US President Donald Trump has vowed to strike a trade deal with China but on terms dictated by Washington. Listen in.

US President Donald Trump vows to strike trade deal with China

The European Union told United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any escalation on the military side with Iran. Tensions have been mounting in the Gulf a year after Washington withdrew from a landmark deal that curbed Iran's nuclear programme.

'Maximum restraint': EU reject US escalation with Iran

Markets in Asia were largely down in morning trade on Monday as the lack of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-rallies-on-hopes-for-us-china-trade-deal-217381">US-China trade deal </a>cast a cloud over the market.

Investors watched the latest developments warily in the trade war between the world's top two economies after negotiations in Washington ended Friday without agreement and a tariff hike on Chinese imports went into effect.

White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping could meet next month on the sidelines of the G20 summit to hash out their differences on trade -- but no new talks are yet scheduled.

"Central banks this year have switched into this dovish pivot -- that's allowed the market to continue higher whatever the weather" up until recently, Eleanor Creagh, Australia market strategist at Saxo Capital Markets, told Bloomberg Television.&nbsp;

"With the breakdown of these trade negotiations, people will have to sit back and think how far this dovish central bank stance can really continue to carry us."

Trump had accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments in trade talks and ordered new punitive duties -- which took effect Friday -- on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to 25 per cent from 10 per cent.&nbsp;

He then ordered a tariff hike on almost all remaining imports from China, which are worth about $300 billion, according to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

China's top trade negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, had warned earlier that Beijing "must respond" to any US tariffs.&nbsp;

"US-China trade relations will continue centre stage this week with most other data and events relegated to a distant second place," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley.

"China will no doubt announce retaliatory measures while the US may provide more concrete start dates for the newly-imposed tariffs. Markets can expect short-term whipsaw price action as the street hangs on every little comment emanating from Washington DC and Beijing."

Tokyo was down 0.5 per cent, Shanghai lost one per cent, Singapore shed 1.2 per cent and Seoul slipped more than one per cent in morning trade.

S&amp;P 500 Index futures dropped as much as 1.2 percent and ten-year US yields are hovering near the lowest level since early April.

Amid nervousness in China markets, state funds reportedly intervened to prop up shares on Monday and again Friday, when the Shanghai Composite closed up more than 3 percent.

Traders will also be watching this week for earnings reports from China tech giants Tencent and Alibaba, and key data on China industrial production and retail sales slated for Wednesday -- the same day figures are due for US retail sales and industrial production.

Markets in Asia were largely down in morning trade on Monday as the lack of a US-China trade deal cast a cloud over the market. Investors watched the latest developments warily in the trade war between the world's top two economies after negotiations in Washington ended Friday without agreement and a tariff hike on Chinese imports went into effect.

Markets in Asia were largely down in morning trade on Monday as the lack of a US-China trade deal cast a cloud over the market. Investors watched the latest developments warily in the trade war between the world's top two economies after negotiations in Washington ended Friday without agreement and a tariff hike on Chinese imports went into effect. White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping could meet next month on the sidelines of the G20 summit to hash out their differences on trade -- but no new talks are yet scheduled. "Central banks this year have switched into this dovish pivot -- that's allowed the market to continue higher whatever the weather" up until recently, Eleanor Creagh, Australia market strategist at Saxo Capital Markets, told Bloomberg Television. "With the breakdown of these trade negotiations, people will have to sit back and think how far this dovish central bank stance can really continue to carry us." Trump had accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments in trade talks and ordered new punitive duties -- which took effect Friday -- on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to 25 per cent from 10 per cent. He then ordered a tariff hike on almost all remaining imports from China, which are worth about $300 billion, according to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. China's top trade negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, had warned earlier that Beijing "must respond" to any US tariffs. "US-China trade relations will continue centre stage this week with most other data and events relegated to a distant second place," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley. "China will no doubt announce retaliatory measures while the US may provide more concrete start dates for the newly-imposed tariffs. Markets can expect short-term whipsaw price action as the street hangs on every little comment emanating from Washington DC and Beijing." Tokyo was down 0.5 per cent, Shanghai lost one per cent, Singapore shed 1.2 per cent and Seoul slipped more than one per cent in morning trade. S&P 500 Index futures dropped as much as 1.2 percent and ten-year US yields are hovering near the lowest level since early April. Amid nervousness in China markets, state funds reportedly intervened to prop up shares on Monday and again Friday, when the Shanghai Composite closed up more than 3 percent. Traders will also be watching this week for earnings reports from China tech giants Tencent and Alibaba, and key data on China industrial production and retail sales slated for Wednesday -- the same day figures are due for US retail sales and industrial production.

