US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday he favors amending the Pentagon's justice system to remove decisions about prosecuting sexual assault from the military chain of command.

The Pentagon chief had appointed an independent commission to submit recommendations as to how best to deal with perpetrators of sexual violence in the armed forces, and how to prosecute them more effectively.

He said in a statement he had received the recommendations of the panel and pledged to "work with Congress to amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice, removing the prosecution of sexual assaults and related crimes from the military chain of command."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-relying-on-chinese-vaccines-reporting-covid-19-surge-report-393242">Also Read |&nbsp;Countries relying on Chinese vaccines reporting COVID-19 surge: Report</a>

The commission recommended including other related crimes such as domestic violence among those that would be removed from the chain's purview.

"I support this as well, given the strong correlation between these sorts of crimes and the prevalence of sexual assault," Austin said.

More than a dozen commanders and unit leaders were sacked last December after a series of murders and sex crimes at a major US military base. Among the victims was Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old soldier who disappeared on April 22 after being sexually harassed.&nbsp;

Guillen had told her family that she did not trust the military command to follow up on her sexual harassment complaint, and her relatives publicly cast doubt on the military's resolve to investigate her disappearance, until her dismembered body was finally discovered on June 30.&nbsp;

The Pentagon has since been called upon to remove any decisions about prosecuting sex crimes from the chain of command, but the military has so far resisted, citing the need to maintain control over discipline in the ranks.&nbsp;

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday he favors amending the Pentagon's justice system to remove decisions about prosecuting sexual assault from the military chain of command.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday he favors amending the Pentagon's justice system to remove decisions about prosecuting sexual assault from the military chain of command. The Pentagon chief had appointed an independent commission to submit recommendations as to how best to deal with perpetrators of sexual violence in the armed forces, and how to prosecute them more effectively. He said in a statement he had received the recommendations of the panel and pledged to "work with Congress to amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice, removing the prosecution of sexual assaults and related crimes from the military chain of command." Also Read | Countries relying on Chinese vaccines reporting COVID-19 surge: Report The commission recommended including other related crimes such as domestic violence among those that would be removed from the chain's purview. "I support this as well, given the strong correlation between these sorts of crimes and the prevalence of sexual assault," Austin said. More than a dozen commanders and unit leaders were sacked last December after a series of murders and sex crimes at a major US military base. Among the victims was Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old soldier who disappeared on April 22 after being sexually harassed. Guillen had told her family that she did not trust the military command to follow up on her sexual harassment complaint, and her relatives publicly cast doubt on the military's resolve to investigate her disappearance, until her dismembered body was finally discovered on June 30. The Pentagon has since been called upon to remove any decisions about prosecuting sex crimes from the chain of command, but the military has so far resisted, citing the need to maintain control over discipline in the ranks.

US defence chief favours reforms on how military prosecutes sex crimes

As the country pushes for more vaccinations, evidence has mounted that the mass vaccination programs have helped to push daily infections and deaths lower.

US to miss Biden's July 4 vaccination goal

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden believes steps are needed to safeguard privacy, bolster innovation and deal with other problems created by big technology platforms, the White House said on Tuesday, signaling his support for legislation concerning Big Tech. 
 
Biden is encouraged by bipartisan work underway in Congress to tackle these issues, the official said, a day before the US&nbsp;House Judiciary Committee votes on a package of antitrust bills, some of which target the market power of large tech firms. 
 
"These platforms have transformed our daily lives, and showcase our country's ingenuity and potential, but also create real problems for users, small businesses, and tech startups," said the White House official. 
 
"The president believes we need to address the problems these platforms create to protect privacy, generate more innovation, and make sure the great tech companies of the future can emerge and grow right here in the US," the official said. 
 
The House Judiciary Committee will vote on Wednesday on a package of six antitrust bills, including two that address the issue of giant companies, such as Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google, creating a platform for other businesses and then competing against those same businesses. 
 
The legislation drew fire on Tuesday from the US&nbsp;Chamber of Commerce, the largest US&nbsp;business group, which warned it would have 'dangerous consequences for America'. 
 
It said antitrust laws 'should not be rigged against a small number of companies'. 
 
The White House hoped the bipartisan proposals would move forward in the legislative process and looked forward to working with Congress on the issue, the official added. 
 
In a separate development, the Federal Trade Commission, whose new chairwoman has been critical of Amazon, has decided to review the company`s planned purchase of US&nbsp;movie studio MGM, a source familiar with the matter said. 
 
Lina Khan was sworn in as FTC chair on June 15 in what was broadly seen as a victory for progressives seeking tougher antitrust enforcement. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden believes steps are needed to safeguard privacy, bolster innovation and deal with other problems created by big technology platforms, the White House said on Tuesday, signaling his support for legislation concerning Big Tech.

US President Joe Biden believes steps are needed to safeguard privacy, bolster innovation and deal with other problems created by big technology platforms, the White House said on Tuesday, signaling his support for legislation concerning Big Tech. Biden is encouraged by bipartisan work underway in Congress to tackle these issues, the official said, a day before the US House Judiciary Committee votes on a package of antitrust bills, some of which target the market power of large tech firms. "These platforms have transformed our daily lives, and showcase our country's ingenuity and potential, but also create real problems for users, small businesses, and tech startups," said the White House official. "The president believes we need to address the problems these platforms create to protect privacy, generate more innovation, and make sure the great tech companies of the future can emerge and grow right here in the US," the official said. The House Judiciary Committee will vote on Wednesday on a package of six antitrust bills, including two that address the issue of giant companies, such as Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google, creating a platform for other businesses and then competing against those same businesses. The legislation drew fire on Tuesday from the US Chamber of Commerce, the largest US business group, which warned it would have 'dangerous consequences for America'. It said antitrust laws 'should not be rigged against a small number of companies'. The White House hoped the bipartisan proposals would move forward in the legislative process and looked forward to working with Congress on the issue, the official added. In a separate development, the Federal Trade Commission, whose new chairwoman has been critical of Amazon, has decided to review the company`s planned purchase of US movie studio MGM, a source familiar with the matter said. Lina Khan was sworn in as FTC chair on June 15 in what was broadly seen as a victory for progressives seeking tougher antitrust enforcement. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden sees work needed to address problems created by big tech firms: White House

With diseases being rampant, food being dangerous, and numerous reports of sexual abuse, migrant children at a US border detention centre in the Texan desert have been living in extremely disturbing conditions, a media report said.

With diseases being rampant, food being dangerous, and numerous reports of sexual abuse, migrant children at a US border detention centre in the Texan desert have been living in extremely disturbing conditions, a media report said. The US has been experiencing a massive rise in migrants and asylum seekers from Central America. As per experts, there have been various factors that have led to the influx, some of which include, violence, natural disasters and pandemic-related economic strife. Also, a 'more lenient' administration under Democrat Joe Biden has contributed to the crisis. The Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, Texas, is the temporary home for over 2,000 teenaged children. These teens have crossed the US-Mexico border alone and are now hoping to reunite with their families in the US. As a part of the investigation, BBC spoke to camp employees about the alarming conditions. The BBC also gained access to photos and video smuggled out by staff. The investigation revealed that the camp consists of at least 12 tents, housing hundreds of children at a time. The staff told the BBC the food was mostly edible. However, a 15-year-old who has now been released said that he was fed uncooked meat. BBC quoted him saying "Sometimes the chicken had blood, the meat very red. We couldn't stand our hunger and we ate it, but we got sick from it." Nicknamed by the children as 'Covid City', the tents have also been set up to house a massive number of sick children. An employee told BBC that hundreds of children tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. Apart from this, outbreaks of the flu and strep throat have also been reported. The authorities have failed to provide immediate medical attention to those in need of it, reveals the report. Also Read | Under pressure, Hong Kong's pro-democracy publication Apple Daily announces closure The 15-year-old who spoke to BBC was released last month after spending 38 days in detention. He revealed that he caught Covid-19 soon after arriving in the camp. After he recovered, he was sent back to live in a crowded tent and became ill again. He said, "When we went to ask for medicine they gave us dirty looks, and they always laughed among themselves." Reports of sexual abuse have also emerged. There are reports of the staff sexually abusing children. An employee told BBC, "We have already caught staff with minors inappropriately." Another employee told that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had spoken to staff about a rape. BBC quoted her saying, "DHS mentioned there was a rape - they are giving the girls pregnancy tests". She added, "And I heard the other night that another contractor was caught in a boys' tent, you know, doing things with him." The Department of Health and Human Services, which employs private contractors to run the camp, claims that it is committed to transparency. However, the BBC was denied access to the camp. Also, HHS did not respond to the specific allegations of negligence in Fort Bliss uncovered by the BBC. In a public statement, it claims that it is "providing required standards of care for children such as clean and comfortable sleeping quarters, meals, toiletries, laundry, educational and recreational activities, and access to medical services."

