<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/some-time-may-pass-before-a-third-north-korea-summit-bolton-202420">US President Donald Trump</a> will seek $8.6 billion in fresh funding for a wall on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-demolishes-trumps-border-wall-prototypes-200235">US-Mexico border</a> in the 2020 budget request, likely triggering another fight with Congress, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said Sunday.

The request, which is to be formally unveiled Monday, would far exceed the $5.7 billion Trump demanded last year, which led to an impasse that resulted in a 35-day partial shutdown of the US government, the longest ever.

Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer decried the move, warning Trump that another legislative defeat would await him.&nbsp;

Kudlow, interviewed on "Fox News Sunday," conceded that the new request would likely mean a renewed fight in Congress over wall funding.

"I suppose there will be," he said.&nbsp;

But he said Trump "is going to stay with his wall. He is going to stay with his border security. I think it's essential."

Separately, Kudlow expressed optimism that US economic growth will surpass three per cent "in 2019 and beyond."&nbsp;

'Expensive and ineffective' 
With Democrats controlling the House of Representatives, Trump's new wall-funding request appears to stand little chance.

In a joint statement, Pelosi and Schumer charged that Trump "hurt millions of Americans and caused widespread chaos when he recklessly shut down the government to try to get his expensive and ineffective wall."

"Congress refused to fund his wall and he was forced to admit defeat and reopen the government. The same thing will repeat itself if he tries this again. We hope he learned his lesson," they said.

The Washington Post reported that the president's request for wall funding will come in the form of $5 billion from the Homeland Security Department and $3.6 billion from the Pentagon.

That would be on top of the $6.7 billion in wall funding that Trump has ordered redirected from other government programs under a national emergency he declared last month.

He declared the emergency after the Congress approved only $1.375 billion for construction of 55 miles (90 kilometres) of barriers along the border in Texas.

The emergency declaration was roundly criticized by Democrats, joined by a handful of Republicans, who said it represented a possibly unconstitutional overreach of presidential authority.

Senate vote on emergency&nbsp; 
Some Republicans expressed fear that Trump could be setting a precedent that a future Democratic president might cite to pursue a pet project opposed by Congress. &nbsp;

The Democratic-controlled House voted last month by 245-to-182 to nullify Trump's emergency declaration.&nbsp;

The Senate, narrowly controlled by Republicans, is to vote on the same resolution this week. At least four members of Trump's party have said they plan -- despite pressure from Republican leaders and the White House -- to join Democrats in opposing the declaration.&nbsp;

That would provide a majority for overturning the declaration, and Trump would then be expected to veto the bill, his first use of presidential veto power.

"He's going to veto this," John Barrasso, the third-ranking Senate Republican, told Fox News, "and then his veto will be sustained. They will not be able to override the veto."

Overriding a presidential veto requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.

US President Donald Trump will seek $8.6 billion in fresh funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border in the 2020 budget request, likely triggering another fight with Congress, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said Sunday.

US President Donald Trump will seek $8.6 billion in fresh funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border in the 2020 budget request, likely triggering another fight with Congress, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said Sunday. The request, which is to be formally unveiled Monday, would far exceed the $5.7 billion Trump demanded last year, which led to an impasse that resulted in a 35-day partial shutdown of the US government, the longest ever. Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer decried the move, warning Trump that another legislative defeat would await him. Kudlow, interviewed on "Fox News Sunday," conceded that the new request would likely mean a renewed fight in Congress over wall funding. "I suppose there will be," he said. But he said Trump "is going to stay with his wall. He is going to stay with his border security. I think it's essential." Separately, Kudlow expressed optimism that US economic growth will surpass three per cent "in 2019 and beyond." 'Expensive and ineffective' With Democrats controlling the House of Representatives, Trump's new wall-funding request appears to stand little chance. In a joint statement, Pelosi and Schumer charged that Trump "hurt millions of Americans and caused widespread chaos when he recklessly shut down the government to try to get his expensive and ineffective wall." "Congress refused to fund his wall and he was forced to admit defeat and reopen the government. The same thing will repeat itself if he tries this again. We hope he learned his lesson," they said. The Washington Post reported that the president's request for wall funding will come in the form of $5 billion from the Homeland Security Department and $3.6 billion from the Pentagon. That would be on top of the $6.7 billion in wall funding that Trump has ordered redirected from other government programs under a national emergency he declared last month. He declared the emergency after the Congress approved only $1.375 billion for construction of 55 miles (90 kilometres) of barriers along the border in Texas. The emergency declaration was roundly criticized by Democrats, joined by a handful of Republicans, who said it represented a possibly unconstitutional overreach of presidential authority. Senate vote on emergency Some Republicans expressed fear that Trump could be setting a precedent that a future Democratic president might cite to pursue a pet project opposed by Congress. The Democratic-controlled House voted last month by 245-to-182 to nullify Trump's emergency declaration. The Senate, narrowly controlled by Republicans, is to vote on the same resolution this week. At least four members of Trump's party have said they plan -- despite pressure from Republican leaders and the White House -- to join Democrats in opposing the declaration. That would provide a majority for overturning the declaration, and Trump would then be expected to veto the bill, his first use of presidential veto power. "He's going to veto this," John Barrasso, the third-ranking Senate Republican, told Fox News, "and then his veto will be sustained. They will not be able to override the veto." Overriding a presidential veto requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.

Trump to seek another $8.6 billion for border wall

US President Donald Trump's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawyers-for-former-trump-campaign-chief-paul-manafort-argue-for-leniency-200653">former campaign chief Paul Manafort</a> is to be sentenced for tax crimes and bank fraud on Thursday in a high-profile case stemming from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Manafort, who turns 70 in April, faces potentially spending the rest of his life behind bars when he comes before Judge TS&nbsp;Ellis at 3:30 pm in an Alexandria, Virginia, courtroom.

Manafort was convicted in August of five counts of filing false income tax returns, two counts of bank fraud and one count of failing to report a foreign bank account. The jury deadlocked on 10 other charges.

Manafort is one of a half dozen former Trump associates and senior aides charged by Mueller, who has been investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.

The charges against Manafort were not connected to his role in the Trump campaign, which he headed for two months in 2016, but were related to lucrative consulting work he did for Ukrainian politicians from 2004 to 2014.

The sentencing guidelines for Manafort's crimes call for between 19 and 24 years in prison but his defence attorneys have urged Judge Ellis to impose a "substantially" lower jail term.

In a filing with the judge, they said the Republican political powerbroker is "truly remorseful" and is in poor health after spending the past nine months in prison.

Manafort, who suffers from gout, is a first-time offender and the sentencing guidelines are "clearly disproportionate" for the crimes he committed, his attorneys said.

Mueller's team issued a scathing rebuttal, stating that Manafort had breached a plea agreement reached with the government and lied repeatedly to the FBI and the Special Counsel's office.

Manafort is accused of lying about various matters including his contacts with a suspected Russian operative, Konstantin Kilimnik, with whom he reportedly shared polling data about the 2016 election.

"The defendant blames everyone from the Special Counsel's Office to his Ukrainian clients for his own criminal choices," prosecutors said.

Manafort was accused of hiding tens of millions of dollars from the US tax authorities which were paid as consulting fees for the work he did over the years for Russian-backed Ukrainian politicians.

'Own criminal actions' 
In arguing for a lighter sentence, Manafort's attorneys said he has been "devastated personally, professionally and financially."

Mueller's office countered that it was "Manafort's own criminal actions that have led to these consequences."

Trump has repeatedly denied any election collusion with Moscow and denounced the probe by Mueller, a former FBI director, as a "political witch hunt."

Trump has also dangled the possibility of pardons for some of those indicted -- including Manafort, whom he has praised as a "good man" who has been treated unfairly.&nbsp;

Manafort has also been charged in Washington with money laundering, witness tampering and other offences and faces separate sentencing in that case on March 13.

It was his work for Viktor Yanukovych, who served as president of Ukraine from 2010 to 2014 when he fled to Russia amid corruption allegations, which got Manafort in trouble.

Prosecutors alleged that Manafort used offshore bank accounts in Cyprus to hide more than $55 million from Ukrainian politicians from the tax authorities.

The money was used to support a lavish lifestyle which included purchases of luxury homes and cars, antique rugs, and expensive clothes, including an $18,500 python jacket.

During Manafort's trial, much of the damaging testimony against him was provided by his former deputy Rick Gates, who is awaiting sentencing after reaching a plea agreement with the Special Counsel's office.

Besides Manafort and Gates, four other former Trump associates face charges or have pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the Mueller investigation.

Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian officials and is awaiting sentencing.

Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen is to begin serving a three-year prison sentence on May 6 for fraud, tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions and lying to Congress.

George Papadopoulos, a foreign policy advisor to the Trump campaign, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and was sentenced to two weeks in prison.

Another Trump advisor, Roger Stone, awaits trial.

US President Donald Trump's former campaign chief Paul Manafort is to be sentenced for tax crimes and bank fraud on Thursday in a high-profile case stemming from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election.

US President Donald Trump's former campaign chief Paul Manafort is to be sentenced for tax crimes and bank fraud on Thursday in a high-profile case stemming from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Manafort, who turns 70 in April, faces potentially spending the rest of his life behind bars when he comes before Judge TS Ellis at 3:30 pm in an Alexandria, Virginia, courtroom. Manafort was convicted in August of five counts of filing false income tax returns, two counts of bank fraud and one count of failing to report a foreign bank account. The jury deadlocked on 10 other charges. Manafort is one of a half dozen former Trump associates and senior aides charged by Mueller, who has been investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. The charges against Manafort were not connected to his role in the Trump campaign, which he headed for two months in 2016, but were related to lucrative consulting work he did for Ukrainian politicians from 2004 to 2014. The sentencing guidelines for Manafort's crimes call for between 19 and 24 years in prison but his defence attorneys have urged Judge Ellis to impose a "substantially" lower jail term. In a filing with the judge, they said the Republican political powerbroker is "truly remorseful" and is in poor health after spending the past nine months in prison. Manafort, who suffers from gout, is a first-time offender and the sentencing guidelines are "clearly disproportionate" for the crimes he committed, his attorneys said. Mueller's team issued a scathing rebuttal, stating that Manafort had breached a plea agreement reached with the government and lied repeatedly to the FBI and the Special Counsel's office. Manafort is accused of lying about various matters including his contacts with a suspected Russian operative, Konstantin Kilimnik, with whom he reportedly shared polling data about the 2016 election. "The defendant blames everyone from the Special Counsel's Office to his Ukrainian clients for his own criminal choices," prosecutors said. Manafort was accused of hiding tens of millions of dollars from the US tax authorities which were paid as consulting fees for the work he did over the years for Russian-backed Ukrainian politicians. 'Own criminal actions' In arguing for a lighter sentence, Manafort's attorneys said he has been "devastated personally, professionally and financially." Mueller's office countered that it was "Manafort's own criminal actions that have led to these consequences." Trump has repeatedly denied any election collusion with Moscow and denounced the probe by Mueller, a former FBI director, as a "political witch hunt." Trump has also dangled the possibility of pardons for some of those indicted -- including Manafort, whom he has praised as a "good man" who has been treated unfairly. Manafort has also been charged in Washington with money laundering, witness tampering and other offences and faces separate sentencing in that case on March 13. It was his work for Viktor Yanukovych, who served as president of Ukraine from 2010 to 2014 when he fled to Russia amid corruption allegations, which got Manafort in trouble. Prosecutors alleged that Manafort used offshore bank accounts in Cyprus to hide more than $55 million from Ukrainian politicians from the tax authorities. The money was used to support a lavish lifestyle which included purchases of luxury homes and cars, antique rugs, and expensive clothes, including an $18,500 python jacket. During Manafort's trial, much of the damaging testimony against him was provided by his former deputy Rick Gates, who is awaiting sentencing after reaching a plea agreement with the Special Counsel's office. Besides Manafort and Gates, four other former Trump associates face charges or have pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the Mueller investigation. Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian officials and is awaiting sentencing. Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen is to begin serving a three-year prison sentence on May 6 for fraud, tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions and lying to Congress. George Papadopoulos, a foreign policy advisor to the Trump campaign, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and was sentenced to two weeks in prison. Another Trump advisor, Roger Stone, awaits trial.

Former Trump campaign chief to be sentenced, could face life in prison

A tornado tore through the southern US state of Alabama on Sunday, killing 23 people, uprooting trees and causing "catastrophic" damage to buildings and roads, a local sheriff said.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately our toll, as far as fatalities, does stand at 23 at the current time," Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones told the local CBS affiliate, acknowledging that children were among the dead.

Other people have been hospitalized, some with "very serious injuries," he had earlier told reporters.

Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday night due to hazardous conditions, but Jones added they would resume on Monday morning.

"The devastation is incredible," he said.

"I cannot recall at least in the last 50 years... a situation where we have had this loss of life that we experienced today."

Wrecked houses, downed trees&nbsp; 
The swath of destruction left by the storm was a quarter mile (0.4 kilometres) wide and stretched for the "several miles that it travelled on the ground," according to Jones.

Still and video images showed trees that had been snapped in two, debris-strewn roads and wrecked houses in the wake of the storm.

More than 6,000 homes were left without power in Alabama, according to PowerOutage.US, while 16,000 suffered outages in neighbouring Georgia.

Authorities warned the death toll could rise further as rescuers search through the debris in Beauregard, about 95 kilometres east of the state capital Montgomery.&nbsp;

Television images showed the heavy rain had relented by dusk but many roads in the worst-hit areas were left littered with debris and unpassable.

Residents in the town of Smith Station told local TV news crews of their shock at turning up to work to find their businesses destroyed and seeing crying co-workers comforting one another.&nbsp;

One bar in the town appeared to have lost its roof and most of its walls, in images screened by MSNBC, while a cell tower was completely destroyed.

"My sister and niece have been under tornado watch and warnings all day in Montgomery... Prayers up for Alabama," Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ava Duvernay tweeted.

Late Sunday, US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences to those affected.

"To the great people of Alabama and surrounding areas: Please be careful and safe," he wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Tornadoes and storms were truly violent and more could be coming. To the families and friends of the victims, and to the injured, God bless you all!"

'Take cover'&nbsp; 
The National Weather Center had issued a tornado warning for areas including Lee County earlier on Sunday, calling on residents to: "TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows."

It tweeted late Sunday that the southeastern US, struck by a severe storm system, could see "damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes" overnight.

While Jones referred to a single storm, CNN reported that two tornadoes had hit Lee County in quick succession, some of "at least a dozen" it said tore through Alabama and the neighbouring state of Georgia on Sunday.

NWS Birmingham suggested that there were multiple twisters in the area, tweeting that the "first tornado to impact Lee County today was at least an EF-3 &amp; at least 1/2 mi wide."

The EF-3 designation -- on a scale of 0 to 5 -- means the tornado had winds of 218 to 266 kilometres per hour.

A tornado tore through the southern US state of Alabama on Sunday, killing 23 people, uprooting trees and causing "catastrophic" damage to buildings and roads, a local sheriff said.