Lack of US-China trade deal weighs on Asian markets

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó said he’s instructed his political envoy in Washington to immediately open relations with the U.S. military in a bid to bring more pressure on President Nicolás Maduro to resign. Watch full video to know more.

Venezuela's Opposition Leader Guaido to open relation with US military

The US has ordered tariff hikes on all imports from China. Watch the full video to know more.

US orders tariff hike on all imports from China

In this segment, Watch WION speaks to Mr. Jayadev Ranade, A China analyst over the India-China trade.

Exclusive: WION speaks to Mr. Jayadev Ranade, A China analyst over the India-China trade

Amid escalating trade war between Beijing and Washington, China's ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui has called for relaxation in trade hours and increase in number of business days along the Nathu La corridor, giving an impetus to Sino-Indian economic ties.

Chinese envoy suggests relaxation in biz hours to boost trade along Nathu La

The White House on Wednesday took the aggressive step of invoking "executive privilege" to block the release of Special Counsel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-should-not-testify-before-us-congress-trump-216223">Robert Mueller's full Russia report </a>as a Democratic-led US congressional panel moved toward holding Attorney General William Barr in contempt for refusing to hand over the document.

The move announced by the White House marked another intensification in a constitutional clash between the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and Republican President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Barr has refused to comply with a subpoena by the House Judiciary Committee to provide an unredacted version of the report and its underlying evidence.

Executive privilege is a right claimed by presidents to withhold information about internal executive branch deliberations from other branches of government.

Democrats condemned the White House action.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said the White House was "misapplying the doctrine of executive privilege" with a decision that "represents a clear escalation in the Trump administration`s blanket defiance of Congress`s constitutionally mandated duties."

"I can only conclude that the president now seeks to take a wrecking ball to the Constitution of the United States of America," said Democratic Representative Sheila Jackson Lee.

The White House said the actions of Democrats forced the move.

"Faced with Chairman Nadler's blatant abuse of power, and at the Attorney General`s request, the President has no other option than to make a protective assertion of executive privilege," said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democratic in Congress, said Trump`s moves to thwart congressional subpoenas were obstructing lawmakers` oversight of his administration.

"Every single day the president is making the case" and "he`s becoming self-impeachable," Pelosi told the Washington Post shortly before Trump invoked executive privilege, referring to the impeachment process in Congress for removing a president from office.

Trump is stonewalling numerous investigations by the Democrats, who control the House, of his administration, family and business interests, with court action likely to follow.

The Judiciary Committee was slated to vote on a resolution recommending that the full House find Barr in contempt of Congress, even as committee staffers and Justice Department officials worked behind the scenes in the hopes of a deal to avert such action.

"The American people see through Chairman Nadler’s desperate ploy to distract from the President’s historically successful agenda and our booming economy. Neither the White House nor Attorney General Barr will comply with Chairman Nadler’s unlawful and reckless demands," Sanders said.

Judiciary Committee Republicans condemned the move toward holding Barr in contempt.

"What a cynical, mean-spirited, counterproductive and irresponsible step it is," said the panel's top Republican, Doug Collins.

Barr last month released a 448-page redacted version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on his 22-month investigation into Russian election meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Nadler subpoenaed the full document and all underlying evidence, saying the material was necessary for lawmakers to determine whether Trump obstructed justice by trying to impede the Mueller probe. Barr missed two subpoena deadlines for turning over the material, the latest on Monday.

"We remain unanimously determined on our side of the aisle to get the unredacted report, as we've demanded," Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat on Nadler`s committee, told reporters.

Representative Doug Collins, the panel`s ranking Republican, criticized Nadler in a statement late on Tuesday for rejecting Justice officials' "accommodations," and praised "the department's endurance."

The House, then controlled by Republicans, voted in 2012 to hold Eric Holder, attorney general under Democratic President Barack Obama, in contempt for failing to turn over subpoenaed Justice Department documents about a gun-running investigation called Operation Fast and Furious. It was the first time that Congress had held the top U.S. law enforcement official or any Cabinet member in contempt.

The redacted Mueller report details extensive contacts between Trump's 2016 campaign and Moscow as well as the campaign's expectation of benefiting from Russia's actions. But Mueller said there was not sufficient evidence to show a criminal conspiracy between Moscow and the campaign. The report also describes a series of actions Trump took to try to impede Mueller's investigation.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration stymied a separate effort by House Judiciary Committee Democrats to subpoena records from former White House counsel Don McGahn, directing him not to provide the documents sought by the panel.

Mueller`s report said McGahn told investigators that Trump unsuccessfully pressured him to remove Mueller and then asked him to deny that Trump had done so. The accounts are based partly on the documents sought by House Democrats.