Alarming conditions in US migrant child camp, says report

The Biden administration is broadening the pool of migrants who will be allowed to enter the United States to make asylum claims, in the latest effort to chip away at the restrictive immigration policies put in place under former President Donald Trump.

The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday that on Wednesday it would start considering migrants whose cases were terminated under a Trump-era program that gave border officials the authority to send asylum-seekers back to Mexico to wait for their cases to make it through the clogged American immigration system. The change could affect tens of thousands of people.

President Joe Biden had already ended the program, known officially as the Migrant Protection Protocols. His administration this month started bringing in migrants enrolled in the program who had pending asylum cases.

In a statement, the department said the latest move was “part of our continued effort to restore safe, orderly and humane processing at the southwest border.”

While many immigration and human rights advocates welcomed the development, it will do little to alleviate the pressure on the Biden administration to stop turning away hundreds of thousands of other migrants, many of whom are also seeking asylum, who have been banned from entering the United States because of a public health rule put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Democrats and human rights advocates have long assailed the Trump program, which began in 2019 as an effort to discourage immigrants from trying to cross the southwestern border despite having a legal right to apply for asylum in the United States. Many of the asylum-seekers enrolled in the program had their cases closed because they could not appear at their court hearings in the United States while they faced perilous situations in Mexico.

“By keeping migrants in dangerous conditions in Mexico, the Trump administration ensured many people would not be able to appear at their hearings and their claims would be rejected,” Reps. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and Nanette Barragán of California, both Democrats, said in a joint statement Tuesday. Thompson is the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Barragán is the chair of the subcommittee on border security. “Allowing these people to be eligible for processing is the right thing to do,” the statement said.

Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said the decision was made in haste and without transparency.

“The department’s seemingly impulsive announcement lacked explanation, justification or any other indicia that the decision had been made only after the careful deliberations and consultations that are both appropriate and lawfully required,” Guest wrote in a letter to Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary.

The development could affect more than 34,000 migrants seeking asylum in the United States, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, which collects immigration data.

Judy Rabinovitz, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, said the process would not be quick. Applicants would need to register, and someone would have to tell them what they needed to submit to reopen their cases. And there is no guarantee that an immigration judge would grant a motion to reopen, she said, let alone grant asylum.

In another significant break from the Trump administration, the Justice Department last week reversed a Trump-era immigration ruling that had made it all but impossible for people to seek asylum in the United States over credible fears of domestic abuse or gang violence. The decision could affect hundreds of thousands of Central Americans fleeing gang extortion and recruitment and women fleeing domestic abuse who arrived in the United States since 2013.

The Biden administration is broadening the pool of migrants who will be allowed to enter the United States to make asylum claims, in the latest effort to chip away at the restrictive immigration policies put in place under former President Donald Trump.

The Biden administration is broadening the pool of migrants who will be allowed to enter the United States to make asylum claims, in the latest effort to chip away at the restrictive immigration policies put in place under former President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday that on Wednesday it would start considering migrants whose cases were terminated under a Trump-era program that gave border officials the authority to send asylum-seekers back to Mexico to wait for their cases to make it through the clogged American immigration system. The change could affect tens of thousands of people. President Joe Biden had already ended the program, known officially as the Migrant Protection Protocols. His administration this month started bringing in migrants enrolled in the program who had pending asylum cases. In a statement, the department said the latest move was “part of our continued effort to restore safe, orderly and humane processing at the southwest border.” While many immigration and human rights advocates welcomed the development, it will do little to alleviate the pressure on the Biden administration to stop turning away hundreds of thousands of other migrants, many of whom are also seeking asylum, who have been banned from entering the United States because of a public health rule put in place during the coronavirus pandemic. Democrats and human rights advocates have long assailed the Trump program, which began in 2019 as an effort to discourage immigrants from trying to cross the southwestern border despite having a legal right to apply for asylum in the United States. Many of the asylum-seekers enrolled in the program had their cases closed because they could not appear at their court hearings in the United States while they faced perilous situations in Mexico. “By keeping migrants in dangerous conditions in Mexico, the Trump administration ensured many people would not be able to appear at their hearings and their claims would be rejected,” Reps. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and Nanette Barragán of California, both Democrats, said in a joint statement Tuesday. Thompson is the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Barragán is the chair of the subcommittee on border security. “Allowing these people to be eligible for processing is the right thing to do,” the statement said. Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said the decision was made in haste and without transparency. “The department’s seemingly impulsive announcement lacked explanation, justification or any other indicia that the decision had been made only after the careful deliberations and consultations that are both appropriate and lawfully required,” Guest wrote in a letter to Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary. The development could affect more than 34,000 migrants seeking asylum in the United States, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, which collects immigration data. Judy Rabinovitz, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, said the process would not be quick. Applicants would need to register, and someone would have to tell them what they needed to submit to reopen their cases. And there is no guarantee that an immigration judge would grant a motion to reopen, she said, let alone grant asylum. In another significant break from the Trump administration, the Justice Department last week reversed a Trump-era immigration ruling that had made it all but impossible for people to seek asylum in the United States over credible fears of domestic abuse or gang violence. The decision could affect hundreds of thousands of Central Americans fleeing gang extortion and recruitment and women fleeing domestic abuse who arrived in the United States since 2013.

US to allow some asylum seekers rejected under Trump to reopen cases

Four Saudis who participated in the 2018 killing of the Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi received paramilitary training in the United States the previous year under a contract approved by the State Department, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. 
 
The training was provided by Tier 1 Group, which is owned by the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, and was defensive in nature and devised to protect Saudi leaders, the Times reported. 
 
Cerberus did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. 
 
In response to the Times report, State Department spokesman Ned Price said under the law the department cannot comment "on any of the licensed defense export licensing activity alleged in media reporting." 
 
Price also said US&nbsp;policy towards Saudi Arabia "will prioritize the rule of law and respect for human rights." 
 
Khashoggi, a US&nbsp;resident who wrote opinion columns for the Washington Post critical of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed and dismembered by a team of operatives linked to the prince in the kingdom`s consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. A US&nbsp;intelligence report in February said the crown prince had approved an operation to capture or kill the journalist. 
 
Cerberus senior executive Louis Bremer confirmed his company`s role in the training of four members of the Khashoggi kill team last year in written answers to questions from members of Congress as part of his nomination for a senior Pentagon job in former President Donald Trump`s administration, according to the Times. 
 
But the lawmakers never received the answers because the Trump administration does not appear to have sent them to Congress before withdrawing Bremer’s nomination, according to the Times, which said Bremer provided it with the document. 
 
Bremer said the US&nbsp;State Department and other government agencies are responsible for vetting foreign forces trained on US&nbsp;soil, the Times reported.

Four Saudis who participated in the 2018 killing of the Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi received paramilitary training in the United States the previous year under a contract approved by the State Department, the New York Times reported on Tuesday.

