The last <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-seeks-to-vindicate-afghan-war-30-years-after-pullout-196807">Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev</a> issued a stinging criticism of Washington on Wednesday, accusing it of misleading the world over its exit from a key arms treaty and seeking to gain military superiority at the expense of international security.

This month US President Donald Trump ripped up a key arms control agreement, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-measures-to-ensure-security-if-us-leaves-inf-missile-treaty-russia-195913">Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty,</a> that Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan brokered in 1987.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin quickly followed suit, tasking his government with developing new ground-based missiles and banning his ministers from initiating any future talks to salvage the agreement.

Gorbachev said that according to the treaty the country exiting it should notify the global community of "exceptional circumstances" that prompted it to do so.

In a column published by Vedomosti liberal daily, Gorbachev asked if &nbsp;Washington, the world's biggest military spender, had been able to "explain itself to the international community" and the UN Security Council.

"No, this has not been done," Gorbachev said, adding that instead, the United States prefered to accuse Russia of violating the agreement.

The 87-year-old also claimed Washington misled the world when it said it needed to abandon the treaty also because China and other countries not bound by the INF pact were stockpiling missiles.

"This is not convincing either," he said, adding that Russia and the United States still controlled 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons.

"Behind the US decision to exit the treaty are not the reasons the US leaders are citing but something completely different," said Gorbachev.

It is, he said, "a desire by the United States to free itself of any constraints in the arms sphere (and) gain absolute military superiority."

"Presumably to impose its will on the world — and why else?"

The last Soviet leader also rubbished Trump's claim he wanted to "get everybody in a big and beautiful room and do a new treaty."

"What treaty? About an arms buildup?" Gorbachev asked.

He agreed with critics of the agreement that much had changed since the signing of the pact in 1987. But, he added, that was not a reason to dismantle the existing arms control regime.

He said the changes "call not for the abandonment of treaties that created the foundation of global security after the end of the Cold War but a further movement towards to the final goal —&nbsp; the elimination of armaments."

The last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev issued a stinging criticism of Washington on Wednesday, accusing it of misleading the world over its exit from a key arms treaty and seeking to gain military superiority at the expense of international security.

The last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev issued a stinging criticism of Washington on Wednesday, accusing it of misleading the world over its exit from a key arms treaty and seeking to gain military superiority at the expense of international security. This month US President Donald Trump ripped up a key arms control agreement, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, that Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan brokered in 1987. Russian President Vladimir Putin quickly followed suit, tasking his government with developing new ground-based missiles and banning his ministers from initiating any future talks to salvage the agreement. Gorbachev said that according to the treaty the country exiting it should notify the global community of "exceptional circumstances" that prompted it to do so. In a column published by Vedomosti liberal daily, Gorbachev asked if Washington, the world's biggest military spender, had been able to "explain itself to the international community" and the UN Security Council. "No, this has not been done," Gorbachev said, adding that instead, the United States prefered to accuse Russia of violating the agreement. The 87-year-old also claimed Washington misled the world when it said it needed to abandon the treaty also because China and other countries not bound by the INF pact were stockpiling missiles. "This is not convincing either," he said, adding that Russia and the United States still controlled 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons. "Behind the US decision to exit the treaty are not the reasons the US leaders are citing but something completely different," said Gorbachev. It is, he said, "a desire by the United States to free itself of any constraints in the arms sphere (and) gain absolute military superiority." "Presumably to impose its will on the world — and why else?" The last Soviet leader also rubbished Trump's claim he wanted to "get everybody in a big and beautiful room and do a new treaty." "What treaty? About an arms buildup?" Gorbachev asked. He agreed with critics of the agreement that much had changed since the signing of the pact in 1987. But, he added, that was not a reason to dismantle the existing arms control regime. He said the changes "call not for the abandonment of treaties that created the foundation of global security after the end of the Cold War but a further movement towards to the final goal — the elimination of armaments."

Last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev slams Washington over arms treaty exit

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-exploring-potential-alternatives-to-new-york-hq-report-196143">Amazon.com Inc </a>and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/general-motors-cutting-4000-workers-in-latest-round-of-restructuring-195248">General Motors Co</a> are in talks to invest in Rivian Automotive LLC in a deal that would value the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/american-media-says-it-acted-lawfully-in-reporting-on-amazons-bezos-196110">US</a> electric pickup truck manufacturer at between $1 billion and $2 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

The deal would give Amazon and GM minority stakes in Rivian, the sources said. It would be a major boost for the Plymouth, Michigan-based startup, which aspires to be the first carmaker to the US consumer market with an electric pickup.

If the negotiations conclude successfully, a deal could be announced as early as this month, the sources said, asking not to be identified because the matter is confidential. There is always a chance that deal talks fall through, the sources cautioned.

"We admire Rivian's contribution to a future of zero emissions and an all-electric future," GM said in an emailed statement, declining to specifically comment on any talks with Rivian.

Amazon and Rivian declined&nbsp;comment.

The Rivian deal would come as its much larger electric car manufacturing rival, Tesla Inc, struggles to stabilize production and deliver consistent profits as it rolls out its flagship Model 3 sedan.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk told investors last August that an electric pickup is "probably my personal favourite for the next product" from the company, though he has spoken only in general about a potential launch, saying that it would happen "right after" Tesla's Model Y, which the company has targeted to start production in 2020.

'SKATEBOARD' PLATFORM

Rivian intends to begin selling its R1T, the pickup it debuted in November, in the fall of 2020. The company was founded in 2009 by CEO RJ Scaringe.

Scaringe has described the Rivian vehicle's platform as a "skateboard" that packages the drive units, battery pack, suspension system, brakes and cooling system all below wheel height to allow for more storage space and greater stability due to a lower centre of gravity.

He has also said the company plans to partner with outside firms to develop advanced self-driving technology, rather than try to do so on its own.

Big automakers, including GM, have not jumped into the market for electric pickups thus far. GM CEO Mary Barra has said it has given a "tiny bit" of thought to developing all-electric pickups.

The No. 1 US automaker is counting on profit from sales of conventional large pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles in North America to fund its electrification push. GM said last November it was doubling resources allocated to developing electric and self-driving vehicles, as part of a significant restructuring that included ending production at five North American plants.

GM last month announced a strategy to make its luxury Cadillac its lead electric vehicle brand, revealing it would be the first vehicle built on the Detroit automaker’s "BEV3" platform to challenge Tesla. GM has said one of the first fully electric Cadillac models using the new platform would hit the market around 2022.

Amazon has also invested in self-driving car startup Aurora Innovation Inc, in a $530 million funding round announced last week. The world’s largest online retailer has steadily increased its logistics footprint, building warehouses around the world and inking deals with Mercedes as well as cargo airlines to help with delivery.

Rivian's existing financial backers include Saudi auto distributor Abdul Latif Jameel Co (ALJ), Sumitomo Corp of Americas and Standard Chartered Bank. ALJ has agreed to provide almost $500 million in funding, Sumitomo invested an undisclosed amount, and Standard Chartered provided debt financing of $200 million.

Amazon.com Inc and General Motors Co are in talks to invest in Rivian Automotive LLC in a deal that would value the US electric pickup truck manufacturer at between $1 billion and $2 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

Amazon.com Inc and General Motors Co are in talks to invest in Rivian Automotive LLC in a deal that would value the US electric pickup truck manufacturer at between $1 billion and $2 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. The deal would give Amazon and GM minority stakes in Rivian, the sources said. It would be a major boost for the Plymouth, Michigan-based startup, which aspires to be the first carmaker to the US consumer market with an electric pickup. If the negotiations conclude successfully, a deal could be announced as early as this month, the sources said, asking not to be identified because the matter is confidential. There is always a chance that deal talks fall through, the sources cautioned. "We admire Rivian's contribution to a future of zero emissions and an all-electric future," GM said in an emailed statement, declining to specifically comment on any talks with Rivian. Amazon and Rivian declined comment. The Rivian deal would come as its much larger electric car manufacturing rival, Tesla Inc, struggles to stabilize production and deliver consistent profits as it rolls out its flagship Model 3 sedan. Tesla CEO Elon Musk told investors last August that an electric pickup is "probably my personal favourite for the next product" from the company, though he has spoken only in general about a potential launch, saying that it would happen "right after" Tesla's Model Y, which the company has targeted to start production in 2020. 'SKATEBOARD' PLATFORM Rivian intends to begin selling its R1T, the pickup it debuted in November, in the fall of 2020. The company was founded in 2009 by CEO RJ Scaringe. Scaringe has described the Rivian vehicle's platform as a "skateboard" that packages the drive units, battery pack, suspension system, brakes and cooling system all below wheel height to allow for more storage space and greater stability due to a lower centre of gravity. He has also said the company plans to partner with outside firms to develop advanced self-driving technology, rather than try to do so on its own. Big automakers, including GM, have not jumped into the market for electric pickups thus far. GM CEO Mary Barra has said it has given a "tiny bit" of thought to developing all-electric pickups. The No. 1 US automaker is counting on profit from sales of conventional large pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles in North America to fund its electrification push. GM said last November it was doubling resources allocated to developing electric and self-driving vehicles, as part of a significant restructuring that included ending production at five North American plants. GM last month announced a strategy to make its luxury Cadillac its lead electric vehicle brand, revealing it would be the first vehicle built on the Detroit automaker’s "BEV3" platform to challenge Tesla. GM has said one of the first fully electric Cadillac models using the new platform would hit the market around 2022. Amazon has also invested in self-driving car startup Aurora Innovation Inc, in a $530 million funding round announced last week. The world’s largest online retailer has steadily increased its logistics footprint, building warehouses around the world and inking deals with Mercedes as well as cargo airlines to help with delivery. Rivian's existing financial backers include Saudi auto distributor Abdul Latif Jameel Co (ALJ), Sumitomo Corp of Americas and Standard Chartered Bank. ALJ has agreed to provide almost $500 million in funding, Sumitomo invested an undisclosed amount, and Standard Chartered provided debt financing of $200 million.

Amazon, GM in talks to invest in electric pickup truck maker Rivian: Sources

The United States' largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, is facing a sexual abuse crisis after a bombshell report revealed hundreds of predators and more than 700 victims since 1998.

The report by two Texas newspapers found some<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036"> 380 church leaders and volunteers have faced public accusations of abuse,</a> mostly of children as young as three years old.

Some of the accused continued to work at Southern Baptist churches, the newspapers said.

In response to the report, church officials acknowledged the number of victims could actually be higher and urged survivors to come forward.

"One of the things I'm encouraged by are the number of pastors that are actively engaged right now," in the report's aftermath, convention leader Russell Moore told AFP on Tuesday.

The revelations threatened to engulf the denomination — with some 47,000 churches and 15 million members mostly in the southern US — in the same type of scandal that has roiled the Catholic Church.

