer terms more favourable to Washington. FULL EMPLOYMENT Trump’s “America First” trade policies are part of an attempt to boost annual economic growth to 3 percent on a sustainable basis. The government in January slashed corporate and individual income taxes. But with the economy almost at full employment, the increase in demand spurred by the $1.5 trillion tax package will probably be satisfied with imports, further worsening the trade deficit. In a separate report on Wednesday, ADP Research Institute said U.S. private employers added 235,000 jobs in February. The report, which is jointly developed with Moody’s Analytics, was published ahead of the government’s more comprehensive employment data on Friday. According to a Reuters survey of economists, nonfarm payrolls probably increased by 200,000 jobs last month, matching January’s gains. The unemployment rate is forecast falling one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.0 percent, which would be the lowest level since December 2000. US financial markets were little moved by the data. The surge in the January trade deficit was flagged by an advance goods trade deficit report last week. When adjusted for inflation, the trade deficit increased to $69.7 billion from $68.5 billion in December. The so-called real trade deficit is above the fourth-quarter average of $66.8 billion. This suggests trade would subtract from first-quarter gross domestic product unless the deficit shrinks in February and March. Trade sliced 1.13 percentage point from fourth-quarter GDP growth. The economy grew at a 2.5 percent annualized rate during that period. In January, exports fell 1.3 percent to $200.9 billion as shipments of civilian aircraft and crude oil declined. But exports of consumer goods rose to a record high and those of motor vehicles, parts and engines were the highest since July 2014. Exports to China tumbled 28.1 percent. Imports were unchanged at $257.5 billion in January amid declines in imports of cellphones and civilian aircraft. Crude oil imports increased by $2.2 billion, reflecting higher prices. Imports from China rose 2.9 percent. In the third report on Wednesday, the Labor Department said worker productivity was flat in the fourth quarter instead of declining at a 0.1 percent rate as it had reported last month. It increased at a 1.1 percent rate compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 Productivity grew at a 2.6 percent rate in the third quarter. Sluggish productivity could make it difficult for the Trump administration to achieve its 3 percent growth target. Annual economic growth has not surpassed 3 percent since 2005. Gross domestic product expanded 2.3 percent in 2017.

US trade deficit hits more than nine-year high as exports falter

The United States formally concluded Tuesday, March 6, that North Korea ordered the murder of a half-brother and potential rival to ruler Kim Jong-Un with the banned VX nerve agent.

Kim Jong-Nam, the half-brother of North Korea&#39;s leader Kim Jong Un, was killed on February 13, 2017 in Malaysia.

&quot;This public display of contempt for universal norms against chemical weapons use further demonstrates the reckless nature of North Korea and underscores that we cannot afford to tolerate a North Korean WMD program of any kind,&quot; State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.

The new sanctions, which came into force on 5 March, are largely symbolic, joining a vast array of punitive economic measures the US has taken against North Korea.

The finding triggered another layer of US economic sanctions against Pyongyang, just as South Korea reported that the regime is ready for talks to end a nuclear standoff.

The US has consistently accused North Korea of being behind the attack on Kim Jong-nam.

Under US law, when a country or leader violates its ban on chemical and biological weapons, an import ban is imposed on its products, but North Korea is already under severe US and UN sanctions, and Tuesday&#39;s decision will have little impact.

But reviving the controversy over last year&#39;s assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, who was sprayed in the face by a chemical agent by two women as he traveled through Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaysia, could disrupt attempts to start talks.

Kim Jong-Un&#39;s older half-brother had once been seen as their father Kim Jong-Il&#39;s natural heir, and some reports had suggested that China might be grooming him to replace the younger man in the event of a crisis.

Nauert said that US investigators operating under the 1991 Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act had determined on February 22 that North Korea was to blame for the murder and that VX was used.

The finding triggers another layer of US economic sanctions against Pyongyang, just as South Korea reported that the regime is ready for talks to end a nuclear standoff

The United States formally concluded Tuesday, March 6, that North Korea ordered the murder of a half-brother and potential rival to ruler Kim Jong-Un with the banned VX nerve agent. Kim Jong-Nam, the half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, was killed on February 13, 2017 in Malaysia. "This public display of contempt for universal norms against chemical weapons use further demonstrates the reckless nature of North Korea and underscores that we cannot afford to tolerate a North Korean WMD program of any kind," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said. The new sanctions, which came into force on 5 March, are largely symbolic, joining a vast array of punitive economic measures the US has taken against North Korea. The finding triggered another layer of US economic sanctions against Pyongyang, just as South Korea reported that the regime is ready for talks to end a nuclear standoff. The US has consistently accused North Korea of being behind the attack on Kim Jong-nam. Under US law, when a country or leader violates its ban on chemical and biological weapons, an import ban is imposed on its products, but North Korea is already under severe US and UN sanctions, and Tuesday's decision will have little impact. But reviving the controversy over last year's assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, who was sprayed in the face by a chemical agent by two women as he traveled through Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaysia, could disrupt attempts to start talks. Kim Jong-Un's older half-brother had once been seen as their father Kim Jong-Il's natural heir, and some reports had suggested that China might be grooming him to replace the younger man in the event of a crisis. Nauert said that US investigators operating under the 1991 Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act had determined on February 22 that North Korea was to blame for the murder and that VX was used.

US finds North Korea killed Kim's brother with VX agent

Syrian government forces pounded eastern Ghouta with air strikes on Wednesday in an effort to slice the rebel enclave in two as they intensified a campaign to deal the opposition its biggest defeat since 2016.

The Syrian government assault of the densely populated area on the outskirts of Damascus, which began more than two weeks ago, has become one of the fiercest campaigns of the war now entering its eighth year, with bombardment killing hundreds.

Live footage broadcast by Syrian state TV from the outskirts of the town of Mesraba showed enormous clouds of smoke rising into the sky. The sounds of explosions and jets could be heard.

A state TV correspondent said militant defences in the town were being struck by &quot;preparatory fire&quot; in advance of a planned infantry assault. &quot;Mesraba is under heavy attack today,&quot; said Khalil Aybour, a member of an opposition council in Ghouta.

Capturing Mesraba would be a major step towards severing the northern half of the Ghouta, including its biggest town, Douma, from the southern part. Government forces have seized more than 40 percent of the territory so far.

Civilians have been fleeing frontline areas into Douma and hiding in cellars.

&quot;It&#39;s bad in the basement, but it&#39;s better than the bombing,&quot; Adnan, 30, a Douma resident who has been sheltering below ground with his wife and two-year-old daughter together with 10 other families, told Reuters by telephone.

The United Nations says 400,000 people are trapped in the towns and villages of the eastern Ghouta, under government siege for years and already running out of food and medicine before the assault. An aid convoy reached the area this week but government officials had stripped out most medical supplies.

Russia, President Bashar al-Assad&#39;s most powerful ally, has offered rebel fighters safe passage out with their families and personal weapons. The proposal echoes previous agreements under which insurgents, in the face of military defeat, were permitted to withdraw to opposition-held areas at the Turkish border.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group says 800 civilians have been killed by government bombing and shelling. The Observatory said an extra 700 pro-government militia fighters had arrived at the front as reinforcements to join the operation.

The U.N. Security Council has called for a 30-day countrywide ceasefire, but Moscow and Damascus have not halted the campaign, arguing that the fighters they are striking are members of banned terrorist groups unprotected by the truce.

Russia&#39;s defence ministry said on Wednesday some rebels wanted to accept the proposal to evacuate. So far rebels have dismissed it in public. The military spokesman for one of the main eastern Ghouta rebel groups said rebels would defend the territory and there were no negotiations over a withdrawal.

&quot;The factions of Ghouta and their fighters and its people are holding onto their land and will defend it,&quot; Hamza Birqdar of Jaish al-Islam told Reuters in a text message sent overnight.

The opposition says such evacuation agreements amount to a policy of demographic change by which Assad has forcibly displaced those who oppose him.

In an interview on state TV, a Syrian army colonel expressed confidence Ghouta would fall quickly, saying the people there would return to the &quot;state&#39;s embrace&quot; &quot;very, very, very soon&quot;.

A commander in the military alliance fighting in support of Assad said he anticipated that rebels would end up besieged in Douma and then accept a withdrawal deal.

Assad said this week that the majority of people in eastern Ghouta want a return of state rule. But rebels and opposition activists say people fear government persecution.

COMPLICITY

Russian warplanes have taken part in the eastern Ghouta operation, and the White House has accused Russia of complicity in the killing of civilians there.

Defeat in eastern Ghouta would mark the biggest setback for the anti-Assad rebellion since the opposition was driven from eastern Aleppo in late 2016 after a similar campaign of siege, bombing, ground assaults and the promise of safe passage out.

Moscow and Damascus say the Ghouta campaign is necessary to halt rebel shelling of the capital. The Observatory says such shelling has killed at least 27 people since Feb. 18, and Syrian state media have given a higher death toll.

Assad has steadily recovered rebel-held areas in western Syria since Russia intervened directly on his side in 2015.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday voiced concern about attacks in eastern Ghouta which &quot;reportedly claimed the lives of more than 100 people&quot; on Monday alone, as well as reports of shelling of Damascus.

Western states have been demanding Russia press Assad to abide by the 30-day ceasefire. The Security Council, where Russia holds a veto, will meet on Wednesday to discuss the failed ceasefire.

The U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra&#39;ad al-Hussein said the government offensive could not be justified by its targetting of a few hundred fighters.

&quot;Recent attempts to justify indiscriminate, brutal attacks on hundreds of thousands of civilians by the need to combat a few hundred fighters &ndash; as in Eastern Ghouta &ndash; are legally, and morally, unsustainable,&quot; he told the U.N. Human Rights Council.