A tornado tore through the southern US state of Alabama on Sunday, killing 23 people, uprooting trees and causing "catastrophic" damage to buildings and roads, a local sheriff said. "Unfortunately our toll, as far as fatalities, does stand at 23 at the current time," Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones told the local CBS affiliate, acknowledging that children were among the dead. Other people have been hospitalized, some with "very serious injuries," he had earlier told reporters. Search operations for those still missing were halted on Sunday night due to hazardous conditions, but Jones added they would resume on Monday morning. "The devastation is incredible," he said. "I cannot recall at least in the last 50 years... a situation where we have had this loss of life that we experienced today." Wrecked houses, downed trees The swath of destruction left by the storm was a quarter mile (0.4 kilometres) wide and stretched for the "several miles that it travelled on the ground," according to Jones. Still and video images showed trees that had been snapped in two, debris-strewn roads and wrecked houses in the wake of the storm. More than 6,000 homes were left without power in Alabama, according to PowerOutage.US, while 16,000 suffered outages in neighbouring Georgia. Authorities warned the death toll could rise further as rescuers search through the debris in Beauregard, about 95 kilometres east of the state capital Montgomery. Television images showed the heavy rain had relented by dusk but many roads in the worst-hit areas were left littered with debris and unpassable. Residents in the town of Smith Station told local TV news crews of their shock at turning up to work to find their businesses destroyed and seeing crying co-workers comforting one another. One bar in the town appeared to have lost its roof and most of its walls, in images screened by MSNBC, while a cell tower was completely destroyed. "My sister and niece have been under tornado watch and warnings all day in Montgomery... Prayers up for Alabama," Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ava Duvernay tweeted. Late Sunday, US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences to those affected. "To the great people of Alabama and surrounding areas: Please be careful and safe," he wrote on Twitter. "Tornadoes and storms were truly violent and more could be coming. To the families and friends of the victims, and to the injured, God bless you all!" 'Take cover' The National Weather Center had issued a tornado warning for areas including Lee County earlier on Sunday, calling on residents to: "TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows." It tweeted late Sunday that the southeastern US, struck by a severe storm system, could see "damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes" overnight. While Jones referred to a single storm, CNN reported that two tornadoes had hit Lee County in quick succession, some of "at least a dozen" it said tore through Alabama and the neighbouring state of Georgia on Sunday. NWS Birmingham suggested that there were multiple twisters in the area, tweeting that the "first tornado to impact Lee County today was at least an EF-3 & at least 1/2 mi wide." The EF-3 designation -- on a scale of 0 to 5 -- means the tornado had winds of 218 to 266 kilometres per hour.

At least 23 dead in Alabama tornado: Officials

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday touted an "AWESOME" future for North Korea ahead of a high-stakes dinner with its leader Kim Jong Un if his "friend" agrees to give up his nuclear arsenal.

The Trump tweet, sporting his familiar use of capital letters for emphasis, said the opportunities for a denuclearised North Korea were "like almost none other in history".

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Vietnam is thriving like few places on earth. North Korea would be the same, and very quickly, if it would denuclearize. The potential is AWESOME, a great opportunity, like almost none other in history, for my friend Kim Jong Un. We will know fairly soon - Very Interesting!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1100584141274398720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump and Kim are due to meet for one-on-one talks, then dinner, in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, followed by more talks Thursday.

He described Kim as "my friend," a far cry from when the two leaders were slinging personal insults and threats of destruction at each other at the height of tensions over the North's weapons programmes.

Trump also lashed out at his domestic opponents for their criticism of his engagement with the isolated regime.

"The Democrats should stop talking about what I should do with North Korea and ask themselves instead why they didn't do 'it' during eight years of the Obama Administration?" said Trump, referring to his predecessor in the White House.

The two days of talks aim to put some flesh on the bones of a vague declaration issued after their first historic meeting in June in Singapore.

Then, Kim committed to work "towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", but diplomatic progress has since stalled due to disagreements over what that means.

Trump has appeared to lower US expectations for the summit, saying that he would be happy if Pyongyang's pause in nuclear and missile testing continued.

The president is believed to be considering dangling relief from tough international sanctions. Opening of diplomatic liaison offices is another possible US concession.

In return, Washington hopes to get Kim to dismantle the key nuclear facility at Yongbyon, allow in international inspectors, or even hand over a full list of all the country's nuclear assets -- something the North Koreans have categorically refused to do.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday touted an "AWESOME" future for North Korea ahead of a high-stakes dinner with its leader Kim Jong Un if his "friend" agrees to give up his nuclear arsenal.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday touted an "AWESOME" future for North Korea ahead of a high-stakes dinner with its leader Kim Jong Un if his "friend" agrees to give up his nuclear arsenal. The Trump tweet, sporting his familiar use of capital letters for emphasis, said the opportunities for a denuclearised North Korea were "like almost none other in history". Vietnam is thriving like few places on earth. North Korea would be the same, and very quickly, if it would denuclearize. The potential is AWESOME, a great opportunity, like almost none other in history, for my friend Kim Jong Un. We will know fairly soon - Very Interesting! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 27, 2019 × Trump and Kim are due to meet for one-on-one talks, then dinner, in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, followed by more talks Thursday. He described Kim as "my friend," a far cry from when the two leaders were slinging personal insults and threats of destruction at each other at the height of tensions over the North's weapons programmes. Trump also lashed out at his domestic opponents for their criticism of his engagement with the isolated regime. "The Democrats should stop talking about what I should do with North Korea and ask themselves instead why they didn't do 'it' during eight years of the Obama Administration?" said Trump, referring to his predecessor in the White House. The two days of talks aim to put some flesh on the bones of a vague declaration issued after their first historic meeting in June in Singapore. Then, Kim committed to work "towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", but diplomatic progress has since stalled due to disagreements over what that means. Trump has appeared to lower US expectations for the summit, saying that he would be happy if Pyongyang's pause in nuclear and missile testing continued. The president is believed to be considering dangling relief from tough international sanctions. Opening of diplomatic liaison offices is another possible US concession. In return, Washington hopes to get Kim to dismantle the key nuclear facility at Yongbyon, allow in international inspectors, or even hand over a full list of all the country's nuclear assets -- something the North Koreans have categorically refused to do.

Trump predicts 'awesome' future for North Korea if Kim Jong Un gives up nukes

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-kim-trump-arrives-in-hanoi-for-summit-talks-199903">US President Donald Trump</a>'s former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/michael-cohen-gave-prosecutors-information-on-trump-family-business-report-199063">personal attorney Michael Cohen</a> will tell lawmakers on Wednesday that Trump asked him several times about a proposed skyscraper project in Moscow long after he secured the Republican presidential nomination, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

As Special Counsel Robert Mueller appears to near the end of his probe into whether Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election in collusion with Trump's campaign, Cohen's assertion that Trump was inquiring about the skyscraper project as late as June 2016, if true, would show Trump remained personally engaged in the venture well into his candidacy.

Cohen was set to offer lawmakers new information about Trump's private affairs over three consecutive days of in-depth discussion with congressional committees that began on Tuesday with a closed hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

The focus of the session, which lasted for roughly 9 hours, was mainly on what Cohen knows about Trump's dealings with Russia, as well as about Cohen's previous lies, two congressional sources said. Cohen apologised to the committee for lying to it in 2017, according to CNN.

In brief comments to the media after the Senate session ended, Cohen said he was looking forward to Wednesday's open hearing in the House where he plans to make his case for why people should believe him over Trump.

"I'm going to let the American people decide exactly who is telling the truth," Cohen said.

Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate committee, suggested Cohen's testimony was important to its probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

"Two years ago when this investigation started, I said it may be the most important thing I'm involved in my public life in the Senate and nothing I have heard today dissuades me from that view," Warner told reporters outside the hearing room.

As Cohen testified, Republican US Representative Matt Gaetz, a Trump ally, suggested in a tweet that there was compromising information about Cohen's private life.

Gaetz later told the Daily Beast that he was not engaging in witness intimidation. "It is challenging the veracity and character of a witness. We do it every day," he said.

The lawmaker does not sit on the House Oversight Committee, which will be conducting Wednesday's hearing with Cohen and therefore will not be allowed to ask him questions.

Lanny Davis, an attorney for Cohen, said: "We will not respond to Mr Gaetz's despicable lies and personal smears, except to say we trust that his colleagues in the House, both Republicans and Democrats, will repudiate his words and his conduct."

Cohen was one of Trump's closest aides and once said he would "take a bullet" for him. But he turned against his former boss last year and is cooperating with prosecutors after pleading guilty to tax evasion, bank fraud and campaign finance violations.

Cohen has said Trump directed him to make hush-money payments to two women who said they had sexual relationships with Trump, in violation of campaign finance laws before the 2016 election.

Trump called Cohen a "rat" after he turned on him, and the White House again attacked Cohen's credibility on Tuesday.

"It's laughable that anyone would take a convicted liar like Cohen at his word, and pathetic to see him given yet another opportunity to spread his lies," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

Trump has denied any collusion between his campaign and Moscow. Russia denies US intelligence agencies' assertions that it interfered in the election.

Cohen has been disbarred, according to a decision by a New York state appeals court in Manhattan made public on Tuesday. Disbarment is automatic in New York for lawyers convicted of felonies.

Michael Monico, a lawyer for Cohen, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

'GRANULAR DETAILS'

On Wednesday, in a public session before the House Oversight Committee, Cohen intends to give lawmakers "granular details" about a hush-money payment to adult-film actress Stephanie Clifford, known as Stormy Daniels, and information about a "money trail" after Trump became president, said the person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified.

Cohen will also offer new information on Trump's financial statements that "have never been produced before" relating to how Trump represented the values of his assets in financial transactions and other matters, that person said.

Cohen will also offer first-hand anecdotes to illustrate Trump's "lies, racism and cheating" during the decade Cohen worked for the real estate mogul and provide "evidence of criminal conduct" since he became president, the source said.

Like Tuesday's hearing, his testimony on Thursday with the House Intelligence Committee will also be behind closed doors.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee plan to question Cohen publicly about Trump's personal finances, including the payments to women, as well as alleged efforts by Trump and his lawyers to intimidate Cohen to try to keep him from testifying.

Last November, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress by telling lawmakers in 2017 that all efforts relating to the Moscow project had ceased by January 2016. In fact, Cohen said, those efforts continued until June 2016.

US President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen will tell lawmakers on Wednesday that Trump asked him several times about a proposed skyscraper project in Moscow long after he secured the Republican presidential nomination, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

US President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen will tell lawmakers on Wednesday that Trump asked him several times about a proposed skyscraper project in Moscow long after he secured the Republican presidential nomination, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. As Special Counsel Robert Mueller appears to near the end of his probe into whether Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election in collusion with Trump's campaign, Cohen's assertion that Trump was inquiring about the skyscraper project as late as June 2016, if true, would show Trump remained personally engaged in the venture well into his candidacy. Cohen was set to offer lawmakers new information about Trump's private affairs over three consecutive days of in-depth discussion with congressional committees that began on Tuesday with a closed hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The focus of the session, which lasted for roughly 9 hours, was mainly on what Cohen knows about Trump's dealings with Russia, as well as about Cohen's previous lies, two congressional sources said. Cohen apologised to the committee for lying to it in 2017, according to CNN. In brief comments to the media after the Senate session ended, Cohen said he was looking forward to Wednesday's open hearing in the House where he plans to make his case for why people should believe him over Trump. "I'm going to let the American people decide exactly who is telling the truth," Cohen said. Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate committee, suggested Cohen's testimony was important to its probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. "Two years ago when this investigation started, I said it may be the most important thing I'm involved in my public life in the Senate and nothing I have heard today dissuades me from that view," Warner told reporters outside the hearing room. As Cohen testified, Republican US Representative Matt Gaetz, a Trump ally, suggested in a tweet that there was compromising information about Cohen's private life. Gaetz later told the Daily Beast that he was not engaging in witness intimidation. "It is challenging the veracity and character of a witness. We do it every day," he said. The lawmaker does not sit on the House Oversight Committee, which will be conducting Wednesday's hearing with Cohen and therefore will not be allowed to ask him questions. Lanny Davis, an attorney for Cohen, said: "We will not respond to Mr Gaetz's despicable lies and personal smears, except to say we trust that his colleagues in the House, both Republicans and Democrats, will repudiate his words and his conduct." Cohen was one of Trump's closest aides and once said he would "take a bullet" for him. But he turned against his former boss last year and is cooperating with prosecutors after pleading guilty to tax evasion, bank fraud and campaign finance violations. Cohen has said Trump directed him to make hush-money payments to two women who said they had sexual relationships with Trump, in violation of campaign finance laws before the 2016 election. Trump called Cohen a "rat" after he turned on him, and the White House again attacked Cohen's credibility on Tuesday. "It's laughable that anyone would take a convicted liar like Cohen at his word, and pathetic to see him given yet another opportunity to spread his lies," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. Trump has denied any collusion between his campaign and Moscow. Russia denies US intelligence agencies' assertions that it interfered in the election. Cohen has been disbarred, according to a decision by a New York state appeals court in Manhattan made public on Tuesday. Disbarment is automatic in New York for lawyers convicted of felonies. Michael Monico, a lawyer for Cohen, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 'GRANULAR DETAILS' On Wednesday, in a public session before the House Oversight Committee, Cohen intends to give lawmakers "granular details" about a hush-money payment to adult-film actress Stephanie Clifford, known as Stormy Daniels, and information about a "money trail" after Trump became president, said the person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified. Cohen will also offer new information on Trump's financial statements that "have never been produced before" relating to how Trump represented the values of his assets in financial transactions and other matters, that person said. Cohen will also offer first-hand anecdotes to illustrate Trump's "lies, racism and cheating" during the decade Cohen worked for the real estate mogul and provide "evidence of criminal conduct" since he became president, the source said. Like Tuesday's hearing, his testimony on Thursday with the House Intelligence Committee will also be behind closed doors. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee plan to question Cohen publicly about Trump's personal finances, including the payments to women, as well as alleged efforts by Trump and his lawyers to intimidate Cohen to try to keep him from testifying. Last November, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress by telling lawmakers in 2017 that all efforts relating to the Moscow project had ceased by January 2016. In fact, Cohen said, those efforts continued until June 2016.

Trump's ex-lawyer Cohen to offer new Russia details to Congress: Source

North Korea's Kim Jong Un will soon make an official visit to Vietnam, Hanoi said Saturday as it beefed up security on the Chinese border where Kim is expected to cross by train ahead of his summit with US President Donald Trump next week.&nbsp;

Vietnam is hastily preparing for a second summit between Trump and Kim on February 27-28 in Hanoi, and sources have said the North Korean leader is likely to arrive ahead of the meeting for an official visit and to tour industrial zones.&nbsp;

"Kim Jong Un will pay an official visit to Vietnam in the coming days," Vietnam's foreign ministry said Saturday in a post on its Facebook page, without providing dates.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has not yet publicly confirmed the summit with Trump, and routinely keeps Kim's travel plans shrouded in secrecy.&nbsp;

Several sources told AFP Kim is expected to arrive in Vietnam by train ahead of the summit, stopping at the Dong Dang train station near the China border and driving 170 kilometres to Hanoi by car.&nbsp;

Vietnam on Friday announced the unprecedented move of closing the stretch of road from the station to Hanoi on February 26 between 6:00 am and 2:00 pm, state media reported, suggesting Kim could travel on the road between those hours.