A more comprehensive response was likely to come from the Southern Baptist organization next week when president JD Greear "is scheduled to give an update on a sexual abuse study he commissioned last summer," said spokesman Roger Oldham.

Unlike the Vatican, the Southern Baptist Convention is a loose network of churches allowed to run autonomously, ordain their own ministers — who are not required to be celibate — and hire staff and volunteers based on each church's own standards.

The decentralized system, which lacks a shared database of personnel records, has been rife for exploitation by sexual abusers, according to the investigative report first published over the weekend by the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News.

Lax oversight allowed some abusers with criminal convictions — even registered sex offenders — to continue working at Southern Baptist churches, according to the report, which found 220 offenders who were convicted or took plea deals.

"In the denomination, each congregation governs its own affairs. There are no bishops. There are no supervisors," Moore said.

"But churches can decide with whom they fellowship," he said. "No one can use church autonomy as an excuse." In at least 35 cases, abusers were able to leave one church and find work in another over the last two decades. In some cases, congregations knew about past abuse.

For example, Illinois pastor Leslie Mason was convicted in 2003 on two counts of sexual assault. After being released from prison, he went on to lead a different church nearby.

Florida pastor Darrell Gilyard, released from prison in 2011 after a criminal sex abuse conviction involving two girls, returned to preach services which children could not attend because a court order required him to stay away from minors.

Moore said some Southern Baptists held erroneous views of forgiveness that "assumes these predators should be simply given a second chance." In other instances, he said, churches believed horrific crimes could not occur within their ministries.

Moore also acknowledged that the Southern Baptist Convention rejected a proposal in 2007 that it should establish a registry to track abuse claims and prevent predators from getting rehired by other churches.

The newspapers found hundreds of abuse cases in the years since. And past church leaders have been accused of concealing or mishandling complaints.

"As a denomination, now is a time to mourn and repent. Changes are coming. They must," said Greear, the convention's current president, on Twitter.

The Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP), an organization mostly focused on the Catholic Church's abuse scandal, urged Southern Baptist survivors to report crimes to law enforcement.

"It is critical that law enforcement officials at every level of government look into these cases," the organization said in a statement.

Failure by Catholic Church officials to take action on sexual abuse allegations involving minors has been an urgent crisis hitting Roman Catholicism globally in recent years.

Pope Francis last week admitted that priests and bishops also had sexually abused nuns.&nbsp;

The United States' largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, is facing a sexual abuse crisis after a bombshell report revealed hundreds of predators and more than 700 victims since 1998.

The United States' largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, is facing a sexual abuse crisis after a bombshell report revealed hundreds of predators and more than 700 victims since 1998. The report by two Texas newspapers found some 380 church leaders and volunteers have faced public accusations of abuse, mostly of children as young as three years old. Some of the accused continued to work at Southern Baptist churches, the newspapers said. In response to the report, church officials acknowledged the number of victims could actually be higher and urged survivors to come forward. "One of the things I'm encouraged by are the number of pastors that are actively engaged right now," in the report's aftermath, convention leader Russell Moore told AFP on Tuesday. The revelations threatened to engulf the denomination — with some 47,000 churches and 15 million members mostly in the southern US — in the same type of scandal that has roiled the Catholic Church. A more comprehensive response was likely to come from the Southern Baptist organization next week when president JD Greear "is scheduled to give an update on a sexual abuse study he commissioned last summer," said spokesman Roger Oldham. Unlike the Vatican, the Southern Baptist Convention is a loose network of churches allowed to run autonomously, ordain their own ministers — who are not required to be celibate — and hire staff and volunteers based on each church's own standards. The decentralized system, which lacks a shared database of personnel records, has been rife for exploitation by sexual abusers, according to the investigative report first published over the weekend by the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News. Lax oversight allowed some abusers with criminal convictions — even registered sex offenders — to continue working at Southern Baptist churches, according to the report, which found 220 offenders who were convicted or took plea deals. "In the denomination, each congregation governs its own affairs. There are no bishops. There are no supervisors," Moore said. "But churches can decide with whom they fellowship," he said. "No one can use church autonomy as an excuse." In at least 35 cases, abusers were able to leave one church and find work in another over the last two decades. In some cases, congregations knew about past abuse. For example, Illinois pastor Leslie Mason was convicted in 2003 on two counts of sexual assault. After being released from prison, he went on to lead a different church nearby. Florida pastor Darrell Gilyard, released from prison in 2011 after a criminal sex abuse conviction involving two girls, returned to preach services which children could not attend because a court order required him to stay away from minors. Moore said some Southern Baptists held erroneous views of forgiveness that "assumes these predators should be simply given a second chance." In other instances, he said, churches believed horrific crimes could not occur within their ministries. Moore also acknowledged that the Southern Baptist Convention rejected a proposal in 2007 that it should establish a registry to track abuse claims and prevent predators from getting rehired by other churches. The newspapers found hundreds of abuse cases in the years since. And past church leaders have been accused of concealing or mishandling complaints. "As a denomination, now is a time to mourn and repent. Changes are coming. They must," said Greear, the convention's current president, on Twitter. The Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP), an organization mostly focused on the Catholic Church's abuse scandal, urged Southern Baptist survivors to report crimes to law enforcement. "It is critical that law enforcement officials at every level of government look into these cases," the organization said in a statement. Failure by Catholic Church officials to take action on sexual abuse allegations involving minors has been an urgent crisis hitting Roman Catholicism globally in recent years. Pope Francis last week admitted that priests and bishops also had sexually abused nuns.

US Southern Baptist churches embroiled in sex abuse scandal

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday as investors kept a cautious stance ahead of a fresh round of<a href="http://13.232.42.114/world/big-differences-remain-but-certain-deals-reached-in-china-us-trade-talks-134752"> Sino-US trade talks</a>, while a firmer dollar capped gains for the bullion, which was drawing support from global economic slowdown worries.

Spot gold was firm at $1,308 per ounce, as of 0341 GMT, after falling 0.4 per cent in the previous session.

US gold futures were also mostly unchanged at $1,312.20 per ounce.

"Gold is being pushed around by the US dollar in the near term. Traders are getting out of anything to do with Europe on concerns of weakness in the region and going for safe-haven buying into US treasuries, which is pushing up the dollar," said Kyle Rodda, market analyst, IG Markets.

When investors buy US Treasury bonds, they are also required to purchase the greenback, which makes dollar-denominated gold more expensive for holders of other currencies, potentially subduing demand.

"Gold is still very resilient and should trade in the range of $1,305 to $1,320, with investors looking for headlines around trade talks, US government shutdown and data from the United States and China for signs of weakness in the economy," Rodda said.

The new round of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-resume-next-week-focus-on-intellectual-property-196249"> trade talks between China and the United States</a> started in Beijing on Monday with world's two largest economies trying to hammer out a deal before a March 1 deadline, after which US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports are scheduled to increase to 25 per cent from 10 per cent.

Sino-US trade tensions have rattled financial markets since last year and also underpinned the dollar's safe-haven appeal.

The dollar index was steady at 97.05, after advancing 0.4 per cent in the previous session in its largest percentage gain since Jan. 24.

"Ongoing trade tensions and concerns about weaker global economic growth continue to provide a level of support in the gold market," ANZ analysts said in a research note.

Meanwhile, US congressional negotiators said late on Monday they had reached a tentative deal on border security funding that would avert another partial government shutdown due to start on Saturday, but provided no details.

Investors are worried about the economic impact of the US government shutdown when global growth is already lean.

Among other metals, palladium traded steady at $1,385 per ounce, while silver inched up 0.1 per cent to $15.67.

Platinum rose 0.5 per cent to $785.50 per ounce. In the previous session, the metal touched $779.50, its lowest since January 2.

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday as investors kept a cautious stance ahead of a fresh round of Sino-US trade talks, while a firmer dollar capped gains for the bullion, which was drawing support from global economic slowdown worries.

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday as investors kept a cautious stance ahead of a fresh round of Sino-US trade talks, while a firmer dollar capped gains for the bullion, which was drawing support from global economic slowdown worries. Spot gold was firm at $1,308 per ounce, as of 0341 GMT, after falling 0.4 per cent in the previous session. US gold futures were also mostly unchanged at $1,312.20 per ounce. "Gold is being pushed around by the US dollar in the near term. Traders are getting out of anything to do with Europe on concerns of weakness in the region and going for safe-haven buying into US treasuries, which is pushing up the dollar," said Kyle Rodda, market analyst, IG Markets. When investors buy US Treasury bonds, they are also required to purchase the greenback, which makes dollar-denominated gold more expensive for holders of other currencies, potentially subduing demand. "Gold is still very resilient and should trade in the range of $1,305 to $1,320, with investors looking for headlines around trade talks, US government shutdown and data from the United States and China for signs of weakness in the economy," Rodda said. The new round of trade talks between China and the United States started in Beijing on Monday with world's two largest economies trying to hammer out a deal before a March 1 deadline, after which US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports are scheduled to increase to 25 per cent from 10 per cent. Sino-US trade tensions have rattled financial markets since last year and also underpinned the dollar's safe-haven appeal. The dollar index was steady at 97.05, after advancing 0.4 per cent in the previous session in its largest percentage gain since Jan. 24. "Ongoing trade tensions and concerns about weaker global economic growth continue to provide a level of support in the gold market," ANZ analysts said in a research note. Meanwhile, US congressional negotiators said late on Monday they had reached a tentative deal on border security funding that would avert another partial government shutdown due to start on Saturday, but provided no details. Investors are worried about the economic impact of the US government shutdown when global growth is already lean. Among other metals, palladium traded steady at $1,385 per ounce, while silver inched up 0.1 per cent to $15.67. Platinum rose 0.5 per cent to $785.50 per ounce. In the previous session, the metal touched $779.50, its lowest since January 2.

Gold steady as firmer dollar offsets growth concerns

Oil prices rose on Tuesday amid OPEC-led supply cuts and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/oil-rises-after-us-threat-of-sanctions-on-venezuela-crude-192512">US sanctions against Iran and Venezuela</a>, although analysts expect surging US production and concerns over economic growth to keep markets in check.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures were at $52.78 per barrel at 0329 GMT, up 37 cents, or 0.7 per cent, from their last close.

The ongoing closure of parts of the Keystone pipeline that brings Canadian oil into the United States also helped prop up WTI, traders said.

International Brent crude futures were up 50 cents, or 0.8 per cent, at $62.01 per barrel.

Analysts said markets are tightening amid voluntary production cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and because of US sanctions on Venezuela and Iran.

But some said supply-side risks were not receiving enough focus.

"We believe that oil is not pricing in supply-side risks lately as markets are currently focused on US-China trade talks, ignoring the risks currently in place from the loss of Venezuelan barrels," US bank JP Morgan said in a weekly note.

Should US-China talks to end trade disputes between the two nations have a positive outcome, the bank said oil markets would "switch attention from macro concerns impacting future demand growth to physical tightness and geopolitical risks impacting immediate supply".