Four Saudis who participated in the 2018 killing of the Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi received paramilitary training in the United States the previous year under a contract approved by the State Department, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. The training was provided by Tier 1 Group, which is owned by the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, and was defensive in nature and devised to protect Saudi leaders, the Times reported. Cerberus did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. In response to the Times report, State Department spokesman Ned Price said under the law the department cannot comment "on any of the licensed defense export licensing activity alleged in media reporting." Price also said US policy towards Saudi Arabia "will prioritize the rule of law and respect for human rights." Khashoggi, a US resident who wrote opinion columns for the Washington Post critical of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed and dismembered by a team of operatives linked to the prince in the kingdom`s consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. A US intelligence report in February said the crown prince had approved an operation to capture or kill the journalist. Cerberus senior executive Louis Bremer confirmed his company`s role in the training of four members of the Khashoggi kill team last year in written answers to questions from members of Congress as part of his nomination for a senior Pentagon job in former President Donald Trump`s administration, according to the Times. But the lawmakers never received the answers because the Trump administration does not appear to have sent them to Congress before withdrawing Bremer’s nomination, according to the Times, which said Bremer provided it with the document. Bremer said the US State Department and other government agencies are responsible for vetting foreign forces trained on US soil, the Times reported.

Saudis who killed journalist Khashoggi received paramilitary training in US: Report

In a major setback for the Democrats, the Voting Rights Bill which is touted to be the most expansive federal election reform in the United States has been obstructed by a wall of Republican opposition.

US: GOP filibuster obstructs Big Voting Rights Bill

Squatting in the dust by the main road to Afghanistan's biggest airbase, Mir Salam sifts through a pile of broken electronics in front of him, salvaged from departing US troops.

All around are heaps of junk and scrapped equipment -- ranging from telephones and thermos flasks to computer keyboards and printer cartridges.

"This is what the Americans do," the 40-year-old told AFP. "They destroy absolutely everything."

The Pentagon is vacating the Bagram airbase as part of its plan to withdraw all forces by this year's 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States, and it could be completed by the end of the month.

Military gear is being taken home or given to Afghan security forces, but tons of civilian equipment must be left behind.

The result is a booming scrap business that is making money for some but leaving many resentful.

"They blow it up or are burning it," says Salam of the equipment being discarded.

"There were lots of new things in this base -- enough to rebuild Afghanistan 20 times -- but they destroyed everything."

For two decades, Bagram served as the nerve centre for US operations in Afghanistan.

A sprawling mini-city visited by hundreds of thousands of service members and contractors, it boasted swimming pools, cinemas and spas -- and even a boardwalk featuring fast-food outlets such as Burger King and Pizza Hut.

It also has a prison that held thousands of Taliban and jihadist inmates over the years.

Bagram was built by the United States for its Afghan ally during the Cold War in the 1950s as a bulwark against the Soviet Union in the north.

Ironically, it became the staging point for the Soviet invasion of the country in 1979, and the Red Army expanded it significantly during their near decade-long occupation.

When Moscow pulled out, it became central to the raging civil war -- it was reported that at one point the Taliban controlled one end of the three-kilometre (two-mile) runway and the opposition Northern Alliance the other.

Nothing goes to waste&nbsp;

In recent months, Bagram has come under rocket attacks claimed by the jihadist Islamic State.

If the Taliban capture the base, it would be a significant step -- perhaps even the decisive one -- towards seizing control of Kabul itself.

Salam pays 1,000 afghanis ($12) a month to rent a modest fenced plot on the Bagram road, where he stores base scrap that he searches for nuggets to sell to specialised dealers.

The road to the base is lined with dozens of similar enterprises -- some ramshackle, but others featuring imposing warehouses with armed guards.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-pressure-hong-kongs-pro-democracy-publication-apple-daily-announces-closure-393323">Also Read |&nbsp;Under pressure, Hong Kong's pro-democracy publication Apple Daily announces closure</a>

The big players have contracts to remove the scrapped equipment, which they cherry-pick for items that can be repaired.

Anything they don't use is left for smaller dealers such as-Salam.

Cables are stripped for copper, circuit boards broken down for rare-earth metals, and aluminium collected to be smelted into ingots.

Nothing goes to waste, says Haji Noor Rahman, another scrap merchant.

"Anything re-usable, people buy it," he told AFP.

His warehouse is like a department store for scrap, with the floor covered by an astonishing array of items -- broken chairs, busted TV screens, rusting gym equipment, an electronic piano keyboard, artificial Christmas trees and other festive decorations.

First aid kits have been gutted, spilling bandages and IV bags.

Picking through the selection is Abdul Basir, who came from Kabul with a friend and snapped up six warped metal doors for around 8,000 afghanis.

Elsewhere, a young man unearthed a pair of branded shoes that still appeared to have a few miles left on them.

Another browser bought a teddy bear and a mini rugby ball.

'Pessimistic' future&nbsp;

It isn't just equipment that will be left behind when the Americans pull out -- Bagram is surrounded by satellite communities that rely on the base for employment.

"The withdrawal of American troops will have a bad impact on the economy of the country and that of Bagram," district governor Lalah Shrin Raoufi told AFP, adding he was pessimistic for the future.

"Their presence here has provided jobs for thousands and thousands of Afghans," he said, ranging from mechanics to bakers.

"I met the employees of a company that provided basic food... they are afraid of losing their jobs."

Raoufi said everything is being done to take charge of the base and its security when the last US forces leave.

"We are working with the police, the army and the NDS (intelligence services)," he said.

"We have started to recruit soldiers... We will take those who meet the criteria."

Meanwhile, the clear-out continues.&nbsp;

"They came to rebuild our country but now they are destroying it," says Bagram resident Mohammad Amin, looking over a pile of scrap.

"They could have given us all this."

Squatting in the dust by the main road to Afghanistan's biggest airbase, Mir Salam sifts through a pile of broken electronics in front of him, salvaged from departing US troops.

Squatting in the dust by the main road to Afghanistan's biggest airbase, Mir Salam sifts through a pile of broken electronics in front of him, salvaged from departing US troops. All around are heaps of junk and scrapped equipment -- ranging from telephones and thermos flasks to computer keyboards and printer cartridges. "This is what the Americans do," the 40-year-old told AFP. "They destroy absolutely everything." The Pentagon is vacating the Bagram airbase as part of its plan to withdraw all forces by this year's 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States, and it could be completed by the end of the month. Military gear is being taken home or given to Afghan security forces, but tons of civilian equipment must be left behind. The result is a booming scrap business that is making money for some but leaving many resentful. "They blow it up or are burning it," says Salam of the equipment being discarded. "There were lots of new things in this base -- enough to rebuild Afghanistan 20 times -- but they destroyed everything." For two decades, Bagram served as the nerve centre for US operations in Afghanistan. A sprawling mini-city visited by hundreds of thousands of service members and contractors, it boasted swimming pools, cinemas and spas -- and even a boardwalk featuring fast-food outlets such as Burger King and Pizza Hut. It also has a prison that held thousands of Taliban and jihadist inmates over the years. Bagram was built by the United States for its Afghan ally during the Cold War in the 1950s as a bulwark against the Soviet Union in the north. Ironically, it became the staging point for the Soviet invasion of the country in 1979, and the Red Army expanded it significantly during their near decade-long occupation. When Moscow pulled out, it became central to the raging civil war -- it was reported that at one point the Taliban controlled one end of the three-kilometre (two-mile) runway and the opposition Northern Alliance the other. Nothing goes to waste In recent months, Bagram has come under rocket attacks claimed by the jihadist Islamic State. If the Taliban capture the base, it would be a significant step -- perhaps even the decisive one -- towards seizing control of Kabul itself. Salam pays 1,000 afghanis ($12) a month to rent a modest fenced plot on the Bagram road, where he stores base scrap that he searches for nuggets to sell to specialised dealers. The road to the base is lined with dozens of similar enterprises -- some ramshackle, but others featuring imposing warehouses with armed guards. Also Read | Under pressure, Hong Kong's pro-democracy publication Apple Daily announces closure The big players have contracts to remove the scrapped equipment, which they cherry-pick for items that can be repaired. Anything they don't use is left for smaller dealers such as-Salam. Cables are stripped for copper, circuit boards broken down for rare-earth metals, and aluminium collected to be smelted into ingots. Nothing goes to waste, says Haji Noor Rahman, another scrap merchant. "Anything re-usable, people buy it," he told AFP. His warehouse is like a department store for scrap, with the floor covered by an astonishing array of items -- broken chairs, busted TV screens, rusting gym equipment, an electronic piano keyboard, artificial Christmas trees and other festive decorations. First aid kits have been gutted, spilling bandages and IV bags. Picking through the selection is Abdul Basir, who came from Kabul with a friend and snapped up six warped metal doors for around 8,000 afghanis. Elsewhere, a young man unearthed a pair of branded shoes that still appeared to have a few miles left on them. Another browser bought a teddy bear and a mini rugby ball. 'Pessimistic' future It isn't just equipment that will be left behind when the Americans pull out -- Bagram is surrounded by satellite communities that rely on the base for employment. "The withdrawal of American troops will have a bad impact on the economy of the country and that of Bagram," district governor Lalah Shrin Raoufi told AFP, adding he was pessimistic for the future. "Their presence here has provided jobs for thousands and thousands of Afghans," he said, ranging from mechanics to bakers. "I met the employees of a company that provided basic food... they are afraid of losing their jobs." Raoufi said everything is being done to take charge of the base and its security when the last US forces leave. "We are working with the police, the army and the NDS (intelligence services)," he said. "We have started to recruit soldiers... We will take those who meet the criteria." Meanwhile, the clear-out continues. "They came to rebuild our country but now they are destroying it," says Bagram resident Mohammad Amin, looking over a pile of scrap. "They could have given us all this."