Soldiers were deployed to the Dong Dang train station on Saturday and along the road to Hanoi, according to AFP reporters at the scene, who spotted several military vehicles and communications equipment in the area. &nbsp;

"We are doing security sweeps all the way from Dong Dang to Hanoi and we have to finish by February 24. We are working on orders for the arrival of an important delegation," a soldier told AFP, requesting anonymity.

Security personnel tried to prevent anyone from taking photos and videos in the area and soldiers screened everyone who entered the Dong Dang station.

Bargaining chips&nbsp;

The 4,000-kilometre rail journey from Pyongyang to Vietnam via Beijing could take two and a half days in Kim's dark green armoured train, which is reportedly outfitted with conference rooms and several sleeping chambers.

He is expected to pass through the Chinese city of Dandong, where guests at a hotel facing the border bridge from North Korea were suddenly asked to leave Friday. The hotel was closed Saturday for impromptu renovations. &nbsp;

This will be Kim's inaugural visit to Vietnam, and the first time a North Korean leader has travelled to the country since his grandfather Kim Il Sung's trip in 1964.&nbsp;

Kim is expected to tack on a visit to Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh provinces, home to several industrial zones, sources told AFP. Bac Ninh is home to a Samsung factory, a major South Korean investor and leading exporter from Vietnam.&nbsp;

With its glittering post-war growth, Vietnam has been lauded as an economic model for isolated North Korea which has suffered under punishing sanctions.&nbsp;

North Korea is pushing for an easing of those sanctions, but Trump has said he will have to make a "meaningful" gesture on the nuclear front if he wants to see them lifted.&nbsp;

Trump told reporters on Friday that reducing the presence of US forces in South Korea is "not one of the things on the table" and said he would not reveal his bargaining chips ahead of the meeting.&nbsp;

Though Pyongyang would be happy to see a reduction of US troops in South Korea Washington would face pushback from Seoul and Tokyo, whose conservative government is deeply wary of the North's intentions.&nbsp;

Teams from the United States and North Korea are already in Hanoi hashing out pre-summit preparations.&nbsp;

US special envoy to Pyongyang Stephen Biegun and his North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol were both seen at the same Hanoi hotel this week, though neither side confirmed if the pair met face to face.&nbsp;

North Korea's Kim Jong Un will soon make an official visit to Vietnam, Hanoi said Saturday as it beefed up security on the Chinese border where Kim is expected to cross by train ahead of his summit with US President Donald Trump next week.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un will soon make an official visit to Vietnam, Hanoi said Saturday as it beefed up security on the Chinese border where Kim is expected to cross by train ahead of his summit with US President Donald Trump next week. Vietnam is hastily preparing for a second summit between Trump and Kim on February 27-28 in Hanoi, and sources have said the North Korean leader is likely to arrive ahead of the meeting for an official visit and to tour industrial zones. "Kim Jong Un will pay an official visit to Vietnam in the coming days," Vietnam's foreign ministry said Saturday in a post on its Facebook page, without providing dates. Pyongyang has not yet publicly confirmed the summit with Trump, and routinely keeps Kim's travel plans shrouded in secrecy. Several sources told AFP Kim is expected to arrive in Vietnam by train ahead of the summit, stopping at the Dong Dang train station near the China border and driving 170 kilometres to Hanoi by car. Vietnam on Friday announced the unprecedented move of closing the stretch of road from the station to Hanoi on February 26 between 6:00 am and 2:00 pm, state media reported, suggesting Kim could travel on the road between those hours. Soldiers were deployed to the Dong Dang train station on Saturday and along the road to Hanoi, according to AFP reporters at the scene, who spotted several military vehicles and communications equipment in the area. "We are doing security sweeps all the way from Dong Dang to Hanoi and we have to finish by February 24. We are working on orders for the arrival of an important delegation," a soldier told AFP, requesting anonymity. Security personnel tried to prevent anyone from taking photos and videos in the area and soldiers screened everyone who entered the Dong Dang station. Bargaining chips The 4,000-kilometre rail journey from Pyongyang to Vietnam via Beijing could take two and a half days in Kim's dark green armoured train, which is reportedly outfitted with conference rooms and several sleeping chambers. He is expected to pass through the Chinese city of Dandong, where guests at a hotel facing the border bridge from North Korea were suddenly asked to leave Friday. The hotel was closed Saturday for impromptu renovations. This will be Kim's inaugural visit to Vietnam, and the first time a North Korean leader has travelled to the country since his grandfather Kim Il Sung's trip in 1964. Kim is expected to tack on a visit to Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh provinces, home to several industrial zones, sources told AFP. Bac Ninh is home to a Samsung factory, a major South Korean investor and leading exporter from Vietnam. With its glittering post-war growth, Vietnam has been lauded as an economic model for isolated North Korea which has suffered under punishing sanctions. North Korea is pushing for an easing of those sanctions, but Trump has said he will have to make a "meaningful" gesture on the nuclear front if he wants to see them lifted. Trump told reporters on Friday that reducing the presence of US forces in South Korea is "not one of the things on the table" and said he would not reveal his bargaining chips ahead of the meeting. Though Pyongyang would be happy to see a reduction of US troops in South Korea Washington would face pushback from Seoul and Tokyo, whose conservative government is deeply wary of the North's intentions. Teams from the United States and North Korea are already in Hanoi hashing out pre-summit preparations. US special envoy to Pyongyang Stephen Biegun and his North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol were both seen at the same Hanoi hotel this week, though neither side confirmed if the pair met face to face.

North Korea's Kim to make official visit to Vietnam in 'coming days'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-us-mexico-border-emergency-democrats-protest-197678">US President Donald Trump</a> made the case on Friday that he deserves to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on North Korea and Syria, but complained he probably would never get the honour.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-promises-announcement-on-is-caliphate-within-24-hours-197673">Trump, a Republican</a>, capped off a rambling Rose Garden news conference with a well-oiled gripe that former Democratic President Barack Obama, a nemesis, won the Nobel Prize in 2009, just months into his first term in office.

"They gave it to Obama. He didn't even know what he got it for. He was there for about 15 seconds and he got the Nobel Prize. He said, 'Oh, what did I get it for?'" Trump grumbled.

"With me, I probably will never get it."

Trump claimed he saved 3 million people living in Syria's rebel-held Idlib region from being killed after he warned Russia, Iran and the Syrian government against a planned offensive.

"Nobody talks about that," he complained.

Attacks on the Idlib region have continued, though Trump said the strikes are done "surgically."

He said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had given him "the most beautiful copy" of a five-page letter in which Abe nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize for opening talks and easing tensions with North Korea.

"You know why? Because he had rocket ships and he had missiles flying over Japan," Trump said. "Now, all of a sudden, they feel good. They feel safe. I did that," Trump said, adding that the Obama administration "couldn't have done it."The White House declined further comment on Trump's claim that Abe had nominated him, and a spokesman for the Japanese embassy said he had no information about such a letter.

"Many other people feel that way, too. I'll probably never get it. But that's OK," Trump said.

Last April, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Trump deserved the Nobel for his efforts to negotiate an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

Trump will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi on Feb. 27-28 for a second summit on the nuclear issue. Trump says their first meeting in Singapore last June was a triumph but critics said it delivered no progress on denuclearisation.

Trump praised himself on Friday for establishing a good relationship with Kim. "I like him a lot and he likes me a lot."

And he fondly recalled his original hardline approach to the reclusive leader, regaling reporters with some of his favourite bellicose lines.

"It was a very tough dialogue at the beginning: 'Fire and fury.' 'Total annihilation.' 'My button is bigger than yours,' and 'My button works.' Remember that? You don't remember that. And people said, 'Trump is crazy.''

US President Donald Trump made the case on Friday that he deserves to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on North Korea and Syria, but complained he probably would never get the honour.

US President Donald Trump made the case on Friday that he deserves to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on North Korea and Syria, but complained he probably would never get the honour. Trump, a Republican, capped off a rambling Rose Garden news conference with a well-oiled gripe that former Democratic President Barack Obama, a nemesis, won the Nobel Prize in 2009, just months into his first term in office. "They gave it to Obama. He didn't even know what he got it for. He was there for about 15 seconds and he got the Nobel Prize. He said, 'Oh, what did I get it for?'" Trump grumbled. "With me, I probably will never get it." Trump claimed he saved 3 million people living in Syria's rebel-held Idlib region from being killed after he warned Russia, Iran and the Syrian government against a planned offensive. "Nobody talks about that," he complained. Attacks on the Idlib region have continued, though Trump said the strikes are done "surgically." He said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had given him "the most beautiful copy" of a five-page letter in which Abe nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize for opening talks and easing tensions with North Korea. "You know why? Because he had rocket ships and he had missiles flying over Japan," Trump said. "Now, all of a sudden, they feel good. They feel safe. I did that," Trump said, adding that the Obama administration "couldn't have done it."The White House declined further comment on Trump's claim that Abe had nominated him, and a spokesman for the Japanese embassy said he had no information about such a letter. "Many other people feel that way, too. I'll probably never get it. But that's OK," Trump said. Last April, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Trump deserved the Nobel for his efforts to negotiate an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Trump will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi on Feb. 27-28 for a second summit on the nuclear issue. Trump says their first meeting in Singapore last June was a triumph but critics said it delivered no progress on denuclearisation. Trump praised himself on Friday for establishing a good relationship with Kim. "I like him a lot and he likes me a lot." And he fondly recalled his original hardline approach to the reclusive leader, regaling reporters with some of his favourite bellicose lines. "It was a very tough dialogue at the beginning: 'Fire and fury.' 'Total annihilation.' 'My button is bigger than yours,' and 'My button works.' Remember that? You don't remember that. And people said, 'Trump is crazy.''

Trump makes his case for Nobel Peace Prize, complains he'll never get it

Asian stocks retreated Friday as concern grew over reports of an impasse in China-US trade talks in Beijing, and Wall Street was hit by weak US retail sales.

Bourses across the region posted losses as investors shrugged off news that US President Donald Trump would sign a massive spending bill to avert a government shutdown, while Chinese inflation eased more than expected.

Top US economic officials were due to meet President Xi Jinping in the Chinese capital as both sides aim to conclude trade talks with enough goodwill to extend a truce in their tariff war.

Trump's economic advisor Larry Kudlow said the talks were "covering all the ground" and "the vibe is good" though no decision had been taken on extending a March 1 deadline for tariff hikes.

But multiple reports said there had been little progress on thorny issues such as US demands that China cracks down on forced technology transfers and reduce subsidies that favour domestic companies.

The Wall Street Journal said China had offered to boost imports of US goods with promises of major purchases of semiconductors and other items, but that officials "remained deadlocked on a number of issues".

And Bloomberg News reported that the two sides had "failed to narrow the gap around structural reforms to China's economy that the US has requested".

Both cited anonymous sources.

Failure to resolve the dispute would initiate a sharp hike in US tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods which could slow the global economy.

Hong Kong shed 1.5 per cent, Tokyo dropped 1.2 per cent and Shanghai fell 0.7 per cent.

Seoul, Taipei, Wellington and Jakarta all posted losses too, though Sydney edged up.

Factory and consumer price inflation in China rose at a slower rate than expected in January, official data showed Friday.

The weak producer prices were "a concern since these are highly correlated with profit growth in the industry", Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics said in a research note.

Wall Street fell earlier after the Commerce Department reported US retail sales had dropped 1.2 per cent in December from the previous month, marking the largest month-to-month decrease since September 2009.

The report suggested American consumers had held back during a peak holiday shopping season that coincided with a plunge in the stock market.

The US Congress passed a spending bill to avert a government shutdown, and Trump has signalled he will sign it before a midnight Friday deadline.

But the positive news was offset as the American president alarmed lawmakers with a plan to declare a national emergency to fund his controversial wall on the Mexico border.

Meanwhile, oil continued to climb due to falling global output after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries cut output.

Asian stocks retreated Friday as concern grew over reports of an impasse in China-US trade talks in Beijing, and Wall Street was hit by weak US retail sales. Bourses across the region posted losses as investors shrugged off news that US President Donald Trump would sign a massive spending bill to avert a government shutdown, while Chinese inflation eased more than expected.

Asian stocks retreated Friday as concern grew over reports of an impasse in China-US trade talks in Beijing, and Wall Street was hit by weak US retail sales. Bourses across the region posted losses as investors shrugged off news that US President Donald Trump would sign a massive spending bill to avert a government shutdown, while Chinese inflation eased more than expected. Top US economic officials were due to meet President Xi Jinping in the Chinese capital as both sides aim to conclude trade talks with enough goodwill to extend a truce in their tariff war. Trump's economic advisor Larry Kudlow said the talks were "covering all the ground" and "the vibe is good" though no decision had been taken on extending a March 1 deadline for tariff hikes. But multiple reports said there had been little progress on thorny issues such as US demands that China cracks down on forced technology transfers and reduce subsidies that favour domestic companies. The Wall Street Journal said China had offered to boost imports of US goods with promises of major purchases of semiconductors and other items, but that officials "remained deadlocked on a number of issues". And Bloomberg News reported that the two sides had "failed to narrow the gap around structural reforms to China's economy that the US has requested". Both cited anonymous sources. Failure to resolve the dispute would initiate a sharp hike in US tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods which could slow the global economy. Hong Kong shed 1.5 per cent, Tokyo dropped 1.2 per cent and Shanghai fell 0.7 per cent. Seoul, Taipei, Wellington and Jakarta all posted losses too, though Sydney edged up. Factory and consumer price inflation in China rose at a slower rate than expected in January, official data showed Friday. The weak producer prices were "a concern since these are highly correlated with profit growth in the industry", Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics said in a research note. Wall Street fell earlier after the Commerce Department reported US retail sales had dropped 1.2 per cent in December from the previous month, marking the largest month-to-month decrease since September 2009. The report suggested American consumers had held back during a peak holiday shopping season that coincided with a plunge in the stock market. The US Congress passed a spending bill to avert a government shutdown, and Trump has signalled he will sign it before a midnight Friday deadline. But the positive news was offset as the American president alarmed lawmakers with a plan to declare a national emergency to fund his controversial wall on the Mexico border. Meanwhile, oil continued to climb due to falling global output after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries cut output.

Asian shares drop on trade talks fears, weak US retail

Democrat Amy Klobuchar on Sunday joined the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-warren-formally-launches-2020-campaign-sounds-note-of-economic-equality-196404">2020 White House race</a>, adding a pragmatic voice from the heartland state of Minnesota to an ever-growing field of contenders hoping to unseat US President Donald Trump.

In a speech that was almost a point-by-point rejection of the president's policies and of the country's toxic divides, she told supporters, "We are tired of the shutdowns and the showdowns, of the gridlock and the grandstanding."

"Enough is enough. Our nation must be governed not from chaos but from opportunity."&nbsp;

Klobuchar, the 58-year-old granddaughter of an iron miner, made the announcement before a heavily bundled-up crowd under gray and snowy skies in a park along the Mississippi River, as volunteers passed out hand warmers.