With OPEC engaged in supply management and the Middle East entangled in political conflicts while production outside the group surges, Bank of America Merrill Lynch said OPEC's global market share would fall as its outright output drops to 29 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024 from 31.9 million bpd in 2018.

Growing US supply and a potential economic slowdown this year could cap oil markets.

"The worries of oversupply stemming from the US will likely remain a dominant theme as we approach the warmer months," said Edward Moya, market analyst at futures brokerage OANDA.

US bank Morgan Stanley said the surge in US crude oil production, which tends to be light in quality and which rose by more than 2 million barrels per day (bpd) last year to a record 11.9 million bpd, had resulted in overproduction of gasoline.

"Light crudes naturally yield more gasoline, and together with relatively modest demand-growth, this has driven gasoline stocks sharply higher and crack spreads sharply lower in recent months," Morgan Stanley said.

Refining profits for gasoline have plunged since mid-2018, going negative in Asia and Europe, amid tepid demand growth and a surge in supply.

As a result, Morgan Stanley said, "low refining margins and weaker economic data means oil prices can rally only so much (and) we continue to see the modest upside for Brent to $65 per barrel in the second half (of 2019)".

Bank of America also warned of "a significant slowing in growth globally", adding that it expected Brent and WTI to average $70 per barrel and $59 per barrel respectively in 2019, and $65 per barrel and $60 per barrel in 2020.

Oil prices rose on Tuesday amid OPEC-led supply cuts and US sanctions against Iran and Venezuela, although analysts expect surging US production and concerns over economic growth to keep markets in check.

Oil prices rose on Tuesday amid OPEC-led supply cuts and US sanctions against Iran and Venezuela, although analysts expect surging US production and concerns over economic growth to keep markets in check. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures were at $52.78 per barrel at 0329 GMT, up 37 cents, or 0.7 per cent, from their last close. The ongoing closure of parts of the Keystone pipeline that brings Canadian oil into the United States also helped prop up WTI, traders said. International Brent crude futures were up 50 cents, or 0.8 per cent, at $62.01 per barrel. Analysts said markets are tightening amid voluntary production cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and because of US sanctions on Venezuela and Iran. But some said supply-side risks were not receiving enough focus. "We believe that oil is not pricing in supply-side risks lately as markets are currently focused on US-China trade talks, ignoring the risks currently in place from the loss of Venezuelan barrels," US bank JP Morgan said in a weekly note. Should US-China talks to end trade disputes between the two nations have a positive outcome, the bank said oil markets would "switch attention from macro concerns impacting future demand growth to physical tightness and geopolitical risks impacting immediate supply". With OPEC engaged in supply management and the Middle East entangled in political conflicts while production outside the group surges, Bank of America Merrill Lynch said OPEC's global market share would fall as its outright output drops to 29 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024 from 31.9 million bpd in 2018. Growing US supply and a potential economic slowdown this year could cap oil markets. "The worries of oversupply stemming from the US will likely remain a dominant theme as we approach the warmer months," said Edward Moya, market analyst at futures brokerage OANDA. US bank Morgan Stanley said the surge in US crude oil production, which tends to be light in quality and which rose by more than 2 million barrels per day (bpd) last year to a record 11.9 million bpd, had resulted in overproduction of gasoline. "Light crudes naturally yield more gasoline, and together with relatively modest demand-growth, this has driven gasoline stocks sharply higher and crack spreads sharply lower in recent months," Morgan Stanley said. Refining profits for gasoline have plunged since mid-2018, going negative in Asia and Europe, amid tepid demand growth and a surge in supply. As a result, Morgan Stanley said, "low refining margins and weaker economic data means oil prices can rally only so much (and) we continue to see the modest upside for Brent to $65 per barrel in the second half (of 2019)". Bank of America also warned of "a significant slowing in growth globally", adding that it expected Brent and WTI to average $70 per barrel and $59 per barrel respectively in 2019, and $65 per barrel and $60 per barrel in 2020.

Oil prices rise on OPEC output cuts, as US sanctions bite

The United States has denied accusations it is pressuring banks to stop dealing with the Palestinian government, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/us-stops-funds-to-uns-palestine-agency-162925">whose relations with Washington have been plummeting</a>.

Several Palestinian officials have accused the US of trying to force banks not to deal with transactions linked to the Palestinian Authority, which has limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank.

"The United States has not requested that foreign donors restrict assistance to the Palestinians, nor has it requested that financial institutions cease transfers to Palestinian Authority (PA) bank accounts," a US official told AFP late Monday.&nbsp;

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"We are aware of media reports suggesting this has occurred. Those reports are incorrect."

On Sunday, senior Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh charged that Washington was launching a "financial siege" on the PA.

"Major international financial institutions and parties have begun to accede to an American request to impose a tight financial siege on the Palestinian Authority," he told AFP.

"Washington has asked for financial aid given to the authority to be stopped, and it has also issued a circular to banks not to receive transfers for the authority’s accounts."

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki has said on local radio that the US was using "all means to press Arab countries to stop financial support for our people".

Relations between the US and the Palestinians have broken down since President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in late 2017.

The Palestinians consider the eastern part of the city their capital and have boycotted the Trump administration since.&nbsp;

In response, the US has cut more than $500 million in annual aid to the Palestinians, mostly to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees.

The cuts have worsened longterm financial shortfalls for the PA, which is heavily reliant on international aid.

The United States has denied accusations it is pressuring banks to stop dealing with the Palestinian government, whose relations with Washington have been plummeting.

The United States has denied accusations it is pressuring banks to stop dealing with the Palestinian government, whose relations with Washington have been plummeting. Several Palestinian officials have accused the US of trying to force banks not to deal with transactions linked to the Palestinian Authority, which has limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank. "The United States has not requested that foreign donors restrict assistance to the Palestinians, nor has it requested that financial institutions cease transfers to Palestinian Authority (PA) bank accounts," a US official told AFP late Monday. Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki has said on local radio that the US was using 'all means to press Arab countries to stop financial support for our people' × "We are aware of media reports suggesting this has occurred. Those reports are incorrect." On Sunday, senior Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh charged that Washington was launching a "financial siege" on the PA. "Major international financial institutions and parties have begun to accede to an American request to impose a tight financial siege on the Palestinian Authority," he told AFP. "Washington has asked for financial aid given to the authority to be stopped, and it has also issued a circular to banks not to receive transfers for the authority’s accounts." Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki has said on local radio that the US was using "all means to press Arab countries to stop financial support for our people". Relations between the US and the Palestinians have broken down since President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in late 2017. The Palestinians consider the eastern part of the city their capital and have boycotted the Trump administration since. In response, the US has cut more than $500 million in annual aid to the Palestinians, mostly to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. The cuts have worsened longterm financial shortfalls for the PA, which is heavily reliant on international aid.

US says it did not tell banks to stop working with Palestinians

Beijing called the latest US warning against using Huawei equipment "groundless" on Tuesday, as the Chinese telecom giant faces espionage fears in a growing number of countries.

The world's second-largest smartphone maker and biggest producer of telecommunications gear has been under fire in recent months after the arrest of a top executive in Canada and a global campaign by Washington to blacklist its equipment.

"The US has spared no effort in unscrupulously fabricating all kinds of groundless charges," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing in Beijing Tuesday.

She also accused the US of "sowing discord" between China and other countries, and called the actions of Washington "neither fair nor moral."

On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on a visit to Hungary that it would be difficult for the United States to partner with countries that co-locate Huawei equipment near "important American systems".

"We want to make sure we identify (to) them the opportunities and the risks with using that equipment," he said.

His comments came less than week after a team of US officials toured EU capitals -- including Brussels -- urging European governments to scrap Huawei 5G technology from their telecom infrastructure plans.

Several Western nations have voiced fears that using Huawei base stations and other gear could give Chinese authorities access to critical network infrastructure worldwide, possibly allowing it to spy on foreign governments.

In December, Britain's largest mobile provider said it was removing Huawei equipment from its 4G cellular network after the foreign intelligence service singled out the company as a security risk.

Australia, New Zealand, and the United States also enacted similar bans last year.

Huawei has remained dismissive of these concerns, with the company's vice president and representative to the EU Abraham Liu calling them "ungrounded and senseless allegations" in a speech last week.

Beijing called the latest US warning against using Huawei equipment "groundless" on Tuesday, as the Chinese telecom giant faces espionage fears in a growing number of countries.

Beijing called the latest US warning against using Huawei equipment "groundless" on Tuesday, as the Chinese telecom giant faces espionage fears in a growing number of countries. The world's second-largest smartphone maker and biggest producer of telecommunications gear has been under fire in recent months after the arrest of a top executive in Canada and a global campaign by Washington to blacklist its equipment. "The US has spared no effort in unscrupulously fabricating all kinds of groundless charges," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing in Beijing Tuesday. She also accused the US of "sowing discord" between China and other countries, and called the actions of Washington "neither fair nor moral." On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on a visit to Hungary that it would be difficult for the United States to partner with countries that co-locate Huawei equipment near "important American systems". "We want to make sure we identify (to) them the opportunities and the risks with using that equipment," he said. His comments came less than week after a team of US officials toured EU capitals -- including Brussels -- urging European governments to scrap Huawei 5G technology from their telecom infrastructure plans. Several Western nations have voiced fears that using Huawei base stations and other gear could give Chinese authorities access to critical network infrastructure worldwide, possibly allowing it to spy on foreign governments. In December, Britain's largest mobile provider said it was removing Huawei equipment from its 4G cellular network after the foreign intelligence service singled out the company as a security risk. Australia, New Zealand, and the United States also enacted similar bans last year. Huawei has remained dismissive of these concerns, with the company's vice president and representative to the EU Abraham Liu calling them "ungrounded and senseless allegations" in a speech last week.

China calls US concerns over Huawei 'groundless'

The Trump administration wants to ensure that Afghanistan is never used as a safe haven for terrorists, Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has told President Ashraf Ghani during his surprise visit to the war-torn country to lead a push for<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-khalilzad-in-taliban-talks-seeks-peace-deal-before-afghanistans-presidential-elections-196133"> peace talks with the Taliban.</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-calls-recent-afghanistan-peace-talks-with-us-successful-report-195440">Shanahan held talks with Ghani </a>at the Presidential Palace on Monday to reaffirm his commitment to Afghanistan through the implementation of President Trump's South Asia strategy.

"The leaders discussed a broad range of defence issues, including the importance of the US-Afghanistan security relationship and of achieving a political settlement to the war that ensures Afghanistan is never again used as a safe haven from which terrorists can plan and launch terrorist attacks against the United States, our interests, and our allies," said Pentagon Spokesperson Cmdr Sean Robertson.

During the meeting, Shanahan praised the sacrifices made by Afghan and Coalition troops and reaffirmed America's continued support to Afghan forces as they lead the fight to defend their country.