The Trump administration has refused to cooperate with congressional probes in at least a half-dozen instances, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's decision on Monday to deny a request for Trump's tax returns from the Democratic chairman of the House tax committee.

The White House on Wednesday took the aggressive step of invoking "executive privilege" to block the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's full Russia report as a Democratic-led US congressional panel moved toward holding Attorney General William Barr in contempt for refusing to hand over the document.

The White House on Wednesday took the aggressive step of invoking "executive privilege" to block the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's full Russia report as a Democratic-led US congressional panel moved toward holding Attorney General William Barr in contempt for refusing to hand over the document. The move announced by the White House marked another intensification in a constitutional clash between the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and Republican President Donald Trump. Barr has refused to comply with a subpoena by the House Judiciary Committee to provide an unredacted version of the report and its underlying evidence. Executive privilege is a right claimed by presidents to withhold information about internal executive branch deliberations from other branches of government. Democrats condemned the White House action. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said the White House was "misapplying the doctrine of executive privilege" with a decision that "represents a clear escalation in the Trump administration`s blanket defiance of Congress`s constitutionally mandated duties." "I can only conclude that the president now seeks to take a wrecking ball to the Constitution of the United States of America," said Democratic Representative Sheila Jackson Lee. The White House said the actions of Democrats forced the move. "Faced with Chairman Nadler's blatant abuse of power, and at the Attorney General`s request, the President has no other option than to make a protective assertion of executive privilege," said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democratic in Congress, said Trump`s moves to thwart congressional subpoenas were obstructing lawmakers` oversight of his administration. "Every single day the president is making the case" and "he`s becoming self-impeachable," Pelosi told the Washington Post shortly before Trump invoked executive privilege, referring to the impeachment process in Congress for removing a president from office. Trump is stonewalling numerous investigations by the Democrats, who control the House, of his administration, family and business interests, with court action likely to follow. The Judiciary Committee was slated to vote on a resolution recommending that the full House find Barr in contempt of Congress, even as committee staffers and Justice Department officials worked behind the scenes in the hopes of a deal to avert such action. "The American people see through Chairman Nadler’s desperate ploy to distract from the President’s historically successful agenda and our booming economy. Neither the White House nor Attorney General Barr will comply with Chairman Nadler’s unlawful and reckless demands," Sanders said. Judiciary Committee Republicans condemned the move toward holding Barr in contempt. "What a cynical, mean-spirited, counterproductive and irresponsible step it is," said the panel's top Republican, Doug Collins. Barr last month released a 448-page redacted version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on his 22-month investigation into Russian election meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Nadler subpoenaed the full document and all underlying evidence, saying the material was necessary for lawmakers to determine whether Trump obstructed justice by trying to impede the Mueller probe. Barr missed two subpoena deadlines for turning over the material, the latest on Monday. "We remain unanimously determined on our side of the aisle to get the unredacted report, as we've demanded," Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat on Nadler`s committee, told reporters. Representative Doug Collins, the panel`s ranking Republican, criticized Nadler in a statement late on Tuesday for rejecting Justice officials' "accommodations," and praised "the department's endurance." The House, then controlled by Republicans, voted in 2012 to hold Eric Holder, attorney general under Democratic President Barack Obama, in contempt for failing to turn over subpoenaed Justice Department documents about a gun-running investigation called Operation Fast and Furious. It was the first time that Congress had held the top U.S. law enforcement official or any Cabinet member in contempt. The redacted Mueller report details extensive contacts between Trump's 2016 campaign and Moscow as well as the campaign's expectation of benefiting from Russia's actions. But Mueller said there was not sufficient evidence to show a criminal conspiracy between Moscow and the campaign. The report also describes a series of actions Trump took to try to impede Mueller's investigation. On Tuesday, the Trump administration stymied a separate effort by House Judiciary Committee Democrats to subpoena records from former White House counsel Don McGahn, directing him not to provide the documents sought by the panel. Mueller`s report said McGahn told investigators that Trump unsuccessfully pressured him to remove Mueller and then asked him to deny that Trump had done so. The accounts are based partly on the documents sought by House Democrats. The Trump administration has refused to cooperate with congressional probes in at least a half-dozen instances, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's decision on Monday to deny a request for Trump's tax returns from the Democratic chairman of the House tax committee.

White House invokes 'executive privilege' to stop release of Mueller report

The US said that China has back tracked on commitments and trade talks that prompted President Trump to threaten additional Tariffs over the weekend. Watch full video to know more.

US: There's been an ersosion in commitments by China

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia condemns what he called a campaign to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and urged Washington to cancel its "irresponsible" plans. Watch this video to know more.

Russia urges to abandon 'Irresponsible' plan

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at a summit on Thursday intended to show Washington is not the only power with enough clout to engage with Pyongyang on its nuclear programme.