In a year when many Democrats say their top priority in a candidate is an ability to defeat Trump, Klobuchar's words seemed -- time after time, issue by issue -- to target the president.

She said that if elected she would return to the international climate treaty on "Day One"; she promised more stringent gun laws and set a target of universal health care; and she said America must support its troops, diplomats and intelligence officers.

"They deserve better than foreign policy by tweet," she said. &nbsp;

Klobuchar has been visibly building a national profile. Crucially, she has proven popular even in the more Republican-friendly rural parts of her state. She won re-election in November by a resounding 24-point margin, carrying 1,200 precincts won by Trump in 2016.&nbsp;

A former prosecutor with an unpretentious demeanour, she referred again and again in her speech to her roots in a region that prides itself on an ethic of honesty and hard work. But at odds with that image, her own work ethic has emerged as a focus of criticism in recent days.

Several former aides have been quoted saying she is difficult to work for, with bouts of "explosive rage" leading to exceptionally high staff turnover.&nbsp;

Her defenders say she is simply someone who demands excellence, and that the allegations against her would not be made against a man.

'Minnesota Nice'&nbsp;

Klobuchar, 58, pointedly wore neither hat nor gloves during her speech Sunday in bitterly cold weather, her brown hair and mustard-yellow coat gradually turning white with the accumulating snowfall.&nbsp;

"I don't have a political machine, I don't come from money, but what I do have is this," she said: "I have grit. I have family. I have friends. I have neighbours. I have all of you."

Minnesota Republicans, with a poor record against Klobuchar, have tried nonetheless to blunt her announcement, portraying her as overly cautious and perhaps not up to a nationwide challenge.

"Minnesota Nice is not going to work on a national stage," Jennifer Carnahan, chair of the state's Republican Party, told the Star Tribune newspaper.

While many of the high-profile Democrats already in the race are in the progressive lane -- liberal Senator Elizabeth Warren formally declared her candidacy Saturday -- Klobuchar has quietly gained attention in Washington as a centrist.

She is known for putting partisanship aside to pass legislation, something that has earned her a devoted following in Minnesota, and something American voters regularly tell pollsters they want.

"If you just go in your opposite corner of the boxing ring, you never get anything done," she said on ABC's "The View" late last year. "Courage is whether you're willing to stand next to someone you don't always agree with, for the betterment of this country."

In a historically diverse Democratic field, Klobuchar is the fifth woman to seek the nomination.

Senators Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Warren of Massachusetts have all thrown their hat in the race, as has congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii.

A number of male senators are either running (Cory Booker of New Jersey) or considering a run (Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jeff Merkley of Oregon).

Former vice president Joe Biden is known to be weighing a candidacy, and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke has said he will announce his plans this month.

Klobuchar, the daughter of a journalist and a teacher, has a reputation as a fierce defender of the rights of the working class, consumers and women.

Her profile rose last year when she won plaudits for her cool-headed questioning of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in a hearing focusing on allegations of sexual abuse and drinking.&nbsp;

Democrat Amy Klobuchar on Sunday joined the 2020 White House race, adding a pragmatic voice from the heartland state of Minnesota to an ever-growing field of contenders hoping to unseat US President Donald Trump.

Democrat Amy Klobuchar on Sunday joined the 2020 White House race, adding a pragmatic voice from the heartland state of Minnesota to an ever-growing field of contenders hoping to unseat US President Donald Trump. In a speech that was almost a point-by-point rejection of the president's policies and of the country's toxic divides, she told supporters, "We are tired of the shutdowns and the showdowns, of the gridlock and the grandstanding." "Enough is enough. Our nation must be governed not from chaos but from opportunity." Klobuchar, the 58-year-old granddaughter of an iron miner, made the announcement before a heavily bundled-up crowd under gray and snowy skies in a park along the Mississippi River, as volunteers passed out hand warmers. In a year when many Democrats say their top priority in a candidate is an ability to defeat Trump, Klobuchar's words seemed -- time after time, issue by issue -- to target the president. She said that if elected she would return to the international climate treaty on "Day One"; she promised more stringent gun laws and set a target of universal health care; and she said America must support its troops, diplomats and intelligence officers. "They deserve better than foreign policy by tweet," she said. Klobuchar has been visibly building a national profile. Crucially, she has proven popular even in the more Republican-friendly rural parts of her state. She won re-election in November by a resounding 24-point margin, carrying 1,200 precincts won by Trump in 2016. A former prosecutor with an unpretentious demeanour, she referred again and again in her speech to her roots in a region that prides itself on an ethic of honesty and hard work. But at odds with that image, her own work ethic has emerged as a focus of criticism in recent days. Several former aides have been quoted saying she is difficult to work for, with bouts of "explosive rage" leading to exceptionally high staff turnover. Her defenders say she is simply someone who demands excellence, and that the allegations against her would not be made against a man. 'Minnesota Nice' Klobuchar, 58, pointedly wore neither hat nor gloves during her speech Sunday in bitterly cold weather, her brown hair and mustard-yellow coat gradually turning white with the accumulating snowfall. "I don't have a political machine, I don't come from money, but what I do have is this," she said: "I have grit. I have family. I have friends. I have neighbours. I have all of you." Minnesota Republicans, with a poor record against Klobuchar, have tried nonetheless to blunt her announcement, portraying her as overly cautious and perhaps not up to a nationwide challenge. "Minnesota Nice is not going to work on a national stage," Jennifer Carnahan, chair of the state's Republican Party, told the Star Tribune newspaper. While many of the high-profile Democrats already in the race are in the progressive lane -- liberal Senator Elizabeth Warren formally declared her candidacy Saturday -- Klobuchar has quietly gained attention in Washington as a centrist. She is known for putting partisanship aside to pass legislation, something that has earned her a devoted following in Minnesota, and something American voters regularly tell pollsters they want. "If you just go in your opposite corner of the boxing ring, you never get anything done," she said on ABC's "The View" late last year. "Courage is whether you're willing to stand next to someone you don't always agree with, for the betterment of this country." In a historically diverse Democratic field, Klobuchar is the fifth woman to seek the nomination. Senators Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Warren of Massachusetts have all thrown their hat in the race, as has congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii. A number of male senators are either running (Cory Booker of New Jersey) or considering a run (Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jeff Merkley of Oregon). Former vice president Joe Biden is known to be weighing a candidacy, and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke has said he will announce his plans this month. Klobuchar, the daughter of a journalist and a teacher, has a reputation as a fierce defender of the rights of the working class, consumers and women. Her profile rose last year when she won plaudits for her cool-headed questioning of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in a hearing focusing on allegations of sexual abuse and drinking.

Democrat Amy Klobuchar joins 2020 White House race

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-pitch-optimism-greatness-in-state-of-union-white-house-194496">US President Donald Trump</a> said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" and that he had turned down President Nicolas Maduro's request for a meeting.

"Certainly, it's something that's on the - it's an option," Trump said in an interview with CBS to be broadcast on Sunday.

Trump said Maduro requested a meeting months ago and he turned down the Venezuela leader.

"I've turned it down because we're very far along in the process," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview. "So, I think the process is playing out - very, very big tremendous protests."

Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets to protest the Maduro government, wearing the yellow, red and blue of the Venezuelan flag.

As domestic and international pressure mounts on Maduro to step down, a senior air force general disavowed him in a video that circulated earlier on Saturday, expressing his allegiance to parliament head and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" and that he had turned down President Nicolas Maduro's request for a meeting.

US President Donald Trump said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" and that he had turned down President Nicolas Maduro's request for a meeting. "Certainly, it's something that's on the - it's an option," Trump said in an interview with CBS to be broadcast on Sunday. Trump said Maduro requested a meeting months ago and he turned down the Venezuela leader. "I've turned it down because we're very far along in the process," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview. "So, I think the process is playing out - very, very big tremendous protests." Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets to protest the Maduro government, wearing the yellow, red and blue of the Venezuelan flag. As domestic and international pressure mounts on Maduro to step down, a senior air force general disavowed him in a video that circulated earlier on Saturday, expressing his allegiance to parliament head and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.

Trump says sending military into Venezuela is 'an option': Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-sending-military-to-venezuela-an-option-cbs-194884">US President Donald Trump</a> said it was important to keep a US military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran, according to a CBS interview to be broadcast on Sunday.

Trump said the United States spent a fortune on a base in Iraq. "We might as well keep it. One of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview.

Asked if that meant he wanted to be able to strike Iran, Trump said, "No, because I want to be able to watch Iran."

"All I want to do is be able to watch. We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up."

Trump defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria but refused to provide a timetable for the pullout, which was criticized by members of his own Republican Party and caused concern among some allies in the region.

He said some of the forces moving out of Syria will go to the base in Iraq and "ultimately some will be coming home."

US President Donald Trump said it was important to keep a US military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran, according to a CBS interview to be broadcast on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump said it was important to keep a US military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran, according to a CBS interview to be broadcast on Sunday. Trump said the United States spent a fortune on a base in Iraq. "We might as well keep it. One of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview. Asked if that meant he wanted to be able to strike Iran, Trump said, "No, because I want to be able to watch Iran." "All I want to do is be able to watch. We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up." Trump defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria but refused to provide a timetable for the pullout, which was criticized by members of his own Republican Party and caused concern among some allies in the region. He said some of the forces moving out of Syria will go to the base in Iraq and "ultimately some will be coming home."

Want to keep US military in Iraq to 'watch Iran', says Trump

The United States will return the first group of migrants seeking US asylum to the Mexican border city of Tijuana on Friday, a Mexican government spokesman said on Thursday.

In a major policy change, US President Donald Trump's administration said on December 20 it would send non-Mexican migrants who cross the US southern border back to wait in Mexico while their asylum requests are processed.

The spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not specify the nationalities of those to be returned to Mexico, although the policy was aimed at helping cope with rising numbers of Central Americans seeking asylum in the United States.

The two countries have held two meetings to work out details of the plan to return migrants seeking US asylum across the shared border. Mexico has said it will not accept anybody facing a credible threat in Mexican territory.

The US Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond for comment on when the program would begin, although a department official said the policy would not apply to certain vulnerable populations and unaccompanied minors.

Serious doubts exist over whether Mexico can keep Central American asylum seekers who are fleeing poverty and crime safe, especially in border towns that are often more violent than the cities they left.

It is unclear how Mexico plans to house what could be thousands of asylum seekers for the months - or years - it takes US immigration cases to be heard. A backlog of more than 800,000 cases is pending in immigration courts.

The program, dubbed Migrant Protection Protocols by the US Department of Homeland Security, is one of a series of measures taken by the Trump administration aimed at making it harder for Central Americans to enter the United States under asylum laws.

Trump argues that the asylum system is abused, calling a process by which many migrants are freed in the United States to await immigration trial "catch and release."

Trump is demanding $5.7 billion in funding for a wall along the Mexican border, triggering a US partial government shutdown that stretched to its 34th day on Thursday and has left 800,000 federal workers without pay.

Illegal crossings at the southern border have dropped dramatically since highs in previous decades, but in recent years more Central American families and unaccompanied children have been migrating to the United States and applications for asylum have ballooned.

Last year, about 93,000 people sought asylum at the southern border, up 67 percent from 2017, according to US government data.

The United States will return the first group of migrants seeking US asylum to the Mexican border city of Tijuana on Friday, a Mexican government spokesman said on Thursday.

The United States will return the first group of migrants seeking US asylum to the Mexican border city of Tijuana on Friday, a Mexican government spokesman said on Thursday. In a major policy change, US President Donald Trump's administration said on December 20 it would send non-Mexican migrants who cross the US southern border back to wait in Mexico while their asylum requests are processed. The spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not specify the nationalities of those to be returned to Mexico, although the policy was aimed at helping cope with rising numbers of Central Americans seeking asylum in the United States. The two countries have held two meetings to work out details of the plan to return migrants seeking US asylum across the shared border. Mexico has said it will not accept anybody facing a credible threat in Mexican territory. The US Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond for comment on when the program would begin, although a department official said the policy would not apply to certain vulnerable populations and unaccompanied minors. Serious doubts exist over whether Mexico can keep Central American asylum seekers who are fleeing poverty and crime safe, especially in border towns that are often more violent than the cities they left. It is unclear how Mexico plans to house what could be thousands of asylum seekers for the months - or years - it takes US immigration cases to be heard. A backlog of more than 800,000 cases is pending in immigration courts. The program, dubbed Migrant Protection Protocols by the US Department of Homeland Security, is one of a series of measures taken by the Trump administration aimed at making it harder for Central Americans to enter the United States under asylum laws. Trump argues that the asylum system is abused, calling a process by which many migrants are freed in the United States to await immigration trial "catch and release." Trump is demanding $5.7 billion in funding for a wall along the Mexican border, triggering a US partial government shutdown that stretched to its 34th day on Thursday and has left 800,000 federal workers without pay. Illegal crossings at the southern border have dropped dramatically since highs in previous decades, but in recent years more Central American families and unaccompanied children have been migrating to the United States and applications for asylum have ballooned. Last year, about 93,000 people sought asylum at the southern border, up 67 percent from 2017, according to US government data.

US to begin returning asylum seekers to Mexico today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-says-killing-of-women-has-become-plague-in-latin-america-192583">Pope Francis</a> criticised those who build walls and sow fear about strangers on Thursday to a global gathering of young Catholics in Panama city.

"The father of lies, the devil, always prefers a divided people at odds with each other. He is the master of division, and he is afraid of a people that learns to work together, and this is a criteria to recognize people: the builders of bridges and the builders of walls,'' Pope said.

The 82-year-old pope received a rock-star welcome by tens of thousands of young people when he arrived for the World Youth Day event at a palm-fringed park on the shores of Panama Bay.

The comment was clearly pointed to US President Donald Trump's proposal of building a wall at US-Mexico border.

When the Pope asked the crowd, ''What do you want to be?'' The crowd replied back ''builders of bridges.''

Meanwhile, Pope urged Latin America's leaders to shun corruption and tackle gang violence, drug trafficking and the killing of women, which he said had become a "plague" in his native continent.

Francis also addressed migration for the second straight day, saying more had to be done to overcome fears and suspicions because migrants were seeking a better life.

Pope Francis criticised those who build walls and sow fear about strangers on Thursday to a global gathering of young Catholics in Panama city. "The father of lies, the devil, always prefers a divided people at odds with each other.

Pope Francis criticised those who build walls and sow fear about strangers on Thursday to a global gathering of young Catholics in Panama city. "The father of lies, the devil, always prefers a divided people at odds with each other. He is the master of division, and he is afraid of a people that learns to work together, and this is a criteria to recognize people: the builders of bridges and the builders of walls,'' Pope said. The 82-year-old pope received a rock-star welcome by tens of thousands of young people when he arrived for the World Youth Day event at a palm-fringed park on the shores of Panama Bay. The comment was clearly pointed to US President Donald Trump's proposal of building a wall at US-Mexico border. When the Pope asked the crowd, ''What do you want to be?'' The crowd replied back ''builders of bridges.'' Meanwhile, Pope urged Latin America's leaders to shun corruption and tackle gang violence, drug trafficking and the killing of women, which he said had become a "plague" in his native continent. Francis also addressed migration for the second straight day, saying more had to be done to overcome fears and suspicions because migrants were seeking a better life.