Shanahan made a surprise trip to Afghanistan on Monday, his first-ever visit to the country where US troops have been stationed for 17 years.

President Donald Trump reportedly wants to cut in half the 14,000 American troops in Afghanistan, and the Taliban leaders have made a US withdrawal a key condition in peace negotiations.

Shanahan told reporters on Monday that he had no orders to reduce the American troop presence. He said that while the US had a key role to play, it is ultimately up to Afghans to find peace.

"The Afghans have to decide what Afghanistan looks like. It's not about the US, it's about Afghanistan," he said.

The Acting Defense chief's visit comes after the US held major talks with the Taliban officials in Qatar last month in an attempt to end the 17-year conflict.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the talks, has expressed hope of finding a deal before Afghan presidential elections scheduled for July.

In a series of tweets after six days of talks with the Taliban representatives in Doha last month, Khalilzad said the US has made "significant progress" in its peace talks with the Taliban.

"We have a draft of the framework that has to be fleshed out before it becomes an agreement. The Taliban have committed, to our satisfaction, to do what is necessary that would prevent Afghanistan from ever becoming a platform for international terrorist groups or individuals," Khalilzad said at the time.

Since being appointed in September, Khalilzad has met with all sides in an attempt to end America's longest war in which the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers.

The US is expected to start the second round of talks with Taliban officials on February 25 in Qatar, where they have their political office.

The Afghan Taliban, however, has said that despite the ongoing talks with the US and other regional powers, it had "not yet reached" any conclusion that would entail an immediate end to hostilities against America and its allies.

The Taliban are holding talks with the United States "on their own initiative", Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid was recently quoted as saying by a TV channel.

The Taliban control nearly half of Afghanistan and are more powerful than at any time since the 2001 US-led invasion after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001.

Meanwhile, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna said that the US should continue supporting the Afghan government financially and diplomatically after leaving and include them in the peace process.

"We should continue supporting the Afghan government financially and diplomatically after leaving and include them in the peace process. The Afghans must eventually earn domestic legitimacy themselves, though," he said in an op-ed in USA Today.

Khanna said the biggest threat to democracy was not the Taliban, but staying economically competitive with authoritarian superpowers like China.

Responding to critics who argue that after the US withdrawal the Taliban might steamroll the Afghan government and then harbour terrorists, Khanna said preventing that outcome did not require a permanent US troop presence.

"Deterrence works. The Taliban should understand that the United States will use overwhelming force again if they harbour terrorists who directly threaten our homeland. Moreover, other 'ungoverned territories' exist where terrorists can operate. There, we conduct counterterrorism from the air without troop deployment," Khanna said.&nbsp;

The Trump administration wants to ensure that Afghanistan is never used as a safe haven for terrorists, Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has told President Ashraf Ghani during his surprise visit to the war-torn country to lead a push for peace talks with the Taliban.

The Trump administration wants to ensure that Afghanistan is never used as a safe haven for terrorists, Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has told President Ashraf Ghani during his surprise visit to the war-torn country to lead a push for peace talks with the Taliban. Shanahan held talks with Ghani at the Presidential Palace on Monday to reaffirm his commitment to Afghanistan through the implementation of President Trump's South Asia strategy. "The leaders discussed a broad range of defence issues, including the importance of the US-Afghanistan security relationship and of achieving a political settlement to the war that ensures Afghanistan is never again used as a safe haven from which terrorists can plan and launch terrorist attacks against the United States, our interests, and our allies," said Pentagon Spokesperson Cmdr Sean Robertson. During the meeting, Shanahan praised the sacrifices made by Afghan and Coalition troops and reaffirmed America's continued support to Afghan forces as they lead the fight to defend their country. Shanahan made a surprise trip to Afghanistan on Monday, his first-ever visit to the country where US troops have been stationed for 17 years. President Donald Trump reportedly wants to cut in half the 14,000 American troops in Afghanistan, and the Taliban leaders have made a US withdrawal a key condition in peace negotiations. Shanahan told reporters on Monday that he had no orders to reduce the American troop presence. He said that while the US had a key role to play, it is ultimately up to Afghans to find peace. "The Afghans have to decide what Afghanistan looks like. It's not about the US, it's about Afghanistan," he said. The Acting Defense chief's visit comes after the US held major talks with the Taliban officials in Qatar last month in an attempt to end the 17-year conflict. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the talks, has expressed hope of finding a deal before Afghan presidential elections scheduled for July. In a series of tweets after six days of talks with the Taliban representatives in Doha last month, Khalilzad said the US has made "significant progress" in its peace talks with the Taliban. "We have a draft of the framework that has to be fleshed out before it becomes an agreement. The Taliban have committed, to our satisfaction, to do what is necessary that would prevent Afghanistan from ever becoming a platform for international terrorist groups or individuals," Khalilzad said at the time. Since being appointed in September, Khalilzad has met with all sides in an attempt to end America's longest war in which the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers. The US is expected to start the second round of talks with Taliban officials on February 25 in Qatar, where they have their political office. The Afghan Taliban, however, has said that despite the ongoing talks with the US and other regional powers, it had "not yet reached" any conclusion that would entail an immediate end to hostilities against America and its allies. The Taliban are holding talks with the United States "on their own initiative", Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid was recently quoted as saying by a TV channel. The Taliban control nearly half of Afghanistan and are more powerful than at any time since the 2001 US-led invasion after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001. Meanwhile, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna said that the US should continue supporting the Afghan government financially and diplomatically after leaving and include them in the peace process. "We should continue supporting the Afghan government financially and diplomatically after leaving and include them in the peace process. The Afghans must eventually earn domestic legitimacy themselves, though," he said in an op-ed in USA Today. Khanna said the biggest threat to democracy was not the Taliban, but staying economically competitive with authoritarian superpowers like China. Responding to critics who argue that after the US withdrawal the Taliban might steamroll the Afghan government and then harbour terrorists, Khanna said preventing that outcome did not require a permanent US troop presence. "Deterrence works. The Taliban should understand that the United States will use overwhelming force again if they harbour terrorists who directly threaten our homeland. Moreover, other 'ungoverned territories' exist where terrorists can operate. There, we conduct counterterrorism from the air without troop deployment," Khanna said.

US wants to ensure, Afghanistan is not used as safe heaven for terrorists: Shanahan to Ghani

Patrick Shanahan arrived in Afghanistan on Monday on his first trip as acting US defence secretary and said it was important the Afghan government is involved in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-calls-recent-afghanistan-peace-talks-with-us-successful-report-195440">talks</a>, from which it has so far been sidelined, to end the 17-year-old war.

"It is important that the Afghan government is involved in discussions regarding Afghanistan," Shanahan told a small group of reporters travelling with him on the unannounced trip.

He said the United States has important security interests in the region and wanted to hear from commanders on the ground.

Shanahan replaced Jim Mattis, who quit in December over policy differences with US President Donald Trump. He will meet US military officials and the Afghan leadership, including President Ashraf Ghani.

Patrick Shanahan arrived in Afghanistan on Monday on his first trip as acting US defence secretary and said it was important the Afghan government is involved in talks, from which it has so far been sidelined, to end the 17-year-old war.

Patrick Shanahan arrived in Afghanistan on Monday on his first trip as acting US defence secretary and said it was important the Afghan government is involved in talks, from which it has so far been sidelined, to end the 17-year-old war. "It is important that the Afghan government is involved in discussions regarding Afghanistan," Shanahan told a small group of reporters travelling with him on the unannounced trip. He said the United States has important security interests in the region and wanted to hear from commanders on the ground. Shanahan replaced Jim Mattis, who quit in December over policy differences with US President Donald Trump. He will meet US military officials and the Afghan leadership, including President Ashraf Ghani.

Acting Pentagon chief makes first Afghanistan trip as US seeks peace deal

A senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-iran-to-continue-expanding-military-might-missile-work-196656">that Iran would demolish cities in Israel to the ground</a> if the United States attacked the Islamic Republic.

"The United States does not have the courage to shoot a single bullet at us despite all its defensive and military assets. But if they attack us, we will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground," Yadollah Javani, the Guards’ deputy head for political affairs was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.

He was speaking at a rally celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

A senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday that Iran would demolish cities in Israel to the ground if the United States attacked the Islamic Republic.

A senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday that Iran would demolish cities in Israel to the ground if the United States attacked the Islamic Republic. "The United States does not have the courage to shoot a single bullet at us despite all its defensive and military assets. But if they attack us, we will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground," Yadollah Javani, the Guards’ deputy head for political affairs was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. He was speaking at a rally celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

Iran says it will 'raze Tel Aviv to the ground' if attacked by US: IRNA

As US-backed forces fight the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-backed-syrian-fighters-close-in-on-last-islamic-state-held-area-in-eastern-syria-196469">last battle against the Islamic State in Syria</a>, media reports say IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is still alive and narrowly escaped a coup by his own men.&nbsp;

Chaos and rivalry seem to reign within the terror group’s ranks as they try to negotiate a safe passage offering to free hostages. WION's West Asia bureau chief Daniele Pagani has the story.

As per a report recently published in British newspaper The Guardian, on January 10, al-Baghdadi narrowly escaped a coup attempt by some of his own foreign fighters.

This would be the most recent proof that al-Baghdadi is alive and in Syria. August 2018 was the last time the world heard his voice.&nbsp;

Despite a 25 million dollar bounty on his head, local intelligence sources say rumours and information of his whereabouts have not been heard since.

The Islamic State has put a bounty on a veteran foreign fighter, who is believed to be the coup mastermind.&nbsp;

There appears to be chaos within the ranks of the terror group. Captured ISIS fighters talk about growing rivalry between local and foreign fighters.

"I guess there's a lot of bad blood between the foreigners and the Iraqis now, and the Syrians. The foreigners feel they were left out, hung to dry, they've been used and abused and now the trust is not there at all between the foreigners and the locals,” Mohammad Ali, 28, known as Abu Turab al-Kanadi, foreign jihadist fighter of IS was quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The last Islamic State contingent is trying to play all its cards to avoid total annihilation. Kurdish sources reported that terrorists tried to negotiate safe passage in return for well-known hostages.

Negotiations for safe passage have been common in the Syrian war. It was usually offered in return for surrender.&nbsp;

But now, the Islamic State is offering to free high-profile hostages on top of that. This could be out of desperation or to protect al-Baghdad and grant him the last escape.

All named hostages were kidnapped more than five years ago, which makes it difficult to assess if they are still alive.

The Syrian democratic forces’ spokesperson has recently clarified that, regardless of any ISIS negotiation attempt, no safe passage will be given.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
After saving more than 20K civilians from IS-held area and ensuring their safety in nearby camps, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SDF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SDF</a> started to move on to the last village remaining under jihadists’ control in N. Syria. Village of Baghuz, which is the only remaining <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISIS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISIS</a> pocket, will be cleared soon.
— Mustafa Bali (@mustefabali) <a href="https://twitter.com/mustefabali/status/1094258579354324992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The US-backed Syrian democratic forces launched the final offensive against the 500 terrorists holed-up in two villages on the border of Iraq and Syria.