WION Gravitas: What did the Kim Jong Un-Vladimir Putin Summit achieve?

World leaders meeting in Beijing this week for a summit on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/will-sign-accord-backing-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-switzerland-210910&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjCgOfLxeDhAhULSo8KHY8PAhcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw07d5wX_sMgOF08GS4UGgOb">China's Belt and Road </a>initiative will agree to project financing that respects global debt goals and promotes green growth, according to a draft communique seen by Reuters.

The Belt and Road Initiative is a key policy of President Xi Jinping and envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with massive infrastructure spending.

But it has proved controversial in many Western capitals, particularly Washington, which views it as merely a means to spread Chinese influence abroad and saddle countries with unsustainable debt through nontransparent projects.

The United States has been particularly critical of Italy`s decision to sign up to the plan last month, the first for a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-becomes-the-first-g7-nation-to-join-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-205117&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjCgOfLxeDhAhULSo8KHY8PAhcQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0cZEgFaTvKXJjeQP2vVx4Z">G7 nation</a>.

In an apparent nod to these concerns, the communique reiterates promises reached at the last summit in 2017 for sustainable financing - but adds a line on debt, which was not included the last time.

"We support collaboration among national and international financial institutions to provide diversified and sustainable financial support for projects," the draft communique reads.&nbsp;

"We encourage local currency financing, the mutual establishment of financial institutions, and a greater role of development finance in line with respective national priorities, laws, regulations and international commitments, and the agreed principles by the UNGA on debt sustainability," it added, referring to the United Nations General Assembly.

The word "green" appears in the draft seven times. It was not mentioned once in the summit communique from two years ago.

"We underline the importance of promoting green development," the draft reads. "We encourage the development of green finance including the issuance of green bonds as well as the development of green technology."

The Chinese government`s top diplomat, Wang Yi, said on Friday that the Belt and Road project is not a "geopolitical tool" or a debt crisis for participating nations, but Beijing welcomes constructive suggestions on how to address concerns over the initiative.

A total of 37 foreign leaders are due to attend the April 25-27 summit, though the United States is only sending lower-level representatives, reflecting its unease over the scheme.

The number of foreign leaders at the April 25-27 summit is up from 29 last time, mainly from China`s closest allies like Pakistan and Russia but also Italy, Switzerland and Austria.

China has repeatedly said Belt and Road are for the benefit of the whole world, and that it is committed to upholding globally accepted norms in ensuring projects are transparent and win-win for all parties.

"We emphasise the importance of the rule of law and equal opportunities for all," the draft reads.

World leaders meeting in Beijing this week for a summit on China's Belt and Road initiative will agree to project financing that respects global debt goals and promotes green growth, according to a draft communique seen by Reuters.

World leaders meeting in Beijing this week for a summit on China's Belt and Road initiative will agree to project financing that respects global debt goals and promotes green growth, according to a draft communique seen by Reuters. The Belt and Road Initiative is a key policy of President Xi Jinping and envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with massive infrastructure spending. But it has proved controversial in many Western capitals, particularly Washington, which views it as merely a means to spread Chinese influence abroad and saddle countries with unsustainable debt through nontransparent projects. The United States has been particularly critical of Italy`s decision to sign up to the plan last month, the first for a G7 nation. In an apparent nod to these concerns, the communique reiterates promises reached at the last summit in 2017 for sustainable financing - but adds a line on debt, which was not included the last time. "We support collaboration among national and international financial institutions to provide diversified and sustainable financial support for projects," the draft communique reads. "We encourage local currency financing, the mutual establishment of financial institutions, and a greater role of development finance in line with respective national priorities, laws, regulations and international commitments, and the agreed principles by the UNGA on debt sustainability," it added, referring to the United Nations General Assembly. The word "green" appears in the draft seven times. It was not mentioned once in the summit communique from two years ago. "We underline the importance of promoting green development," the draft reads. "We encourage the development of green finance including the issuance of green bonds as well as the development of green technology." The Chinese government`s top diplomat, Wang Yi, said on Friday that the Belt and Road project is not a "geopolitical tool" or a debt crisis for participating nations, but Beijing welcomes constructive suggestions on how to address concerns over the initiative. A total of 37 foreign leaders are due to attend the April 25-27 summit, though the United States is only sending lower-level representatives, reflecting its unease over the scheme. The number of foreign leaders at the April 25-27 summit is up from 29 last time, mainly from China`s closest allies like Pakistan and Russia but also Italy, Switzerland and Austria. China has repeatedly said Belt and Road are for the benefit of the whole world, and that it is committed to upholding globally accepted norms in ensuring projects are transparent and win-win for all parties. "We emphasise the importance of the rule of law and equal opportunities for all," the draft reads.