Pope Francis criticises those who 'build walls', 'sow fear'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">US, regional powers say they recognise Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela</a>

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/house-speaker-pelosi-says-trump-cannot-give-state-of-union-speech-until-he-ends-govt-shutdown-192338">Trump forced to 'cancel' State of Union speech</a>

US President Donald Trump intensified his war of words with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday after she effectively blocked him from delivering his annual address in Congress during the government shutdown, now in its 33rd day.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/piyush-goyal-may-present-budget-as-he-gets-additional-charge-of-finance-ministry-192343">Piyush Goyal likely to present Interim Budget after he gets additional charge of Finance Ministry</a>

Piyush Goyal is likely to present the interim Budget on February 1 as he was Wednesday given the additional charge of finance ministry as Arun Jaitley is in the US for medical treatment, sources said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335">North Korea's Kim says he 'believes in' Trump ahead of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335"> summit: State media</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a second summit between Kim and Trump.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341">Maduro gives American diplomats 72 hours to leave, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341"> says he doesn't have the authority</a>

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

US, regional powers say they recognise Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

US, regional powers say they recognise Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated. Trump forced to 'cancel' State of Union speech US President Donald Trump intensified his war of words with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday after she effectively blocked him from delivering his annual address in Congress during the government shutdown, now in its 33rd day. Piyush Goyal likely to present Interim Budget after he gets additional charge of Finance Ministry Piyush Goyal is likely to present the interim Budget on February 1 as he was Wednesday given the additional charge of finance ministry as Arun Jaitley is in the US for medical treatment, sources said. North Korea's Kim says he 'believes in' Trump ahead of second summit: State media North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a second summit between Kim and Trump. Maduro gives American diplomats 72 hours to leave, US says he doesn't have the authority Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

News brief: Big stories of the day

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-second-summit-imminent-south-korea-president-moon-189300">second summit</a> between Kim and Trump.

Kim said he would trust Trump's approach, the North's official KCNA news agency said, weeks after Kim warned North Korea could seek a "new path" if US sanctions and pressure continued. That suggested Kim was focused on the next meeting with Trump to produce results.

"Kim Jong Un said that we will believe in President Trump's positive way of thinking, wait with patience and in good faith and, together with the US, advance step by step toward the goal to be reached by the two countries," KCNA said.

It said Kim expressed "large satisfaction" at receiving a "great" letter from Trump and a briefing about the results of the negotiations from the North Korean delegation that visited Washington last week but did not elaborate.

Kim ordered working-level preparations for the second North Korea-US summit to be done well, KCNA said. The White House said last week a second Trump-Kim summit would be held in late February but did not say where.

That follows their landmark first summit in Singapore last June, which produced a promise to work towards the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Progress since then has been patchy.

Kim has indicated to South Korean President Moon Jae-in he would undertake a "groundbreaking" denuclearisation measure, South Korean newspaper DongA Ilbo reported on Thursday.

The newspaper, citing an unidentified source with direct knowledge of the US-North Korea situation, said the same had been made clear to Trump during senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol's Washington visit last week.

North Korea has hinted, for example, at the possibility of agreeing to the US demand for verification of denuclearisation efforts before it discards its Yongbyon nuclear facilities.

In turn, the United States has mentioned potential measures such as easing limits on oil imports, a conditional restart of the Kaesong industrial zone in North Korea, and opening a liaison office in Pyongyang, DongA reported.

'NO RUSH'

DongA also said that, according to several South Korean government sources, talks between officials from North Korea, the United States and South Korea near Stockholm this week appeared to have been constructive in setting some of the agenda for the second Trump-Kim summit.

The US State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the DongA report.

The White House said after Trump met Kim Yong Chol, the North's chief nuclear negotiator, last week that economic sanctions against Pyongyang would be maintained despite agreeing to the second summit.

Trump has said there is "no rush" and "no time limit" on denuclearisation negotiations, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has given varying statements about the degree of Washington's patience.

Pompeo said after the Singapore summit the United States hoped to achieve "major disarmament" by North Korea by the end of Trump's current term in office in January 2021. He has subsequently said he would not put a timeline on talks.

He told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Wednesday there had been progress in stopping North Korea's nuclear and missile-testing programmes.

"Chairman Kim continues to assure the President of the United States he is intent on denuclearisation and I hope that at the end of February, when the two leaders get together, we can make a substantial step along the way," Pompeo said.

He said on Tuesday he saw an important role for the private sector in helping to develop North Korea if progress was made.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a second summit between Kim and Trump.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a second summit between Kim and Trump. Kim said he would trust Trump's approach, the North's official KCNA news agency said, weeks after Kim warned North Korea could seek a "new path" if US sanctions and pressure continued. That suggested Kim was focused on the next meeting with Trump to produce results. "Kim Jong Un said that we will believe in President Trump's positive way of thinking, wait with patience and in good faith and, together with the US, advance step by step toward the goal to be reached by the two countries," KCNA said. It said Kim expressed "large satisfaction" at receiving a "great" letter from Trump and a briefing about the results of the negotiations from the North Korean delegation that visited Washington last week but did not elaborate. Kim ordered working-level preparations for the second North Korea-US summit to be done well, KCNA said. The White House said last week a second Trump-Kim summit would be held in late February but did not say where. That follows their landmark first summit in Singapore last June, which produced a promise to work towards the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Progress since then has been patchy. Kim has indicated to South Korean President Moon Jae-in he would undertake a "groundbreaking" denuclearisation measure, South Korean newspaper DongA Ilbo reported on Thursday. The newspaper, citing an unidentified source with direct knowledge of the US-North Korea situation, said the same had been made clear to Trump during senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol's Washington visit last week. North Korea has hinted, for example, at the possibility of agreeing to the US demand for verification of denuclearisation efforts before it discards its Yongbyon nuclear facilities. In turn, the United States has mentioned potential measures such as easing limits on oil imports, a conditional restart of the Kaesong industrial zone in North Korea, and opening a liaison office in Pyongyang, DongA reported. 'NO RUSH' DongA also said that, according to several South Korean government sources, talks between officials from North Korea, the United States and South Korea near Stockholm this week appeared to have been constructive in setting some of the agenda for the second Trump-Kim summit. The US State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the DongA report. The White House said after Trump met Kim Yong Chol, the North's chief nuclear negotiator, last week that economic sanctions against Pyongyang would be maintained despite agreeing to the second summit. Trump has said there is "no rush" and "no time limit" on denuclearisation negotiations, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has given varying statements about the degree of Washington's patience. Pompeo said after the Singapore summit the United States hoped to achieve "major disarmament" by North Korea by the end of Trump's current term in office in January 2021. He has subsequently said he would not put a timeline on talks. He told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Wednesday there had been progress in stopping North Korea's nuclear and missile-testing programmes. "Chairman Kim continues to assure the President of the United States he is intent on denuclearisation and I hope that at the end of February, when the two leaders get together, we can make a substantial step along the way," Pompeo said. He said on Tuesday he saw an important role for the private sector in helping to develop North Korea if progress was made.

North Korea's Kim says he 'believes in' Trump ahead of second summit: State media

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/house-speaker-pelosi-says-trump-cannot-give-state-of-union-speech-until-he-ends-govt-shutdown-192338">US President Donald Trump</a> said Wednesday that Washington is doing "very well" in trade talks with China and that Beijing is keen to strike a deal ending their trade war.

China "wants to make a deal," he said at the White House. "We're doing very well in the negotiations."

Data showing China's economy grew at its weakest pace in three decades have fuelled fears it is heading for a rocky patch, exacerbated by the pressure from US tariffs.&nbsp;

Trump argues that China has skewed the trading rules for decades and must agree to substantial reductions in import barriers, while boosting protection for US intellectual property.

However, the tit-for-tat tariffs between the world's two main economic powers have also hurt US economic confidence and markets are waiting anxiously for a deal.

On Wednesday, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan told an audience at the World Economic Forum in Davos that "the Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win."&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Washington is doing "very well" in trade talks with China and that Beijing is keen to strike a deal ending their trade war.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Washington is doing "very well" in trade talks with China and that Beijing is keen to strike a deal ending their trade war. China "wants to make a deal," he said at the White House. "We're doing very well in the negotiations." Data showing China's economy grew at its weakest pace in three decades have fuelled fears it is heading for a rocky patch, exacerbated by the pressure from US tariffs. Trump argues that China has skewed the trading rules for decades and must agree to substantial reductions in import barriers, while boosting protection for US intellectual property. However, the tit-for-tat tariffs between the world's two main economic powers have also hurt US economic confidence and markets are waiting anxiously for a deal. On Wednesday, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan told an audience at the World Economic Forum in Davos that "the Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win."

US doing 'very well' in China trade talks: Trump

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/house-speaker-pelosi-says-trump-cannot-give-state-of-union-speech-until-he-ends-govt-shutdown-192338">US President Donald Trump</a> announced late Wednesday he would give the State of the Union address when the ongoing government shutdown ends, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi effectively blocked him from delivering the annual speech in Congress.

"As the Shutdown was going on, Nancy Pelosi asked me to give the State of the Union Address. I agreed," the president tweeted.

"She then changed her mind because of the Shutdown, suggesting a later date. This is her prerogative - I will do the Address when the Shutdown is over."

Trump also said he was not looking for an alternative venue because none "can compete with the history, tradition and importance of the House Chamber," adding he looked forward to giving a "great" address "in the near future."

Traditionally, the president's annual speech, which was previously scheduled for next Tuesday, is delivered before a joint session of Congress in the ornate chamber of the House of Representatives.

In an effort to force the hand of Pelosi, who had already urged Trump to reschedule due to shutdown-related security shortcomings, the president had written to her saying it would be "so very sad for our Country if the State of the Union were not delivered on time, on schedule, and very importantly, on location!"

But Pelosi, who has become the face of Democratic opposition to Trump in Congress, pushed back, informing the president that the House would not authorize the speech in the chamber.

The rejection sent Washington's establishment into uncharted territory, and all but forced Trump to retreat over his address.

The standoff came on the eve of a pair of US Senate votes that appeared unlikely to end the longest-ever shutdown -- and as furloughed federal workers vented their fury on Capitol Hill on the shutdown's 33rd day.

US President Donald Trump announced late Wednesday he would give the State of the Union address when the ongoing government shutdown ends, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi effectively blocked him from delivering the annual speech in Congress.

US President Donald Trump announced late Wednesday he would give the State of the Union address when the ongoing government shutdown ends, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi effectively blocked him from delivering the annual speech in Congress. "As the Shutdown was going on, Nancy Pelosi asked me to give the State of the Union Address. I agreed," the president tweeted. "She then changed her mind because of the Shutdown, suggesting a later date. This is her prerogative - I will do the Address when the Shutdown is over." Trump also said he was not looking for an alternative venue because none "can compete with the history, tradition and importance of the House Chamber," adding he looked forward to giving a "great" address "in the near future." Traditionally, the president's annual speech, which was previously scheduled for next Tuesday, is delivered before a joint session of Congress in the ornate chamber of the House of Representatives. In an effort to force the hand of Pelosi, who had already urged Trump to reschedule due to shutdown-related security shortcomings, the president had written to her saying it would be "so very sad for our Country if the State of the Union were not delivered on time, on schedule, and very importantly, on location!" But Pelosi, who has become the face of Democratic opposition to Trump in Congress, pushed back, informing the president that the House would not authorize the speech in the chamber. The rejection sent Washington's establishment into uncharted territory, and all but forced Trump to retreat over his address. The standoff came on the eve of a pair of US Senate votes that appeared unlikely to end the longest-ever shutdown -- and as furloughed federal workers vented their fury on Capitol Hill on the shutdown's 33rd day.

Trump backs down, says will give State of Union speech after shutdown ends

The top US diplomat for European affairs, Wess Mitchell, has resigned, according to his resignation letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday at a time of strains in the trans-Atlantic relationship over US President Donald Trump's policies.

In the letter to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dated January 4, Mitchell said he felt he had completed his goals for the post and wanted to spend more time with his young family.

He will leave the post on February 15, according to the State Department.

There were no obvious signs that Mitchell, a former policy analyst on central and eastern Europe, was resigning out of protest against Trump administration policies.

Mitchell was brought on board by former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in 2017 as Trump threatened to withdraw the United States from the NATO military alliance and Washington accused Moscow of meddling in the 2016 US presidential campaign.

The trans-Atlantic relationship has been further strained by Trump's decisions to impose US tariffs on European steel and aluminum, pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and global climate pact, and recently to withdraw troops from Syria.

Ties with Germany have been strained over Trump's sharp criticism of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's migration policies and support for a Baltic Sea gas pipeline with Russia. He has also lashed out at French President Emmanuel Macron for his "low approval rating," France's near defeat to Germany in two world wars and accused Paris of unfair trade practices over wine.

Pompeo said on Twitter that Mitchell had done "an outstanding job as Assistant Secretary."

"I have valued his counsel and wisdom as he has led our European team in this administration. I wish him and his wife Elizabeth, who is also a committed public servant, much happiness with their two young children," Pompeo tweeted.

In his resignation letter, Mitchell said he had helped to craft the administration's European strategy and reorganize the European bureau at the State Department.

He said he was proud of diplomatic efforts in sustaining transatlantic unity on sanctions against Russia, securing the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkey, and US support for resolving a dispute between Greece and Macedonia over the former Yugoslav republic's name.

"I am proud of what we have accomplished in creating and beginning to implement the Europe Integrated Strategy in support of the National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy," he wrote. "The emphasis that these strategies place on the need to prepare our country and the nations of the West for sustained competition with big-power rivals is both urgently necessary and long overdue," he added.

The top US diplomat for European affairs, Wess Mitchell, has resigned, according to his resignation letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday at a time of strains in the trans-Atlantic relationship over US President Donald Trump's policies.

The top US diplomat for European affairs, Wess Mitchell, has resigned, according to his resignation letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday at a time of strains in the trans-Atlantic relationship over US President Donald Trump's policies. In the letter to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dated January 4, Mitchell said he felt he had completed his goals for the post and wanted to spend more time with his young family. He will leave the post on February 15, according to the State Department. There were no obvious signs that Mitchell, a former policy analyst on central and eastern Europe, was resigning out of protest against Trump administration policies. Mitchell was brought on board by former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in 2017 as Trump threatened to withdraw the United States from the NATO military alliance and Washington accused Moscow of meddling in the 2016 US presidential campaign. The trans-Atlantic relationship has been further strained by Trump's decisions to impose US tariffs on European steel and aluminum, pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and global climate pact, and recently to withdraw troops from Syria. Ties with Germany have been strained over Trump's sharp criticism of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's migration policies and support for a Baltic Sea gas pipeline with Russia. He has also lashed out at French President Emmanuel Macron for his "low approval rating," France's near defeat to Germany in two world wars and accused Paris of unfair trade practices over wine. Pompeo said on Twitter that Mitchell had done "an outstanding job as Assistant Secretary." "I have valued his counsel and wisdom as he has led our European team in this administration. I wish him and his wife Elizabeth, who is also a committed public servant, much happiness with their two young children," Pompeo tweeted. In his resignation letter, Mitchell said he had helped to craft the administration's European strategy and reorganize the European bureau at the State Department. He said he was proud of diplomatic efforts in sustaining transatlantic unity on sanctions against Russia, securing the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkey, and US support for resolving a dispute between Greece and Macedonia over the former Yugoslav republic's name. "I am proud of what we have accomplished in creating and beginning to implement the Europe Integrated Strategy in support of the National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy," he wrote. "The emphasis that these strategies place on the need to prepare our country and the nations of the West for sustained competition with big-power rivals is both urgently necessary and long overdue," he added.

