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The United States Olympic &amp; Paralympic Committee has shelved a planned summit for athletes and media due to be staged in Los Angeles next week due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, officials said Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-italian-sporting-events-including-serie-a-suspended-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-285360" hreflang="en">All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak</a>

The USOPC said in a statement the four-day event in California, where dozens of Team USA Olympic athletes are made available to the media, had been called off until further notice.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-fixture-delayed-due-to-confusion-over-italian-sports-ministers-post-calling-for-suspension-of-league-285134" hreflang="en">Serie A: Fixture delayed due to confusion over Italian Sports Minister's post calling for suspension of league</a>

The USOPC media summit has been held before every Summer and Winter Olympic Games since 1998.

However USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland said in a letter to athletes that a decision to scrap next week's summit was taken after consultation with health officials.

"Like so many other organizations, teams and leagues, we are reckoning with the impact of the coronavirus," Hirshland said.

"(We) came to the joint conclusion that the potential of spread or infection, however remote or unlikely, could have a real impact on the athletes of Team USA," she added.

The decision was taken out of "an abundance of caution", Hirshland noted, adding that the USOPC was bullish about the prospects of this year's Tokyo Olympics going ahead as planned in July.

"You should assume we are charging forward toward Tokyo 2020 as planned," she said. "We expect to be in Tokyo this summer, and we will take every precaution to keep Team USA athletes safe as we prepare."

The US has recorded at least 26 deaths from the coronavirus and 605 confirmed cases across 35 states, according to a Johns Hopkins tally.

The outbreak has wreaked havoc across the sporting world, with dozens of games and events cancelled or rescheduled or played behind closed doors.

On Sunday, the ATP/WTA Indian Wells tennis tournament in southern California was called off after confirmation of a COVID-19 case in the same region.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee has shelved a planned summit for athletes and media due to be staged in Los Angeles next week due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, officials said Monday.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee has shelved a planned summit for athletes and media due to be staged in Los Angeles next week due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, officials said Monday. Also read: All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak The USOPC said in a statement the four-day event in California, where dozens of Team USA Olympic athletes are made available to the media, had been called off until further notice. Also read: Serie A: Fixture delayed due to confusion over Italian Sports Minister's post calling for suspension of league The USOPC media summit has been held before every Summer and Winter Olympic Games since 1998. However USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland said in a letter to athletes that a decision to scrap next week's summit was taken after consultation with health officials. "Like so many other organizations, teams and leagues, we are reckoning with the impact of the coronavirus," Hirshland said. "(We) came to the joint conclusion that the potential of spread or infection, however remote or unlikely, could have a real impact on the athletes of Team USA," she added. The decision was taken out of "an abundance of caution", Hirshland noted, adding that the USOPC was bullish about the prospects of this year's Tokyo Olympics going ahead as planned in July. "You should assume we are charging forward toward Tokyo 2020 as planned," she said. "We expect to be in Tokyo this summer, and we will take every precaution to keep Team USA athletes safe as we prepare." The US has recorded at least 26 deaths from the coronavirus and 605 confirmed cases across 35 states, according to a Johns Hopkins tally. The outbreak has wreaked havoc across the sporting world, with dozens of games and events cancelled or rescheduled or played behind closed doors. On Sunday, the ATP/WTA Indian Wells tennis tournament in southern California was called off after confirmation of a COVID-19 case in the same region.

US Olympic chiefs axe media summit over virus fears

The US military has begun withdrawing soldiers from Afghanistan as part of a pullout agreed in the February 29 peace agreement with the Taliban, a Pentagon official said Monday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-pact-in-chaos-as-presidential-rivals-squabble-285207">Afghan peace pact in chaos as presidential rivals squabble</a>

The US has committed to reducing its troop level from more than 12,000 at the moment to 8,600 within 135 days of the agreement, said Colonel Sonny Leggett, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-abdullah-abdullah-threatens-parallel-inauguration-after-the-disputed-election-285054">Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election</a>

Even with the drawdown, US forces retain "all the military means and authorities to accomplish our objectives -- including conducting counterterrorism operations against Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K and providing support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces," Leggett said in a statement.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The US military has begun withdrawing soldiers from Afghanistan as part of a pullout agreed in the February 29 peace agreement with the Taliban, a Pentagon official said Monday.