&quot;Also, when you are prepared to kill your own people so easily, lying is easy too. Claims by the Government of Syria that it is taking every measure to protect its civilian population are frankly ridiculous.&quot;

Live footage broadcast by Syrian state TV from the outskirts of the town of Mesraba showed enormous clouds of smoke rising into the sky. The sounds of explosions and jets could be heard

Syrian government forces pounded eastern Ghouta with air strikes on Wednesday in an effort to slice the rebel enclave in two as they intensified a campaign to deal the opposition its biggest defeat since 2016. The Syrian government assault of the densely populated area on the outskirts of Damascus, which began more than two weeks ago, has become one of the fiercest campaigns of the war now entering its eighth year, with bombardment killing hundreds. Live footage broadcast by Syrian state TV from the outskirts of the town of Mesraba showed enormous clouds of smoke rising into the sky. The sounds of explosions and jets could be heard. A state TV correspondent said militant defences in the town were being struck by "preparatory fire" in advance of a planned infantry assault. "Mesraba is under heavy attack today," said Khalil Aybour, a member of an opposition council in Ghouta. Capturing Mesraba would be a major step towards severing the northern half of the Ghouta, including its biggest town, Douma, from the southern part. Government forces have seized more than 40 percent of the territory so far. Civilians have been fleeing frontline areas into Douma and hiding in cellars. "It's bad in the basement, but it's better than the bombing," Adnan, 30, a Douma resident who has been sheltering below ground with his wife and two-year-old daughter together with 10 other families, told Reuters by telephone. The United Nations says 400,000 people are trapped in the towns and villages of the eastern Ghouta, under government siege for years and already running out of food and medicine before the assault. An aid convoy reached the area this week but government officials had stripped out most medical supplies. Russia, President Bashar al-Assad's most powerful ally, has offered rebel fighters safe passage out with their families and personal weapons. The proposal echoes previous agreements under which insurgents, in the face of military defeat, were permitted to withdraw to opposition-held areas at the Turkish border. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group says 800 civilians have been killed by government bombing and shelling. The Observatory said an extra 700 pro-government militia fighters had arrived at the front as reinforcements to join the operation. The U.N. Security Council has called for a 30-day countrywide ceasefire, but Moscow and Damascus have not halted the campaign, arguing that the fighters they are striking are members of banned terrorist groups unprotected by the truce. Russia's defence ministry said on Wednesday some rebels wanted to accept the proposal to evacuate. So far rebels have dismissed it in public. The military spokesman for one of the main eastern Ghouta rebel groups said rebels would defend the territory and there were no negotiations over a withdrawal. "The factions of Ghouta and their fighters and its people are holding onto their land and will defend it," Hamza Birqdar of Jaish al-Islam told Reuters in a text message sent overnight. The opposition says such evacuation agreements amount to a policy of demographic change by which Assad has forcibly displaced those who oppose him. In an interview on state TV, a Syrian army colonel expressed confidence Ghouta would fall quickly, saying the people there would return to the "state's embrace" "very, very, very soon". A commander in the military alliance fighting in support of Assad said he anticipated that rebels would end up besieged in Douma and then accept a withdrawal deal. Assad said this week that the majority of people in eastern Ghouta want a return of state rule. But rebels and opposition activists say people fear government persecution. COMPLICITY Russian warplanes have taken part in the eastern Ghouta operation, and the White House has accused Russia of complicity in the killing of civilians there. Defeat in eastern Ghouta would mark the biggest setback for the anti-Assad rebellion since the opposition was driven from eastern Aleppo in late 2016 after a similar campaign of siege, bombing, ground assaults and the promise of safe passage out. Moscow and Damascus say the Ghouta campaign is necessary to halt rebel shelling of the capital. The Observatory says such shelling has killed at least 27 people since Feb. 18, and Syrian state media have given a higher death toll. Assad has steadily recovered rebel-held areas in western Syria since Russia intervened directly on his side in 2015. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday voiced concern about attacks in eastern Ghouta which "reportedly claimed the lives of more than 100 people" on Monday alone, as well as reports of shelling of Damascus. Western states have been demanding Russia press Assad to abide by the 30-day ceasefire. The Security Council, where Russia holds a veto, will meet on Wednesday to discuss the failed ceasefire. The U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said the government offensive could not be justified by its targetting of a few hundred fighters. "Recent attempts to justify indiscriminate, brutal attacks on hundreds of thousands of civilians by the need to combat a few hundred fighters – as in Eastern Ghouta – are legally, and morally, unsustainable," he told the U.N. Human Rights Council. "Also, when you are prepared to kill your own people so easily, lying is easy too. Claims by the Government of Syria that it is taking every measure to protect its civilian population are frankly ridiculous."

Damascus intensifies Ghouta assault to try and cut rebel enclave in half

Two Pakistani businessmen have pleaded guilty before a US court to money laundering in connection with funds they received for the unlawful export of goods to Pakistan.

Muhammad Ismail, 67, and Kamran Khan 38, now face a maximum jail term of 20 years.

Since the time of their arrests in December 2016, Ismail has been released on a $50,000 bond, and Kamran Khan has been released on a $100,000 bond.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2012 to December 2016, Ismail, and his two sons, Kamran and Imran Khan, were engaged in a scheme to purchase goods that were controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and to export those goods without a license to Pakistan, in violation of the EAR.

Imran, 43, has already pleaded guilty to violating US export laws.

Through companies conducting business as Brush Locker Tools, Kauser Enterprises-USA, and Kauser Enterprises-Pakistan, the three defendants received orders from a Pakistani company that procured materials and equipment for the Pakistani military, requesting them to procure specific products that were subject to the EAR.

When US manufacturers asked about the end-user for a product, they either informed the manufacturer that the product would remain in the US or completed an end-user certification indicating that the product would not be exported, federal prosecutors said.

After the products were purchased, they were shipped by the manufacturer to them in Connecticut.

The products were then shipped to Pakistan on behalf of either the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, the Pakistan Space &amp; Upper Atmosphere Research Commission or the National Institute of Lasers &amp; Optronics, all of which were listed on the US Department of Commerce Entity List.

The Entity List identifies foreign parties that are prohibited from receiving some or all items subject to the EAR unless the exporter secures a license.

They never obtained a license to export any item to the designated entities even though they knew that a license was required prior to export.&nbsp;

Two Pakistani businessmen have pleaded guilty before a US court to money laundering in connection with funds they received for the unlawful export of goods to Pakistan

Two Pakistani businessmen have pleaded guilty before a US court to money laundering in connection with funds they received for the unlawful export of goods to Pakistan. Muhammad Ismail, 67, and Kamran Khan 38, now face a maximum jail term of 20 years. Since the time of their arrests in December 2016, Ismail has been released on a $50,000 bond, and Kamran Khan has been released on a $100,000 bond. According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2012 to December 2016, Ismail, and his two sons, Kamran and Imran Khan, were engaged in a scheme to purchase goods that were controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and to export those goods without a license to Pakistan, in violation of the EAR. Imran, 43, has already pleaded guilty to violating US export laws. Through companies conducting business as Brush Locker Tools, Kauser Enterprises-USA, and Kauser Enterprises-Pakistan, the three defendants received orders from a Pakistani company that procured materials and equipment for the Pakistani military, requesting them to procure specific products that were subject to the EAR. When US manufacturers asked about the end-user for a product, they either informed the manufacturer that the product would remain in the US or completed an end-user certification indicating that the product would not be exported, federal prosecutors said. After the products were purchased, they were shipped by the manufacturer to them in Connecticut. The products were then shipped to Pakistan on behalf of either the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission or the National Institute of Lasers & Optronics, all of which were listed on the US Department of Commerce Entity List. The Entity List identifies foreign parties that are prohibited from receiving some or all items subject to the EAR unless the exporter secures a license. They never obtained a license to export any item to the designated entities even though they knew that a license was required prior to export.

Pakistani businessmen plead guilty to money laundering in the US

The Free Karachi campaign continues to draw attention to the cause of ethnic Mohajirs in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The campaign aims at bringing to spotlight the atrocities against Mohajirs in Pakistan. The movement came into existence after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr Hasan Zafar Arif was found dead in a car in Karachi&#39;s Ilyas Goth area earlier this year.&nbsp;

In this latest phase of the campaign, digital ads are appearing on the official website of a leading newspaper of the United States, New York Times, highlighting the Mohajir issue.

The online advertisements urge the Trump administration to stop military and financial aid to Pakistan alleging that its military establishments commit atrocities against Mohajirs and provide safe havens to extremist terror entities in the country.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/free-karachi-campaign-launches-its-second-phase-in-washington-31813">&#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign launches its second phase in Washington</a>

The New York Times is expected to run the Free Karachi campaign ads for at least two weeks. The digital advertisements will briefly explain the alleged injustice meted out to the urban population in Sindh, Mohajirs in particular.&nbsp;

The &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign started in Washington, DC, on January 15 this year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

A large number of taxis, displaying &#39;Free Karachi from state atrocities of Pakistan&#39; banners, had participated in the annual MLK Day parade.

Digital ads of &#39;Free Karachi&#39; ran on the Washington Times website, urging the US administration and world community to save Mohajirs in Pakistan.

(With inputs from ANI)

The online advertisements urge the Trump administration to stop military and financial aid to Pakistan

The Free Karachi campaign continues to draw attention to the cause of ethnic Mohajirs in Pakistan. The campaign aims at bringing to spotlight the atrocities against Mohajirs in Pakistan. The movement came into existence after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr Hasan Zafar Arif was found dead in a car in Karachi's Ilyas Goth area earlier this year. In this latest phase of the campaign, digital ads are appearing on the official website of a leading newspaper of the United States, New York Times, highlighting the Mohajir issue. The online advertisements urge the Trump administration to stop military and financial aid to Pakistan alleging that its military establishments commit atrocities against Mohajirs and provide safe havens to extremist terror entities in the country. Also read: 'Free Karachi' campaign launches its second phase in Washington The New York Times is expected to run the Free Karachi campaign ads for at least two weeks. The digital advertisements will briefly explain the alleged injustice meted out to the urban population in Sindh, Mohajirs in particular. The 'Free Karachi' campaign started in Washington, DC, on January 15 this year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A large number of taxis, displaying 'Free Karachi from state atrocities of Pakistan' banners, had participated in the annual MLK Day parade. Digital ads of 'Free Karachi' ran on the Washington Times website, urging the US administration and world community to save Mohajirs in Pakistan. (With inputs from ANI)

Leading US daily runs 'Free Karachi' campaign advertisements

Despite President Donald Trump&#39;s public statements appearing to oppose sanctions against Russia, the steps ordered by Congress will be imposed in coming weeks, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday.

In testimony before a House subcommittee, Mnuchin pushed back against the idea that Trump is trying to block the sanctions in response to Russia&#39;s meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, saying Trump is &quot;fully supportive.&quot;

&quot;We will implement them,&quot; Mnuchin said. &quot;I expect in next several weeks will be going forward with sanctions on Russia.&quot;

Trump&#39;s vocal opposition to the package -- which entered into law earlier this year -- and his regular praise of Vladimir Putin has raised questions about whether the administration is dragging its feet, which has angered some lawmakers.

Several members of Trump&#39;s campaign have been charged or admitted to lying to the FBI about their contacts with Kremlin-linked officials accused of trying to sway the 2016 vote in Trump&#39;s favor.

Mnuchin assured the legislators that &quot;In recent conversations with the president he is fully supportive of the work we are doing,&quot; and that the sanctions will be enforced.