Top US diplomat for Europe resigns, cites personal, professional reasons

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-will-not-soften-hard-line-on-china-to-make-deal-advisers-192107">Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers</a>

As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-openers-fall-early-after-new-zealand-opt-to-bat-in-1st-odi-192116">IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Shami strikes twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early</a>

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, the hosts lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-indian-crew-safe-in-russian-ship-wreck-claims-dgs-192106">Crimea ship fire: Most Indian sailors safe, say Directorate General of Shipping officials</a>

A good number of the 15 Indian seafarers who are on-board the two ill-fated ships which caught fire off the Russian waters Monday have survived the accident, officials at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) here said Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hola-im-mike-pence-us-vp-delivers-message-of-support-to-venezuelans-192101">Hola, I'm Mike Pence: US VP encourages Venezuelans to protest against President Maduro</a>

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a video message of support to Venezuelans on Tuesday to encourage those who are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro and underline US backing for opposition leader Juan Guaido.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-cec-naveen-chawla-calls-evm-a-fine-machine-cautions-against-returning-to-ballots-192095">Former CEC Naveen Chawla says EVM 'a fine machine', cautions against returning to ballot papers</a>

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naveen Chawla on Tuesday said that EVM was “a very good and fine machine” and cautioned against returning to the use of ballot papers for conducting the polls.

Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say. IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Shami strikes twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early Indian pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday. Opting to bat first, the hosts lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami. Crimea ship fire: Most Indian sailors safe, say Directorate General of Shipping officials A good number of the 15 Indian seafarers who are on-board the two ill-fated ships which caught fire off the Russian waters Monday have survived the accident, officials at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) here said Tuesday. Hola, I'm Mike Pence: US VP encourages Venezuelans to protest against President Maduro US Vice President Mike Pence issued a video message of support to Venezuelans on Tuesday to encourage those who are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro and underline US backing for opposition leader Juan Guaido. Former CEC Naveen Chawla says EVM 'a fine machine', cautions against returning to ballot papers Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Naveen Chawla on Tuesday said that EVM was “a very good and fine machine” and cautioned against returning to the use of ballot papers for conducting the polls.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-govt-shutdown-enters-2nd-month-tuesday-no-quick-end-in-sight-yet-191897">US President Donald Trump</a> has made 8,158 false or misleading claims since taking office, according to a media report.&nbsp;

The report came a day after Trump completed two years in office on Sunday.&nbsp;

The president averaged nearly 5.9 false or misleading claims a day in his first year in office. But he hit nearly 16.5 a day in his second year, almost triple the pace, The Washington Post reported.

The paper quoted The Fact Checker's database -- that analyses, categorises and tracks every suspect statement uttered by the president -- for its report.

According to the Fact Checker's database, Trump has made 8,158 "false or misleading claims" since taking office.&nbsp;

That includes an astonishing 6000-plus such claims in the president's second year, the paper said.

In the first 100 days, the president made 492 unsupported claims. He managed to top that number just in the first three weeks of 2019. In October, as he was barnstorming the country in advance of the mid-term elections, he made more than 1200 false or misleading claims, it said.

The biggest source of misleading claims is immigration, with a tally that&nbsp;has grown with the addition of 300 immigration claims in the past three weeks, for a total of 1,433, the report said.&nbsp;

"We started this project as part of our coverage of the president's first 100 days, largely because we could not possibly keep up with the pace and volume of the president's misstatements," the paper said.&nbsp;

Claims about foreign policy (900) and trade (854) rank second and third, followed by claims about the economy (790) and jobs (755). But there's also a grab-bag category of "miscellaneous" (899), which includes misleading attacks on the media or people the president perceives as enemies, the report said.

There were only 82 days -- or about 11 per cent of the time -- on which we recorded no claims. These were often days when the president golfed, it said.

But there were also 74 days, or about 10 per cent of his presidency, in which Trump made more than 30 claims. These were often days when he held campaign-style rallies, riffing without much of a script, the report said.&nbsp;

Trump has made many misleading claims about the investigation into possible Russian interference in the 2016 election, claiming 192 times a variation of the statement that it was a hoax perpetuated by Democrats, it said.

US President Donald Trump has made 8,158 false or misleading claims since taking office, according to a media report. The report came a day after Trump completed two years in office on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump has made 8,158 false or misleading claims since taking office, according to a media report. The report came a day after Trump completed two years in office on Sunday. The president averaged nearly 5.9 false or misleading claims a day in his first year in office. But he hit nearly 16.5 a day in his second year, almost triple the pace, The Washington Post reported. The paper quoted The Fact Checker's database -- that analyses, categorises and tracks every suspect statement uttered by the president -- for its report. According to the Fact Checker's database, Trump has made 8,158 "false or misleading claims" since taking office. That includes an astonishing 6000-plus such claims in the president's second year, the paper said. In the first 100 days, the president made 492 unsupported claims. He managed to top that number just in the first three weeks of 2019. In October, as he was barnstorming the country in advance of the mid-term elections, he made more than 1200 false or misleading claims, it said. The biggest source of misleading claims is immigration, with a tally that has grown with the addition of 300 immigration claims in the past three weeks, for a total of 1,433, the report said. "We started this project as part of our coverage of the president's first 100 days, largely because we could not possibly keep up with the pace and volume of the president's misstatements," the paper said. Claims about foreign policy (900) and trade (854) rank second and third, followed by claims about the economy (790) and jobs (755). But there's also a grab-bag category of "miscellaneous" (899), which includes misleading attacks on the media or people the president perceives as enemies, the report said. There were only 82 days -- or about 11 per cent of the time -- on which we recorded no claims. These were often days when the president golfed, it said. But there were also 74 days, or about 10 per cent of his presidency, in which Trump made more than 30 claims. These were often days when he held campaign-style rallies, riffing without much of a script, the report said. Trump has made many misleading claims about the investigation into possible Russian interference in the 2016 election, claiming 192 times a variation of the statement that it was a hoax perpetuated by Democrats, it said.

Trump has made over 8,000 false or misleading claims since taking office: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-lawyer-cohen-to-be-sentenced-for-hush-money-payments-183522">Michael Cohen</a>, a former lawyer for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shutdown-starting-to-hurt-trumps-financial-deregulation-agenda-191010">US President Donald Trump</a>, said on Thursday he paid a firm to manipulate online polling data "at the direction of and for the sole benefit of" Trump.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Cohen had paid the data firm Redfinch Solutions to manipulate two public opinion polls in favour of Trump before the 2016 presidential campaign.

"As for the @WSJ article on poll rigging," Cohen said on Twitter on Thursday, "what I did was at the direction of and for the sole benefit of @realDonaldTrump @POTUS. I truly regret my blind loyalty to a man who doesn't deserve it."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
As for the <a href="https://twitter.com/WSJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WSJ</a> article on poll rigging, what I did was at the direction of and for the sole benefit of <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>. I truly regret my blind loyalty to a man who doesn’t deserve it.
— Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelCohen212/status/1085900900835778560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The attempts to influence the polls ultimately proved largely unsuccessful but does shed a light on the tactics of the Trump campaign and Cohen's role within it. On the campaign trail, Trump frequently referred to his polling numbers to help fuel his candidacy.

Last month Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in making illegal hush-money payments to women to help Trump’s 2016 campaign and lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia

The Journal said Cohen commissioned John Gauger, who runs RedFinch Solutions, to write a computer script to repeatedly vote for Trump in a February 2015 Drudge Report poll on potential Republican candidates. The move came as Trump was preparing to enter the 2016 presidential election race, the newspaper reported.

Trump ranked fifth in the Drudge Report poll, with about 24,000 votes or 5 per cent of the total, according to the Journal.

Cohen also commissioned Gauger to do the same for a 2014 CNBC online poll identifying the country's top business leaders, although Trump was unable to break the top 100 candidates, the Journal reported.

"The president has no knowledge of the polls being rigged," Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani said in an interview with Reuters. RedFinch Solutions did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for US President Donald Trump, said on Thursday he paid a firm to manipulate online polling data "at the direction of and for the sole benefit of" Trump.

Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for US President Donald Trump, said on Thursday he paid a firm to manipulate online polling data "at the direction of and for the sole benefit of" Trump. The Wall Street Journal reported that Cohen had paid the data firm Redfinch Solutions to manipulate two public opinion polls in favour of Trump before the 2016 presidential campaign. "As for the @WSJ article on poll rigging," Cohen said on Twitter on Thursday, "what I did was at the direction of and for the sole benefit of @realDonaldTrump @POTUS. I truly regret my blind loyalty to a man who doesn't deserve it." As for the @WSJ article on poll rigging, what I did was at the direction of and for the sole benefit of @realDonaldTrump @POTUS. I truly regret my blind loyalty to a man who doesn’t deserve it. — Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) January 17, 2019 × The attempts to influence the polls ultimately proved largely unsuccessful but does shed a light on the tactics of the Trump campaign and Cohen's role within it. On the campaign trail, Trump frequently referred to his polling numbers to help fuel his candidacy. Last month Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in making illegal hush-money payments to women to help Trump’s 2016 campaign and lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia The Journal said Cohen commissioned John Gauger, who runs RedFinch Solutions, to write a computer script to repeatedly vote for Trump in a February 2015 Drudge Report poll on potential Republican candidates. The move came as Trump was preparing to enter the 2016 presidential election race, the newspaper reported. Trump ranked fifth in the Drudge Report poll, with about 24,000 votes or 5 per cent of the total, according to the Journal. Cohen also commissioned Gauger to do the same for a 2014 CNBC online poll identifying the country's top business leaders, although Trump was unable to break the top 100 candidates, the Journal reported. "The president has no knowledge of the polls being rigged," Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani said in an interview with Reuters. RedFinch Solutions did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rigging polls 'was at the direction of' Trump: Ex-lawyer Michael Cohen

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-calls-on-japan-to-recognise-outcome-of-world-war-two-190737">Russia </a>said on Wednesday it was ready to work with Washington to save a crucial arms control treaty and called on Europe to help in faltering talks.

Tensions have raged for months over the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF) signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

US President Donald Trump has promised to walk away from the agreement and President Vladimir Putin threatened a new arms race, saying Europe would be its main victim.&nbsp;

Speaking after fresh talks between US and Russian officials in Geneva to salvage the INF led nowhere, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was ready to continue talks.

"We are still ready to work to save the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty," Russia's top diplomat told reporters.&nbsp;

He called on European nations to help influence Washington, saying they had a major stake in the issue and should not be "at the tail-end of the US position".

Last month Washington said it would withdraw from the INF treaty within 60 days if Russia did not dismantle missiles that the US claims breach the deal.

Moscow's top negotiator in Geneva, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov, said the Geneva talks centred on Russia's 9M729 system but that US demands regarding the missile were unacceptable.&nbsp;

Lavrov said on Wednesday the Russian side in Geneva came up with "constructive proposals" aiming to give the US an idea of what the 9M729 system was.

"However, US representatives arrived with a prepared position that was based on an ultimatum and centred on a demand for us to destroy this rocket, its launchers, and all related equipment under US supervision," Lavrov said.&nbsp;

The US negotiators never explained why Washington did not want to consider Russia's proposals, he added.

'You are violating, we are not'

Talks have essentially ground to a halt, Lavrov said, describing Washington's logic as: "You are violating the treaty and we are not."

Russian negotiators on Tuesday proposed holding another round of talks on the agreement but received no reply from the US side, Ryabkov has said.&nbsp;

Russia denies it is in violation of the treaty, which forbids ground-launched short- and intermediate-range missiles.

In Geneva on Tuesday, US and Russian diplomats blamed each other for pushing the agreement to the brink of collapse. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Russia said Washington had confirmed its intention to exit the February 2 treaty.&nbsp;

US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Andrea Thompson, has said the Geneva meeting was "disappointing" and Russia continued "to be in material breach of the treaty."

US trying to 'impose its will'

Lavrov also expressed hope it would be possible to save another key arms control agreement, the New START.&nbsp;

The agreement, which caps the number of nuclear warheads held by Washington and Moscow, expires in 2021.

"We are doing a lot to remove possible irritants regarding it and are interested in having it extended," he said.

He slammed Washington's overall position, saying the potential for conflict was increasing due to the West's unwillingness to accept "the reality of an emerging multi-polar world" and its desire to "impose its will" on the rest of the global community.

Putin has threatened to develop nuclear missiles banned under the INF treaty if it is scrapped.&nbsp;

He said in December he was open to the idea of other countries joining the INF treaty or to starting talks on a new agreement.

Putin has also said that if Washington moved to place more missiles in Europe after ditching the deal, Russia would respond "in kind" and that any European countries agreeing to host US missiles would be at risk of a Russian attack.

The INF deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.

Russia said on Wednesday it was ready to work with Washington to save a crucial arms control treaty and called on Europe to help in faltering talks. Tensions have raged for months over the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF) signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Russia said on Wednesday it was ready to work with Washington to save a crucial arms control treaty and called on Europe to help in faltering talks. Tensions have raged for months over the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF) signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. US President Donald Trump has promised to walk away from the agreement and President Vladimir Putin threatened a new arms race, saying Europe would be its main victim. Speaking after fresh talks between US and Russian officials in Geneva to salvage the INF led nowhere, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was ready to continue talks. "We are still ready to work to save the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty," Russia's top diplomat told reporters. He called on European nations to help influence Washington, saying they had a major stake in the issue and should not be "at the tail-end of the US position". Last month Washington said it would withdraw from the INF treaty within 60 days if Russia did not dismantle missiles that the US claims breach the deal. Moscow's top negotiator in Geneva, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov, said the Geneva talks centred on Russia's 9M729 system but that US demands regarding the missile were unacceptable. Lavrov said on Wednesday the Russian side in Geneva came up with "constructive proposals" aiming to give the US an idea of what the 9M729 system was. "However, US representatives arrived with a prepared position that was based on an ultimatum and centred on a demand for us to destroy this rocket, its launchers, and all related equipment under US supervision," Lavrov said. The US negotiators never explained why Washington did not want to consider Russia's proposals, he added. 'You are violating, we are not' Talks have essentially ground to a halt, Lavrov said, describing Washington's logic as: "You are violating the treaty and we are not." Russian negotiators on Tuesday proposed holding another round of talks on the agreement but received no reply from the US side, Ryabkov has said. Russia denies it is in violation of the treaty, which forbids ground-launched short- and intermediate-range missiles. In Geneva on Tuesday, US and Russian diplomats blamed each other for pushing the agreement to the brink of collapse. Russia said Washington had confirmed its intention to exit the February 2 treaty. US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Andrea Thompson, has said the Geneva meeting was "disappointing" and Russia continued "to be in material breach of the treaty." US trying to 'impose its will' Lavrov also expressed hope it would be possible to save another key arms control agreement, the New START. The agreement, which caps the number of nuclear warheads held by Washington and Moscow, expires in 2021. "We are doing a lot to remove possible irritants regarding it and are interested in having it extended," he said. He slammed Washington's overall position, saying the potential for conflict was increasing due to the West's unwillingness to accept "the reality of an emerging multi-polar world" and its desire to "impose its will" on the rest of the global community. Putin has threatened to develop nuclear missiles banned under the INF treaty if it is scrapped. He said in December he was open to the idea of other countries joining the INF treaty or to starting talks on a new agreement. Putin has also said that if Washington moved to place more missiles in Europe after ditching the deal, Russia would respond "in kind" and that any European countries agreeing to host US missiles would be at risk of a Russian attack. The INF deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.