The US military has begun withdrawing soldiers from Afghanistan as part of a pullout agreed in the February 29 peace agreement with the Taliban, a Pentagon official said Monday. Also read: Afghan peace pact in chaos as presidential rivals squabble The US has committed to reducing its troop level from more than 12,000 at the moment to 8,600 within 135 days of the agreement, said Colonel Sonny Leggett, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan. Also read: Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election Even with the drawdown, US forces retain "all the military means and authorities to accomplish our objectives -- including conducting counterterrorism operations against Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K and providing support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces," Leggett said in a statement. ×

US begins troops withdrawal from Afghanistan 10 days after Taliban deal

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization estimated the mortality rate for COVID-19 was about 3 percent, which the organization said was higher than the common flu.

According to US Prez; Coronavirus is a sort of Flu

Iran reports 54 new coronavirus deaths, highest single-day toll

Iran reported 54 deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the highest one-day&nbsp;toll since the start of the outbreak in the country.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-54-new-coronavirus-deaths-highest-single-day-toll-285461"> Read More</a>

Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border

Bulgaria's defence minister hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;surge from Turkey. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgaria-opposes-greek-plans-for-refugee-camp-near-border-285481">Read More</a>

Biden, Sanders eye showdown in six states on Super Tuesday

The face-off between former US Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders begins on Tuesday for the Democratic candidate who would take on President Trump in the 2020 US elections.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-sanders-eye-showdown-in-six-states-on-super-tuesday-285482"> Read More</a>

British Prime Minister Johnson faces lawmaker revolt over Huawei 5G decision

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government faces its first revolt over a decision to allow the Chinese telecom giant Huawei to build the country's 5G phone network. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-johnson-faces-lawmaker-revolt-over-huawei-5g-decision-285478">Read More</a>

Dutch king apologises for violence during Indonesian independence war

Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-king-apologises-for-violence-during-indonesian-independence-war-285480">Read More</a>

Migrant deal with European Union needs to be updated: Turkey

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the European Union needs to be updated, taking into account developments in Syria and that Ankara was ready to work constructively on the issue.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-deal-with-european-union-needs-to-be-updated-turkey-285469"> Read More</a>

US, China back President Ghani, reject Abdullah Abdullah's 'parallel government' in Afghanistan

China congratulated Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on his re-election and called on all parties to accelerate the reconstruction and peace process in the war-torn country. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-back-president-ghani-reject-abdullah-abdullahs-parallel-government-in-afghanistan-285467">Read More</a>

Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC'

Oil prices rose ten per cent after Russia indicated that it was open to cooperation with OPEC, a day after prices recorded biggest one-day percentage decline since the first Gulf War in 1991. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-rise-10-after-russia-indicates-open-to-cooperation-with-opec-285465">Read More</a>

Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has postponed her two-day official visit to Japan over the global outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus, foreign minister AK Abdul Momen said. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-postpones-visit-to-japan-over-coronavirus-outbreak-285463">Read More</a>

Tanker rates surge as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil

Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil as they take advantage of a 25 per cent&nbsp;plunge in prices amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tanker-rates-surge-as-traders-hunt-for-ships-to-store-cheap-oil-285462">Read More</a>

Iran reports 54 new coronavirus deaths, highest single-day toll Iran reported 54 deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the highest one-day toll since the start of the outbreak in the country.

Iran reports 54 new coronavirus deaths, highest single-day toll Iran reported 54 deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the highest one-day toll since the start of the outbreak in the country. Read More Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border Bulgaria's defence minister hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid migrant surge from Turkey. Read More Biden, Sanders eye showdown in six states on Super Tuesday The face-off between former US Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders begins on Tuesday for the Democratic candidate who would take on President Trump in the 2020 US elections. Read More British Prime Minister Johnson faces lawmaker revolt over Huawei 5G decision British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government faces its first revolt over a decision to allow the Chinese telecom giant Huawei to build the country's 5G phone network. Read More Dutch king apologises for violence during Indonesian independence war Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s. Read More Migrant deal with European Union needs to be updated: Turkey Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the European Union needs to be updated, taking into account developments in Syria and that Ankara was ready to work constructively on the issue. Read More US, China back President Ghani, reject Abdullah Abdullah's 'parallel government' in Afghanistan China congratulated Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on his re-election and called on all parties to accelerate the reconstruction and peace process in the war-torn country. Read More Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC' Oil prices rose ten per cent after Russia indicated that it was open to cooperation with OPEC, a day after prices recorded biggest one-day percentage decline since the first Gulf War in 1991. Read More Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has postponed her two-day official visit to Japan over the global outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus, foreign minister AK Abdul Momen said. Read More Tanker rates surge as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil as they take advantage of a 25 per cent plunge in prices amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. Read More

Top 10 world news today: Iran reports new coronavirus deaths, oil prices rise and more!