Democratic representative Mike Quigley said so far the only step has been a &quot;laughable report on Russian oligarchs,&quot; but Mnuchin said the classified report given to Congress detailed the efforts to design the package of penalties.

In its report Treasury publicly identified more than 100 Russian officials and business leaders eligible for sanctions, a list derived from Forbes magazine, among other sources.

A senior administration official last month said the White House already has warned governments around the world that they could face sanctions for &quot;significant transactions&quot; with the Russian military.

That includes NATO ally Turkey, which has publicly announced the purchase of a Russian S-400 air defense missile system, which is seen as a challenge to US air superiority.

'We will implement them,' Mnuchin said. 'I expect in next several weeks will be going forward with sanctions on Russia'

Despite President Donald Trump's public statements appearing to oppose sanctions against Russia, the steps ordered by Congress will be imposed in coming weeks, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday. In testimony before a House subcommittee, Mnuchin pushed back against the idea that Trump is trying to block the sanctions in response to Russia's meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, saying Trump is "fully supportive." "We will implement them," Mnuchin said. "I expect in next several weeks will be going forward with sanctions on Russia." Trump's vocal opposition to the package -- which entered into law earlier this year -- and his regular praise of Vladimir Putin has raised questions about whether the administration is dragging its feet, which has angered some lawmakers. Several members of Trump's campaign have been charged or admitted to lying to the FBI about their contacts with Kremlin-linked officials accused of trying to sway the 2016 vote in Trump's favor. Mnuchin assured the legislators that "In recent conversations with the president he is fully supportive of the work we are doing," and that the sanctions will be enforced. Democratic representative Mike Quigley said so far the only step has been a "laughable report on Russian oligarchs," but Mnuchin said the classified report given to Congress detailed the efforts to design the package of penalties. In its report Treasury publicly identified more than 100 Russian officials and business leaders eligible for sanctions, a list derived from Forbes magazine, among other sources. A senior administration official last month said the White House already has warned governments around the world that they could face sanctions for "significant transactions" with the Russian military. That includes NATO ally Turkey, which has publicly announced the purchase of a Russian S-400 air defense missile system, which is seen as a challenge to US air superiority.

US sanctions on Russia coming soon: Treasury Secretary

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump faced growing pressure on Monday from political and diplomatic allies as well as US&nbsp;companies urging him to pull back from proposed steel and aluminium tariffs, although he said he would stick to his guns.

Inside the White House, there still appeared to be confusion about the timing and extent of the planned tariffs, which would hit allies like Canada and Mexico hard. 
Efforts by Trump and US&nbsp;trade negotiators to link the NAFTA trade pact talks to the duties received short shrift from Ottawa and Mexico City.

Leading Republicans turned up the pressure on Trump, with House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan leading the charge. Ryan&#39;s home state of Wisconsin would be hit by proposed European counter-measures on Harley-Davidson Inc motorbikes.&nbsp;

Representative Kevin Brady, another top House Republican, called on Trump not to hit America&#39;s closest allies.

Business leaders are pressing for a meeting with Trump to brief him on the negative repercussions of the tariffs on companies that use steel and aluminium, a source familiar with the matter said.

A meeting had not yet been set up, the source said. The White House had no comment.

The planned tariffs have roiled world stock markets as investors worried about the prospect of an escalating trade war that would derail global economic growth.

Stocks across the globe rose on Monday, however, after four days in decline as investors saw the tariff threats as a US&nbsp;negotiating tactic and not a done deal and as pressure grew on Trump to back off.&nbsp;

&quot;We&#39;re not backing down,&quot; Trump said during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. &quot;I don`t think you&#39;re going to have a trade war,&quot; he added, without elaborating.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Trump on Monday to tell him the tariffs would be an impediment to talks on updating NAFTA, a Canadian government official said.

Canada is the single largest supplier of steel and aluminium to the United States. In the call, Trudeau &quot;forcefully defended&quot; Canadian workers and industries, said the official, describing the conversation as constructive.

Earlier comments from Trump had stoked talk of a global trade war as he described them as easy to win and issued a threat to German carmakers. One of those, BMW, runs a plant in the United States that is the largest single autos exporter in the country and has created thousands of jobs.

Most responses to Trump&#39;s proposed tariffs have been targeted. The European Union said it would hit Harleys, bourbon and jeans, iconic American products. It did not threaten to ramp up the issue.

China has been largely mum, urging caution, and both Canada and Mexico have stressed the targeted nature of any response.

Stresses inside the White House

Trump was expected to finalize the planned tariffs later in the week, although some observers familiar with the process said it could occur next week. The initial announcement by Trump last week came as a surprise.

The United States, Mexico and Canada have been holding talks over changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement, a pact that Trump has threatened to abandon.

Six months of tense talks have produced little in the way of progress and a move by Washington to link the steel and aluminium tariffs to progress on NAFTA was rebuffed by Canada and Mexico.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer also attempted to drive a wedge between Canada and Mexico when he suggested the United States would be willing to hold bilateral, rather than trilateral talks. The two countries again stood firm.&nbsp;

In Washington, aides scrambled to meet Trump&rsquo;s demand for the paperwork to be completed for a formal announcement. The exact timing was unclear as the tariff documentation had to be drafted and go through a variety of reviews, a process that takes days, an administration official said.

There was always a chance that Trump &rdquo;could amend his initial announcement&rdquo; to take account of the concerns expressed about it, said a source familiar with the internal debate at the White House.

Trump&#39;s trade trail&nbsp;

Trump has frequently talked tough on trade, although his actions have not always matched his words. On his first day in office in January 2017, he withdrew from the 14-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, a deal that was dead on arrival in the U.S. Congress in any case.

He has frequently tweeted and said that he would pull out of NAFTA, which he has called a jobs killer. But a year after taking office, the 1994 deal remains intact.

Trump has approved a series of small-scale trade actions, of which the steel and aluminium duties would be a part. Taken together with actions on washing machines and solar panels, the proposed move accounts for just 4.1 percent of US&nbsp;imports. In terms of global trade, they are just 0.6 percent, investment bank Morgan Stanley said in a report.

The head of the World Trade Organization warned of a real risk of triggering an escalation of global trade barriers and a deep recession, even as financial markets and many economists started to discount the risk of a global crisis.

&quot;We must make every effort to avoid the fall of the first dominoes. There is still time,&quot; WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo told the heads of WTO delegations at a closed-door meeting in Geneva.&nbsp;

Inside the White House, there still appeared to be confusion about the timing and extent of the planned tariffs

US President Donald Trump faced growing pressure on Monday from political and diplomatic allies as well as US companies urging him to pull back from proposed steel and aluminium tariffs, although he said he would stick to his guns. Inside the White House, there still appeared to be confusion about the timing and extent of the planned tariffs, which would hit allies like Canada and Mexico hard. Efforts by Trump and US trade negotiators to link the NAFTA trade pact talks to the duties received short shrift from Ottawa and Mexico City. Leading Republicans turned up the pressure on Trump, with House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan leading the charge. Ryan's home state of Wisconsin would be hit by proposed European counter-measures on Harley-Davidson Inc motorbikes. Representative Kevin Brady, another top House Republican, called on Trump not to hit America's closest allies. Business leaders are pressing for a meeting with Trump to brief him on the negative repercussions of the tariffs on companies that use steel and aluminium, a source familiar with the matter said. A meeting had not yet been set up, the source said. The White House had no comment. The planned tariffs have roiled world stock markets as investors worried about the prospect of an escalating trade war that would derail global economic growth. Stocks across the globe rose on Monday, however, after four days in decline as investors saw the tariff threats as a US negotiating tactic and not a done deal and as pressure grew on Trump to back off. "We're not backing down," Trump said during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "I don`t think you're going to have a trade war," he added, without elaborating. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Trump on Monday to tell him the tariffs would be an impediment to talks on updating NAFTA, a Canadian government official said. Canada is the single largest supplier of steel and aluminium to the United States. In the call, Trudeau "forcefully defended" Canadian workers and industries, said the official, describing the conversation as constructive. Earlier comments from Trump had stoked talk of a global trade war as he described them as easy to win and issued a threat to German carmakers. One of those, BMW, runs a plant in the United States that is the largest single autos exporter in the country and has created thousands of jobs. Most responses to Trump's proposed tariffs have been targeted. The European Union said it would hit Harleys, bourbon and jeans, iconic American products. It did not threaten to ramp up the issue. China has been largely mum, urging caution, and both Canada and Mexico have stressed the targeted nature of any response. Stresses inside the White House Trump was expected to finalize the planned tariffs later in the week, although some observers familiar with the process said it could occur next week. The initial announcement by Trump last week came as a surprise. The United States, Mexico and Canada have been holding talks over changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement, a pact that Trump has threatened to abandon. Six months of tense talks have produced little in the way of progress and a move by Washington to link the steel and aluminium tariffs to progress on NAFTA was rebuffed by Canada and Mexico. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer also attempted to drive a wedge between Canada and Mexico when he suggested the United States would be willing to hold bilateral, rather than trilateral talks. The two countries again stood firm. In Washington, aides scrambled to meet Trump’s demand for the paperwork to be completed for a formal announcement. The exact timing was unclear as the tariff documentation had to be drafted and go through a variety of reviews, a process that takes days, an administration official said. There was always a chance that Trump ”could amend his initial announcement” to take account of the concerns expressed about it, said a source familiar with the internal debate at the White House. Trump's trade trail Trump has frequently talked tough on trade, although his actions have not always matched his words. On his first day in office in January 2017, he withdrew from the 14-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, a deal that was dead on arrival in the U.S. Congress in any case. He has frequently tweeted and said that he would pull out of NAFTA, which he has called a jobs killer. But a year after taking office, the 1994 deal remains intact. Trump has approved a series of small-scale trade actions, of which the steel and aluminium duties would be a part. Taken together with actions on washing machines and solar panels, the proposed move accounts for just 4.1 percent of US imports. In terms of global trade, they are just 0.6 percent, investment bank Morgan Stanley said in a report. The head of the World Trade Organization warned of a real risk of triggering an escalation of global trade barriers and a deep recession, even as financial markets and many economists started to discount the risk of a global crisis. "We must make every effort to avoid the fall of the first dominoes. There is still time," WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo told the heads of WTO delegations at a closed-door meeting in Geneva.

Trump faces pushback on tariffs but says he will not back down

The Pentagon on Sunday reminded Pakistan that the war on terrorism in the South Asian region reached an &quot;inflection point&quot; and that the country should take the opportunity to tackle and defeat terrorists, as the United States and Pakistan aim&nbsp;to improve their souring ties.

&quot;With respect to Pakistan, we believe that Pakistan can do more to combat terrorism,&quot; Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White said at a weekend news briefing in Washington D.C.