Russia ready to 'save' INF arms treaty, urges Europe to help

The Federal Bureau of Investigation opened an inquiry in 2017 into whether <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stops-short-of-emergency-declaration-in-border-wall-fight-189699">US President Donald Trump</a> was working on behalf of Russia, The New York Times reported on Friday.

The investigation -- a dual counterintelligence and criminal probe -- was launched after the president fired FBI director James Comey in May 2017, the Times said, citing anonymous sources.

The counterintelligence aspect consisted of determining whether Trump was knowingly or unknowingly working for Moscow and whether he was a threat to national security, the newspaper reported.

It added the criminal portion related to Trump's firing of Comey.

The FBI investigation was soon folded into Robert Mueller's inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 vote and possible collusion between his campaign and Moscow, it said, adding that it was unclear if the counterintelligence aspect was still being pursued.

The Times said that the FBI had been suspicious of Trump's ties to Russia during the 2016 campaign.

But it held off on opening an investigation until the president sacked Comey, who refused to swear his allegiance and roll back the nascent Russia investigation, which is now being spearheaded by Mueller.&nbsp;

Trump has repeatedly criticized the Mueller investigation as a "witch hunt" and views it as a stain on the legitimacy of his presidency.

But while Trump has slammed the probe as baseless, it has issued dozens of indictments and steadily chalked up convictions of some of the president's close associates -- including his former personal lawyer, his ex-campaign chief and his former national security advisor.

The lawyer, Michael Cohen, has been sentenced to three years in prison for multiple crimes, including felony violations of campaign finance laws he undertook, prosecutors alleged, under Trump's direction.

The former campaign chair, Paul Manafort, has been convicted in one case brought by Mueller and pleaded guilty in another, over financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine before the 2016 campaign, and for witness tampering.

And the ex-national security advisor, Michael Flynn, pleaded guilty to lying to investigators about his Moscow ties.

The investigation is set to continue to cast a cloud over the White House: a judge has given an extension to the secret grand jury empanelled in the probe, extending its original 18-month mandate.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation opened an inquiry in 2017 into whether US President Donald Trump was working on behalf of Russia, The New York Times reported on Friday.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation opened an inquiry in 2017 into whether US President Donald Trump was working on behalf of Russia, The New York Times reported on Friday. The investigation -- a dual counterintelligence and criminal probe -- was launched after the president fired FBI director James Comey in May 2017, the Times said, citing anonymous sources. The counterintelligence aspect consisted of determining whether Trump was knowingly or unknowingly working for Moscow and whether he was a threat to national security, the newspaper reported. It added the criminal portion related to Trump's firing of Comey. The FBI investigation was soon folded into Robert Mueller's inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 vote and possible collusion between his campaign and Moscow, it said, adding that it was unclear if the counterintelligence aspect was still being pursued. The Times said that the FBI had been suspicious of Trump's ties to Russia during the 2016 campaign. But it held off on opening an investigation until the president sacked Comey, who refused to swear his allegiance and roll back the nascent Russia investigation, which is now being spearheaded by Mueller. Trump has repeatedly criticized the Mueller investigation as a "witch hunt" and views it as a stain on the legitimacy of his presidency. But while Trump has slammed the probe as baseless, it has issued dozens of indictments and steadily chalked up convictions of some of the president's close associates -- including his former personal lawyer, his ex-campaign chief and his former national security advisor. The lawyer, Michael Cohen, has been sentenced to three years in prison for multiple crimes, including felony violations of campaign finance laws he undertook, prosecutors alleged, under Trump's direction. The former campaign chair, Paul Manafort, has been convicted in one case brought by Mueller and pleaded guilty in another, over financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine before the 2016 campaign, and for witness tampering. And the ex-national security advisor, Michael Flynn, pleaded guilty to lying to investigators about his Moscow ties. The investigation is set to continue to cast a cloud over the White House: a judge has given an extension to the secret grand jury empanelled in the probe, extending its original 18-month mandate.

FBI probed whether Trump secretly worked for Russia against US interests: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-partially-shuts-as-congress-trump-fail-to-reach-deal-185768">US President Donald Trump</a> has discussed firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Bloomberg reported on Saturday, citing sources.

Trump's frustration with the US central bank chief intensified after this week's interest rate increase and months of stock-market losses, the news agency said, citing four unidentified people familiar with the matter.

The president has talked privately about firing Powell many times in the past few days, it said, citing two of the people.

White House spokesmen declined to comment, as did Federal Reserve spokeswoman Michelle Smith, Bloomberg reported.

The Fed raised interest rates on Wednesday for the fourth time in 2018, and signalled "some further gradual" rate increases ahead.

Global financial markets, including Wall Street stocks, had been hoping for a more dovish policy outlook and sold off broadly.

The Dow had the worst week since the 2008 financial crisis, while the Nasdaq sank into bear market territory.

Any attempt to fire Powell could be seen as undermining the central bank's independence from the administration.

US President Donald Trump has discussed firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Bloomberg reported on Saturday, citing sources. Trump's frustration with the US central bank chief intensified after this week's interest rate increase and months of stock-market losses, the news agency said, citing four unidentified people familiar with the matter.

US President Donald Trump has discussed firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Bloomberg reported on Saturday, citing sources. Trump's frustration with the US central bank chief intensified after this week's interest rate increase and months of stock-market losses, the news agency said, citing four unidentified people familiar with the matter. The president has talked privately about firing Powell many times in the past few days, it said, citing two of the people. White House spokesmen declined to comment, as did Federal Reserve spokeswoman Michelle Smith, Bloomberg reported. The Fed raised interest rates on Wednesday for the fourth time in 2018, and signalled "some further gradual" rate increases ahead. Global financial markets, including Wall Street stocks, had been hoping for a more dovish policy outlook and sold off broadly. The Dow had the worst week since the 2008 financial crisis, while the Nasdaq sank into bear market territory. Any attempt to fire Powell could be seen as undermining the central bank's independence from the administration.

Trump has discussed firing US Federal Reserve chairman Powell: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gst-council-slashes-rates-of-7-items-from-28-jaitley-calls-meeting-fruitful-185843">GST council slashes rates of 7 items from 28%; movie tickets, TV screens likely to get cheaper</a>

The GST Council on Saturday held a meeting in New Delhi and decided to slash rates for items from 28 per cent. &nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held a press conference after the meeting wherein he informed that the GST council has not increased any rates, rather have brought down several.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-sajjan-kumar-moves-supreme-court-against-conviction-185836">1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Sajjan Kumar moves Supreme Court against conviction&nbsp;</a>

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar Saturday moved the Supreme Court challenging the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/presence-of-us-forces-in-syria-wrong-and-illogical-move-from-start-iran-185851">Presence of US forces in Syria 'wrong and illogical' move from start: Iran</a>

After US President Donald Trump announced to withdraw around 2,000 US troops from Syria, Iran on Saturday said the US presence in Syria had been "wrong and illogical" from the start.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-enforcement-directorate-arrests-christian-michel-185835">VVIP chopper case: Court sends Christian Michel to 7-day custody after ED arrest</a>

A Delhi court Saturday sent Christian Michel, arrested in the Rs 36,000 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case by the CBI, to seven days custody of the Enforcement Directorate.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-five-people-killed-in-somali-capital-car-blast-police-185832">At least 13 killed in Somalia capital car blast: Police</a>

At least 13 people were killed Saturday in a double car bomb attack claimed by the jihadist Shabaab group near the presidential palace in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said.

GST council slashes rates of 7 items from 28%; movie tickets, TV screens likely to get cheaper The GST Council on Saturday held a meeting in New Delhi and decided to slash rates for items from 28 per cent.

GST council slashes rates of 7 items from 28%; movie tickets, TV screens likely to get cheaper The GST Council on Saturday held a meeting in New Delhi and decided to slash rates for items from 28 per cent. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held a press conference after the meeting wherein he informed that the GST council has not increased any rates, rather have brought down several. 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Sajjan Kumar moves Supreme Court against conviction Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar Saturday moved the Supreme Court challenging the life imprisonment awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Presence of US forces in Syria 'wrong and illogical' move from start: Iran After US President Donald Trump announced to withdraw around 2,000 US troops from Syria, Iran on Saturday said the US presence in Syria had been "wrong and illogical" from the start. VVIP chopper case: Court sends Christian Michel to 7-day custody after ED arrest A Delhi court Saturday sent Christian Michel, arrested in the Rs 36,000 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case by the CBI, to seven days custody of the Enforcement Directorate. At least 13 killed in Somalia capital car blast: Police At least 13 people were killed Saturday in a double car bomb attack claimed by the jihadist Shabaab group near the presidential palace in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said.

China's top policymakers Friday signalled more support for the economy next year with tax cuts and other policy measures as a bruising battle on debt and a trade war with the US have weighed on growth.

The meeting headed by President Xi Jinping also pledged further opening of the economy, better protection of intellectual property rights and to push forward trade negotiations with Washington.

The outcome of the annual Central Economic Work Conference, during which leaders review past policy and plan for the upcoming year, was published by the state news agency Xinhua.

Economic data has shown China's economy slowing this autumn, with Chinese consumer spending growing at its slowest pace in 15 years during November and factories easing up on production.

Xi and US President Donald Trump agreed to a 90-day tariff truce this month, as the two sides try to find a more permanent solution to the trade dispute.

Trade frictions with the US have been "handled steadily", the statement said.

"We must implement the consensus reached in Argentina between the Chinese and US heads of state and push forward economic and trade negotiations," the readout said.

Comprehensive opening up is listed as one of the seven major tasks for next year -- but critics say Beijing has long promised much while delivering little.

Beijing will work to relax market access, protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign businessmen in China, especially IP rights, and allow&nbsp; 
them to operate independently in more areas, Xinhua said.

China's top officials hammer out their broad plans for the next 12 months during the three-day closed-door meeting.

Besides Xi, the entire Politburo standing committee, and top leaders from every province and region attended, Xinhua said.

China would "continue to implement a proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy," the statement said.

The meeting pushed for more fiscal measures and "a larger tax cut".&nbsp; 
Beijing has already put in place one round of tax cuts for the middle and lower class this year.

Still the trade row with the US has sapped market confidence, dragging down Chinese equities and the yuan.

Policymakers said they would increase the scale of local government bond issuance and solve financing problems for small and medium enterprises.

The world's number two economy expanded at its slowest pace for nine years in July-September and analysts expect full year growth to slow further next year.

The meeting said China would "keep the economy running in a reasonable range," next year.

China's leaders are battling to stabilise the economy, transforming it from one fuelled by exports and state investment to one that relies on domestic consumption.

Leaders will work to "enhance spending power, let the people eat with ease, dress satisfactorily, and use things comfortably," Xinhua said.

Policymakers indicated they would continue to push deleveraging and handle local government debt risks.

"We must do a good job in preventing and resolving major risks," the statement said.&nbsp;

China's top policymakers Friday signalled more support for the economy next year with tax cuts and other policy measures as a bruising battle on debt and a trade war with the US have weighed on growth.

China's top policymakers Friday signalled more support for the economy next year with tax cuts and other policy measures as a bruising battle on debt and a trade war with the US have weighed on growth. The meeting headed by President Xi Jinping also pledged further opening of the economy, better protection of intellectual property rights and to push forward trade negotiations with Washington. The outcome of the annual Central Economic Work Conference, during which leaders review past policy and plan for the upcoming year, was published by the state news agency Xinhua. Economic data has shown China's economy slowing this autumn, with Chinese consumer spending growing at its slowest pace in 15 years during November and factories easing up on production. Xi and US President Donald Trump agreed to a 90-day tariff truce this month, as the two sides try to find a more permanent solution to the trade dispute. Trade frictions with the US have been "handled steadily", the statement said. "We must implement the consensus reached in Argentina between the Chinese and US heads of state and push forward economic and trade negotiations," the readout said. Comprehensive opening up is listed as one of the seven major tasks for next year -- but critics say Beijing has long promised much while delivering little. Beijing will work to relax market access, protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign businessmen in China, especially IP rights, and allow them to operate independently in more areas, Xinhua said. China's top officials hammer out their broad plans for the next 12 months during the three-day closed-door meeting. Besides Xi, the entire Politburo standing committee, and top leaders from every province and region attended, Xinhua said. China would "continue to implement a proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy," the statement said. The meeting pushed for more fiscal measures and "a larger tax cut". Beijing has already put in place one round of tax cuts for the middle and lower class this year. Still the trade row with the US has sapped market confidence, dragging down Chinese equities and the yuan. Policymakers said they would increase the scale of local government bond issuance and solve financing problems for small and medium enterprises. The world's number two economy expanded at its slowest pace for nine years in July-September and analysts expect full year growth to slow further next year. The meeting said China would "keep the economy running in a reasonable range," next year. China's leaders are battling to stabilise the economy, transforming it from one fuelled by exports and state investment to one that relies on domestic consumption. Leaders will work to "enhance spending power, let the people eat with ease, dress satisfactorily, and use things comfortably," Xinhua said. Policymakers indicated they would continue to push deleveraging and handle local government debt risks. "We must do a good job in preventing and resolving major risks," the statement said.

China signals more support for economy next year with tax cuts

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-chooses-new-joint-chiefs-of-staff-chairman-against-pentagon-chief-jim-mattis-wishes-182563">US President Donald Trump</a> has roped in a senior intelligence official, Robert Williams, known for his hardline approach on Pakistan in the past, as his point person for South Asia.

Trump intends to nominate Williams, who, for more than 20 years, has specialised in South Asia and Afghanistan affairs as an analyst and intelligence officer, for the important position of Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs.

The position of Assistant Secretary of South and Central Asia has been lying vacant since the beginning of this administration and it would be more than two years before he occupies this post, if confirmed by the US Senate.

Coming from the intelligence community, there is not much information about Williams in the public domain. In the strategic circle, his image is that of one with a hardline approach on Pakistan and as an individual, who recognises India's value as America's strategic partner.

Since 2017, he has served at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Washington, DC, as the Associate Deputy Director for Intelligence and Directorate for Operations.

Previously, he was the National Intelligence Officer for South Asia at the National Intelligence Council and Defense Intelligence Officer for South Asia at DIA.

He has also been an adjunct associate professor at the Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service since 2017 and was previously a senior adjunct professorial lecturer at the American University's School of International Service from 2013 to 2016.