In nod to debt concerns, China Belt and Road summit to urge sustainable financing

Upcoming talks between the Taliban and the United States will focus on the timetable for pulling all foreign forces from Afghanistan, according to a senior Taliban member.

In an interview with AFP, the Taliban's political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said previous negotiations with Washington saw the two sides agree to a total withdrawal, with only the details needing to be fleshed out.

"In our last round of talks with the US side, we agreed with them on withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan," Shaheen said late Saturday in Doha.

In return for a withdrawal, he said the Taliban have committed to preventing terror groups using Afghanistan as a safe haven or for launching attacks on other countries.

"But still there are some details to be discussed, and this discussion will take place in our next round of talks and that is about (the) timetable of the withdrawal of forces from the country and other details," Shaheen said.

The next round of talks is expected to take place in Doha in the coming weeks, but no dates have been formally announced.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the talks for Washington, said after the latest round ended that "real strides" had been made, but he insisted no agreement was reached on when the US and other countries might leave Afghanistan.

He spoke of an agreement "in draft" on the issues of counter-terrorism, assurances from the Taliban and troop withdrawal, and suggested the next phases would be intra-Afghan dialogue and a ceasefire, but stressed that nothing was finalised.&nbsp;

Khalilzad has also said that "nothing is agreed to until everything has been agreed to."

Collapsed summit

A summit between the Taliban and Afghan politicians and representatives that was due to take place over the weekend collapsed amid bickering about Kabul's lengthy list of delegates, which initially comprised 250 people.&nbsp;

The conference would have been separate from main US-Taliban peace talks.

The main delegation did not meet with the Taliban, but women's rights organisation Women for Afghan Women (WAW) said two of its members had been present at a meeting that included about two dozen Taliban officials.&nbsp;

Talks so far have faced fierce criticism in Afghanistan and internationally for their lack of women participants.

"WAW expressed concerns for women's future role in society, noting the tremendous strides they have made since 2001," the group said in a statement.

While in power from 1996-2001, the Taliban banned girls' education, shredded any Western notion of women's rights and executed women on flimsy allegations of adultery.

The militants now say they support some access to education for girls, though this would be along religious lines in segregated schools.

Shaheen spoke to AFP in Qatari capital Doha, which has become the main hub for Afghanistan peace talks and once hosted a political office for the Taliban.&nbsp;

That facility was closed down after protests by Kabul, which said the Taliban were using the office as a de facto embassy.

"Right now, we do not have any office," Shaheen said.&nbsp;

"We need an office in order to issue statements, to hold the press conferences in order to give information out to the media about peace and to our own people on a daily basis".

Upcoming talks between the Taliban and the United States will focus on the timetable for pulling all foreign forces from Afghanistan, according to a senior Taliban member.

Upcoming talks between the Taliban and the United States will focus on the timetable for pulling all foreign forces from Afghanistan, according to a senior Taliban member. In an interview with AFP, the Taliban's political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said previous negotiations with Washington saw the two sides agree to a total withdrawal, with only the details needing to be fleshed out. "In our last round of talks with the US side, we agreed with them on withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan," Shaheen said late Saturday in Doha. In return for a withdrawal, he said the Taliban have committed to preventing terror groups using Afghanistan as a safe haven or for launching attacks on other countries. "But still there are some details to be discussed, and this discussion will take place in our next round of talks and that is about (the) timetable of the withdrawal of forces from the country and other details," Shaheen said. The next round of talks is expected to take place in Doha in the coming weeks, but no dates have been formally announced. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading the talks for Washington, said after the latest round ended that "real strides" had been made, but he insisted no agreement was reached on when the US and other countries might leave Afghanistan. He spoke of an agreement "in draft" on the issues of counter-terrorism, assurances from the Taliban and troop withdrawal, and suggested the next phases would be intra-Afghan dialogue and a ceasefire, but stressed that nothing was finalised. Khalilzad has also said that "nothing is agreed to until everything has been agreed to." Collapsed summit A summit between the Taliban and Afghan politicians and representatives that was due to take place over the weekend collapsed amid bickering about Kabul's lengthy list of delegates, which initially comprised 250 people. The conference would have been separate from main US-Taliban peace talks. The main delegation did not meet with the Taliban, but women's rights organisation Women for Afghan Women (WAW) said two of its members had been present at a meeting that included about two dozen Taliban officials. Talks so far have faced fierce criticism in Afghanistan and internationally for their lack of women participants. "WAW expressed concerns for women's future role in society, noting the tremendous strides they have made since 2001," the group said in a statement. While in power from 1996-2001, the Taliban banned girls' education, shredded any Western notion of women's rights and executed women on flimsy allegations of adultery. The militants now say they support some access to education for girls, though this would be along religious lines in segregated schools. Shaheen spoke to AFP in Qatari capital Doha, which has become the main hub for Afghanistan peace talks and once hosted a political office for the Taliban. That facility was closed down after protests by Kabul, which said the Taliban were using the office as a de facto embassy. "Right now, we do not have any office," Shaheen said. "We need an office in order to issue statements, to hold the press conferences in order to give information out to the media about peace and to our own people on a daily basis".