Junkyard of empires: Afghans sift through leftovers of US occupation

The US&nbsp;State Department said on Tuesday that Peru's recent presidential election was 'a model of democracy',&nbsp;despite efforts by conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori to get ballots thrown out while raising accusations of voter fraud. 
 
Peruvians went to the polls on June 6. Electoral authorities are still evaluating challenges to some ballots while preliminary results narrowly favour socialist Pedro Castillo over Fujimori, daughter of jailed ex-President Alberto Fujimori. 
 
"We congratulate the Peruvian authorities for safely administering another round of free, fair, accessible and peaceful elections, even amid the significant challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement released in Washington. 
 
"These recent elections are a model of democracy in the region. We support giving the electoral authorities time to process and publish the results in accordance with Peruvian law.

The US State Department said on Tuesday that Peru's recent presidential election was 'a model of democracy', despite efforts by conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori to get ballots thrown out while raising accusations of voter fraud.

The US State Department said on Tuesday that Peru's recent presidential election was 'a model of democracy', despite efforts by conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori to get ballots thrown out while raising accusations of voter fraud. Peruvians went to the polls on June 6. Electoral authorities are still evaluating challenges to some ballots while preliminary results narrowly favour socialist Pedro Castillo over Fujimori, daughter of jailed ex-President Alberto Fujimori. "We congratulate the Peruvian authorities for safely administering another round of free, fair, accessible and peaceful elections, even amid the significant challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement released in Washington. "These recent elections are a model of democracy in the region. We support giving the electoral authorities time to process and publish the results in accordance with Peruvian law.

US calls Peru election 'fair' despite Fujimori claims of voter fraud

US&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;on Tuesday torpedoed a Democratic effort to protect&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rights&nbsp;and expand ballot access for all Americans, a flashpoint issue months after an election marred by Donald Trump's baseless allegations of fraud.

Waving off broad bipartisan public support for election law updates, the opposition party united to&nbsp;block&nbsp;the advancement of a&nbsp;sweeping&nbsp;package which would amount to the most expansive federal election reform in decades.

Democrats brought the "For the People Act" to the floor as a test&nbsp;vote, in reaction to controversial efforts by&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;to enact strict new&nbsp;voting&nbsp;laws in dozens of states.

Critics have widely savaged those measures, which include restricting mail-in ballots, criminalizing the delivery of water to people waiting to&nbsp;vote, and limiting early Sunday&nbsp;voting&nbsp;hours as a way to deny Black churches' "souls to the polls" events.

The Democrats' historic bill, S1, is aimed at ensuring Americans can&nbsp;vote&nbsp;by mail, plus have full access to early&nbsp;voting&nbsp;and use of ballot drop boxes.

A version of the bill, which also reforms campaign finance laws and attempts to thwart gerrymandering, or the partisan redrawing of district lines, passed the House of Representatives in March.

But the text failed on a strictly party line 50-50&nbsp;vote&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Senate, where support from 60 senators was needed in order to even begin debating the&nbsp;measure.

Senate&nbsp;Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a scathing rebuke to&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;as he sought to claim a moral victory.

While all Democrats voted to protect&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rights, "voter suppression has become part of the official platform of the Republican Party," he said.

Vowing that the fight was "far from over," President Joe Biden called the&nbsp;Republicans' move &nbsp;"suppression of a bill to end voter suppression," while also labeling it "another attack on&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rights&nbsp;that is sadly not unprecedented."

The blocking of S1 ensures the issue remains a political firestorm into the 2022 midterm elections and beyond.

There was worry that Democratic moderates, led by Senator Joe Manchin, would not support it.

But Manchin aligned with his party after leaders agreed to introduce a "commonsense compromise" that he proposed.

"I remain committed to finding a bipartisan pathway forward because the future of our democracy is worth it," Manchin said in a statement.

Manchin's compromise maintains most of the Democratic bill's provisions but allows a key concession -- voter identification requirements -- in a bid to win over&nbsp;Republicans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/socialists-are-terrorists-describes-us-military-training-manual-393303">Also Read |&nbsp;Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual&nbsp;</a>

Democrats have accused&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;of caving to Trump's pressure about mail-in&nbsp;voting&nbsp;and other expansive&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rules, and targeting the ways that younger, poorer, non-white and typically Democratic voters access the ballot.

'Under assault'

The White House had acknowledged the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;would fail, but nevertheless issued a statement of support, as it highlighted how Americans' right to&nbsp;vote&nbsp;"is under assault" thanks to moves by Republican state legislatures.

"In state after state, new restrictive laws on&nbsp;voting, and efforts to replace non-partisan election administration with partisan processes designed to overturn the will of the voters have become more widespread," the White House budget office said.

Republicans&nbsp;however remain firmly opposed to the Democratic effort.

Their bill is a "transparently partisan plan to tilt every election in America permanently in their favour," said top&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Republican Mitch McConnell.

"It's a recipe for undermining confidence in our elections, remaking our entire system of government to suit the preferences of one far end of the political spectrum."

With the&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rights&nbsp;bill now blocked, Democrats face pressure to abolish the filibuster, the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;procedure that allows the minority to&nbsp;block&nbsp;legislation unless it earns support from 60 of the chamber's 100 members.

Biden, a 36-year veteran of the&nbsp;Senate, has expressed opposition to getting rid of the filibuster outright.

But several lawmakers in his party believe such a move is the only way to ensure&nbsp;voting&nbsp;protections and get other elements of his ambitious progressive agenda into law.

"I've been engaged in this work my whole career, and we are going to be ramping up our efforts to overcome again -- for the people, for our very democracy," Biden said.

Schumer said the bill's defeat was not the finish line for&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rights&nbsp;action, but the starting gun.

"We are going to explore every last one of our options," he said. "We have to."

US Senate Republicans on Tuesday torpedoed a Democratic effort to protect voting rights and expand ballot access for all Americans, a flashpoint issue months after an election marred by Donald Trump's baseless allegations of fraud.