Williams earned his BA at the University of Pennsylvania in 1993 and MA at The George Washington University in 1996. He is the recipient of numerous honours and awards, including the National Intelligence Superior Service Medal.

US President Donald Trump has roped in a senior intelligence official, Robert Williams, known for his hardline approach on Pakistan in the past, as his point person for South Asia.

US President Donald Trump has roped in a senior intelligence official, Robert Williams, known for his hardline approach on Pakistan in the past, as his point person for South Asia. Trump intends to nominate Williams, who, for more than 20 years, has specialised in South Asia and Afghanistan affairs as an analyst and intelligence officer, for the important position of Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs. The position of Assistant Secretary of South and Central Asia has been lying vacant since the beginning of this administration and it would be more than two years before he occupies this post, if confirmed by the US Senate. Coming from the intelligence community, there is not much information about Williams in the public domain. In the strategic circle, his image is that of one with a hardline approach on Pakistan and as an individual, who recognises India's value as America's strategic partner. Since 2017, he has served at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Washington, DC, as the Associate Deputy Director for Intelligence and Directorate for Operations. Previously, he was the National Intelligence Officer for South Asia at the National Intelligence Council and Defense Intelligence Officer for South Asia at DIA. He has also been an adjunct associate professor at the Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service since 2017 and was previously a senior adjunct professorial lecturer at the American University's School of International Service from 2013 to 2016. Williams earned his BA at the University of Pennsylvania in 1993 and MA at The George Washington University in 1996. He is the recipient of numerous honours and awards, including the National Intelligence Superior Service Medal.

Trump appoints senior intelligence official Robert Williams as 'point person' for South Asia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/not-concerned-about-being-impeached-trump-183372">US President Donald Trump</a> openly fought with the top two Democratic lawmakers at an Oval Office meeting on Tuesday about government funding, throwing into question whether a deal was possible ahead of a deadline later this month.

In a remarkable public argument, the likes of which is seldom seen before cameras, Trump bickered with US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi about funding for his border wall.

The president has called for $5 billion to fund the barrier along the US-Mexico border, a campaign promise that he has made into a central issue. He ended the argument by saying he was willing to make good on his repeated threat to shut down the federal government over the issue.

"It's called transparency," Trump said after Pelosi protested about the public nature of the spat.

Congress is seeking to finalize spending before some federal government funding expires on December 21. While Trump's fellow Republicans control both the House and the Senate until next month, Democratic support is needed to pass any spending legislation.

It was unclear how Trump would try to use the US Department of Defense to build the wall, given that defence and military construction appropriation bills were signed into law for the 2019 fiscal year without any wall funding.

US President Donald Trump openly fought with the top two Democratic lawmakers at an Oval Office meeting on Tuesday about government funding, throwing into question whether a deal was possible ahead of a deadline later this month.

US President Donald Trump openly fought with the top two Democratic lawmakers at an Oval Office meeting on Tuesday about government funding, throwing into question whether a deal was possible ahead of a deadline later this month. In a remarkable public argument, the likes of which is seldom seen before cameras, Trump bickered with US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi about funding for his border wall. The president has called for $5 billion to fund the barrier along the US-Mexico border, a campaign promise that he has made into a central issue. He ended the argument by saying he was willing to make good on his repeated threat to shut down the federal government over the issue. "It's called transparency," Trump said after Pelosi protested about the public nature of the spat. Congress is seeking to finalize spending before some federal government funding expires on December 21. While Trump's fellow Republicans control both the House and the Senate until next month, Democratic support is needed to pass any spending legislation. It was unclear how Trump would try to use the US Department of Defense to build the wall, given that defence and military construction appropriation bills were signed into law for the 2019 fiscal year without any wall funding.

Watch: Trump spars with Democrats over US-Mexico border wall

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pays-respects-as-president-bush-lies-in-state-in-us-capitol-181385">US President Donald Trump</a> is building a new world order upheld by American leadership and democracy, his secretary of state told diplomats at an event in Brussels on Tuesday, blaming Iran and China for instability in the world.

"In the finest traditions of our great democracy, we are rallying the noble nations to build a new liberal order that prevents war and achieves greater prosperity," Mike Pompeo said in a foreign policy speech.

"Under President Trump, we are not abandoning international leadership or our friends in the international system," he said.

Pompeo criticised Iran and China in his speech, rejecting suggestions that Washington was acting unilaterally.

"Even our European friends sometimes say we're not acting in the free world's interest. This is just plain wrong."

"We are acting to preserve, protect, and advance an open, just, transparent and free world of sovereign states. This project will require actual, not pretend, restoration of the liberal order among nations. It will require an assertive America and leadership from not only my country, but of democracies around the world."

Pompeo said the United States was pushing the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to reduce funding to countries such as China, saying they already had access to financial markets to raise capital.

Pompeo is in Brussels for talks among foreign ministers at NATO, where Trump has accused European members of failing to spend enough on their own defence and relying too much on Washington.

NATO is also pressing Trump not to go through with his decision to quit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Moscow, signed in 1987, but instead to work to bring Russia into compliance with the arms control pact.

US President Donald Trump is building a new world order upheld by American leadership and democracy, his secretary of state told diplomats at an event in Brussels on Tuesday, blaming Iran and China for instability in the world.

US President Donald Trump is building a new world order upheld by American leadership and democracy, his secretary of state told diplomats at an event in Brussels on Tuesday, blaming Iran and China for instability in the world. "In the finest traditions of our great democracy, we are rallying the noble nations to build a new liberal order that prevents war and achieves greater prosperity," Mike Pompeo said in a foreign policy speech. "Under President Trump, we are not abandoning international leadership or our friends in the international system," he said. Pompeo criticised Iran and China in his speech, rejecting suggestions that Washington was acting unilaterally. "Even our European friends sometimes say we're not acting in the free world's interest. This is just plain wrong." "We are acting to preserve, protect, and advance an open, just, transparent and free world of sovereign states. This project will require actual, not pretend, restoration of the liberal order among nations. It will require an assertive America and leadership from not only my country, but of democracies around the world." Pompeo said the United States was pushing the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to reduce funding to countries such as China, saying they already had access to financial markets to raise capital. Pompeo is in Brussels for talks among foreign ministers at NATO, where Trump has accused European members of failing to spend enough on their own defence and relying too much on Washington. NATO is also pressing Trump not to go through with his decision to quit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Moscow, signed in 1987, but instead to work to bring Russia into compliance with the arms control pact.

Trump is building a new world order uphold by American leadership, democracy: Pompeo

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Mexico should send <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-will-hold-us-bound-refugees-while-claims-processed-trump-179220">migrants seeking asylum in the United States</a> back to their home countries, a day after US authorities shut the country's busiest southern border crossing and fired tear gas into the crowd.

US officials on Sunday had reopened the crossing at the San Ysidro port of entry between San Diego and Tijuana, the most heavily trafficked land border in the Western Hemisphere after shutting it down for several hours.

US border patrol agents have arrested 42 Central American migrants who crossed the southern frontier from Mexico, Chief Patrol Agent Rodney Scott said on Monday.

"Forty-two people crossed the border and were arrested. To be completely frank there were numerous people who actually made it across the border," Scott, of the San Diego Sector Border Patrol, told CNN, adding that the majority of those detained were men.&nbsp;

Trump has vowed the asylum seekers would not easily enter the country and on Monday threatened again to shut down the US-Mexico border, which stretches 2,000 miles (3,200 km).

The president repeated his call on Congress to fund his long-promised border wall as US lawmakers return to Washington on Monday after the US Thanksgiving holiday break with federal government funding set to expire on December 7. He has repeatedly threatened to shut down the federal government unless the wall is funded.

The showdown on Sunday took place at part of the border where there is already a physical barrier.

"Mexico should move the flag-waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the USA We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL!" Trump tweeted.

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Mexico should move the flag waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the U.S.A. We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1067015026995879937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hundreds of caravan members including women and children protested peacefully on Sunday with chants of "We aren't criminals! We are hard workers." As they neared the US border, they were stopped by Mexican authorities, who told them to wait for permission.

The migrants who are mostly Honduran are fleeing poverty and violence and have said they would wait in Tijuana until they could request asylum in the United States.

For weeks before the November 6 congressional elections, Trump raised alarm about the caravan of Central American migrants headed for the United States and ordered some 5,800 US troops to the border to support US Customs and Border Protection.

Trump has just a few weeks left to push his fellow Republicans who control both chambers of Congress to make good on the wall before Democrats take control of the US House of Representatives in January following their election gains.

Democrats have urged more comprehensive immigration reform in addition to additional border security, but have fiercely opposed the wall.

US and Mexican negotiators on Sunday also discussed a plan to keep the migrants in Mexico while their asylum claims are heard. Asylum seekers typically announce their intention at US ports of entry or after crossing the border illegally.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Mexico should send migrants seeking asylum in the United States back to their home countries, a day after US authorities shut the country's busiest southern border crossing and fired tear gas into the crowd.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Mexico should send migrants seeking asylum in the United States back to their home countries, a day after US authorities shut the country's busiest southern border crossing and fired tear gas into the crowd. US officials on Sunday had reopened the crossing at the San Ysidro port of entry between San Diego and Tijuana, the most heavily trafficked land border in the Western Hemisphere after shutting it down for several hours. US border patrol agents have arrested 42 Central American migrants who crossed the southern frontier from Mexico, Chief Patrol Agent Rodney Scott said on Monday. "Forty-two people crossed the border and were arrested. To be completely frank there were numerous people who actually made it across the border," Scott, of the San Diego Sector Border Patrol, told CNN, adding that the majority of those detained were men. Trump has vowed the asylum seekers would not easily enter the country and on Monday threatened again to shut down the US-Mexico border, which stretches 2,000 miles (3,200 km). The president repeated his call on Congress to fund his long-promised border wall as US lawmakers return to Washington on Monday after the US Thanksgiving holiday break with federal government funding set to expire on December 7. He has repeatedly threatened to shut down the federal government unless the wall is funded. The showdown on Sunday took place at part of the border where there is already a physical barrier. "Mexico should move the flag-waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the USA We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL!" Trump tweeted. Mexico should move the flag waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the U.S.A. We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 26, 2018 × Hundreds of caravan members including women and children protested peacefully on Sunday with chants of "We aren't criminals! We are hard workers." As they neared the US border, they were stopped by Mexican authorities, who told them to wait for permission. The migrants who are mostly Honduran are fleeing poverty and violence and have said they would wait in Tijuana until they could request asylum in the United States. For weeks before the November 6 congressional elections, Trump raised alarm about the caravan of Central American migrants headed for the United States and ordered some 5,800 US troops to the border to support US Customs and Border Protection. Trump has just a few weeks left to push his fellow Republicans who control both chambers of Congress to make good on the wall before Democrats take control of the US House of Representatives in January following their election gains. Democrats have urged more comprehensive immigration reform in addition to additional border security, but have fiercely opposed the wall. US and Mexican negotiators on Sunday also discussed a plan to keep the migrants in Mexico while their asylum claims are heard. Asylum seekers typically announce their intention at US ports of entry or after crossing the border illegally.

Mexico should move migrants, we will permanently close the border, warns Trump

Afghan leaders and international diplomats meet in Geneva on Tuesday to evaluate whether strategies and aid offered to Afghanistan are helping resolve the quagmire created by the 17-year war, paving way for the withdrawal of foreign troops.

The two-day conference on Afghanistan, jointly hosted by the Afghan government and the United Nations comes at a time when US President Donald Trump’s administration is actively seeking a peace deal with the Taliban.

While no fresh financial commitments are expected, the conference will be a chance for donors to measure results against the $15.2 billion committed for Afghanistan at the last funding meeting in Brussels in 2016.

“At least 60 per cent of all the promises made by President Ghani at Brussels have been implemented. Discussions will be held regarding the challenges,” said Haroon Chakhansuri, President Ashraf Ghani’s spokesman.

With Afghan security forces struggling to hold back increasingly confident Taliban fighters and Western appetite for further commitments uncertain, the conference comes at a sensitive moment.

The government will present a growth strategy mapping out how an economy battered by 40 years of war can one day stand on its own as well as pledges on issues ranging from fighting corruption to women’s empowerment.

However, diplomats said much of the focus will be on side meetings, where officials from Afghanistan and regional and Western countries will have a chance to assess the efforts of US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Ghani, facing a war-weary public at home, is expected to press regional countries to support the process but he has so far been kept on the sidelines by the Taliban’s refusal to talk to his government, which they consider illegitimate.

His own future will be decided by presidential elections due in April but organizational and political problems may hamper the vote with authorities admitting they are considering a delay of three months.

The Taliban, fighting to drive out international forces and establish their version of strict Islamic law, will not be attending but will be closely monitoring the talks.

“We hope the international leaders accept our demands and put pressure on the US to withdraw all foreign forces from Afghanistan,” said a Taliban member. “Otherwise the conference will hold little significance.”

The United States currently has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, serving in the NATO-led Resolute Support training and advisory mission as well as in separate counter-terrorism operations against militant groups like Islamic State.

Afghan leaders and international diplomats meet in Geneva on Tuesday to evaluate whether strategies and aid offered to Afghanistan are helping resolve the quagmire created by the 17-year war, paving way for the withdrawal of foreign troops.

Afghan leaders and international diplomats meet in Geneva on Tuesday to evaluate whether strategies and aid offered to Afghanistan are helping resolve the quagmire created by the 17-year war, paving way for the withdrawal of foreign troops. The two-day conference on Afghanistan, jointly hosted by the Afghan government and the United Nations comes at a time when US President Donald Trump’s administration is actively seeking a peace deal with the Taliban. While no fresh financial commitments are expected, the conference will be a chance for donors to measure results against the $15.2 billion committed for Afghanistan at the last funding meeting in Brussels in 2016. “At least 60 per cent of all the promises made by President Ghani at Brussels have been implemented. Discussions will be held regarding the challenges,” said Haroon Chakhansuri, President Ashraf Ghani’s spokesman. With Afghan security forces struggling to hold back increasingly confident Taliban fighters and Western appetite for further commitments uncertain, the conference comes at a sensitive moment. The government will present a growth strategy mapping out how an economy battered by 40 years of war can one day stand on its own as well as pledges on issues ranging from fighting corruption to women’s empowerment. However, diplomats said much of the focus will be on side meetings, where officials from Afghanistan and regional and Western countries will have a chance to assess the efforts of US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Ghani, facing a war-weary public at home, is expected to press regional countries to support the process but he has so far been kept on the sidelines by the Taliban’s refusal to talk to his government, which they consider illegitimate. His own future will be decided by presidential elections due in April but organizational and political problems may hamper the vote with authorities admitting they are considering a delay of three months. The Taliban, fighting to drive out international forces and establish their version of strict Islamic law, will not be attending but will be closely monitoring the talks. “We hope the international leaders accept our demands and put pressure on the US to withdraw all foreign forces from Afghanistan,” said a Taliban member. “Otherwise the conference will hold little significance.” The United States currently has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, serving in the NATO-led Resolute Support training and advisory mission as well as in separate counter-terrorism operations against militant groups like Islamic State.

World powers meet in Geneva on Afghan reforms, peace prospects