US withdrawal from Afghanistan focus of next talks: Taliban

European Union countries on Monday gave the final green light for Brussels to open trade talks with Washington, despite France's opposition, several EU sources told AFP.

The EU's 28 member states had struggled for months to agree on a mandate to open trans-Atlantic talks, with some fearing the delay would restart a trade war with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-slams-huawei-for-hiring-former-obama-cyber-security-official-210479">US President Donald Trump</a>.

EU sources said France voted against the mandate and Belgium abstained during a meeting of EU ministers in Luxembourg.

Pursuing a limited trade deal is a key element of a truce negotiated in July that came close to imploding last week after the US threatened $11 billion in fresh trade tariffs against Europe.

Paris voted against the mandate worried about domestic blowback just months ahead of European elections, set for May 23 to 26.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron has insisted on the US first signing back up to the Paris climate accord after Trump dumped the pact in 2017, infuriating Macron.

But only a qualified majority of EU members was needed to support the talks, meaning France's "non" remained largely symbolic.

European Union countries on Monday gave the final green light for Brussels to open trade talks with Washington, despite France's opposition, several EU sources told AFP.

European Union countries on Monday gave the final green light for Brussels to open trade talks with Washington, despite France's opposition, several EU sources told AFP. The EU's 28 member states had struggled for months to agree on a mandate to open trans-Atlantic talks, with some fearing the delay would restart a trade war with US President Donald Trump. EU sources said France voted against the mandate and Belgium abstained during a meeting of EU ministers in Luxembourg. Pursuing a limited trade deal is a key element of a truce negotiated in July that came close to imploding last week after the US threatened $11 billion in fresh trade tariffs against Europe. Paris voted against the mandate worried about domestic blowback just months ahead of European elections, set for May 23 to 26. French President Emmanuel Macron has insisted on the US first signing back up to the Paris climate accord after Trump dumped the pact in 2017, infuriating Macron. But only a qualified majority of EU members was needed to support the talks, meaning France's "non" remained largely symbolic.

European Union green lights trade talks with Washington: Sources

Sudan's new military rulers briefed Washington's top envoy to Khartoum on Sunday about security after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-ousted-president-bashir-will-not-be-extradited-military-rulers-209837">army's ouster of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir</a>, state media reported.

Steven Koutsis met with the military council's deputy Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, widely known as Himeidti, at the presidential palace in Khartoum.

The Sudanese deputy briefed Koutsis on the current situation in the country and the reason for forming the military council, the official SUNA news agency reported as state television broadcast footage of their meeting.

"Himeidti told him about the measures taken by the military council to preserve the security and stability of the country," SUNA reported.

Sudan's military council headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan took power after the army ousted Bashir on Thursday.

Himeidti heads Sudan's controversial counter-insurgency unit -- the Rapid Support Force (RSF) -- which rights groups have accused of abuses in the war-torn Darfur region.

About 300,000 people have been killed in Darfur since a brutal conflict erupted there in 2003, when ethnic rebels took up arms against the Arab-dominated government of Bashir.

The United States, which has blacklisted Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism, has insisted that Khartoum needs to improve its human rights record if it wants to be removed from the list.

Washington imposed sanctions on Sudan in 1997 for its alleged links to Islamists which were lifted in October 2017, but the much awaited economic recovery has failed to materialise.

Sudan's new military rulers briefed Washington's top envoy to Khartoum on Sunday about security after the army's ouster of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir, state media reported.

Sudan's new military rulers briefed Washington's top envoy to Khartoum on Sunday about security after the army's ouster of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir, state media reported. Steven Koutsis met with the military council's deputy Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, widely known as Himeidti, at the presidential palace in Khartoum. The Sudanese deputy briefed Koutsis on the current situation in the country and the reason for forming the military council, the official SUNA news agency reported as state television broadcast footage of their meeting. "Himeidti told him about the measures taken by the military council to preserve the security and stability of the country," SUNA reported. Sudan's military council headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan took power after the army ousted Bashir on Thursday. Himeidti heads Sudan's controversial counter-insurgency unit -- the Rapid Support Force (RSF) -- which rights groups have accused of abuses in the war-torn Darfur region. About 300,000 people have been killed in Darfur since a brutal conflict erupted there in 2003, when ethnic rebels took up arms against the Arab-dominated government of Bashir. The United States, which has blacklisted Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism, has insisted that Khartoum needs to improve its human rights record if it wants to be removed from the list. Washington imposed sanctions on Sudan in 1997 for its alleged links to Islamists which were lifted in October 2017, but the much awaited economic recovery has failed to materialise.