US Senate Republicans on Tuesday torpedoed a Democratic effort to protect voting rights and expand ballot access for all Americans, a flashpoint issue months after an election marred by Donald Trump's baseless allegations of fraud. Waving off broad bipartisan public support for election law updates, the opposition party united to block the advancement of a sweeping package which would amount to the most expansive federal election reform in decades. Democrats brought the "For the People Act" to the floor as a test vote, in reaction to controversial efforts by Republicans to enact strict new voting laws in dozens of states. Critics have widely savaged those measures, which include restricting mail-in ballots, criminalizing the delivery of water to people waiting to vote, and limiting early Sunday voting hours as a way to deny Black churches' "souls to the polls" events. The Democrats' historic bill, S1, is aimed at ensuring Americans can vote by mail, plus have full access to early voting and use of ballot drop boxes. A version of the bill, which also reforms campaign finance laws and attempts to thwart gerrymandering, or the partisan redrawing of district lines, passed the House of Representatives in March. But the text failed on a strictly party line 50-50 vote in the Senate, where support from 60 senators was needed in order to even begin debating the measure. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a scathing rebuke to Republicans as he sought to claim a moral victory. While all Democrats voted to protect voting rights, "voter suppression has become part of the official platform of the Republican Party," he said. Vowing that the fight was "far from over," President Joe Biden called the Republicans' move "suppression of a bill to end voter suppression," while also labeling it "another attack on voting rights that is sadly not unprecedented." The blocking of S1 ensures the issue remains a political firestorm into the 2022 midterm elections and beyond. There was worry that Democratic moderates, led by Senator Joe Manchin, would not support it. But Manchin aligned with his party after leaders agreed to introduce a "commonsense compromise" that he proposed. "I remain committed to finding a bipartisan pathway forward because the future of our democracy is worth it," Manchin said in a statement. Manchin's compromise maintains most of the Democratic bill's provisions but allows a key concession -- voter identification requirements -- in a bid to win over Republicans. Also Read | Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual Democrats have accused Republicans of caving to Trump's pressure about mail-in voting and other expansive voting rules, and targeting the ways that younger, poorer, non-white and typically Democratic voters access the ballot. 'Under assault' The White House had acknowledged the vote would fail, but nevertheless issued a statement of support, as it highlighted how Americans' right to vote "is under assault" thanks to moves by Republican state legislatures. "In state after state, new restrictive laws on voting, and efforts to replace non-partisan election administration with partisan processes designed to overturn the will of the voters have become more widespread," the White House budget office said. Republicans however remain firmly opposed to the Democratic effort. Their bill is a "transparently partisan plan to tilt every election in America permanently in their favour," said top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell. "It's a recipe for undermining confidence in our elections, remaking our entire system of government to suit the preferences of one far end of the political spectrum." With the voting rights bill now blocked, Democrats face pressure to abolish the filibuster, the Senate procedure that allows the minority to block legislation unless it earns support from 60 of the chamber's 100 members. Biden, a 36-year veteran of the Senate, has expressed opposition to getting rid of the filibuster outright. But several lawmakers in his party believe such a move is the only way to ensure voting protections and get other elements of his ambitious progressive agenda into law. "I've been engaged in this work my whole career, and we are going to be ramping up our efforts to overcome again -- for the people, for our very democracy," Biden said. Schumer said the bill's defeat was not the finish line for voting rights action, but the starting gun. "We are going to explore every last one of our options," he said. "We have to."

Senate Republicans block sweeping US voting rights measure

The US&nbsp;Justice Department said on Tuesday it seized 36 Iranian-linked websites, many of them associated with either disinformation activities or violent organisations, taking them offline for violating US&nbsp;sanctions. 
 
Several of the sites were back online within hours with new domain addresses. 
 
"Today, pursuant to court orders, the United States seized 33 websites used by the Iranian Islamic Radio and Television Union (IRTVU) and three websites operated by Kata’ib Hizballah (KH), in violation of US&nbsp;sanctions," the department said in a statement. 
 
Also spelled Kataib Hezbollah, KH is one of the main Iran-aligned Iraqi militia groups and has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States. 
 
The sites seized included Press TV, the Iranian government`s main English-language satellite television channel, and Al Alam, its Arabic-language equivalent. Both came back online using Iranian domain addresses Alalam.ir and Presstv.ir. 
 
The Justice Department said the 33 domains used by IRTVU are owned by a United States company and that IRTVU did not obtain a license from Treasury`s Office of Foreign Assets Control prior to utilising the domain names. 
 
KH also did not obtain a license. 
 
Notices appeared earlier on Tuesday on a number of Iran-affiliated websites saying they had been seized by the United States government as part of law enforcement action. 
 
Iranian news agencies said the US&nbsp;government had seized several Iranian media websites and sites belonging to groups affiliated with Iran such as Yemen`s Houthi movement. 
 
The notices appeared days after a prominent hardliner and fierce critic of the West, Ebrahim Raisi, was elected as Iran`s new president and after envoys for Iran and six world powers, including Washington, adjourned high-stakes talks on reviving their tattered 2015 nuclear accord and returned to capitals for consultations. 
 
The website of the Arabic-language Masirah TV, which is run by the Houthis, read: 
 
"The domain almasirah.net has been seized by the United States Government in accordance with a seizure warrant ... as part of a law enforcement action by the Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation." 
 
The site quickly opened up a new, working website at www.almasirah.com. 
 
Iran`s Arabic language Alalam TV said on its Telegram channel: "US&nbsp;authorities shut down Al-Alam TV`s website." 
 
Notices also appeared on the website of Lualua TV, an Arabic-language Bahraini independent channel that broadcasts from Britain. 
 
US&nbsp;prosecutors in October seized a network of web domains they said were used in a campaign by Iran`s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to spread political disinformation around the world. 
 
The Justice Department said then it had taken control of 92 domains used by the IRGC to pose as independent media outlets targeting audiences in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia. 
 
The semi-official Iranian news agency YJC agency said on Tuesday the US&nbsp;move "demonstrates that calls for freedom of speech are lies."

The US Justice Department said on Tuesday it seized 36 Iranian-linked websites, many of them associated with either disinformation activities or violent organisations, taking them offline for violating US sanctions.

The US Justice Department said on Tuesday it seized 36 Iranian-linked websites, many of them associated with either disinformation activities or violent organisations, taking them offline for violating US sanctions. Several of the sites were back online within hours with new domain addresses. "Today, pursuant to court orders, the United States seized 33 websites used by the Iranian Islamic Radio and Television Union (IRTVU) and three websites operated by Kata’ib Hizballah (KH), in violation of US sanctions," the department said in a statement. Also spelled Kataib Hezbollah, KH is one of the main Iran-aligned Iraqi militia groups and has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States. The sites seized included Press TV, the Iranian government`s main English-language satellite television channel, and Al Alam, its Arabic-language equivalent. Both came back online using Iranian domain addresses Alalam.ir and Presstv.ir. The Justice Department said the 33 domains used by IRTVU are owned by a United States company and that IRTVU did not obtain a license from Treasury`s Office of Foreign Assets Control prior to utilising the domain names. KH also did not obtain a license. Notices appeared earlier on Tuesday on a number of Iran-affiliated websites saying they had been seized by the United States government as part of law enforcement action. Iranian news agencies said the US government had seized several Iranian media websites and sites belonging to groups affiliated with Iran such as Yemen`s Houthi movement. The notices appeared days after a prominent hardliner and fierce critic of the West, Ebrahim Raisi, was elected as Iran`s new president and after envoys for Iran and six world powers, including Washington, adjourned high-stakes talks on reviving their tattered 2015 nuclear accord and returned to capitals for consultations. The website of the Arabic-language Masirah TV, which is run by the Houthis, read: "The domain almasirah.net has been seized by the United States Government in accordance with a seizure warrant ... as part of a law enforcement action by the Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation." The site quickly opened up a new, working website at www.almasirah.com. Iran`s Arabic language Alalam TV said on its Telegram channel: "US authorities shut down Al-Alam TV`s website." Notices also appeared on the website of Lualua TV, an Arabic-language Bahraini independent channel that broadcasts from Britain. US prosecutors in October seized a network of web domains they said were used in a campaign by Iran`s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to spread political disinformation around the world. The Justice Department said then it had taken control of 92 domains used by the IRGC to pose as independent media outlets targeting audiences in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia. The semi-official Iranian news agency YJC agency said on Tuesday the US move "demonstrates that calls for freedom of speech are lies."