&quot;This is an inflection point and this is an opportunity and Pakistan has an opportunity to do more. They&#39;ve been victims of terrorism. So, we&#39;ll look forward to continuing to work with them to see where there are opportunities,&quot; she added.

The Pentagon chief spokesperson also welcomed Pakistan&#39;s support of Afghanistan&#39;s latest peace offer to the Taliban in the Kabul Process Conference in Kabul last week.

Giving a stern warning to the Taliban, White said that the militant group had to abandon the path of terrorism and violence and support the Afghan peace offer.

She also noted that the United States continues to consult New Delhi, not only about &quot;India&#39;s very important role&quot; in Afghanistan but also on other issues that go beyond the South Asian region, The Dawn reported.

The briefing comes after Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua&#39;s will start her two-day visit to Washington D.C. from Tuesday, which is aimed at defusing the tensions between the US and Pakistan and finding a &quot;common ground&quot;.

On Sunday, official sources confirmed that Janjua will have a series of meetings at the White House and the US State Department and will also address think-tank experts at the US Institute of Peace during her visit.

At the White House, Janjua is likely to meet with Lisa Curtis, the US National Security Council&#39;s senior director for South and Central Asia.

Curtis arrived in Islamabad last week and held talks with Janjua and Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on overall ties between the two countries.

Both sides called for the developing of sustainable peace in Afghanistan and stressed on measures needed to stop human trafficking in the region.

Curtis also visited Islamabad in October last year and met with various Pakistani officials. Both sides had agreed to the common objective of eliminating terrorism.

She held meetings with Janjua and Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.&nbsp;

The statement came as the US and Pakistan aim to improve their souring ties

The Pentagon on Sunday reminded Pakistan that the war on terrorism in the South Asian region reached an "inflection point" and that the country should take the opportunity to tackle and defeat terrorists, as the United States and Pakistan aim to improve their souring ties. "With respect to Pakistan, we believe that Pakistan can do more to combat terrorism," Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White said at a weekend news briefing in Washington D.C. "This is an inflection point and this is an opportunity and Pakistan has an opportunity to do more. They've been victims of terrorism. So, we'll look forward to continuing to work with them to see where there are opportunities," she added. The Pentagon chief spokesperson also welcomed Pakistan's support of Afghanistan's latest peace offer to the Taliban in the Kabul Process Conference in Kabul last week. Giving a stern warning to the Taliban, White said that the militant group had to abandon the path of terrorism and violence and support the Afghan peace offer. She also noted that the United States continues to consult New Delhi, not only about "India's very important role" in Afghanistan but also on other issues that go beyond the South Asian region, The Dawn reported. The briefing comes after Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua's will start her two-day visit to Washington D.C. from Tuesday, which is aimed at defusing the tensions between the US and Pakistan and finding a "common ground". On Sunday, official sources confirmed that Janjua will have a series of meetings at the White House and the US State Department and will also address think-tank experts at the US Institute of Peace during her visit. At the White House, Janjua is likely to meet with Lisa Curtis, the US National Security Council's senior director for South and Central Asia. Curtis arrived in Islamabad last week and held talks with Janjua and Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on overall ties between the two countries. Both sides called for the developing of sustainable peace in Afghanistan and stressed on measures needed to stop human trafficking in the region. Curtis also visited Islamabad in October last year and met with various Pakistani officials. Both sides had agreed to the common objective of eliminating terrorism. She held meetings with Janjua and Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Pentagon reminds Pak on terrorism, urges to tackle it

Indian Embassy telephone lines have been spoofed by fraudsters in the US to cheat people for money, according to an advisory issued by a mission which warned against entertaining any suspicious calls.

The Indian Embassy here has informed the US Government about it and launched its own internal investigation.

It also issued a rare public advisory on such fraud calls that has cheated people with money, thus bringing a bad name to the diplomatic mission.

&quot;These fraudsters either seek personal information like credit card details etc. Or try to extort money from Indian nationals by inter alia claiming that there are errors in their passports, visa forms, immigration forms etc. Which could be rectified by paying money, and at the same time warning that the so-called errors, if not rectified, could result in deportation of the individual to India or their imprisonment in the USA,&quot; the Indian Embassy said in its advisory.

Some of the Indian nationals living in the US, who received such call, brought to the notice of the Embassy that some fraudsters are spoofing Embassy of India telephone lines to make calls aimed at cheating people.

Some of these calls are shown as being from the Embassy telephone numbers while others simply use Embassy identity.

In some cases, these fraudsters also claimed that they received such information from the Embassy or other authorities in India. Visa applicants have also received such calls purporting to be from the Embassy.

The Indian Embassy has started collecting information from the public, including details of the Western Union account number or bank account details where the money was transferred.

In its advisory, the Indian Embassy said that none of its officials makes any telephone calls seeking personal information from any Indian or foreign nationals.

In case of any additional documentation is required from an existing applicant, it is sought only through emails originating from the official domain, it said.

It urged people living in the US not to entertain any suspicious telephone calls made in the name of Embassy of India. It also advised people not to reveal any personal information or transfer any money in response to such calls.

This is for the first time probably that fraudsters have been spoofing Indian Embassy phone numbers.

According to informed US government officials, in the past they have received similar complaints from other diplomatic missions as well, in particular, those from the European nations.

Officials said while the spoofing technology is easily available, it is tough to get to the origin of such phone calls. Americans have been frequent victims of such phone calls from call centres in India&nbsp;on behalf of the US Internal Revenue Service. In several joint operations in the last one year, Indian authorities have arrested scores of people making such fraud calls.&nbsp;

The Indian Embassy has informed the US Government about it and launched its own internal investigation

Indian Embassy telephone lines have been spoofed by fraudsters in the US to cheat people for money, according to an advisory issued by a mission which warned against entertaining any suspicious calls. The Indian Embassy here has informed the US Government about it and launched its own internal investigation. It also issued a rare public advisory on such fraud calls that has cheated people with money, thus bringing a bad name to the diplomatic mission. "These fraudsters either seek personal information like credit card details etc. Or try to extort money from Indian nationals by inter alia claiming that there are errors in their passports, visa forms, immigration forms etc. Which could be rectified by paying money, and at the same time warning that the so-called errors, if not rectified, could result in deportation of the individual to India or their imprisonment in the USA," the Indian Embassy said in its advisory. Some of the Indian nationals living in the US, who received such call, brought to the notice of the Embassy that some fraudsters are spoofing Embassy of India telephone lines to make calls aimed at cheating people. Some of these calls are shown as being from the Embassy telephone numbers while others simply use Embassy identity. In some cases, these fraudsters also claimed that they received such information from the Embassy or other authorities in India. Visa applicants have also received such calls purporting to be from the Embassy. The Indian Embassy has started collecting information from the public, including details of the Western Union account number or bank account details where the money was transferred. In its advisory, the Indian Embassy said that none of its officials makes any telephone calls seeking personal information from any Indian or foreign nationals. In case of any additional documentation is required from an existing applicant, it is sought only through emails originating from the official domain, it said. It urged people living in the US not to entertain any suspicious telephone calls made in the name of Embassy of India. It also advised people not to reveal any personal information or transfer any money in response to such calls. This is for the first time probably that fraudsters have been spoofing Indian Embassy phone numbers. According to informed US government officials, in the past they have received similar complaints from other diplomatic missions as well, in particular, those from the European nations. Officials said while the spoofing technology is easily available, it is tough to get to the origin of such phone calls. Americans have been frequent victims of such phone calls from call centres in India on behalf of the US Internal Revenue Service. In several joint operations in the last one year, Indian authorities have arrested scores of people making such fraud calls.

Indian Embassy telephone lines in US spoofed by fraudsters

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said he would travel abroad for curing his medical ailment.

In a video message, Parrikar stated that he would travel abroad, depending on the advice given to him by the doctors here, and also thanked the natives of his state for their good wishes at his time of recovery.

&quot;I want to thank all Goans for your prayers in the last 15 days. Because of your blessings, I have recovered and I am heading for Mumbai. Depending on what the doctors advise me, I may be going abroad for a few days to cure my ailment. I hope your blessings will continue and that you will allow me to take a few days off for completely curing myself,&quot; he said.

On February 15, Parrikar was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital where, according to the CMO, he was diagnosed with &ldquo;mild pancreatitis.&rdquo;

Sources close to Parrikar indicated on Monday that his family is already in touch with a health facility in the United States, where he will proceed to, after a brief spell of treatment in Mumbai&#39;s Lilavati Hospital.

On February 15, Parrikar was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital where, according to the CMO, he was diagnosed with “mild pancreatitis.”

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said he would travel abroad for curing his medical ailment. In a video message, Parrikar stated that he would travel abroad, depending on the advice given to him by the doctors here, and also thanked the natives of his state for their good wishes at his time of recovery. "I want to thank all Goans for your prayers in the last 15 days. Because of your blessings, I have recovered and I am heading for Mumbai. Depending on what the doctors advise me, I may be going abroad for a few days to cure my ailment. I hope your blessings will continue and that you will allow me to take a few days off for completely curing myself," he said. On February 15, Parrikar was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital where, according to the CMO, he was diagnosed with “mild pancreatitis.” Sources close to Parrikar indicated on Monday that his family is already in touch with a health facility in the United States, where he will proceed to, after a brief spell of treatment in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital.

Manohar Parrikar to travel abroad for medical treatment

Donald Trump recently expressed his support for the ongoing terror-war in Egypt. According to reports, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi received a phone call from his US counterpart Donald on Sunday.

The two leaders discussed regional issues and relevant developments, especially in connection to the deteriorating regional situation in the country.

In addition to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Middle Eastern countries like Yemen, Syria, Libya and Iraq also grapple with ongoing crises.&nbsp;

The Egypt-US ties witnessed improvements after President Donald Trump assumed office. However, the country rejects Trump&#39;s move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to relocate Washington&#39;s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv.

Egypt identifies as a US ally; the country receives an annual military aid of $1.3 billion from Washington. The two countries signed the 1979 US-sponsored peace treaty.&nbsp;

Egypt identifies as a US ally; the country receives an annual military aid of $1.3 billion from Washington

Donald Trump recently expressed his support for the ongoing terror-war in Egypt. According to reports, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi received a phone call from his US counterpart Donald on Sunday. The two leaders discussed regional issues and relevant developments, especially in connection to the deteriorating regional situation in the country. In addition to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Middle Eastern countries like Yemen, Syria, Libya and Iraq also grapple with ongoing crises. The Egypt-US ties witnessed improvements after President Donald Trump assumed office. However, the country rejects Trump's move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to relocate Washington's embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv. Egypt identifies as a US ally; the country receives an annual military aid of $1.3 billion from Washington. The two countries signed the 1979 US-sponsored peace treaty.