Sudan military rulers brief US envoy: State media

North Korea has replaced its long-serving head of state with a close aide to leader<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-kim-jong-un-summits-other-aim-was-to-sell-vietnam-model-to-north-korea-208086&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiw5fyx_8zhAhXKso8KHSgJCOsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1CTDk-iRhe3vC0rxnhU8-K"> Kim Jong Un</a>, promoting a man who was placed on a US sanctions list last year for alleged human rights abuses, state media said Friday.

The move came as part of a top-ranking<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jon-un-gains-more-power-in-north-korea-leadership-shuffle-210060&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiax_LT_8zhAhWUheYKHUsLAmEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2xg5_Y6jVCcQW1zCOTrlPw"> reshuffle </a>that analysts said further cemented Kim's already unshakeable grip on power.

Kim also acquired a new title, and now becomes "the supreme representative of all the Korean people" -- a newly-created role that observers say makes him more like a modern national leader, on a par with other country's presidents and prime ministers.

Kim Yong Nam, the now-91-year-old who held the position of the North's head of state -- an almost entirely ceremonial role -- for almost 20 years, was replaced by Choe Ryong Hae, the state-run KCNA said.

As the new president of the Supreme People's Assembly, Choe is technically head of state, although real power in North Korea is wielded by Kim and his immediate family.

The reshuffle comes at a time of the heightened diplomatic activity that has seen Kim Jong Un hold landmark summits with the leaders of the US, China and South Korea.

Born in 1950, Choe is considered Kim Jong Un's right-hand man -- frequently referred to as the regime's "virtual number two official", has been key to the party's hierarchy since the 1980s.

Some reports have even suggested that one of Choe's sons is married to Kim Jong Un's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong.

Choe is also one of the three North Korean officials placed under sanctions by the US last year over human rights abuse allegations.

Analysts said, however, the existing structures on Choe will have little impact on his future diplomatic endeavours, as long as its nuclear dialogue with the US continues.

"Kim Yong Chol, the North's top nuclear negotiator, also has been sanctioned by Washington since 2010," Ahn Chan-il, the president of the World Institute for North Korea Studies in Seoul, told AFP.

"But he visited Washington without a problem earlier this year. Washington will always make exceptions -- as long as Pyongyang has something to offer."

New title&nbsp;

Kim's new job adds to a growing list of titles he has accrued since he took power after the 2011 death of his father.

Analysts say it may also indicate a change in the country's constitution that concentrates more authority in the young leader.

"If Pyongyang indeed revised its constitution, then it just means Kim Jong Un now has more power than ever,"" said analyst Ahn.

"If that's the case, Kim will be the one who will be officially representing Pyongyang both at home and abroad".

Unlike his father, Kim Jong-Il, the young Kim has increasingly greeted foreign heads of state and visiting dignitaries, performing the functions of a modern head of state.

Jeong Young-Tae, an analyst at the Institute of North Korean Studies in Seoul, says the new title is part of Pyongyang's efforts to "secularise" Kim and his power.&nbsp;

"Kim Jong Un wants to re-brand North Korea as a 'normal' socialist country in the world stage," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"The new title 'representative' is a break from some of his previous titles that are redolent of a religious cult."

North Korea has replaced its long-serving head of state with a close aide to leader Kim Jong Un, promoting a man who was placed on a US sanctions list last year for alleged human rights abuses, state media said Friday.