US seizes 36 Iranian-linked websites for alleged disinformation

The United States and South Korea have agreed to consider scrapping a working group established to coordinate North Korea policy, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, after it became seen as a way for Washington to block inter-Korean projects. 
 
During talks between US&nbsp;special representative for North Korea Sung Kim and his South Korean counterpart Noh Kyu-duk on Monday, the two agreed to 'look into terminating the working group' while reinforcing coordination at other levels, the ministry said in a statement. 
 
On Monday, Kim said he was willing to meet with the North Koreans 'anywhere, anytime without preconditions' and that he looks forward to a 'positive response soon'. He was scheduled to meet with South Korean Unification Minister Lee In-young, who handles relations with the North, on Tuesday. 
 
The working group was set up in 2018 to help the two allies coordinate their approaches to issues, such as denuclearisation talks, humanitarian aid, sanctions enforcement and inter-Korean relations amid a flurry of diplomatic engagement with North Korea at the time. 
 
When asked last year about Seoul's proposals, such as reopening individual tourism to its northern neighbour, US&nbsp;ambassador to South Korea at the time, Harry Harris, said that 'in order to avoid a misunderstanding later that could trigger sanctions... it’s better to run this through the working group'. 
 
Though Harris added that it was not the United States’ place to approve South Korean decisions, the remarks caused controversy in Seoul and a former aide to South Korean President Moon Jae-in later told parliament the working group was increasingly seen as an obstacle to inter-Korean relations. 
 
The Moon administration would see ending the working group as a goodwill gesture from new US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea expert at King's College London. 
 
"From a South Korean perspective, this was basically a mechanism for the US&nbsp;to block inter-Korean projects during the Trump years," he said. "It would be a clever political move for the Biden administration to end the group, since consultation between Washington and Seoul will take place anyway." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States and South Korea have agreed to consider scrapping a working group established to coordinate North Korea policy, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, after it became seen as a way for Washington to block inter-Korean projects.

The United States and South Korea have agreed to consider scrapping a working group established to coordinate North Korea policy, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, after it became seen as a way for Washington to block inter-Korean projects. During talks between US special representative for North Korea Sung Kim and his South Korean counterpart Noh Kyu-duk on Monday, the two agreed to 'look into terminating the working group' while reinforcing coordination at other levels, the ministry said in a statement. On Monday, Kim said he was willing to meet with the North Koreans 'anywhere, anytime without preconditions' and that he looks forward to a 'positive response soon'. He was scheduled to meet with South Korean Unification Minister Lee In-young, who handles relations with the North, on Tuesday. The working group was set up in 2018 to help the two allies coordinate their approaches to issues, such as denuclearisation talks, humanitarian aid, sanctions enforcement and inter-Korean relations amid a flurry of diplomatic engagement with North Korea at the time. When asked last year about Seoul's proposals, such as reopening individual tourism to its northern neighbour, US ambassador to South Korea at the time, Harry Harris, said that 'in order to avoid a misunderstanding later that could trigger sanctions... it’s better to run this through the working group'. Though Harris added that it was not the United States’ place to approve South Korean decisions, the remarks caused controversy in Seoul and a former aide to South Korean President Moon Jae-in later told parliament the working group was increasingly seen as an obstacle to inter-Korean relations. The Moon administration would see ending the working group as a goodwill gesture from new US President Joe Biden, said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea expert at King's College London. "From a South Korean perspective, this was basically a mechanism for the US to block inter-Korean projects during the Trump years," he said. "It would be a clever political move for the Biden administration to end the group, since consultation between Washington and Seoul will take place anyway." (With inputs from agencies)

US, South Korea consider ending controversial North Korea coordinating group

The case of over 19,000 kg (4,200 pounds) of pistachios that went missing earlier this month has been solved by police in California.

The Tulare County Sheriff's Office announced on Saturday that the stolen pistachios had been traced to a tractor-trailer parked in a nearby parking lot.

Alberto Montemayor, 34, the alleged nut thief, was preparing to resale his stolen goods, according to police.

Earlier this month, a routine audit by a Central California pistachio farm showed that a massive 4,200 pounds of the nuts had gone missing. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="753" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTulareSheriff%2Fposts%2F5603892606348392&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As a result, the Fresno-based Touchstone Pistachio Company called authorities. Alberto Montemayor, 34, of Montemayor Trucking in Delano, was arrested on Friday as a result of the investigation.

Pistachios were allegedly being repackaged into smaller bags for resale. The pistachios that were still in the tractor-trailer were returned to Touchstone, according to authorities.

The case of over 19,000 kg (4,200 pounds) of pistachios that went missing earlier this month has been solved by police in California. The Tulare County Sheriff's Office announced on Saturday that the stolen pistachios had been traced to a tractor-trailer parked in a nearby parking lot.

The case of over 19,000 kg (4,200 pounds) of pistachios that went missing earlier this month has been solved by police in California. The Tulare County Sheriff's Office announced on Saturday that the stolen pistachios had been traced to a tractor-trailer parked in a nearby parking lot. Alberto Montemayor, 34, the alleged nut thief, was preparing to resale his stolen goods, according to police. Earlier this month, a routine audit by a Central California pistachio farm showed that a massive 4,200 pounds of the nuts had gone missing. × As a result, the Fresno-based Touchstone Pistachio Company called authorities. Alberto Montemayor, 34, of Montemayor Trucking in Delano, was arrested on Friday as a result of the investigation. Pistachios were allegedly being repackaged into smaller bags for resale. The pistachios that were still in the tractor-trailer were returned to Touchstone, according to authorities.

Nut thief: American man arrested for stealing 19,000 kg of pistachios

A senior North Korean official ridiculed American hopes for talks on Tuesday, as the United States and South Korea agreed to consider scrapping a controversial working group established to coordinate their policy toward Pyongyang. 
 
Kim Yo Jong, a senior official in the ruling party and sister of leader Kim Jong Un, released a statement in state media on Tuesday saying the United States appears to be interpreting signals from Pyongyang in a way that would lead to disappointment. 
 
She was responding to US&nbsp;National Security adviser Jake Sullivan, who on Sunday said, he saw as an 'interesting signal' in a recent speech by Kim Jong Un on preparing for both confrontation and diplomacy with the United States. 
 
"It seems that the US&nbsp;may interpret the situation in such a way as to seek a comfort for itself," she said in a statement carried by KCNA. "The expectation, which they chose to harbour the wrong way, would plunge them into a greater disappointment." 
 
Kim's statement came during a visit to Seoul by recently appointed US&nbsp;special representative for North Korea Sung Kim, who was scheduled to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Unification Minister Lee In-young, who handles relations with the North, on Tuesday. 
 
On Monday, Sung Kim said he was willing to meet with the North Koreans 'anywhere, anytime without preconditions' and that he looks forward to a 'positive response soon'. 
 
During talks between Kim and his South Korean counterpart Noh Kyu-duk, the two agreed to 'look into terminating the working group' while reinforcing coordination at other levels, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 
 
The working group was set up in 2018 to help the two allies coordinate their approaches to issues, such as denuclearisation talks, humanitarian aid, sanctions enforcement and inter-Korean relations amid a flurry of diplomatic engagement with North Korea at the time. 
 
When asked last year about Seoul's proposals, such as reopening individual tourism to its northern neighbour, US&nbsp;ambassador to South Korea at the time, Harry Harris, said that 'in order to avoid a misunderstanding later that could trigger sanctions... it’s better to run this through the working group'. 
 
Though Harris added that it was not the United States’ place to approve South Korean decisions, the remarks caused controversy in Seoul and a former aide to South Korean President Moon Jae-in later told parliament the working group was increasingly seen as an obstacle to inter-Korean relations. 
 
The Moon administration would see ending the working group as a goodwill gesture from new US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea expert at King's College London. 
 
"From a South Korean perspective, this was basically a mechanism for the US&nbsp;to block inter-Korean projects during the Trump years," he said. "It would be a clever political move for the Biden administration to end the group, since consultation between Washington and Seoul will take place anyway." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A senior North Korean official ridiculed American hopes for talks on Tuesday, as the United States and South Korea agreed to consider scrapping a controversial working group established to coordinate their policy toward Pyongyang.