Trump reiterates US support for Egypt in a telephone call to President Sisi

A North Korean official on Sunday threatened the US&nbsp;yet again if it takes part in the joint military exercises with South Korea in the coming months.

The United States is due to start joint exercises in early April, a South Korean presidential security adviser said this week according to Yonhap news agency - the latest in a series of drills that the north has regularly described as a threat.

&ldquo;If the US&nbsp;finally holds joint military exercises while keeping sanctions on the DPRK, the DPRK will counter the U.S. by its own mode of counteraction and the US&nbsp;will be made to own all responsibilities for the ensuing consequences,&rdquo; North Korea&rsquo;s official KCNA news agency said in its commentary, saying the drills would harm reconciliation efforts on the peninsula.

It further said the military drills between the US and South Korea would harm reconciliation efforts on the peninsula and the North shall be &#39;forced&#39; to counter the US.

On 23 February, the US said it was imposing its largest package of sanctions to pressure Pyongyang into giving up its nuclear and missile programmes. Tensions have remained high since the latest sanctions were put into place.

North Korea has slammed Trump&rsquo;s unilateral sanctions against it, but it said it was open to talks with the United States during senior North Korean officials&rsquo; visit to South Korea for the Olympics last month.

The White House said any talks with North Korea must lead to an end of its nuclear program. North Korea reiterated on Saturday that it was willing to talk to the United States but said it would never sit with any precondition.

The North Korean spokesperson said, &quot;It would neither beg for dialogue nor evade the military option claimed by the US.&quot;

The United States is due to start joint exercises in early April, a South Korean presidential security adviser said this week according to Yonhap news agency - the latest in a series of drills that the north has regularly described as a threat

A North Korean official on Sunday threatened the US yet again if it takes part in the joint military exercises with South Korea in the coming months. The United States is due to start joint exercises in early April, a South Korean presidential security adviser said this week according to Yonhap news agency - the latest in a series of drills that the north has regularly described as a threat. “If the US finally holds joint military exercises while keeping sanctions on the DPRK, the DPRK will counter the U.S. by its own mode of counteraction and the US will be made to own all responsibilities for the ensuing consequences,” North Korea’s official KCNA news agency said in its commentary, saying the drills would harm reconciliation efforts on the peninsula. It further said the military drills between the US and South Korea would harm reconciliation efforts on the peninsula and the North shall be 'forced' to counter the US. On 23 February, the US said it was imposing its largest package of sanctions to pressure Pyongyang into giving up its nuclear and missile programmes. Tensions have remained high since the latest sanctions were put into place. North Korea has slammed Trump’s unilateral sanctions against it, but it said it was open to talks with the United States during senior North Korean officials’ visit to South Korea for the Olympics last month. The White House said any talks with North Korea must lead to an end of its nuclear program. North Korea reiterated on Saturday that it was willing to talk to the United States but said it would never sit with any precondition. The North Korean spokesperson said, "It would neither beg for dialogue nor evade the military option claimed by the US."

North Korea threatens US against joint military exercises with South Korea

According to reports, shots have been fired at the Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, US.&nbsp;

The university, located about 125 miles (200 km) northwest of Detroit, said two victims, who were not students, were fatally shot at Campbell Hall.

&quot;Police believe the situation started from a domestic situation,&quot; the university said in a statement on Facebook. &quot;Those planning to come to campus today to pick up students for spring break should stay off campus until further notice.&quot;&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
CMU police confirm two individuals were fatally shot at Campbell Hall on campus this morning. The deceased are not students and police believe the situation started from a domestic situation. There are no additional injuries; suspect is still at large: <a href="https://t.co/AxvPn3N0s0">https://t.co/AxvPn3N0s0</a>
&mdash; Central Michigan U. (@CMUniversity) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMUniversity/status/969601575365824512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The shooting took place near the 4th floor of Campbell Hall, a co-ed residence building of the University and has at least two people killed.&nbsp;

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We just spoke with an officer on scene. As of now, the alleged shooter is still on the premises. <a href="https://t.co/wSyCS5rgsL">https://t.co/wSyCS5rgsL</a>
&mdash; CM Life (@CMLIFE) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMLIFE/status/969579187555262464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to a post on university&#39;s student newspaper&#39;s Twitter handle, the alleged shooter is still on the premises.

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UPDATE: The suspect is a black male and considered armed and dangerous. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
&mdash; City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MtPleasantMI/status/969581845972226050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The suspect, James Eric Davis, is believed to be a&nbsp;19-year-old black male who is &quot;approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and is wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie,&quot; read a tweet posted by City of Mt. Pleasant.&nbsp;

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UPDATE 10:23 a.m.: The suspect is a 19-year-old black male who is approx. 5 foot 9 inches tall. He is wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie. He may have taken off the blue hoodie. He is considered armed &amp; dangerous. If you see the suspect, do not approach him. Call 911.
&mdash; City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MtPleasantMI/status/969594921899438080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Police in patrol cars and helicopters searched for the gunman around an area of apartments just north of the campus, according to video posted online by reporters on the scene.

The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said on Twitter it was sending special agents to assist.

&quot;The priority right now is the safety of those still on campus and I thank all first responders involved for their swift action,&quot; Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said on Twitter.

More updates are awaited.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The campus and the surrounding area are on lockdown

According to reports, shots have been fired at the Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, US. The university, located about 125 miles (200 km) northwest of Detroit, said two victims, who were not students, were fatally shot at Campbell Hall. "Police believe the situation started from a domestic situation," the university said in a statement on Facebook. "Those planning to come to campus today to pick up students for spring break should stay off campus until further notice." CMU police confirm two individuals were fatally shot at Campbell Hall on campus this morning. The deceased are not students and police believe the situation started from a domestic situation. There are no additional injuries; suspect is still at large: https://t.co/AxvPn3N0s0 — Central Michigan U. (@CMUniversity) March 2, 2018 × The shooting took place near the 4th floor of Campbell Hall, a co-ed residence building of the University and has at least two people killed. We just spoke with an officer on scene. As of now, the alleged shooter is still on the premises. https://t.co/wSyCS5rgsL — CM Life (@CMLIFE) March 2, 2018 × According to a post on university's student newspaper's Twitter handle, the alleged shooter is still on the premises. UPDATE: The suspect is a black male and considered armed and dangerous. More information will be shared as it becomes available. — City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) March 2, 2018 × The suspect, James Eric Davis, is believed to be a 19-year-old black male who is "approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and is wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie," read a tweet posted by City of Mt. Pleasant. UPDATE 10:23 a.m.: The suspect is a 19-year-old black male who is approx. 5 foot 9 inches tall. He is wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie. He may have taken off the blue hoodie. He is considered armed & dangerous. If you see the suspect, do not approach him. Call 911. — City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) March 2, 2018 × Police in patrol cars and helicopters searched for the gunman around an area of apartments just north of the campus, according to video posted online by reporters on the scene. The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said on Twitter it was sending special agents to assist. "The priority right now is the safety of those still on campus and I thank all first responders involved for their swift action," Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said on Twitter. More updates are awaited. (With inputs from agencies)

Shots fired at Central Michigan University, 2 killed

A recent report taken out by a Washington D.C.-based think tank has predicted that Communist China is seeking to expand its military and political influence across Latin America.

The report prepared by the Center for a Secure Free Society (SFS) think-tank appears in the breitbart.com web site.

Titled, &quot;The Dragon and the Condor: Beyond China&#39;s Economic Influence in the Americas,&quot; the report has warned that Beijing is likely to increase its power through military and political means.

&quot;It is also clear that China&#39;s strategic objectives and interests are well beyond the economic realm, and that they raise considerable national security concerns for the U.S. as well as for other nations in the hemisphere,&quot; the SFS report claims.

The assessment of the SFS is that there has been a &quot;steady increase in Chinese intelligence activities in Latin America,&quot; noting that the countries in the region cannot combat Beijing&#39;s capabilities.

SFS notes that Beijing&#39;s intelligence activities in the Americas likely seek to &quot;collect information on U.S. military technology and doctrine; conduct cyber warfare; and carryout corporate espionage.&quot;

&quot;China&#39;s presence in Latin America will continue to grow not only in the economic sphere, but also in political, security, and cultural aspects. China&#39;s intelligence operations in Latin America will be carried out gradually and in stages, especially until Beijing can develop trusted human intelligence networks to support its activity,&quot; the report suggests.

In its most recent assessment of its operations, focused on Latin American countries below Mexico and most of the Caribbean, the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) concedes that China&#39;s activities in the Americas pose a threat to the United States.

SOUTHCOM specifically noted Beijing&#39;s decision to expand its ambitious multi-trillion-dollar &quot;One Belt, One Road&quot; (OBOR) initiative to Latin America as a menace to U.S. interests.

The U.S. military has cautioned that the strategic challenge posed by China in this region requires a new approach to get effective results.

The national security think-tank analysis also highlights China&#39;s OBOR or the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as a threat to the United States.

The BRI raises serious inquiries about China&#39;s long-term interests and objectives abroad.

The U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), which covers American military activity in China, New Zealand, and all the countries in between, recently cautioned lawmakers the Chinese armed forces might soon challenge the United States&#39; military dominance in the Indo-Pacific region &quot;across almost all domains.&quot; (ANI)

'It is also clear that China's strategic objectives and interests are well beyond the economic realm, and that they raise considerable national security concerns for the U.S. as well as for other nations in the hemisphere,' say a recent report

A recent report taken out by a Washington D.C.-based think tank has predicted that Communist China is seeking to expand its military and political influence across Latin America. The report prepared by the Center for a Secure Free Society (SFS) think-tank appears in the breitbart.com web site. Titled, "The Dragon and the Condor: Beyond China's Economic Influence in the Americas," the report has warned that Beijing is likely to increase its power through military and political means. "It is also clear that China's strategic objectives and interests are well beyond the economic realm, and that they raise considerable national security concerns for the U.S. as well as for other nations in the hemisphere," the SFS report claims. The assessment of the SFS is that there has been a "steady increase in Chinese intelligence activities in Latin America," noting that the countries in the region cannot combat Beijing's capabilities. SFS notes that Beijing's intelligence activities in the Americas likely seek to "collect information on U.S. military technology and doctrine; conduct cyber warfare; and carryout corporate espionage." "China's presence in Latin America will continue to grow not only in the economic sphere, but also in political, security, and cultural aspects. China's intelligence operations in Latin America will be carried out gradually and in stages, especially until Beijing can develop trusted human intelligence networks to support its activity," the report suggests. In its most recent assessment of its operations, focused on Latin American countries below Mexico and most of the Caribbean, the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) concedes that China's activities in the Americas pose a threat to the United States. SOUTHCOM specifically noted Beijing's decision to expand its ambitious multi-trillion-dollar "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR) initiative to Latin America as a menace to U.S. interests. The U.S. military has cautioned that the strategic challenge posed by China in this region requires a new approach to get effective results. The national security think-tank analysis also highlights China's OBOR or the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as a threat to the United States. The BRI raises serious inquiries about China's long-term interests and objectives abroad. The U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), which covers American military activity in China, New Zealand, and all the countries in between, recently cautioned lawmakers the Chinese armed forces might soon challenge the United States' military dominance in the Indo-Pacific region "across almost all domains." (ANI)

China expanding military, political influence in Latin America

The United States government is aware of media reports that diamond jeweller Nirav Modi is in the country but is unable to confirm them, a State Department official said today.