Afghan President-elect Ashraf Ghani on Monday delayed his planned inauguration ceremony until the afternoon, as his rival Abdullah Abdullah also postponed a scheduled competing for the swearing-in ceremony.

Both men have laid claim to Afghanistan's leadership following a disputed election in September, a situation that threatens political chaos just days after the United States and the Taliban signed a deal on the withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces.

The delay of the competing ceremonies would allow more time for Ghani and Abdullah to continue days-long talks with U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad as he tries to shepherd a deal between the two political camps, an official for Ghani said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-abdullah-abdullah-threatens-parallel-inauguration-after-the-disputed-election-285054">Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election</a>

"We are in serious negotiation with Abdullah team since last night, and it is still underway," the official said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak media. "We hope to reach an agreement with Abdullah team."

The official said Ghani's ceremony had been postponed until 1 pm, confirming a tweet from Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. Abdullah had earlier offered to postpone his ceremony, if Ghani did the same, in response to an appeal by Khalilzad, Abdullah's spokesman, Omid Maisam, said.

Afghanistan's Election Commission last month announced that Ghani had retained power by winning the September 28 election. But his long-time rival, Abdullah, rejected that and proclaimed himself the winner.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chaotic-week-after-us-taliban-deal-leaves-afghans-fate-unclear-284963">Chaotic week after US-Taliban deal leaves Afghans' fate unclear</a>

The political crisis comes as the government is meant to be preparing for talks with the Taliban, to follow up on February&nbsp;29 pact between the United States and the insurgents on the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops after 18 years of war.

Western diplomats in Kabul said it was unclear how the situation might be resolved.

"If Ghani is determined to hold his swearing-in then Abdullah may suddenly decide to hold it too ... it's all up in the air for now," said one diplomat, who has invitations from both of the rival camps, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Another diplomat, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said that amidst uncertainty, many foreign envoys were waiting for a "green signal" from the United States on whether to attend Ghani's ceremony.

Ghani and Abdullah both held roles in the previous government under a U.S.-brokered power-sharing agreement that followed the previous election in 2014.

A former foreign minister, Abdullah held the specially created post of chief executive in the outgoing government.

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced Ghani the winner on February 18. Under election law, the swearing-in ceremony for president must be held within 30 days of that announcement.

Afghan President-elect Ashraf Ghani on Monday delayed his planned inauguration ceremony until the afternoon, as his rival Abdullah Abdullah also postponed a scheduled competing for the swearing-in ceremony.

Afghan President-elect Ashraf Ghani on Monday delayed his planned inauguration ceremony until the afternoon, as his rival Abdullah Abdullah also postponed a scheduled competing for the swearing-in ceremony. Both men have laid claim to Afghanistan's leadership following a disputed election in September, a situation that threatens political chaos just days after the United States and the Taliban signed a deal on the withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces. The delay of the competing ceremonies would allow more time for Ghani and Abdullah to continue days-long talks with U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad as he tries to shepherd a deal between the two political camps, an official for Ghani said. Also read: Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election "We are in serious negotiation with Abdullah team since last night, and it is still underway," the official said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak media. "We hope to reach an agreement with Abdullah team." The official said Ghani's ceremony had been postponed until 1 pm, confirming a tweet from Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. Abdullah had earlier offered to postpone his ceremony, if Ghani did the same, in response to an appeal by Khalilzad, Abdullah's spokesman, Omid Maisam, said. Afghanistan's Election Commission last month announced that Ghani had retained power by winning the September 28 election. But his long-time rival, Abdullah, rejected that and proclaimed himself the winner. Also see: Chaotic week after US-Taliban deal leaves Afghans' fate unclear The political crisis comes as the government is meant to be preparing for talks with the Taliban, to follow up on February 29 pact between the United States and the insurgents on the withdrawal of US troops after 18 years of war. Western diplomats in Kabul said it was unclear how the situation might be resolved. "If Ghani is determined to hold his swearing-in then Abdullah may suddenly decide to hold it too ... it's all up in the air for now," said one diplomat, who has invitations from both of the rival camps, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. Watch: × Another diplomat, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said that amidst uncertainty, many foreign envoys were waiting for a "green signal" from the United States on whether to attend Ghani's ceremony. Ghani and Abdullah both held roles in the previous government under a U.S.-brokered power-sharing agreement that followed the previous election in 2014. A former foreign minister, Abdullah held the specially created post of chief executive in the outgoing government. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced Ghani the winner on February 18. Under election law, the swearing-in ceremony for president must be held within 30 days of that announcement.