There have been intensive clashes over the weekend. Civilians living in the area have been evacuated to nearby camps.

The US-backed SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) have been fighting the Islamic State since 2014, losing hundreds of men and women on the battlefield. They now, finally, see the end.

"Today, there are no more military gangs (Islamic State militants) left in Rojava. But their masterminds are still hiding. The time will come for them. We will finish them off. But as of today, it's over. We are very joyful. This was the last day. The war with Daesh gangs is over. It's good to finish them off. We avenged our martyrs' death. There is nothing left (of is militants)," Kurdish unidentified man, purported to be an SDF soldier was quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

As US-backed forces fight the last battle against the Islamic State in Syria, media reports say IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is still alive and narrowly escaped a coup by his own men.

As US-backed forces fight the last battle against the Islamic State in Syria, media reports say IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is still alive and narrowly escaped a coup by his own men. Chaos and rivalry seem to reign within the terror group’s ranks as they try to negotiate a safe passage offering to free hostages. WION's West Asia bureau chief Daniele Pagani has the story. As per a report recently published in British newspaper The Guardian, on January 10, al-Baghdadi narrowly escaped a coup attempt by some of his own foreign fighters. This would be the most recent proof that al-Baghdadi is alive and in Syria. August 2018 was the last time the world heard his voice. Despite a 25 million dollar bounty on his head, local intelligence sources say rumours and information of his whereabouts have not been heard since. The Islamic State has put a bounty on a veteran foreign fighter, who is believed to be the coup mastermind. There appears to be chaos within the ranks of the terror group. Captured ISIS fighters talk about growing rivalry between local and foreign fighters. "I guess there's a lot of bad blood between the foreigners and the Iraqis now, and the Syrians. The foreigners feel they were left out, hung to dry, they've been used and abused and now the trust is not there at all between the foreigners and the locals,” Mohammad Ali, 28, known as Abu Turab al-Kanadi, foreign jihadist fighter of IS was quoted by news agency AFP. The last Islamic State contingent is trying to play all its cards to avoid total annihilation. Kurdish sources reported that terrorists tried to negotiate safe passage in return for well-known hostages. Negotiations for safe passage have been common in the Syrian war. It was usually offered in return for surrender. But now, the Islamic State is offering to free high-profile hostages on top of that. This could be out of desperation or to protect al-Baghdad and grant him the last escape. All named hostages were kidnapped more than five years ago, which makes it difficult to assess if they are still alive. The Syrian democratic forces’ spokesperson has recently clarified that, regardless of any ISIS negotiation attempt, no safe passage will be given. After saving more than 20K civilians from IS-held area and ensuring their safety in nearby camps, #SDF started to move on to the last village remaining under jihadists’ control in N. Syria. Village of Baghuz, which is the only remaining #ISIS pocket, will be cleared soon. — Mustafa Bali (@mustefabali) February 9, 2019 × The US-backed Syrian democratic forces launched the final offensive against the 500 terrorists holed-up in two villages on the border of Iraq and Syria. There have been intensive clashes over the weekend. Civilians living in the area have been evacuated to nearby camps. The US-backed SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) have been fighting the Islamic State since 2014, losing hundreds of men and women on the battlefield. They now, finally, see the end. "Today, there are no more military gangs (Islamic State militants) left in Rojava. But their masterminds are still hiding. The time will come for them. We will finish them off. But as of today, it's over. We are very joyful. This was the last day. The war with Daesh gangs is over. It's good to finish them off. We avenged our martyrs' death. There is nothing left (of is militants)," Kurdish unidentified man, purported to be an SDF soldier was quoted by news agency Reuters.

A coup, hostages and chaos: ISIS's final days in Syria 

China hopes that the next round of negotiations aimed at ending a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-trump-to-meet-chinese-vice-premier-this-week-193558">trade dispute between China and the United States</a> yields positive results, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

Preparatory meetings were held on Monday with deputy US trade representative Jeffrey Gerrish ahead of the resumption of talks this week in Beijing.

"The two sides will discuss trade topics in more depth," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a press conference.

"We hope to see a good result from this discussion," she added.

Senior level meetings will be held on Thursday and Friday between Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, Hua said.

This week will see the third face-to-face meeting between representatives of both countries since Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, agreed on December 1 to declare a 90-day truce to the trade dispute, making March 1 the deadline for finalizing a deal.

Negotiators made "important progress" in the last round of talks, held at the end of January in Washington DC, China's state-owned agency Xinhua reported.

A wide range of topics were discussed during those talks, including trade balance, technology transfer, protection of intellectual property rights, non-tariff barriers, service sector, agriculture and enforcement mechanism, according to Xinhua.

Since the December 1 truce, China has lowered tariffs on vehicles imported from the US, resuming the purchase of soya and submitting a bill to ban the forced transfer of technology, as part of various goodwill gestures.

Meanwhile, Trump temporarily suspended the 10-25 per cent tariff increase on Chinese products valued at $200 billion but threatened to discontinue the plan if a trade agreement is not reached before the expiry of the 90-day term.

The dispute dates from July last year, when the White House announced a series of tariffs would be imposed on Chinese goods, triggering the escalating trade dispute which saw both countries impose reciprocal tariffs on each other's imports.

In his election campaign, Trump had pledged to address the trade imbalance and China's perceived "longtime abuse of the broken international system".

China hopes that the next round of negotiations aimed at ending a trade dispute between China and the United States yields positive results, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

China hopes that the next round of negotiations aimed at ending a trade dispute between China and the United States yields positive results, the foreign ministry said on Monday. Preparatory meetings were held on Monday with deputy US trade representative Jeffrey Gerrish ahead of the resumption of talks this week in Beijing. "The two sides will discuss trade topics in more depth," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a press conference. "We hope to see a good result from this discussion," she added. Senior level meetings will be held on Thursday and Friday between Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, Hua said. This week will see the third face-to-face meeting between representatives of both countries since Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, agreed on December 1 to declare a 90-day truce to the trade dispute, making March 1 the deadline for finalizing a deal. Negotiators made "important progress" in the last round of talks, held at the end of January in Washington DC, China's state-owned agency Xinhua reported. A wide range of topics were discussed during those talks, including trade balance, technology transfer, protection of intellectual property rights, non-tariff barriers, service sector, agriculture and enforcement mechanism, according to Xinhua. Since the December 1 truce, China has lowered tariffs on vehicles imported from the US, resuming the purchase of soya and submitting a bill to ban the forced transfer of technology, as part of various goodwill gestures. Meanwhile, Trump temporarily suspended the 10-25 per cent tariff increase on Chinese products valued at $200 billion but threatened to discontinue the plan if a trade agreement is not reached before the expiry of the 90-day term. The dispute dates from July last year, when the White House announced a series of tariffs would be imposed on Chinese goods, triggering the escalating trade dispute which saw both countries impose reciprocal tariffs on each other's imports. In his election campaign, Trump had pledged to address the trade imbalance and China's perceived "longtime abuse of the broken international system".

China hopes for positive results from next round of trade talks with US

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-what-will-happen-in-the-british-parliament-on-february-14-196447">Brexit uncertainty</a> and weaker global growth bites.

Gross domestic product growth stood at 1.4 per cent last year, down from 1.8 per cent in 2017, while growth was only 0.2 per cent in the last three months of 2018, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.

"Following a pickup in activity over the summer months -- in part due to warm weather and the World Cup -- real GDP growth slowed markedly in the final quarter of 2018, with GDP falling by 0.4 per cent in the month of December," the ONS said.&nbsp;

"Construction, production and services output fell in the month, the first time that there has been such a broad-based fall in monthly output since September 2012."

The data comes after the Bank of England last week slashed its forecast for UK growth this year to 1.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent, blaming the downgrade on a global economic slowdown and "the fog of Brexit".

It also comes as the British government is seeking to win more time to secure EU concessions on Brexit that could pass parliament and avert a chaotic split from the bloc on March 29.

Businesses and governments are on edge as Britain is just weeks away from its scheduled departure from the European project after 46 years and still has no firm arrangements in place.

The Bank of England last week stressed that Britain's economic output was also being dragged down by a global slowdown, with growth dampening in China, the United States and the eurozone.

The point was echoed by analysts reacting to Monday's data.

"Brexit uncertainty is certainly not helping matters on the economic front, but it is probably only a secondary factor in this slowdown, with the primary cause being a drop in overall global activity," noted David Cheetham, chief market analyst at XTB trading group.

"The eurozone in particular has been especially weak on the data front of late, and the focus now is very much on whether there can be a tangible breakthrough on the trade front between the US and China, with Beijing back after their New Year's holiday."

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites.

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites. Gross domestic product growth stood at 1.4 per cent last year, down from 1.8 per cent in 2017, while growth was only 0.2 per cent in the last three months of 2018, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement. "Following a pickup in activity over the summer months -- in part due to warm weather and the World Cup -- real GDP growth slowed markedly in the final quarter of 2018, with GDP falling by 0.4 per cent in the month of December," the ONS said. "Construction, production and services output fell in the month, the first time that there has been such a broad-based fall in monthly output since September 2012." The data comes after the Bank of England last week slashed its forecast for UK growth this year to 1.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent, blaming the downgrade on a global economic slowdown and "the fog of Brexit". It also comes as the British government is seeking to win more time to secure EU concessions on Brexit that could pass parliament and avert a chaotic split from the bloc on March 29. Businesses and governments are on edge as Britain is just weeks away from its scheduled departure from the European project after 46 years and still has no firm arrangements in place. The Bank of England last week stressed that Britain's economic output was also being dragged down by a global slowdown, with growth dampening in China, the United States and the eurozone. The point was echoed by analysts reacting to Monday's data. "Brexit uncertainty is certainly not helping matters on the economic front, but it is probably only a secondary factor in this slowdown, with the primary cause being a drop in overall global activity," noted David Cheetham, chief market analyst at XTB trading group. "The eurozone in particular has been especially weak on the data front of late, and the focus now is very much on whether there can be a tangible breakthrough on the trade front between the US and China, with Beijing back after their New Year's holiday."

Brexit uncertainty: UK economy posts slowest growth in six years

US Senator Elizabeth Warren formally launches 2020 Presidential campaign

US-backed Syrian forces begin attack on final IS stronghold

U.S. and Russia push rival United Nations actions on Venezuela

<a href="http://13.232.42.114/world/us-backed-syrian-forces-launch-final-battle-against-islamic-state-enclave-196295">US-backed forces</a> were locked in fierce fighting as they pressed the battle against the last shred of the <a href="http://13.232.42.114/world/us-backed-syrian-force-to-start-final-battle-against-is-enclave-196281">Islamic State group's "caliphate" in eastern Syria</a> on Sunday, a war monitor said.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by a US-led coalition, announced a final push to retake the jihadist pocket near the Iraqi border late Saturday, after a pause of more than a week to allow civilians to flee.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported heavy clashes between both sides on Sunday morning, as coalition planes and artillery bombarded jihadist positions.