&quot;We are aware of recent media reports that Nirav Modi is in the United States but cannot confirm them,&quot; the spokesperson told PTI when asked about reports that the Indian businessman is in New York.

Asked if the department is providing any assistance to the Indian government in tracing Modi, the spokesperson said, &quot;We refer you to the Department of Justice for questions on legal assistance to the Indian authorities in relation to their investigation of Mr. Modi&quot;.

The Department of Justice declined to comment on Modi.

Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs 12,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

They allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking (LoUs) from its Brady House branch in Fort area for overseas credit from other lenders.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have registered two FIRs each in this case.

Modi, his family, and Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Gems, left the country in early January, much before the CBI received a complaint from the PNB.

On being asked by the CBI to join its investigation into the alleged fraud, Modi refused, saying he has &quot;business abroad&quot;.

The CBI then directed him to contact the embassy of India in a country where he is staying so that his travel to India can be arranged.

A Look Out Circular (LoC), also known as a blue corner notice, has already been issued against Modi and Choksi to keep a tab on their entry at all land, air and sea ports in India.&nbsp;

'We are aware of recent media reports that Nirav Modi is in the United States but cannot confirm them,' a State Department spokesperson said

The United States government is aware of media reports that diamond jeweller Nirav Modi is in the country but is unable to confirm them, a State Department official said today. "We are aware of recent media reports that Nirav Modi is in the United States but cannot confirm them," the spokesperson told PTI when asked about reports that the Indian businessman is in New York. Asked if the department is providing any assistance to the Indian government in tracing Modi, the spokesperson said, "We refer you to the Department of Justice for questions on legal assistance to the Indian authorities in relation to their investigation of Mr. Modi". The Department of Justice declined to comment on Modi. Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs 12,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank. They allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking (LoUs) from its Brady House branch in Fort area for overseas credit from other lenders. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have registered two FIRs each in this case. Modi, his family, and Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Gems, left the country in early January, much before the CBI received a complaint from the PNB. On being asked by the CBI to join its investigation into the alleged fraud, Modi refused, saying he has "business abroad". The CBI then directed him to contact the embassy of India in a country where he is staying so that his travel to India can be arranged. A Look Out Circular (LoC), also known as a blue corner notice, has already been issued against Modi and Choksi to keep a tab on their entry at all land, air and sea ports in India.

PNB scam: Cannot confirm Nirav Modi is here, says US

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-cross-broder-firing-pakistan-summons-indias-deputy-high-commissioner-34495">Amid cross-border firing, Pakistan summons India&#39;s deputy high commissioner</a> 
Pakistan today summoned India&#39;s deputy high commissioner J P Singh for the second consecutive day over &nbsp;&quot;unprovoked firing by Indian troops&quot; along the Line of Control(LoC).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-police-question-netanyahu-in-telecoms-corruption-case-34500">Israeli police question Netanyahu in telecoms corruption case</a> 
Israeli police questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday for the first time in a corruption case that involves the country&#39;s largest telecommunications company, Israel Radio said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-regime-must-be-held-accountable-for-ghouta-attacks-merkel-trump-34497">Syrian regime must be held accountable for Ghouta attacks: Merkel, Trump</a> 
The two leaders noted on Friday that Bashar al-Assad&#39;s regime must be held accountable for the humanitarian crisis in the rebel-held enclave

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ranveer-singh-is-killing-it-with-pharrell-williams-at-his-holi-party-we-have-proof-34496">Ranveer Singh is killing it with Pharrell Williams at his Holi party, we have proof!</a> 
Ranveer Singh had earlier shared a photo on Instagram that read: &#39;Join Pharrell in India. Streaming live from the Holi festival hosted by Ranveer Singh&#39;. The post goes on to reveal that the party will take place on March 2, 2018, starting from 6 pm and the best part if you have noticed, is that it be live for all of us to watch!

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-pak-boys-yorkers-impresses-wasim-akram-video-goes-viral-34502">Watch: &#39;Who is this boy,&#39; asks Wasim Akram, video goes viral</a> 
The boy with left-handed bowling action is seen in the video bowling with such pace and venom that even Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram couldn&#39;t resist

Amid cross-border firing, Pakistan summons India's deputy high commissioner Pakistan today summoned India's deputy high commissioner J P Singh for the second consecutive day over "unprovoked firing by Indian troops" along the Line of Control(LoC). Israeli police question Netanyahu in telecoms corruption case Israeli police questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday for the first time in a corruption case that involves the country's largest telecommunications company, Israel Radio said. Syrian regime must be held accountable for Ghouta attacks: Merkel, Trump The two leaders noted on Friday that Bashar al-Assad's regime must be held accountable for the humanitarian crisis in the rebel-held enclave Ranveer Singh is killing it with Pharrell Williams at his Holi party, we have proof! Ranveer Singh had earlier shared a photo on Instagram that read: 'Join Pharrell in India. Streaming live from the Holi festival hosted by Ranveer Singh'. The post goes on to reveal that the party will take place on March 2, 2018, starting from 6 pm and the best part if you have noticed, is that it be live for all of us to watch! Watch: 'Who is this boy,' asks Wasim Akram, video goes viral The boy with left-handed bowling action is seen in the video bowling with such pace and venom that even Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram couldn't resist

WION Evening News Brief, March 2, 2018

The three principal characters in Afghanistan theatre &ndash; the government, Taliban and the United States &ndash; are in favour of talks to end the more than 16-year-old bloody war. But so deep runs the suspicion that the dominant parties do not want to enter into a direct dialogue. The Taliban is ready to talk to the United States but is opposed to dialogue with President Ashraf Ghani government. The US, on the other hand, does not want direct talks with the Taliban. It wants the Taliban to hold talks with the &ldquo;legitimate&rdquo; Afghanistan government. President Ghani has once again reiterated his government&rsquo;s desire to hold talks with Taliban, but the militant organisation is not amused. So, where does that lead to?

The US, which has renewed its offensive on the Taliban in recent months after President Donald Trump committed to an open-ended conflict in Afghanistan in August last year, would not like to be seen as surrendering and admitting defeat if it were to hold talks with the Taliban. In a marked departure from his call during presidential electioneering for an early US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Trump has sent more troops in recent months as he vowed &ldquo;a fight to win&rdquo; when he unveiled his administration&rsquo;s strategy for the war-torn country. President Trump stands to invite ridicule if his administration jumps the gun and enters into a direct dialogue with the Taliban at this stage. Therefore, the US wants Afghanistan to do the bidding on its behalf. &nbsp;

President Ghani knows too well that the US forces would not be there forever as there is increasing pressure from the families of the American soldiers and the people to make an early exit from Afghanistan. Since 2001, when the Taliban were dislodged from power, the Afghan war has cost 2,400 American lives and $1 trillion. Ghani has gone on record admitting that the Afghan National Army will not last more than six months if the US were to withdraw its forces. He even feared the collapse of the government. Aware of this danger, President Ghani is desperate to start negotiations with the Taliban. By offering to recognise the Taliban as a legitimate political group, proposing a ceasefire and release of prisoners and holding &ldquo;unconditional&rdquo; talks, shows his desperation.

The Taliban, which is facing an onslaught from the US forces, wants an early ceasefire to have a much-needed breather. Since last year, it has lost several of its top commanders besides a large number of foot soldiers. It smells twin advantages if talks with the US became a reality. Not only will it escape the intensified fury, it will put the US on the back foot. For the Taliban, it will be a win-win solution as it will enter into dialogue with an upper hand. If the dialogue reaches its logical conclusion, it stands a chance to be accepted as a political group and who knows return to power. But if talks collapse, it will have enough time to recoup and recalibrate its strategy. Moreover, the Taliban does not consider Ghani government as a powerful adversary which it can easily run over in the event of US troop withdrawal.

It remains to be seen if all the major parties are prepared to shift their stance. And even if they do, the chances of an early solution look unlikely as long as Pakistan does not relinquish its support to groups like the Haqqani network.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

President Ghani is desperate to start negotiations with the Taliban by offering to recognise the Taliban as a legitimate political group, proposing a ceasefire and release of prisoners and holding “unconditional” talks.

The three principal characters in Afghanistan theatre – the government, Taliban and the United States – are in favour of talks to end the more than 16-year-old bloody war. But so deep runs the suspicion that the dominant parties do not want to enter into a direct dialogue. The Taliban is ready to talk to the United States but is opposed to dialogue with President Ashraf Ghani government. The US, on the other hand, does not want direct talks with the Taliban. It wants the Taliban to hold talks with the “legitimate” Afghanistan government. President Ghani has once again reiterated his government’s desire to hold talks with Taliban, but the militant organisation is not amused. So, where does that lead to? The US, which has renewed its offensive on the Taliban in recent months after President Donald Trump committed to an open-ended conflict in Afghanistan in August last year, would not like to be seen as surrendering and admitting defeat if it were to hold talks with the Taliban. In a marked departure from his call during presidential electioneering for an early US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Trump has sent more troops in recent months as he vowed “a fight to win” when he unveiled his administration’s strategy for the war-torn country. President Trump stands to invite ridicule if his administration jumps the gun and enters into a direct dialogue with the Taliban at this stage. Therefore, the US wants Afghanistan to do the bidding on its behalf. President Ghani knows too well that the US forces would not be there forever as there is increasing pressure from the families of the American soldiers and the people to make an early exit from Afghanistan. Since 2001, when the Taliban were dislodged from power, the Afghan war has cost 2,400 American lives and $1 trillion. Ghani has gone on record admitting that the Afghan National Army will not last more than six months if the US were to withdraw its forces. He even feared the collapse of the government. Aware of this danger, President Ghani is desperate to start negotiations with the Taliban. By offering to recognise the Taliban as a legitimate political group, proposing a ceasefire and release of prisoners and holding “unconditional” talks, shows his desperation. The Taliban, which is facing an onslaught from the US forces, wants an early ceasefire to have a much-needed breather. Since last year, it has lost several of its top commanders besides a large number of foot soldiers. It smells twin advantages if talks with the US became a reality. Not only will it escape the intensified fury, it will put the US on the back foot. For the Taliban, it will be a win-win solution as it will enter into dialogue with an upper hand. If the dialogue reaches its logical conclusion, it stands a chance to be accepted as a political group and who knows return to power. But if talks collapse, it will have enough time to recoup and recalibrate its strategy. Moreover, the Taliban does not consider Ghani government as a powerful adversary which it can easily run over in the event of US troop withdrawal. It remains to be seen if all the major parties are prepared to shift their stance. And even if they do, the chances of an early solution look unlikely as long as Pakistan does not relinquish its support to groups like the Haqqani network. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Afghanistan wants peace with Taliban but will it come?