Afghan president-elect delays inauguration to continue talks with rival

Squabbling Afghan presidential rivals threatened to both declare themselves president in duelling inauguration ceremonies Monday, throwing plans for negotiations with the Taliban into chaos.

Those talks among Afghans on both sides of the conflict were supposed to be the next crucial step in a US-Taliban peace deal, signed less than two weeks ago.

But the dispute between the top two candidates in last year's presidential election over who actually won means the Afghan government side appears unable to present a united front.

When Washington and the Taliban insurgents signed the deal, the promise was that Afghans would sit down and negotiate a road map for their country's future.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-abdullah-abdullah-threatens-parallel-inauguration-after-the-disputed-election-285054">Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election</a>

They are looking to hammer out such thorny issues as women's rights, free speech and the fate of tens of thousands of armed men on both sides of the 18-year war. Those negotiations were set to be held Tuesday in Oslo.

The US has said its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan will be linked to the Taliban keeping their counter-terrorism promises but not to the success of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

Afghanistan's election commission has declared incumbent President Ashraf Ghani as the winner of September's vote. His former partner in a unity government, chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, as well as the election complaints commission, say the results are fraught with irregularities. As a result, both Ghani and Abdullah have declared themselves winners.

The two candidates are also backed by warlords who have a stake in who becomes president, complicating negotiations to break the stalemate being conducted by Washington's peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-32-killed-after-gunmen-target-kabul-ceremony-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-284687">At least 32 killed after gunmen target Kabul ceremony; Islamic State claims responsibility</a>

The rival presidential candidates called journalists to their respective inaugurations early Monday, only to delay them for a few hours while more talks were being held.

A senior member of Abdullah's team, Basir Salangi, told local Afghan channel Tolo TV that the U.S. Peace envoy has asked both sides to delay their inaugurations for three days to sort out the stalemate.

Abdullah reportedly said he was ready, but would go ahead with his ceremony Monday if Ghani refused to postpone.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed, in response to questions from The Associated Press, said late Sunday that the Taliban were still committed to the deal, but said the duelling presidential inaugurations ''are not good for the Afghan nation."

Watch: 

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As well as competing candidates, Khalilzad still has to get some agreement on a prisoner release, which was supposed to be settled before the intra-Afghan negotiations could begin.

The peace deal signed by the US and Taliban said 5,000 Taliban prisoners and up to 1,000 captives from the government side would be freed as a goodwill gesture ahead of the intra-Afghan negotiations.

Ghani had previously said he won't release the Taliban prisoners, even as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on all sides to stop posturing and free their prisoners, some of whom have already served their sentences. Pompeo called on all sides get on with talks about the country's future.

The Taliban spokesman told the sources that the group wants their prisoners released and were ready to free the captives they're holding. Mujahed said they did not want to see a delay, but reiterated that if it occurred 'we remain committed to the agreement.'

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chaotic-week-after-us-taliban-deal-leaves-afghans-fate-unclear-284963">Chaotic week after US-Taliban deal leaves Afghans' fate unclear</a>

In a tweet, Afghanistan's former deputy foreign minister, Jawed Luddin, thanked Washington for trying to sort out Afghanistan's political turmoil while calling the squabbling 'a mess'

'Thank you USA for trying to sort out our political crisis - yet again. We know you must be sick of it - as are we Afghans,' Ludden said. 
''You and we both had a hand in bringing about the mess that is today's Afghan politics. But I wish we Afghans felt half as responsible for the mess as you do," he added.

The deal signed by the U.S. Would allow Washington to end its involvement in Afghanistan and bring home U.S. Troops over a period of 18 months.

Squabbling Afghan presidential rivals threatened to both declare themselves president in duelling inauguration ceremonies Monday, throwing plans for negotiations with the Taliban into chaos.