A senior North Korean official ridiculed American hopes for talks on Tuesday, as the United States and South Korea agreed to consider scrapping a controversial working group established to coordinate their policy toward Pyongyang. Kim Yo Jong, a senior official in the ruling party and sister of leader Kim Jong Un, released a statement in state media on Tuesday saying the United States appears to be interpreting signals from Pyongyang in a way that would lead to disappointment. She was responding to US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan, who on Sunday said, he saw as an 'interesting signal' in a recent speech by Kim Jong Un on preparing for both confrontation and diplomacy with the United States. "It seems that the US may interpret the situation in such a way as to seek a comfort for itself," she said in a statement carried by KCNA. "The expectation, which they chose to harbour the wrong way, would plunge them into a greater disappointment." Kim's statement came during a visit to Seoul by recently appointed US special representative for North Korea Sung Kim, who was scheduled to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Unification Minister Lee In-young, who handles relations with the North, on Tuesday. On Monday, Sung Kim said he was willing to meet with the North Koreans 'anywhere, anytime without preconditions' and that he looks forward to a 'positive response soon'. During talks between Kim and his South Korean counterpart Noh Kyu-duk, the two agreed to 'look into terminating the working group' while reinforcing coordination at other levels, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The working group was set up in 2018 to help the two allies coordinate their approaches to issues, such as denuclearisation talks, humanitarian aid, sanctions enforcement and inter-Korean relations amid a flurry of diplomatic engagement with North Korea at the time. When asked last year about Seoul's proposals, such as reopening individual tourism to its northern neighbour, US ambassador to South Korea at the time, Harry Harris, said that 'in order to avoid a misunderstanding later that could trigger sanctions... it’s better to run this through the working group'. Though Harris added that it was not the United States’ place to approve South Korean decisions, the remarks caused controversy in Seoul and a former aide to South Korean President Moon Jae-in later told parliament the working group was increasingly seen as an obstacle to inter-Korean relations. The Moon administration would see ending the working group as a goodwill gesture from new US President Joe Biden, said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea expert at King's College London. "From a South Korean perspective, this was basically a mechanism for the US to block inter-Korean projects during the Trump years," he said. "It would be a clever political move for the Biden administration to end the group, since consultation between Washington and Seoul will take place anyway." (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea ridicules US hopes for talks as allies rethink approach

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the US military could slow down its withdrawal from Afghanistan due to the gains made by the Taliban insurgents.

Pentagon: United States could slow pullout from Afghanistan

The United States is in talks with some of the key actors in Libya over the withdrawal of foreign forces ahead of elections planned for December, Washington's top Libya envoy said on Monday. 
 
Special Envoy for Libya Richard Norland told reporters that part of the importance of Libya's elections was so a fully empowered, credible and legitimate government could push foreign actors to pull out their troops. 
 
"That will be a very important development and ... very impactful, but we're not suggesting that we have to wait until next year to try to make some progress," Norland said ahead of US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken's travel to the Second Berlin Conference on Libya this week. 
 
"There are negotiations underway with some of the key actors aimed at trying to remove some of the mercenaries, the foreign fighters," Norland added. 
 
Libya has suffered a decade of chaos and violence since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising ousted the then head of state Muammar Gaddafi, but its two main warring sides this year consented to a new government. 
 
But while the installation of a unified administration and a push for national elections in December are seen as the best hope in years for a lasting political solution, the process is still fraught with challenges. 
 
Most territory is still controlled by local armed groups, major outside powers have not pulled foreign fighters from the front lines, and key figures disagree on the management of Libya's economic resources. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States is in talks with some of the key actors in Libya over the withdrawal of foreign forces ahead of elections planned for December, Washington's top Libya envoy said on Monday.

The United States is in talks with some of the key actors in Libya over the withdrawal of foreign forces ahead of elections planned for December, Washington's top Libya envoy said on Monday. Special Envoy for Libya Richard Norland told reporters that part of the importance of Libya's elections was so a fully empowered, credible and legitimate government could push foreign actors to pull out their troops. "That will be a very important development and ... very impactful, but we're not suggesting that we have to wait until next year to try to make some progress," Norland said ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's travel to the Second Berlin Conference on Libya this week. "There are negotiations underway with some of the key actors aimed at trying to remove some of the mercenaries, the foreign fighters," Norland added. Libya has suffered a decade of chaos and violence since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising ousted the then head of state Muammar Gaddafi, but its two main warring sides this year consented to a new government. But while the installation of a unified administration and a push for national elections in December are seen as the best hope in years for a lasting political solution, the process is still fraught with challenges. Most territory is still controlled by local armed groups, major outside powers have not pulled foreign fighters from the front lines, and key figures disagree on the management of Libya's economic resources. (With inputs from agencies)

Washington in talks over removal of foreign fighters from Libya: US envoy

Russian state prosecutor's office said on Monday it banned Bard College, a US&nbsp;non-governmental organisation, after labelling it 'undesirable'. 
 
The Russian foreign ministry said in April, it would end the activity in Russia of US&nbsp;funds and NGOs which it believed interfere in the country's internal affairs, in retaliation to an array of US&nbsp;government sanctions imposed on Moscow. 
 
The state prosecutor's office said that the activity of educational NGO Bard College 'represents the threat to the constitutional order and security of Russian Federation'. Bard was not immediately available to comment. 
 
Russia-US&nbsp;ties slumped to a new post-Cold War in March after US&nbsp;President Joe Biden said he thought his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin was a 'killer', while Moscow and Washington recalled their ambassadors. 
 
Biden and Putin met in Geneva last week and agreed for the envoys to return. 
 
Speaking at a news conference after meeting with Biden, Putin said the organizations, which are supported by the United States, would 'contain' Russia. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russian state prosecutor's office said on Monday it banned Bard College, a US non-governmental organisation, after labelling it 'undesirable'. The Russian foreign ministry said in April, it would end the activity in Russia of US funds and NGOs which it believed interfere in the country's internal affairs, in retaliation to an array of US government sanctions imposed on Moscow.

Russian state prosecutor's office said on Monday it banned Bard College, a US non-governmental organisation, after labelling it 'undesirable'. The Russian foreign ministry said in April, it would end the activity in Russia of US funds and NGOs which it believed interfere in the country's internal affairs, in retaliation to an array of US government sanctions imposed on Moscow. The state prosecutor's office said that the activity of educational NGO Bard College 'represents the threat to the constitutional order and security of Russian Federation'. Bard was not immediately available to comment. Russia-US ties slumped to a new post-Cold War in March after US President Joe Biden said he thought his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin was a 'killer', while Moscow and Washington recalled their ambassadors. Biden and Putin met in Geneva last week and agreed for the envoys to return. Speaking at a news conference after meeting with Biden, Putin said the organizations, which are supported by the United States, would 'contain' Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia bans US NGO Bard College after labelling it 'undesirable'

White House downplayed Ebrahim Raisi's influence by saying that there are currently no plans for US President Joe Biden to meet with Iran's newly elected leader. In a news conference on Monday, Raisi backed talks to salvage a tattered nuclear deal with Washington but ruled out personally meeting with Biden.

White House: No plans for Joe Biden to meet Iran's new leader Raisi

US President Joe Biden's administration has announced its plan to send 55 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to countries in need. The donation will complete Washington's initial pledge of 80 million doses from its own vaccine supply.

Biden administration announces allocation plan for 55 mn COVID-19 vaccine doses

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will be visiting the United States to meet President Joe Biden this week, as uncertainty mounts over Afghanistan's future after the American military withdrawal.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to visit US amid military drawdown

The US&nbsp;special representative for North Korea, Sung Kim, said on Monday, he looks forward to a positive response on dialogue from North Korea, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. 
 