"The battle is ongoing. There were heavy clashes this morning, with landmines going off," said Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based war monitor.

The SDF launched an offensive to expel IS from the eastern province of Deir Ezzor in September.

The Kurdish-led alliance has since whittled down jihadist-held territory to a patch of just four square kilometres (one square mile) on the eastern banks of the Euphrates.

Up to 600 jihadists could still remain inside, most of them foreigners, according to SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali.

Since fighting intensified in December, more than 37,000 people, mostly wives and children of jihadist fighters, have fled out into SDF-held desert areas, the Observatory says.

That figure includes some 3,200 suspected jihadists detained by the SDF, according to the monitor, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information.

At the height of their rule, the jihadists imposed their brutal interpretation of Islamic law on a territory spanning parts of Syria and Iraq that was roughly the size of Britain.&nbsp;

But separate military offensives in both countries, including by the SDF, have since retaken the vast bulk of the cross-border "caliphate" they declared in 2014.&nbsp;

US-backed forces were locked in fierce fighting as they pressed the battle against the last shred of the Islamic State group's "caliphate" in eastern Syria on Sunday, a war monitor said.

US-backed forces were locked in fierce fighting as they pressed the battle against the last shred of the Islamic State group's "caliphate" in eastern Syria on Sunday, a war monitor said. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by a US-led coalition, announced a final push to retake the jihadist pocket near the Iraqi border late Saturday, after a pause of more than a week to allow civilians to flee. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported heavy clashes between both sides on Sunday morning, as coalition planes and artillery bombarded jihadist positions. "The battle is ongoing. There were heavy clashes this morning, with landmines going off," said Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based war monitor. The SDF launched an offensive to expel IS from the eastern province of Deir Ezzor in September. The Kurdish-led alliance has since whittled down jihadist-held territory to a patch of just four square kilometres (one square mile) on the eastern banks of the Euphrates. Up to 600 jihadists could still remain inside, most of them foreigners, according to SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali. Since fighting intensified in December, more than 37,000 people, mostly wives and children of jihadist fighters, have fled out into SDF-held desert areas, the Observatory says. That figure includes some 3,200 suspected jihadists detained by the SDF, according to the monitor, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information. At the height of their rule, the jihadists imposed their brutal interpretation of Islamic law on a territory spanning parts of Syria and Iraq that was roughly the size of Britain. But separate military offensives in both countries, including by the SDF, have since retaken the vast bulk of the cross-border "caliphate" they declared in 2014.

'Heavy clashes' as US-backed forces battle Islamic State in Syria: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-governor-ralph-northam-now-denies-appearance-in-racist-photo-refuses-to-resign-194668">Virginia's embattled governor</a>, Ralph Northam, capped a week of political chaos ignited by racial scandals by vowing to stay in office on Friday, while the fellow Democrat in line to succeed him faced a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-governors-future-in-limbo-amid-outcry-over-racist-photo-195375">second accusation of sexual assault</a>.

Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax issued a statement denying both allegations as a "coordinated smear campaign." He said the latest accusation, that he had raped a fellow student at Duke University in 2000, was "demonstrably false" and declared he would not step down.

Fairfax, 39, insisted earlier this week that his encounter with a woman who has accused him of forcing himself on her sexually at a hotel in Boston 14 years ago was entirely consensual.

But Friday's accusation sparked a round of calls for the resignation - and even a threat of impeachment - of the once-promising young politician who seemed poised days ago to replace Northam and become the second African-American governor in Virginia history.

The second in line to succeed Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring, 57, came under fire with his own admission this week that he, like Northam, had once darkened his face to imitate a black performer - a practice widely considered to be racist.

The possibility of all three top-ranked leaders of Virginia's executive branch having to resign raised the prospect of Democrats losing the governorship to the Republican speaker of the state House of Delegates, who is next in the line of succession. And that possibility has tested Democrats' resolve to show zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and racial bigotry.

It also has stirred Democrats' concerns that political discord in Virginia, a key swing state in presidential elections, could flip it back into the Republican column in the 2020 White House race.

The upheaval began with the revelation last Friday that Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook page contained a racist photo, followed by his acknowledgement of, and apology for, masquerading in blackface that year as pop star Michael Jackson.

After a week hunkered down in virtual seclusion under mounting pressure to resign, Northam indicated in an email message on Friday to state employees that he planned to keep his post.

"You have placed your trust in me to lead Virginia forward - and I plan to do that," Northam said.

ESCALATING PRESSURE

In a separate statement responding to the latest allegation against him, Fairfax said he has "never forced myself on anyone ever" and demanded a "full investigation into these unsubstantiated and false allegations."

"I will clear my good name and I have nothing to hide," Fairfax wrote, and declared: "I will not resign."

But the latest allegation of rape brought a torrent of demands for Fairfax to quit, including from all of the state House and Senate Democrats, the Legislative Black Caucus, former Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe and Virginia's two US&nbsp;senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Democrats.

One state House member, Democrat Patrick Hope, said on Twitter that he planned to introduce articles of impeachment for Fairfax on Monday unless he resigned.

The woman who made the new accusation, identified as Meredith Watson, said she was "reluctantly coming forward out of a strong sense of civic duty and her belief that those seeking or serving in public office should be of the highest character," the law firm that is representing her said in a statement.

The firm, New Jersey-based Smith Mullin, said the alleged assault occurred in 2000. Watson is "not seeking any financial damages," and her attorneys had notified Fairfax through his lawyers "that Ms Watson hopes he will resign from public office," the firm said in its statement.

The Smith Mullin statement said the alleged attack on Watson "was premeditated and aggressive," while also saying Fairfax and Watson "were friends but never dated or had any romantic relationship."

The law firm said it possessed emails, Facebook messages and statements to corroborate that Watson had shared her account of events immediately after the alleged rape.

Fairfax's first accuser, Stanford University academic Vanessa Tyson, has alleged that Fairfax had forced her to perform oral sex in a hotel room during the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

She came forward days after the disclosure by a conservative website of a racist photo on Northam's 1984 yearbook page of one person with blackface and another dressed in white robes of the Ku Klux Klan. Northam had originally admitted he was one of the people in that photo but later said that he was not.

Seeking to mend fences with Virginia's African-American population, Northam on Friday met privately with the president and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd Jr., in Richmond, the state capital. Boyd told Reuters the two men prayed together and "we asked for forgiveness."

Boyd, whose group says it represents 109,000 farmers across the country, said on Twitter that he urged the governor not to step down.

Virginia's embattled governor, Ralph Northam, capped a week of political chaos ignited by racial scandals by vowing to stay in office on Friday, while the fellow Democrat in line to succeed him faced a second accusation of sexual assault.

Virginia's embattled governor, Ralph Northam, capped a week of political chaos ignited by racial scandals by vowing to stay in office on Friday, while the fellow Democrat in line to succeed him faced a second accusation of sexual assault. Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax issued a statement denying both allegations as a "coordinated smear campaign." He said the latest accusation, that he had raped a fellow student at Duke University in 2000, was "demonstrably false" and declared he would not step down. Fairfax, 39, insisted earlier this week that his encounter with a woman who has accused him of forcing himself on her sexually at a hotel in Boston 14 years ago was entirely consensual. But Friday's accusation sparked a round of calls for the resignation - and even a threat of impeachment - of the once-promising young politician who seemed poised days ago to replace Northam and become the second African-American governor in Virginia history. The second in line to succeed Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring, 57, came under fire with his own admission this week that he, like Northam, had once darkened his face to imitate a black performer - a practice widely considered to be racist. The possibility of all three top-ranked leaders of Virginia's executive branch having to resign raised the prospect of Democrats losing the governorship to the Republican speaker of the state House of Delegates, who is next in the line of succession. And that possibility has tested Democrats' resolve to show zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and racial bigotry. It also has stirred Democrats' concerns that political discord in Virginia, a key swing state in presidential elections, could flip it back into the Republican column in the 2020 White House race. The upheaval began with the revelation last Friday that Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook page contained a racist photo, followed by his acknowledgement of, and apology for, masquerading in blackface that year as pop star Michael Jackson. After a week hunkered down in virtual seclusion under mounting pressure to resign, Northam indicated in an email message on Friday to state employees that he planned to keep his post. "You have placed your trust in me to lead Virginia forward - and I plan to do that," Northam said. ESCALATING PRESSURE In a separate statement responding to the latest allegation against him, Fairfax said he has "never forced myself on anyone ever" and demanded a "full investigation into these unsubstantiated and false allegations." "I will clear my good name and I have nothing to hide," Fairfax wrote, and declared: "I will not resign." But the latest allegation of rape brought a torrent of demands for Fairfax to quit, including from all of the state House and Senate Democrats, the Legislative Black Caucus, former Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe and Virginia's two US senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Democrats. One state House member, Democrat Patrick Hope, said on Twitter that he planned to introduce articles of impeachment for Fairfax on Monday unless he resigned. The woman who made the new accusation, identified as Meredith Watson, said she was "reluctantly coming forward out of a strong sense of civic duty and her belief that those seeking or serving in public office should be of the highest character," the law firm that is representing her said in a statement. The firm, New Jersey-based Smith Mullin, said the alleged assault occurred in 2000. Watson is "not seeking any financial damages," and her attorneys had notified Fairfax through his lawyers "that Ms Watson hopes he will resign from public office," the firm said in its statement. The Smith Mullin statement said the alleged attack on Watson "was premeditated and aggressive," while also saying Fairfax and Watson "were friends but never dated or had any romantic relationship." The law firm said it possessed emails, Facebook messages and statements to corroborate that Watson had shared her account of events immediately after the alleged rape. Fairfax's first accuser, Stanford University academic Vanessa Tyson, has alleged that Fairfax had forced her to perform oral sex in a hotel room during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. She came forward days after the disclosure by a conservative website of a racist photo on Northam's 1984 yearbook page of one person with blackface and another dressed in white robes of the Ku Klux Klan. Northam had originally admitted he was one of the people in that photo but later said that he was not. Seeking to mend fences with Virginia's African-American population, Northam on Friday met privately with the president and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd Jr., in Richmond, the state capital. Boyd told Reuters the two men prayed together and "we asked for forgiveness." Boyd, whose group says it represents 109,000 farmers across the country, said on Twitter that he urged the governor not to step down.

Virginia governor denies sexual assault allegations as 'coordinated smear campaign'

President Donald Trump, who delights in confounding health experts with his junk food cravings and disinclination to exercise, is "in very good health," his doctor declared Friday following an annual medical checkup.