Squabbling Afghan presidential rivals threatened to both declare themselves president in duelling inauguration ceremonies Monday, throwing plans for negotiations with the Taliban into chaos. Those talks among Afghans on both sides of the conflict were supposed to be the next crucial step in a US-Taliban peace deal, signed less than two weeks ago. But the dispute between the top two candidates in last year's presidential election over who actually won means the Afghan government side appears unable to present a united front. When Washington and the Taliban insurgents signed the deal, the promise was that Afghans would sit down and negotiate a road map for their country's future. Also read: Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election They are looking to hammer out such thorny issues as women's rights, free speech and the fate of tens of thousands of armed men on both sides of the 18-year war. Those negotiations were set to be held Tuesday in Oslo. The US has said its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan will be linked to the Taliban keeping their counter-terrorism promises but not to the success of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Afghanistan's election commission has declared incumbent President Ashraf Ghani as the winner of September's vote. His former partner in a unity government, chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, as well as the election complaints commission, say the results are fraught with irregularities. As a result, both Ghani and Abdullah have declared themselves winners. The two candidates are also backed by warlords who have a stake in who becomes president, complicating negotiations to break the stalemate being conducted by Washington's peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad. Also see: At least 32 killed after gunmen target Kabul ceremony; Islamic State claims responsibility The rival presidential candidates called journalists to their respective inaugurations early Monday, only to delay them for a few hours while more talks were being held. A senior member of Abdullah's team, Basir Salangi, told local Afghan channel Tolo TV that the U.S. Peace envoy has asked both sides to delay their inaugurations for three days to sort out the stalemate. Abdullah reportedly said he was ready, but would go ahead with his ceremony Monday if Ghani refused to postpone. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed, in response to questions from The Associated Press, said late Sunday that the Taliban were still committed to the deal, but said the duelling presidential inaugurations ''are not good for the Afghan nation." Watch: × As well as competing candidates, Khalilzad still has to get some agreement on a prisoner release, which was supposed to be settled before the intra-Afghan negotiations could begin. The peace deal signed by the US and Taliban said 5,000 Taliban prisoners and up to 1,000 captives from the government side would be freed as a goodwill gesture ahead of the intra-Afghan negotiations. Ghani had previously said he won't release the Taliban prisoners, even as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on all sides to stop posturing and free their prisoners, some of whom have already served their sentences. Pompeo called on all sides get on with talks about the country's future. The Taliban spokesman told the sources that the group wants their prisoners released and were ready to free the captives they're holding. Mujahed said they did not want to see a delay, but reiterated that if it occurred 'we remain committed to the agreement.' Also read: Chaotic week after US-Taliban deal leaves Afghans' fate unclear In a tweet, Afghanistan's former deputy foreign minister, Jawed Luddin, thanked Washington for trying to sort out Afghanistan's political turmoil while calling the squabbling 'a mess' 'Thank you USA for trying to sort out our political crisis - yet again. We know you must be sick of it - as are we Afghans,' Ludden said. ''You and we both had a hand in bringing about the mess that is today's Afghan politics. But I wish we Afghans felt half as responsible for the mess as you do," he added. The deal signed by the U.S. Would allow Washington to end its involvement in Afghanistan and bring home U.S. Troops over a period of 18 months.

Afghan peace pact in chaos as presidential rivals squabble

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he planned to continue political rallies despite coronavirus concerns.

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Tunisian forensic investigators were at a suicide blast site outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia on Friday, in the attack that killed a policeman and injured several others.

Today Tonight: Blast outside U.S. embassy in Tunisia

US-Taliban Peace Deal: Less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump said he had a “very good talk” with a top Taliban leader and insisted the group wants to cease violence, a U.S. military drone on Wednesday targeted the militant group

Violence increases post US-Taliban peace deal

US President Donald Trump on Friday starred with White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and replaced him with conservative jurist and close aide Mark Meadows, who was a strong Trump defender during the Democratic impeachment campaign.

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U.S. stocks fell on Friday as fears of economic damage from the spread of the coronavirus intensified, though Wall Street's major indexes ended well above their session lows.

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Amid a political crisis, violence has escalated in Afghanistan. There are major differences between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Many challenges lie ahead in the peace talks.

Gravitas: US - Taliban peace deal on fragile footing | WION Edit

Less than a week after the peace deal between the US and Taliban, violence in Afghanistan has escalated. This report tells you why the peace process in Afghanistan faces several hurdles.