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would impose tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on imported aluminium next week.

At a meeting with US&nbsp;industry officials at the White House, Trump vowed to rebuild American steel and aluminium industries, saying they had been treaded unfairly by other countries for decades.

The move is likely to increase tensions with China, whose top trade official Lui He is in Washington for trade talks.

An early morning tweet from Trump that said the steel and aluminium sectors needed protecting from unfair trade drove shares in domestic industries sharply higher.&nbsp;

AK Steel Holding was up 2.8 percent, US&nbsp;Steel Corp was up 2.3 percent and Nucor rose 1 percent. By contrast, industrial stocks such as Boeing fell, with traders citing tariffs, which would hit manufacturers.

The administration says duties would protect US&nbsp;industry, but critics say they would raise costs for industry and fail to deliver on a campaign pledge to boost domestic jobs.

Trump tweeted on Thursday that American steel and aluminium companies needed &quot;free, fair and smart trade&quot;. Trump has indicated he favors a duty of 24 percent on steel imports.

The administration has also cited national security interests for its action, saying the United States needs domestic supply for its tanks and warships. The Department of Defense has recommended targeted steel tariffs and a delay in aluminium duties.

Although China only accounts for two percent of US&nbsp;steel imports, its massive industry expansion has helped produce a global glut of steel that has driven down prices.

China has indicated it could retaliate against US&nbsp;steel tariffs by targeting imports of US&nbsp;agricultural commodities, such as soybeans of which America is the largest supplier.&nbsp;

Trade tensions between the United States and China have risen since Trump took office in 2017 and the administration is also pushing on what it regards as forced technology transfers to China.&nbsp;

Shares of Asian steel producers such as South Korea&#39;s POSCO and Nippon Steel fell overnight.

Few more jons from tariffs

While American steelmakers have lost three quarters of their jobs between 1962 and 2005, a major study by the American Economic Association showed that much of this had been due to improved production technology as output per worker rose fivefold.

&quot;Thus, even if trade protection leads to increased domestic production, increases in employment may be far less than many hope,&quot; a report from the highly-regarded independent Econofact economist network said last week.

Consumers of steel and aluminium have lobbied hard against the tariffs. Econofact said in its report that two million jobs were in industries that use steel &quot;intensively&quot;, including auto parts, household appliances, farm machinery and oil equipment.

Jobs in the consuming industries are concentrated in California, Texas, the Northeastern and Midwestern states that comprise the rust belt and states in the Southeast.

&quot;Across many states, the number of jobs adversely affected in these steel-using industries could far exceed any steel jobs saved,&quot; Econofact warned.

&quot;Past experience also shows that unilateral action like Section 232 tariffs will invite retaliation &mdash; the Bush-era steel tariffs led many countries to target politically sensitive US&nbsp;exports like Florida oranges and North Carolina textiles.&quot; 
&nbsp;

The move is likely to increase tensions with China, whose top trade official Lui He is in Washington for trade talks

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would impose tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on imported aluminium next week. At a meeting with US industry officials at the White House, Trump vowed to rebuild American steel and aluminium industries, saying they had been treaded unfairly by other countries for decades. The move is likely to increase tensions with China, whose top trade official Lui He is in Washington for trade talks. An early morning tweet from Trump that said the steel and aluminium sectors needed protecting from unfair trade drove shares in domestic industries sharply higher. AK Steel Holding was up 2.8 percent, US Steel Corp was up 2.3 percent and Nucor rose 1 percent. By contrast, industrial stocks such as Boeing fell, with traders citing tariffs, which would hit manufacturers. The administration says duties would protect US industry, but critics say they would raise costs for industry and fail to deliver on a campaign pledge to boost domestic jobs. Trump tweeted on Thursday that American steel and aluminium companies needed "free, fair and smart trade". Trump has indicated he favors a duty of 24 percent on steel imports. The administration has also cited national security interests for its action, saying the United States needs domestic supply for its tanks and warships. The Department of Defense has recommended targeted steel tariffs and a delay in aluminium duties. Although China only accounts for two percent of US steel imports, its massive industry expansion has helped produce a global glut of steel that has driven down prices. China has indicated it could retaliate against US steel tariffs by targeting imports of US agricultural commodities, such as soybeans of which America is the largest supplier. Trade tensions between the United States and China have risen since Trump took office in 2017 and the administration is also pushing on what it regards as forced technology transfers to China. Shares of Asian steel producers such as South Korea's POSCO and Nippon Steel fell overnight. Few more jons from tariffs While American steelmakers have lost three quarters of their jobs between 1962 and 2005, a major study by the American Economic Association showed that much of this had been due to improved production technology as output per worker rose fivefold. "Thus, even if trade protection leads to increased domestic production, increases in employment may be far less than many hope," a report from the highly-regarded independent Econofact economist network said last week. Consumers of steel and aluminium have lobbied hard against the tariffs. Econofact said in its report that two million jobs were in industries that use steel "intensively", including auto parts, household appliances, farm machinery and oil equipment. Jobs in the consuming industries are concentrated in California, Texas, the Northeastern and Midwestern states that comprise the rust belt and states in the Southeast. "Across many states, the number of jobs adversely affected in these steel-using industries could far exceed any steel jobs saved," Econofact warned. "Past experience also shows that unilateral action like Section 232 tariffs will invite retaliation — the Bush-era steel tariffs led many countries to target politically sensitive US exports like Florida oranges and North Carolina textiles."

US to impose tariffs on steel, aluminium imports

US Olympic Committee Chief Executive Scott Blackmun is resigning for medical reasons, the organization said on Wednesday, following months of sustained criticism stemming from the sex abuse scandal involving former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.

In a statement, the USOC cited Blackmun&#39;s &quot;ongoing health issues&quot; related to prostate cancer, for which he has been receiving treatment. As part of the same press release, the group also outlined new reforms aimed at protecting its athletes from abuse.

The Colorado Springs, Colorado-based USOC, which announced the change less than a week after the Winter Olympic Games ended in Pyeongchang, South Korea, had resisted calls to fire Blackmun over the Nassar case. Blackmun, 60, did not attend the Games.

The scandal prompted the entire board of directors at USA Gymnastics, the sport`s governing body, to resign, along with the president and athletic director at Michigan State University, where Nassar also worked. It also spawned lawsuits and criminal and civil investigations.

A number of critics, including athletes who said they were abused and two US senators - Iowa Republican Joni Ernst and New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen - had called for the ouster of Blackmun and USOC board members, accusing them of failing to promptly act on complaints raised against Nassar and fostering a culture of silence.

&ldquo;Scott Blackmun&rsquo;s resignation as CEO of the US Olympic Committee is long overdue,&quot; John Manly, a lawyer representing 120 of Nassar`s victims, said in a statement.&nbsp;

&quot;Under his leadership, USOC has focused nearly all its efforts on money and medals while the safety of our athletes has taken a back seat.&quot;

Shaheen also welcomed the resignation, citing Nassar`s years of abuse. &quot;It&#39;s clear that the culture at the US Olympic Committee desperately needs to change,&quot; she said in a statement.

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Nancy Hogshead-Makar, an advocate for female athletes and member of the Committee to Restore Integrity to the USOC, said in a Twitter post that Blackmun &quot;didn`t enact basic #ChildProtection policies or educate the membership about how to prevent it.&quot;

&quot;His legacy will be that he failed athletes,&quot; she added.

The USOC statement did not address whether the sexual abuse scandal played a role in Blackmun`s departure. His compensation in 2016 totalled $1.075 million, according to USOC tax filings.

&quot;Given Scott`s current health situation, we have mutually agreed it is in the best interest of both Scott and the USOC that we identify new leadership,&quot; USOC Chairman Larry Probst said in the statement.

Nassar pleaded guilty to molesting female athletes under the guise of medical treatment and was sentenced to life in prison. Authorities say Nassar victimized more than 260 women and girls, including several Olympic gold medalists. Nearly 200 of them offered testimony during a pair of sentencing hearings in Michigan earlier this year.

USOC board member Susanne Lyons, who in January was chosen to head up a working group to address problems that the Nassar case had exposed, will serve as acting CEO while the organization searches for a permanent replacement.

The USOC also said Wednesday it will increase funding for support and counselling for victims as well as investigations into abuse allegations, among other reforms.

Separately, USA Gymnastics said its vice president of development, Luan Peszek, has left the organization after nearly 30 years.&nbsp;

Following a lengthy stint with the team`s communications department, Peszek was the top administrator for the women&#39;s program for two years, before assuming her most recent post in 2015. Her daughter Samantha was a 2008 Olympic silver medalist.

A team spokeswoman, Leslie King, declined to explain the circumstances of Peszek`s departure or say when the exit occurred.