"I am happy to announce the president of the United States is in very good health and I anticipate he will remain so for the duration of his presidency, and beyond," chief physician Sean Conley said in a memorandum released by the White House.

The Marine One helicopter returned the 72-year-old head of state to the White House from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the Washington suburb of Bethesda after a full four hours of prodding, poking and testing.

Dressed in a long dark overcoat, Trump gave a thumb's up but did not respond to reporters' questions about how he was feeling.

It remained unclear how many of the test results would eventually be made public.

Last year, everything from the president's cholesterol levels (high) to weight (too high at 239 pounds, or 108 kilograms) was released.

Trump's then chief physician, Ronny Jackson — who has since run into trouble over alleged ethical misconduct — also held an unusually detailed press conference in which he declared Trump to be in "excellent health."&nbsp;

On the plus side, Trump doesn't smoke and is a noted teetotaler. He says he's never even had a beer.

Less good: the former real estate tycoon and reality TV performer unashamedly embraces the couch potato life.

'Incredibly good genes'&nbsp;

Not for Trump the basketball sessions that Barack Obama sweated through in the White House, or the bike rides of George W Bush.

Trump loves the more sedate game of golf, but rides a cart between holes and has said that anything more strenuous is actually bad for your health.

"All my friends who work out all the time, they're going for knee replacements, hip replacements — they're a disaster," Trump told The New York Times in 2015.

Trump has described his chief exercise as walking around the White House compound and standing up at public events.

The 45th president's diet, reportedly involving legendary amounts of Coke and red meat, also seems to defy most doctors' orders.

In January, Trump hosted the strapping athletes of America's champion college football team, the Clemson Tigers, with a mountain of hamburgers and pizzas.

According to Jackson last year, Trump's secret is genes.

"Incredibly good genes," he said. "It's just the way God made him."

President Donald Trump, who delights in confounding health experts with his junk food cravings and disinclination to exercise, is "in very good health," his doctor declared Friday following an annual medical checkup.

President Donald Trump, who delights in confounding health experts with his junk food cravings and disinclination to exercise, is "in very good health," his doctor declared Friday following an annual medical checkup. "I am happy to announce the president of the United States is in very good health and I anticipate he will remain so for the duration of his presidency, and beyond," chief physician Sean Conley said in a memorandum released by the White House. The Marine One helicopter returned the 72-year-old head of state to the White House from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the Washington suburb of Bethesda after a full four hours of prodding, poking and testing. Dressed in a long dark overcoat, Trump gave a thumb's up but did not respond to reporters' questions about how he was feeling. It remained unclear how many of the test results would eventually be made public. Last year, everything from the president's cholesterol levels (high) to weight (too high at 239 pounds, or 108 kilograms) was released. Trump's then chief physician, Ronny Jackson — who has since run into trouble over alleged ethical misconduct — also held an unusually detailed press conference in which he declared Trump to be in "excellent health." On the plus side, Trump doesn't smoke and is a noted teetotaler. He says he's never even had a beer. Less good: the former real estate tycoon and reality TV performer unashamedly embraces the couch potato life. 'Incredibly good genes' Not for Trump the basketball sessions that Barack Obama sweated through in the White House, or the bike rides of George W Bush. Trump loves the more sedate game of golf, but rides a cart between holes and has said that anything more strenuous is actually bad for your health. "All my friends who work out all the time, they're going for knee replacements, hip replacements — they're a disaster," Trump told The New York Times in 2015. Trump has described his chief exercise as walking around the White House compound and standing up at public events. The 45th president's diet, reportedly involving legendary amounts of Coke and red meat, also seems to defy most doctors' orders. In January, Trump hosted the strapping athletes of America's champion college football team, the Clemson Tigers, with a mountain of hamburgers and pizzas. According to Jackson last year, Trump's secret is genes. "Incredibly good genes," he said. "It's just the way God made him."

Fast-food fan Trump in 'very good health': Chief physician

The United States is holding direct communications with members of Venezuela's military urging them to abandon <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">President Nicolas Maduro</a> and is also preparing new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on him, a senior White House official said.

The Trump administration expects further military defections from Maduro's side, the official told Reuters in an interview, despite only a few senior officers having done so since opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president last month, earning the recognition of the United States and dozens of other countries.

"We believe these to be those first couple pebbles before we start really seeing bigger rocks rolling down the hill," the official said this week, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We're still having conversations with members of the former Maduro regime, with military members, although those conversations are very, very limited."

The official declined to provide details on the discussions or the level at which they are being held, and it was unclear whether such contacts could create cracks in the Venezuelan socialist leader's support from the military, which is pivotal to his grip on power.

With the Venezuelan military still apparently loyal to Maduro, a source in Washington close to the opposition expressed doubts whether the Trump administration has laid enough groundwork to spur a wider mutiny in the ranks where many officers are suspected of benefiting from corruption and drug trafficking.

Members of the South American country's security forces fear they or their families could be targeted by Maduro if they defect, so the US would need to offer them something that could outweigh those concerns, said Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Council of the Americas think tank in Washington.

"It depends on what they're offering," Farnsworth said. "Are there incentives built into these contacts that will at least cause people to question their loyalty to the regime?"

Guaido says the May 2018 vote in which Maduro won a second term as president was a sham and on January 23 invoked a constitutional provision to declare himself president, promising free and fair elections.

VENEZUELAN ASSETS

The US government also sees European allies as likely to do more to prevent Maduro from transferring or hiding Venezuela government assets held outside the country, the US official said.

Major European countries have joined the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-france-wests-duplicity-196078">United States in backing Guaido </a>but they have stopped short of the sweeping oil sanctions and financial measures that Washington has imposed.

At the same time, the Trump administration is readying further possible sanctions on Venezuela, the official said.

Previous rounds have targeted dozens of Venezuelan military and government officials, including Maduro himself, and last month finally hit the OPEC member's vital oil sector. But the administration has stopped short of imposing so-called "secondary" sanctions, which would punish non-US companies for doing business with the Venezuela government or the state oil monopoly PDVSA.

The US official said that Washington had every tool available to apply pressure on Maduro and his associates "to accept a legitimate democratic transition."

The US government is also weighing possible sanctions on Cuban military and intelligence officials whom it says are helping Maduro remain in power, a second US official and person familiar with the deliberations have told Reuters.

Maduro's government has accused Guaido, who has galvanized Venezuela's opposition, of attempting to stage a US-directed coup.

General Francisco Yanez of the air force's high command became the first active Venezuelan general to recognise Guaido, but he is one of about 2,000 generals. Venezuela's chief military attache to the United States also said he was defecting late last month.

Guaido has actively courted members of the military with promises of amnesty and preferential legal treatment if they disavow Maduro and disobey his orders, and Washington this week raised the prospect of dropping sanctions on senior Venezuelan officers if they recognise Guaido.

Maduro still has the support of the military high command, and now routinely appears in pre-recorded events at military bases where officers stand behind him and chant triumphal slogans such as "Loyal always, traitors never."

The United States is holding direct communications with members of Venezuela's military urging them to abandon President Nicolas Maduro and is also preparing new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on him, a senior White House official said.

The United States is holding direct communications with members of Venezuela's military urging them to abandon President Nicolas Maduro and is also preparing new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on him, a senior White House official said. The Trump administration expects further military defections from Maduro's side, the official told Reuters in an interview, despite only a few senior officers having done so since opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president last month, earning the recognition of the United States and dozens of other countries. "We believe these to be those first couple pebbles before we start really seeing bigger rocks rolling down the hill," the official said this week, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We're still having conversations with members of the former Maduro regime, with military members, although those conversations are very, very limited." The official declined to provide details on the discussions or the level at which they are being held, and it was unclear whether such contacts could create cracks in the Venezuelan socialist leader's support from the military, which is pivotal to his grip on power. With the Venezuelan military still apparently loyal to Maduro, a source in Washington close to the opposition expressed doubts whether the Trump administration has laid enough groundwork to spur a wider mutiny in the ranks where many officers are suspected of benefiting from corruption and drug trafficking. Members of the South American country's security forces fear they or their families could be targeted by Maduro if they defect, so the US would need to offer them something that could outweigh those concerns, said Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Council of the Americas think tank in Washington. "It depends on what they're offering," Farnsworth said. "Are there incentives built into these contacts that will at least cause people to question their loyalty to the regime?" Guaido says the May 2018 vote in which Maduro won a second term as president was a sham and on January 23 invoked a constitutional provision to declare himself president, promising free and fair elections. VENEZUELAN ASSETS The US government also sees European allies as likely to do more to prevent Maduro from transferring or hiding Venezuela government assets held outside the country, the US official said. Major European countries have joined the United States in backing Guaido but they have stopped short of the sweeping oil sanctions and financial measures that Washington has imposed. At the same time, the Trump administration is readying further possible sanctions on Venezuela, the official said. Previous rounds have targeted dozens of Venezuelan military and government officials, including Maduro himself, and last month finally hit the OPEC member's vital oil sector. But the administration has stopped short of imposing so-called "secondary" sanctions, which would punish non-US companies for doing business with the Venezuela government or the state oil monopoly PDVSA. The US official said that Washington had every tool available to apply pressure on Maduro and his associates "to accept a legitimate democratic transition." The US government is also weighing possible sanctions on Cuban military and intelligence officials whom it says are helping Maduro remain in power, a second US official and person familiar with the deliberations have told Reuters. Maduro's government has accused Guaido, who has galvanized Venezuela's opposition, of attempting to stage a US-directed coup. General Francisco Yanez of the air force's high command became the first active Venezuelan general to recognise Guaido, but he is one of about 2,000 generals. Venezuela's chief military attache to the United States also said he was defecting late last month. Guaido has actively courted members of the military with promises of amnesty and preferential legal treatment if they disavow Maduro and disobey his orders, and Washington this week raised the prospect of dropping sanctions on senior Venezuelan officers if they recognise Guaido. Maduro still has the support of the military high command, and now routinely appears in pre-recorded events at military bases where officers stand behind him and chant triumphal slogans such as "Loyal always, traitors never."

US in direct contact with Venezuelan military, urging defections: Report

The US has discussed a potential missile defence collaboration with India, a top Pentagon official has said, underlining that America wants to build a “much deeper and broader relationship” with the country.

Under secretary of defence for policy John Rood, however, said that it is early to determine how far India, which already has substantial domestic missile defence capabilities, will go regarding the defence collaboration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-two-missile-defence-systems-for-air-india-one-195813">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-two-missile-defence-systems-for-air-india-one-195813"> approves </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-two-missile-defence-systems-for-air-india-one-195813">sale</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-two-missile-defence-systems-for-air-india-one-195813"> of two missile defence systems for Air India One</a>

“We have talked to the Indians about missile defence as potentially an area as well to collaborate on. It’s early days to determine how far that will go,” Rood said speaking at a think-tank here on Thursday.