Afghanistan: Less than a week after peace deal, violence escalates | Gravitas

The coronavirus outbreak spread further across the United States on Thursday, cropping up in at least four new states and San Francisco as Congress quickly approved more than $8 billion to fight the outbreak and Americans faced increasing disruptions to their daily lives.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-man-with-coronavirus-attended-packed-rock-concert-in-auckland-health-authorities-say-284601" hreflang="en">New Zealand man with coronavirus attended packed rock concert in Auckland, health authorities say</a>

The death toll from the virus in the United States rose to 12, with the latest fatality recorded in King County, Washington, and at least 57 new cases were confirmed, striking for the first time in Colorado, Maryland, Tennessee and Texas, as well as San Francisco.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-coronavirus-concerns-chinese-robotic-arm-may-help-save-lives-284534" hreflang="en">Amid coronavirus concerns, Chinese robotic arm may help save lives</a>

A helicopter flew testing kits to a cruise liner idled off the coast of California and barred from docking in San Francisco after at least 35 people developed flu-like symptoms aboard the ship, which has been linked to two other confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-reports-first-death-as-china-reports-over-3000-deaths-284504" hreflang="en">Switzerland reports first death as China reports over 3,000 deaths</a>

In King County, Washington, which is home to Seattle and has been the site so far of the greatest concentration of coronavirus cases in the country, 20 new cases were confirmed, local health officials said, bringing the total in the county to 51 with 11 deaths. One death has been recorded in California.

"This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County," the county said in a statement. "All King County residents should follow public health recommendations. Together, we may potentially impact the spread of the disease in our community."

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Many of the 70 cases in Washington state have been linked to an outbreak at a nursing facility in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland, including six deaths.

Alphabet Inc's Google on Thursday joined Amazon.com Inc, Facebook Inc and Microsoft Corp in recommending that employees in the Seattle area work from home after some were infected with the coronavirus. The companies' work-from-home recommendation will affect more than 100,000 people in the area. One school district in the area has closed.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the number of cases in that state had doubled to 22 after the federal government approved its use of additional laboratories, boosting testing capacity. Cuomo told a news conference that the total would likely "keep going up."

Of the new cases in New York, eight are connected to a Manhattan lawyer who lives in suburban Westchester County, north of the city, and who was previously diagnosed with the virus, two are in New York City and one on Long Island, in Nassau County.

Colorado, Tennessee and Texas report cases

Texas confirmed its first three coronavirus cases, and Tennessee and Colorado each reported one, bringing the number of affected states to 17.

More than 3,200 people worldwide have died from respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) early on Thursday reported 149 confirmed and presumed US cases. Those numbers are presumed not to include the 57 new cases reported on Thursday.

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The US Senate on Thursday passed an $8.3 billion bill to combat the outbreak 96-1, a day after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved it. Vice President Mike Pence, visiting Seattle on Thursday, said President Donald Trump would sign the bill into law Friday.

More than $3 billion would be devoted to research and development of coronavirus vaccines, test kits and treatments. There are no approved vaccines or treatments for the illness, which began in China and has infected more than 95,000 people in some 80 countries and territories.

Mayor Bill de Blasio told a news conference the new cases in New York City - a man in his 40s and a woman in her 80s - were critically ill and being treated in hospitals. Both had "substantial" pre-existing health conditions, he said.

Neither person had recently visited any other affected countries or had any connection to other confirmed cases, suggesting the city is confronting local person-to-person spread.

California, which has declared a statewide emergency in response to the outbreak, reported six new cases, including two in San Francisco, also deemed likely to be a result of "community transmission," local health officials said.

'No need to buy a mask'

US health officials say they expect to be able to get enough privately manufactured coronavirus tests - around 1 million - to public laboratories this week with the capacity to test about 400,000 people.

CDC official Anne Schuchat said her agency would also supply kits by the end of the week that could test around 75,000 people.

"Right now, it is a challenge if you are a doctor wanting to get somebody tested," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told reporters following a briefing with lawmakers.

Pence, who is leading the US response, urged Americans not to purchase masks if they are healthy in order to free up supply for healthcare workers and people who are sick.

"Unless you are ill, you have no need to buy a mask," Pence said on a visit to Minnesota's 3M Co, which has ramped up production of masks in response to the coronavirus.

The deepening crisis has hit stocks hard. The main US stock indexes closed down more than 3% on Thursday, with the Dow falling 969 points.