Sung Kim is in South Korea for a five-day visit, with no word of any planned efforts to contact the North.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denuclearisation-is-the-goal-biden-moon-express-willingness-for-dialogue-with-north-korea-386632">'Denuclearisation is the goal': Biden, Moon express willingness for dialogue with North Korea</a>

Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had said his country needs to prepare for 'both dialogue and confrontation' with the United States under President Joe Biden, state media had reported.

At a plenary meeting of the central committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, Kim outlined his strategy for relations with Washington, and the 'policy tendency of the newly emerged US administration', the Korean Central News Agency said.

Kim 'stressed the need to get prepared for both dialogue and confrontation, especially to get fully prepared for confrontation to protect the dignity of our state' and reliably guarantee a 'peaceful environment', KCNA reported.

The North Korean leader "called for sharply and promptly reacting to and coping with the fast-changing situation and concentrating efforts on taking stable control of the situation on the Korean peninsula", the agency said.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-accuses-the-us-of-using-spurious-diplomacy-to-cover-up-hostile-acts-382073">North Korea accuses the US of using 'spurious' diplomacy to 'cover up hostile acts'</a>

Pyongyang had already accused Biden of pursuing a 'hostile policy' and saying it was a 'big blunder' for the veteran Democrat to say he would deal with the threat posed by the North's nuclear programme 'through diplomacy as well as stern deterrence'.

In 2019, the North said Biden should be 'beaten to death with a stick'.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US special representative for North Korea, Sung Kim, said on Monday, he looks forward to a positive response on dialogue from North Korea, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.

The US special representative for North Korea, Sung Kim, said on Monday, he looks forward to a positive response on dialogue from North Korea, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. Sung Kim is in South Korea for a five-day visit, with no word of any planned efforts to contact the North. Also read | 'Denuclearisation is the goal': Biden, Moon express willingness for dialogue with North Korea Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had said his country needs to prepare for 'both dialogue and confrontation' with the United States under President Joe Biden, state media had reported. At a plenary meeting of the central committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, Kim outlined his strategy for relations with Washington, and the 'policy tendency of the newly emerged US administration', the Korean Central News Agency said. Kim 'stressed the need to get prepared for both dialogue and confrontation, especially to get fully prepared for confrontation to protect the dignity of our state' and reliably guarantee a 'peaceful environment', KCNA reported. The North Korean leader "called for sharply and promptly reacting to and coping with the fast-changing situation and concentrating efforts on taking stable control of the situation on the Korean peninsula", the agency said. Also read | North Korea accuses the US of using 'spurious' diplomacy to 'cover up hostile acts' Pyongyang had already accused Biden of pursuing a 'hostile policy' and saying it was a 'big blunder' for the veteran Democrat to say he would deal with the threat posed by the North's nuclear programme 'through diplomacy as well as stern deterrence'. In 2019, the North said Biden should be 'beaten to death with a stick'. (With inputs from agencies)

US nuclear envoy says looking forward to positive response on dialogue from N Korea: Report

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-is-taking-its-south-china-sea-strategy-to-himalayas-386626">Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas</a>

Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea.

According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-south-china-sea-is-a-hotbed-of-confrontation-372402">Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation</a>

"The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-world-coming-together-against-china-in-south-china-sea-374136">Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea?</a>

"Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said.

Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait.

But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings.

Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific. Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea. According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation "The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said. Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea? "Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said. Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait. But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings. Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

Have a stronger military presence in Asia to tackle China: Japan urges European nations

The United States' new top envoy for North Korea was scheduled to meet counterparts from South Korea and Japan during a visit to Seoul on Monday, amid an impasse in denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang. 
 
US&nbsp;special representative for North Korea Sung Kim is in South Korea for a five-day visit, with no word of any planned efforts to contact the North. 
 
Kim, who doubles as ambassador to Indonesia, had back-to-back meetings scheduled with South Korea's top nuclear envoy, Noh Kyu-duk, as well as a trilateral session involving his Japanese counterpart, Takehiro Funakoshi. 
 
Noh and Funakoshi were also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting to discuss North Korea. 
 
Kim's appointment came after US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration conducted a review of North Korea policy that concluded the United States would seek to find practical ways of inducing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. 
 
In his first direct comments on Biden's administration, which took office in January, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, particularly the latter, state news agency KCNA said on Friday. 
 
The United States said on Sunday it saw Kim's comments as an 'interesting signal',&nbsp;but added that Washington was still waiting for direct communication from Pyongyang to start any talks relating to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' new top envoy for North Korea was scheduled to meet counterparts from South Korea and Japan during a visit to Seoul on Monday, amid an impasse in denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang.

The United States' new top envoy for North Korea was scheduled to meet counterparts from South Korea and Japan during a visit to Seoul on Monday, amid an impasse in denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang. US special representative for North Korea Sung Kim is in South Korea for a five-day visit, with no word of any planned efforts to contact the North. Kim, who doubles as ambassador to Indonesia, had back-to-back meetings scheduled with South Korea's top nuclear envoy, Noh Kyu-duk, as well as a trilateral session involving his Japanese counterpart, Takehiro Funakoshi. Noh and Funakoshi were also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting to discuss North Korea. Kim's appointment came after US President Joe Biden's administration conducted a review of North Korea policy that concluded the United States would seek to find practical ways of inducing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. In his first direct comments on Biden's administration, which took office in January, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, particularly the latter, state news agency KCNA said on Friday. The United States said on Sunday it saw Kim's comments as an 'interesting signal', but added that Washington was still waiting for direct communication from Pyongyang to start any talks relating to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. (With inputs from agencies)

New US envoy for North Korea to huddle with South Koreans, Japanese

The United States said on Sunday it saw as an "interesting signal" North Korean leader&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Jong Un's comments that he is ready for "dialogue and confrontation," but added that Washington was still waiting for direct communication from Pyongyang to start any talks relating to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

In his first direct comments on US President Joe Biden's administration,&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, particularly the latter, state news agency KCNA said on Friday.

Speaking in an interview with ABC News, US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan said Washington would still need a direct and clear response from Pyongyang expressing its willingness for talks.

"His comments this week we regard as an interesting signal and we will wait to see whether they are followed up with any kind of more direct communication to us about a potential path forward," Sullivan said. "The clear signal they could send is to say 'yes, let's do it. Let's sit down and begin negotiations.'"

Kim's remarks came two days before the newly appointed US envoy for North Korea, Sung&nbsp;Kim, was set to arrive in South Korea on his first visit since taking up the role last month.

He will hold talks with South Korean and Japanese counterparts and meet other Seoul officials during his stay until June 23, the State Department said on Thursday.

North Korea lashed out at the United States and its ally, South Korea, last month, saying Washington's comments on its North Korean policy were proof of a hostile approach that required a corresponding response from Pyongyang.

The United States said on Sunday it saw as an "interesting signal" North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's comments that he is ready for "dialogue and confrontation," but added that Washington was still waiting for direct communication from Pyongyang to start any talks relating to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

The United States said on Sunday it saw as an "interesting signal" North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's comments that he is ready for "dialogue and confrontation," but added that Washington was still waiting for direct communication from Pyongyang to start any talks relating to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. In his first direct comments on US President Joe Biden's administration, Kim urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, particularly the latter, state news agency KCNA said on Friday. Speaking in an interview with ABC News, US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan said Washington would still need a direct and clear response from Pyongyang expressing its willingness for talks. "His comments this week we regard as an interesting signal and we will wait to see whether they are followed up with any kind of more direct communication to us about a potential path forward," Sullivan said. "The clear signal they could send is to say 'yes, let's do it. Let's sit down and begin negotiations.'" Kim's remarks came two days before the newly appointed US envoy for North Korea, Sung Kim, was set to arrive in South Korea on his first visit since taking up the role last month. He will hold talks with South Korean and Japanese counterparts and meet other Seoul officials during his stay until June 23, the State Department said on Thursday. North Korea lashed out at the United States and its ally, South Korea, last month, saying Washington's comments on its North Korean policy were proof of a hostile approach that required a corresponding response from Pyongyang.

White House says comments by N.Korea's Kim are 'interesting signal'

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1