The scandal prompted the entire board of directors at USA Gymnastics

US Olympic Committee Chief Executive Scott Blackmun is resigning for medical reasons, the organization said on Wednesday, following months of sustained criticism stemming from the sex abuse scandal involving former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. In a statement, the USOC cited Blackmun's "ongoing health issues" related to prostate cancer, for which he has been receiving treatment. As part of the same press release, the group also outlined new reforms aimed at protecting its athletes from abuse. The Colorado Springs, Colorado-based USOC, which announced the change less than a week after the Winter Olympic Games ended in Pyeongchang, South Korea, had resisted calls to fire Blackmun over the Nassar case. Blackmun, 60, did not attend the Games. The scandal prompted the entire board of directors at USA Gymnastics, the sport`s governing body, to resign, along with the president and athletic director at Michigan State University, where Nassar also worked. It also spawned lawsuits and criminal and civil investigations. A number of critics, including athletes who said they were abused and two US senators - Iowa Republican Joni Ernst and New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen - had called for the ouster of Blackmun and USOC board members, accusing them of failing to promptly act on complaints raised against Nassar and fostering a culture of silence. “Scott Blackmun’s resignation as CEO of the US Olympic Committee is long overdue," John Manly, a lawyer representing 120 of Nassar`s victims, said in a statement. "Under his leadership, USOC has focused nearly all its efforts on money and medals while the safety of our athletes has taken a back seat." Shaheen also welcomed the resignation, citing Nassar`s years of abuse. "It's clear that the culture at the US Olympic Committee desperately needs to change," she said in a statement. Olympic gold medalist swimmer Nancy Hogshead-Makar, an advocate for female athletes and member of the Committee to Restore Integrity to the USOC, said in a Twitter post that Blackmun "didn`t enact basic #ChildProtection policies or educate the membership about how to prevent it." "His legacy will be that he failed athletes," she added. The USOC statement did not address whether the sexual abuse scandal played a role in Blackmun`s departure. His compensation in 2016 totalled $1.075 million, according to USOC tax filings. "Given Scott`s current health situation, we have mutually agreed it is in the best interest of both Scott and the USOC that we identify new leadership," USOC Chairman Larry Probst said in the statement. Nassar pleaded guilty to molesting female athletes under the guise of medical treatment and was sentenced to life in prison. Authorities say Nassar victimized more than 260 women and girls, including several Olympic gold medalists. Nearly 200 of them offered testimony during a pair of sentencing hearings in Michigan earlier this year. USOC board member Susanne Lyons, who in January was chosen to head up a working group to address problems that the Nassar case had exposed, will serve as acting CEO while the organization searches for a permanent replacement. The USOC also said Wednesday it will increase funding for support and counselling for victims as well as investigations into abuse allegations, among other reforms. Separately, USA Gymnastics said its vice president of development, Luan Peszek, has left the organization after nearly 30 years. Following a lengthy stint with the team`s communications department, Peszek was the top administrator for the women's program for two years, before assuming her most recent post in 2015. Her daughter Samantha was a 2008 Olympic silver medalist. A team spokeswoman, Leslie King, declined to explain the circumstances of Peszek`s departure or say when the exit occurred.

US Olympic chief resigns after sex abuse scandal, health cited

A senior US&nbsp;disarmament official said on Wednesday that Russia has violated its commitments as guarantor of the destruction of Syria&#39;s chemical weapons stockpile and preventing the Assad government from using them.

Robert Wood, US&nbsp;disarmament ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, told reporters in Geneva shortly before Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addressed the forum: &quot;Russia is is on the wrong side of history with regard to chemical weapons use in Syria.&quot;

Wood, asked about a reported nexus of cooperation between North Korea and Syria, replied: &quot;Clearly there has been a history of a relationship between North Korea and Syria with regard to missile activity, chemical weapons components.&quot;

'Russia is on the wrong side of history with regard to chemical weapons use in Syria,' Robert Wood, US disarmament ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament

A senior US disarmament official said on Wednesday that Russia has violated its commitments as guarantor of the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons stockpile and preventing the Assad government from using them. Robert Wood, US disarmament ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, told reporters in Geneva shortly before Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addressed the forum: "Russia is is on the wrong side of history with regard to chemical weapons use in Syria." Wood, asked about a reported nexus of cooperation between North Korea and Syria, replied: "Clearly there has been a history of a relationship between North Korea and Syria with regard to missile activity, chemical weapons components."

US says Russia violating duty to rein in Syria's use of chemical weapons

The Taliban in Afghanistan does not seem to be ready for peace talks, the Trump administration said today, asserting that any such talks have to be &quot;Afghan-led and Afghan-owned&quot;.

In a way, the Trump administration, ruled out direct talks with the Taliban, which was being sought by the terrorist outfit <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-want-to-end-war-through-dialogue-33026" target="_blank">in a letter</a> to the US.

&quot;We certainly saw this letter and are aware of this letter. Any peace talks with Afghanistan have to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. That has long been our policy,&quot; State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters.

She said the Taliban, &quot;unfortunately&quot;, does not seem ready at this point to sit down and have conversations about peace talks.

&quot;We hope eventually they will, because that is the best way to be able to have peace in Afghanistan,&quot; Nauert said responding to a question on the letter released by the Taliban.

&quot;Ultimately, we don&#39;t see there being a military solution to the situation in Afghanistan. Ultimately, it has to be a political situation,&quot; she said.

&quot;That can best be done,&quot; she said if the Taliban was willing to sit down and have talks.

&quot;Certainly the United States could have a role in that. But that&#39;s really up to Afghanistan, but it has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned,&quot; Nauert asserted. PTI&nbsp;

The Taliban has said, in a letter to the US, that it would like to discuss peace

The Taliban in Afghanistan does not seem to be ready for peace talks, the Trump administration said today, asserting that any such talks have to be "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned". In a way, the Trump administration, ruled out direct talks with the Taliban, which was being sought by the terrorist outfit in a letter to the US. "We certainly saw this letter and are aware of this letter. Any peace talks with Afghanistan have to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. That has long been our policy," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters. She said the Taliban, "unfortunately", does not seem ready at this point to sit down and have conversations about peace talks. "We hope eventually they will, because that is the best way to be able to have peace in Afghanistan," Nauert said responding to a question on the letter released by the Taliban. "Ultimately, we don't see there being a military solution to the situation in Afghanistan. Ultimately, it has to be a political situation," she said. "That can best be done," she said if the Taliban was willing to sit down and have talks. "Certainly the United States could have a role in that. But that's really up to Afghanistan, but it has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned," Nauert asserted. PTI

Taliban doesn't seem ready for peace talks: US

Has Donald Trump really been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize? The Norwegian Nobel Institute said Wednesday it had filed a police report after receiving a seemingly fraudulent nomination for the US president.

&quot;We have good reason to believe that a nomination we received concerning Trump has been falsified,&quot; Nobel Institute director Olav Njolstad told AFP. He refused to provide further details, saying it was for the police to give more information.

Each year, nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize must be submitted by January 31. Among those entitled to propose names are members of parliament and government, former laureates and some university professors.

While the list of candidates is kept secret for at least 50 years, those who nominate are however allowed to disclose their choice.

The Peace Research Institute of Oslo (Prio) said in early February that Trump&#39;s name was on the list.

Like last year, Trump was nominated for his &quot;ideology of peace by force&quot; by an American who did not want his identity revealed, according to Prio, a body independent of the Nobel organisation which closely monitors the nominations revealed publicly.

It is possible that this nomination was submitted by a person suspected of committing identity fraud to appear eligible to nominate.

The Nobel Institute said it had received 329 valid nominations for the 2018 Peace Prize. The five members of the Nobel committee that selects the winner are also allowed to submit names during their first meeting of the year, which was held on Monday.

The name of the 2018 winner will be announced in early October.

Has Donald Trump really been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize?

Has Donald Trump really been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize? The Norwegian Nobel Institute said Wednesday it had filed a police report after receiving a seemingly fraudulent nomination for the US president. "We have good reason to believe that a nomination we received concerning Trump has been falsified," Nobel Institute director Olav Njolstad told AFP. He refused to provide further details, saying it was for the police to give more information. Each year, nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize must be submitted by January 31. Among those entitled to propose names are members of parliament and government, former laureates and some university professors. While the list of candidates is kept secret for at least 50 years, those who nominate are however allowed to disclose their choice. The Peace Research Institute of Oslo (Prio) said in early February that Trump's name was on the list. Like last year, Trump was nominated for his "ideology of peace by force" by an American who did not want his identity revealed, according to Prio, a body independent of the Nobel organisation which closely monitors the nominations revealed publicly. It is possible that this nomination was submitted by a person suspected of committing identity fraud to appear eligible to nominate. The Nobel Institute said it had received 329 valid nominations for the 2018 Peace Prize. The five members of the Nobel committee that selects the winner are also allowed to submit names during their first meeting of the year, which was held on Monday. The name of the 2018 winner will be announced in early October.

Is Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination fake?

Amid worsening ties between the United Nations and Pakistan, the US embassy on Tuesday that Washington wants to estlabish a new relationship with Islamabad.

The statement was given by a senior aide to Trump during his visit to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Lisa Curtis, deputy assistant to the U.S. president, also voiced U.S. concerns about Pakistan&#39;s deficiencies in preventing terrorist-financing during her two-day trip to the nuclear-armed South Asian nation.

Last week, Washington persuaded member states of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to put Pakistan back on the watchlist of nations with inadequate terrorist financing or money laundering controls.

The U.S. move infuriated Islamabad amid fears it could hurt the fragile economy of Pakistan, whose de facto finance minister accused Washington of trying to embarrass his country.

&quot;Ms. Curtis said that the United States seeks to move toward a new relationship with Pakistan, based on a shared commitment to defeat all terrorist groups that threaten regional stability,&quot; the U.S. embassy said in a statement.

The embassy informed that this new relationship between the two nations would also be based on a shared vision of a peaceful future for Afghanistan

Tensions with historically Washington have pushed Pakistan further into the arms of China. Closer diplomatic and military ties between Beijing and Islamabad have come at a time when China is helping Pakistan&#39;s economy grow by investing billions in infrastructure projects.&nbsp;

In January, &nbsp;the Trump administration suspended about $2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan, days after Trump tweeted that Pakistan has given nothing but lies and deceit in return for generous aid.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The statement was given by a senior aide to Trump during his visit to Pakistan

Amid worsening ties between the United Nations and Pakistan, the US embassy on Tuesday that Washington wants to estlabish a new relationship with Islamabad. The statement was given by a senior aide to Trump during his visit to Pakistan. Lisa Curtis, deputy assistant to the U.S. president, also voiced U.S. concerns about Pakistan's deficiencies in preventing terrorist-financing during her two-day trip to the nuclear-armed South Asian nation. Last week, Washington persuaded member states of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to put Pakistan back on the watchlist of nations with inadequate terrorist financing or money laundering controls. The U.S. move infuriated Islamabad amid fears it could hurt the fragile economy of Pakistan, whose de facto finance minister accused Washington of trying to embarrass his country. "Ms. Curtis said that the United States seeks to move toward a new relationship with Pakistan, based on a shared commitment to defeat all terrorist groups that threaten regional stability," the U.S. embassy said in a statement. The embassy informed that this new relationship between the two nations would also be based on a shared vision of a peaceful future for Afghanistan Tensions with historically Washington have pushed Pakistan further into the arms of China. Closer diplomatic and military ties between Beijing and Islamabad have come at a time when China is helping Pakistan's economy grow by investing billions in infrastructure projects. In January, the Trump administration suspended about $2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan, days after Trump tweeted that Pakistan has given nothing but lies and deceit in return for generous aid.

US seeking new relationship with Pakistan, says President Trump's aide

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