Asked if the coronavirus outbreak has hurt the economy, Trump said at a townhall in Scranton, Pennsylvania: “It certainly might have an impact. At the same time, I have to say people are now staying in the United States spend their money in the US, and I like that.”

The coronavirus outbreak spread further across the United States on Thursday, cropping up in at least four new states and San Francisco as Congress quickly approved more than $8 billion to fight the outbreak and Americans faced increasing disruptions to their daily lives.

The coronavirus outbreak spread further across the United States on Thursday, cropping up in at least four new states and San Francisco as Congress quickly approved more than $8 billion to fight the outbreak and Americans faced increasing disruptions to their daily lives. Also read: New Zealand man with coronavirus attended packed rock concert in Auckland, health authorities say The death toll from the virus in the United States rose to 12, with the latest fatality recorded in King County, Washington, and at least 57 new cases were confirmed, striking for the first time in Colorado, Maryland, Tennessee and Texas, as well as San Francisco. Also read: Amid coronavirus concerns, Chinese robotic arm may help save lives A helicopter flew testing kits to a cruise liner idled off the coast of California and barred from docking in San Francisco after at least 35 people developed flu-like symptoms aboard the ship, which has been linked to two other confirmed cases of COVID-19. Also read: Switzerland reports first death as China reports over 3,000 deaths In King County, Washington, which is home to Seattle and has been the site so far of the greatest concentration of coronavirus cases in the country, 20 new cases were confirmed, local health officials said, bringing the total in the county to 51 with 11 deaths. One death has been recorded in California. "This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County," the county said in a statement. "All King County residents should follow public health recommendations. Together, we may potentially impact the spread of the disease in our community." Many of the 70 cases in Washington state have been linked to an outbreak at a nursing facility in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland, including six deaths. Alphabet Inc's Google on Thursday joined Amazon.com Inc, Facebook Inc and Microsoft Corp in recommending that employees in the Seattle area work from home after some were infected with the coronavirus. The companies' work-from-home recommendation will affect more than 100,000 people in the area. One school district in the area has closed. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the number of cases in that state had doubled to 22 after the federal government approved its use of additional laboratories, boosting testing capacity. Cuomo told a news conference that the total would likely "keep going up." Of the new cases in New York, eight are connected to a Manhattan lawyer who lives in suburban Westchester County, north of the city, and who was previously diagnosed with the virus, two are in New York City and one on Long Island, in Nassau County. Colorado, Tennessee and Texas report cases Texas confirmed its first three coronavirus cases, and Tennessee and Colorado each reported one, bringing the number of affected states to 17. More than 3,200 people worldwide have died from respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) early on Thursday reported 149 confirmed and presumed US cases. Those numbers are presumed not to include the 57 new cases reported on Thursday. The US Senate on Thursday passed an $8.3 billion bill to combat the outbreak 96-1, a day after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved it. Vice President Mike Pence, visiting Seattle on Thursday, said President Donald Trump would sign the bill into law Friday. More than $3 billion would be devoted to research and development of coronavirus vaccines, test kits and treatments. There are no approved vaccines or treatments for the illness, which began in China and has infected more than 95,000 people in some 80 countries and territories. Mayor Bill de Blasio told a news conference the new cases in New York City - a man in his 40s and a woman in her 80s - were critically ill and being treated in hospitals. Both had "substantial" pre-existing health conditions, he said. Neither person had recently visited any other affected countries or had any connection to other confirmed cases, suggesting the city is confronting local person-to-person spread. California, which has declared a statewide emergency in response to the outbreak, reported six new cases, including two in San Francisco, also deemed likely to be a result of "community transmission," local health officials said. 'No need to buy a mask' US health officials say they expect to be able to get enough privately manufactured coronavirus tests - around 1 million - to public laboratories this week with the capacity to test about 400,000 people. CDC official Anne Schuchat said her agency would also supply kits by the end of the week that could test around 75,000 people. "Right now, it is a challenge if you are a doctor wanting to get somebody tested," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told reporters following a briefing with lawmakers. Pence, who is leading the US response, urged Americans not to purchase masks if they are healthy in order to free up supply for healthcare workers and people who are sick. "Unless you are ill, you have no need to buy a mask," Pence said on a visit to Minnesota's 3M Co, which has ramped up production of masks in response to the coronavirus. The deepening crisis has hit stocks hard. The main US stock indexes closed down more than 3% on Thursday, with the Dow falling 969 points. Asked if the coronavirus outbreak has hurt the economy, Trump said at a townhall in Scranton, Pennsylvania: “It certainly might have an impact. At the same time, I have to say people are now staying in the United States spend their money in the US, and I like that.”