“The Indians have substantial capabilities domestically of their own and they’ve done some development of missile defences. So the degree to which they’re interested in acquiring or working collaboratively with us in the US remains to be seen,” Rood said when asked about reports that India is interested in purchasing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system popular as THAAD from the US.

The previous Obama administration was not very forthcoming in sharing its advance missile defense system with India, following which New Delhi went ahead to procure it from Russia.

As part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, the Trump administration now seems to be more than inclined to let India procure its missile defense system with talks between the two countries having already started making an appearance before the prestigious Hudson Institute think-tank, Rood said the US is certainly open to this kind of collaboration with India.

“And if that isn’t one of the areas they choose to go in, there’s quite a bit of other meaty areas that we can pursue. Maybe I should have chosen a term rather than meaty, quite a few Indians are vegetarian as you know,” Rood said jokingly.

The US has had a very positive relationship with the Indian government, he said. “And we’re building a, what we hope is a much deeper and broader relationship with them, all the way from the presidential level with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi on down,” he said.

“We have had excellent meetings and we’re expanding our agenda. There’s more meat to it, if you will. So I’m really feeling very good about the overall trajectory of that relationship,” said Rood who has been personally involved through successive administrations in building India-US relationship - in both the Bush administration, the Obama administration, and now in the present Trump administration.

The US has also agreed to sell two advanced missile defence systems to India for two Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft for an estimated cost of $190 million, a decision that will enhance the security of the planes flying the president and the prime minister.

The Pentagon on Wednesday said the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship.

The US is the second-largest arms supplier to India. It has already recognised India as a “major defence partner”, a status which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India.

In 2018, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-inclusion-in-sta-1-category-by-us-sends-strong-political-message-to-china--156932">US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status</a>. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after Japan and South Korea. The status eases India’s defence procurement from the US.

Last year, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) to facilitate interoperability between the two militaries and sale of high end technology.

The US has discussed a potential missile defence collaboration with India, a top Pentagon official has said, underlining that America wants to build a “much deeper and broader relationship” with the country.

The US has discussed a potential missile defence collaboration with India, a top Pentagon official has said, underlining that America wants to build a “much deeper and broader relationship” with the country. Under secretary of defence for policy John Rood, however, said that it is early to determine how far India, which already has substantial domestic missile defence capabilities, will go regarding the defence collaboration. Also read: US approves sale of two missile defence systems for Air India One “We have talked to the Indians about missile defence as potentially an area as well to collaborate on. It’s early days to determine how far that will go,” Rood said speaking at a think-tank here on Thursday. “The Indians have substantial capabilities domestically of their own and they’ve done some development of missile defences. So the degree to which they’re interested in acquiring or working collaboratively with us in the US remains to be seen,” Rood said when asked about reports that India is interested in purchasing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system popular as THAAD from the US. The previous Obama administration was not very forthcoming in sharing its advance missile defense system with India, following which New Delhi went ahead to procure it from Russia. As part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, the Trump administration now seems to be more than inclined to let India procure its missile defense system with talks between the two countries having already started making an appearance before the prestigious Hudson Institute think-tank, Rood said the US is certainly open to this kind of collaboration with India. “And if that isn’t one of the areas they choose to go in, there’s quite a bit of other meaty areas that we can pursue. Maybe I should have chosen a term rather than meaty, quite a few Indians are vegetarian as you know,” Rood said jokingly. The US has had a very positive relationship with the Indian government, he said. “And we’re building a, what we hope is a much deeper and broader relationship with them, all the way from the presidential level with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi on down,” he said. “We have had excellent meetings and we’re expanding our agenda. There’s more meat to it, if you will. So I’m really feeling very good about the overall trajectory of that relationship,” said Rood who has been personally involved through successive administrations in building India-US relationship - in both the Bush administration, the Obama administration, and now in the present Trump administration. The US has also agreed to sell two advanced missile defence systems to India for two Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft for an estimated cost of $190 million, a decision that will enhance the security of the planes flying the president and the prime minister. The Pentagon on Wednesday said the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship. The US is the second-largest arms supplier to India. It has already recognised India as a “major defence partner”, a status which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India. In 2018, the US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after Japan and South Korea. The status eases India’s defence procurement from the US. Last year, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) to facilitate interoperability between the two militaries and sale of high end technology.

In bid to build 'deeper relationship', US and India in talks over missile defence collaboration: Pentagon

India-US Commercial Dialogue and US-India CEO Forum will take place in Delhi on February 14.

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will visit the national capital next week to take part in the dialogue and the CEO Forum. He, along with Commerce minister Suresh Prabhu, will co-chair the forum.

Speaking on US-India CEO Forum, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said, "The US-India CEO Forum is critical to the fruitful commercial relationship and strong economic ties between our two great nations”.

He said the incoming US CEOs will "bring fresh perspectives to the forum" and "help us consider new opportunities to further deepen our cooperation”. 
&nbsp; 
The CEO forum was established in 2005. US CEOs serve a two-year term&nbsp;and are selected from respondents to a US Federal Register Notice calling for CEO-level applicants to the US Section of the forum.&nbsp;

Around 19 people from the US private sector will take part in the US-India CEO Forum. These include Ajay Banga, CEO of MasterCard; Sanjay Bhatnagar, CEO, WaterHealth International; John Chambers, Chairman Emeritus, Cisco Systems and Deepak Chopra, CEO of OSI Systems.

The dialogue is taking place when the US President has been raising the issue of high tariff by India and even called India "tariff king".&nbsp;

Last month Trump boasted of how his call to India helped bring tariff down in "two minutes". He said, "Look at motorcycles as an example. (In) India, it was 100 per cent. I got them down to 50 per cent, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cut-on-motorcycle-tariffs-by-india-fair-deal-trump-192625">just by talking for about two minutes</a>. It's still 50 per cent vs 2.4 per cent (on imported motorcycles to the US). Again, other than that, it's a very fair deal."

India-US Commercial Dialogue and US-India CEO Forum will take place in Delhi on February 14. US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will visit the national capital next week to take part in the dialogue and the CEO Forum.

India-US Commercial Dialogue and US-India CEO Forum will take place in Delhi on February 14. US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will visit the national capital next week to take part in the dialogue and the CEO Forum. He, along with Commerce minister Suresh Prabhu, will co-chair the forum. Speaking on US-India CEO Forum, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said, "The US-India CEO Forum is critical to the fruitful commercial relationship and strong economic ties between our two great nations”. He said the incoming US CEOs will "bring fresh perspectives to the forum" and "help us consider new opportunities to further deepen our cooperation”. The CEO forum was established in 2005. US CEOs serve a two-year term and are selected from respondents to a US Federal Register Notice calling for CEO-level applicants to the US Section of the forum. Around 19 people from the US private sector will take part in the US-India CEO Forum. These include Ajay Banga, CEO of MasterCard; Sanjay Bhatnagar, CEO, WaterHealth International; John Chambers, Chairman Emeritus, Cisco Systems and Deepak Chopra, CEO of OSI Systems. The dialogue is taking place when the US President has been raising the issue of high tariff by India and even called India "tariff king". Last month Trump boasted of how his call to India helped bring tariff down in "two minutes". He said, "Look at motorcycles as an example. (In) India, it was 100 per cent. I got them down to 50 per cent, just by talking for about two minutes. It's still 50 per cent vs 2.4 per cent (on imported motorcycles to the US). Again, other than that, it's a very fair deal."

India-US commerce dialogue to be held in Delhi on February 14 

The United States on Wednesday blocked a proposed UN Security Council statement expressing regret over Israel's decision to end an international observer force in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denounces-israels-decision-over-hebron-monitoring-194610">West Bank city of Hebron</a>, diplomats said.

Kuwait and Indonesia had circulated the draft statement following a closed-door council meeting during which many countries expressed concern about the Israeli move.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that he would not renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), accusing the mission led by Norway of bias.

The 64-member team of unarmed observers was established in Hebron following a massacre of Palestinians in 1994.

The proposed statement was to express the Security Council's "regret" about Israel's "unilateral decision" and call for "calm and restraint" in Hebron, according to the text seen by AFP.&nbsp;

It stressed "the importance of the mandate of the TIPH and its efforts to foster calm in a highly sensitive area and the fragile situation on the ground, which risks further deteriorating, as reflected in the escalating cycle of violence."

The text warned Israel that it has an obligation under international law "to protect the Palestinian civilian population in Hebron" as well as the rest of the occupied territories.&nbsp;

The United States, which has firmly defended Israel's policies at the United Nations, moved quickly to block the proposed response, diplomats said.

Council statements require unanimous approval.

Kuwait's Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi said the council would discuss a proposed visit to the Israeli occupied territories for a close-up look at the situation on the ground.

The Hebron mission is tasked with promoting a sense of security for Palestinians in Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank.

Hebron is holy to both Muslims and Jews and has been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

At least 600 Jewish settlers live under heavy military guard in the city, which is home to around 200,000 Palestinians.

Israeli settlements are seen as illegal under international law and a major obstacle to peace, as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

The United States on Wednesday blocked a proposed UN Security Council statement expressing regret over Israel's decision to end an international observer force in the West Bank city of Hebron, diplomats said.

The United States on Wednesday blocked a proposed UN Security Council statement expressing regret over Israel's decision to end an international observer force in the West Bank city of Hebron, diplomats said. Kuwait and Indonesia had circulated the draft statement following a closed-door council meeting during which many countries expressed concern about the Israeli move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that he would not renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), accusing the mission led by Norway of bias. The 64-member team of unarmed observers was established in Hebron following a massacre of Palestinians in 1994. The proposed statement was to express the Security Council's "regret" about Israel's "unilateral decision" and call for "calm and restraint" in Hebron, according to the text seen by AFP. It stressed "the importance of the mandate of the TIPH and its efforts to foster calm in a highly sensitive area and the fragile situation on the ground, which risks further deteriorating, as reflected in the escalating cycle of violence." The text warned Israel that it has an obligation under international law "to protect the Palestinian civilian population in Hebron" as well as the rest of the occupied territories. The United States, which has firmly defended Israel's policies at the United Nations, moved quickly to block the proposed response, diplomats said. Council statements require unanimous approval. Kuwait's Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi said the council would discuss a proposed visit to the Israeli occupied territories for a close-up look at the situation on the ground. The Hebron mission is tasked with promoting a sense of security for Palestinians in Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank. Hebron is holy to both Muslims and Jews and has been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At least 600 Jewish settlers live under heavy military guard in the city, which is home to around 200,000 Palestinians. Israeli settlements are seen as illegal under international law and a major obstacle to peace, as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

US blocks UN move to defend Hebron mission

The whole world is trying to figure out what is happening in the United States, and the shrinking role that President Trump wants the US to play in a technologically-integrating world.

Relationship between India, US on very positive track: Former US defence secretary William Cohen to WION

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