Coronavirus cases surge in US, helicopter flies test kits to cruise ship

The deaths of Coronavirus in the United States reaches 14. The White House also acknowledges that the US lacks enough test kits.

Deaths of Coronavirus in US reaches 14, US acknowledges lacks enough test kits

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has said to have declined to meet United States special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

WION Dispatch: Ashraf Ghani refuses to meet US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad

The Pentagon has downplayed the latest Taliban attacks in Afghanistan even after the United States carried out airstrikes against the group, making it the first US attack against Taliban after Washington signed a peace deal with the group just last week.

US downplays new Taliban attack, Pentagon rejects doubts over peace deal

US House passes 8.3 billion dollar emergency bill as the coronavirus death toll in the country rises to 11. The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan bill and a group of members and staff for the appropriations panels in both the House and Senate unveiled the legislation on Wednesday after several days of talks. They released details of the plan, which will boost funding for testing of the coronavirus and lower costs for related medical treatments.

US House passes $8 billion Bipartisan bill to battle Coronavirus

More US States went to polls on 'Super Tuesday' than any other day to pick a Presidential nominee. This report explains the most decisive day ahead of the 2020 Presidential elections.

All you need to know about 'Super Tuesday', US Presidential Elections 2020

US Presidential Elections 2020: Joe Biden projected to win 7 states

Biggest day to the race to the White House 'Super Tuesday' is already here. Democrats in 14 states are choosing who will run against Donald Trump for the November's Presidential elections. In the latest coming in Bernie Sanders has projected to win California, one of the most important states of 'Super Tuesday'. Watch report:

US Presidential Elections 2020: Bernie Sanders wins California in 'Super Tuesday'

The diamond industry in the city of Surat will be one of many to be hit severely by the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. Situated in Western India, primarily in the State of Gujarat, the diamond industry is believed by experts to be on the verge of losing 8,000 crore rupees.

The principal reason for such a deafening blow is the fact that Hong Kong and China are instrumental to the diamond exports of India. Polished diamonds worth 50,000 crore rupees are exported from Surat to Hong Kong every year.

After reaching their destination, the diamonds are exported to different locations across the world in a seamless circuit. The virus presents a grave threat to this system, and by extension, the diamond trade.

A month-long vacation has been declared by Hong Kong in an attempt to mitigate the impacts of the viral outbreak, and Indian merchants with offices in the area are returning to India. Several industry professionals have also speculated the cancellation of an international jewellery exhibition in Hong Kong.

The exhibition is of pivotal importance, as it sets the tone for diamond orders for the rest of the year and diamantaires to depend on it for cutting edge technology, new designs for jewellery, and bulk orders - the most important aspect in any business.

The cancellation of this exhibition alone will be a huge blow for the diamond industry of Surat.

The diamond industry in the city of Surat will be one of many to be hit severely by the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. Situated in Western India, primarily in the State of Gujarat, the diamond industry is believed by experts to be on the verge of losing 8,000 crore rupees.

The diamond industry in the city of Surat will be one of many to be hit severely by the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. Situated in Western India, primarily in the State of Gujarat, the diamond industry is believed by experts to be on the verge of losing 8,000 crore rupees. The principal reason for such a deafening blow is the fact that Hong Kong and China are instrumental to the diamond exports of India. Polished diamonds worth 50,000 crore rupees are exported from Surat to Hong Kong every year. After reaching their destination, the diamonds are exported to different locations across the world in a seamless circuit. The virus presents a grave threat to this system, and by extension, the diamond trade. A month-long vacation has been declared by Hong Kong in an attempt to mitigate the impacts of the viral outbreak, and Indian merchants with offices in the area are returning to India. Several industry professionals have also speculated the cancellation of an international jewellery exhibition in Hong Kong. The exhibition is of pivotal importance, as it sets the tone for diamond orders for the rest of the year and diamantaires to depend on it for cutting edge technology, new designs for jewellery, and bulk orders - the most important aspect in any business. The cancellation of this exhibition alone will be a huge blow for the diamond industry of Surat.

Crumbling carats: Surat diamond industry may suffer from coronavirus outbreak

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