North Korea has replaced its long-serving head of state with a close aide to leader Kim Jong Un, promoting a man who was placed on a US sanctions list last year for alleged human rights abuses, state media said Friday. The move came as part of a top-ranking reshuffle that analysts said further cemented Kim's already unshakeable grip on power. Kim also acquired a new title, and now becomes "the supreme representative of all the Korean people" -- a newly-created role that observers say makes him more like a modern national leader, on a par with other country's presidents and prime ministers. Kim Yong Nam, the now-91-year-old who held the position of the North's head of state -- an almost entirely ceremonial role -- for almost 20 years, was replaced by Choe Ryong Hae, the state-run KCNA said. As the new president of the Supreme People's Assembly, Choe is technically head of state, although real power in North Korea is wielded by Kim and his immediate family. The reshuffle comes at a time of the heightened diplomatic activity that has seen Kim Jong Un hold landmark summits with the leaders of the US, China and South Korea. Born in 1950, Choe is considered Kim Jong Un's right-hand man -- frequently referred to as the regime's "virtual number two official", has been key to the party's hierarchy since the 1980s. Some reports have even suggested that one of Choe's sons is married to Kim Jong Un's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong. Choe is also one of the three North Korean officials placed under sanctions by the US last year over human rights abuse allegations. Analysts said, however, the existing structures on Choe will have little impact on his future diplomatic endeavours, as long as its nuclear dialogue with the US continues. "Kim Yong Chol, the North's top nuclear negotiator, also has been sanctioned by Washington since 2010," Ahn Chan-il, the president of the World Institute for North Korea Studies in Seoul, told AFP. "But he visited Washington without a problem earlier this year. Washington will always make exceptions -- as long as Pyongyang has something to offer." New title Kim's new job adds to a growing list of titles he has accrued since he took power after the 2011 death of his father. Analysts say it may also indicate a change in the country's constitution that concentrates more authority in the young leader. "If Pyongyang indeed revised its constitution, then it just means Kim Jong Un now has more power than ever,"" said analyst Ahn. "If that's the case, Kim will be the one who will be officially representing Pyongyang both at home and abroad". Unlike his father, Kim Jong-Il, the young Kim has increasingly greeted foreign heads of state and visiting dignitaries, performing the functions of a modern head of state. Jeong Young-Tae, an analyst at the Institute of North Korean Studies in Seoul, says the new title is part of Pyongyang's efforts to "secularise" Kim and his power. "Kim Jong Un wants to re-brand North Korea as a 'normal' socialist country in the world stage," he told AFP. "The new title 'representative' is a break from some of his previous titles that are redolent of a religious cult."

Kim gains more power in North Korea leadership shuffle

Pakistan Prime Minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-ministry-submits-proposal-to-pm-imran-khan-to-open-sharada-temple-for-indians-205524&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjWpoXw18zhAhWhguYKHVk5DY8QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3TFVfZkx7WQNVIsYkMzRyC"> Imran Khan</a>'s recent statement promising an end of support to terror groups does not reflect a change of policy and is motivated by the fear of getting blacklisted by the global terror-financing watchdog FATF, the country's former envoy to the US <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-unlikely-to-change-policy-on-militants-says-husain-haqqani-209997&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiUvMCR2MzhAhXFu48KHSPvDNUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PgJsh_5jS5Cg7rad-S2Lt">Husain Haqqani</a> has said.

Amidst intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Khan last month said his government will not allow Pakistan's land to be used for any kind of terror activities and promised actions against militant groups operating from the country's soil.

Haqqani, Pakistan's former Ambassador to the US, told a Washington audience on Friday that so far, there is no evidence that the Khan government or the military is dismantling Pakistan's terrorist support infrastructure.

"There is little change in Pakistan's attitude towards militancy, particularly the one directed against Afghanistan and India," he said in his address to the third 'India Ideas Conference' organised by India Initiative of the prestigious Georgetown University.

Haqqani pointed out that Pakistan has failed to initiate any action against the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group or its leader Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Islamabad's close ties with Beijing were invoked to ensure that Azhar's designation as a terrorist by the United Nations was blocked by China at Pakistan's behest," he said, adding that such moves are consistent with Islamabad's policies of the last 30 years.

Haqqani, who has authored several books, is currently the Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think-tank. He is considered as an outspoken critic of the Pakistan Army's domestic and foreign policies, especially its support of terrorism.

"Although the FATF sanctions are not imminent, Pakistan is trying to thwart them with public relations moves such as Imran Khan's latest statement. There will be more PR moves as FATF pressures increase," he said.

The former ambassador said that the desire to reassure the world once again that Pakistan wants to act against terrorist groups is motivated by economic considerations.

"Pakistan's economy is not doing too well. FATF sanctions would only make Khan's only economic option more borrowing and financial bailouts by other countries and IMF-- more difficult," he said.

Haqqani stressed that "Pakistan's support for militancy is a strategic choice, motivated by the desire to provide a force multiplier for a relatively poor country trying to act as a major regional power without resources comparable to its perceived rival".

Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on February 22 condemned the Pulwama terror attack and decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamat-ud-Dawa.

The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&amp;P and Fitch, according to experts.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising an end of support to terror groups does not reflect a change of policy and is motivated by the fear of getting blacklisted by the global terror-financing watchdog FATF, the country's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani has said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising an end of support to terror groups does not reflect a change of policy and is motivated by the fear of getting blacklisted by the global terror-financing watchdog FATF, the country's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani has said. Amidst intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Khan last month said his government will not allow Pakistan's land to be used for any kind of terror activities and promised actions against militant groups operating from the country's soil. Haqqani, Pakistan's former Ambassador to the US, told a Washington audience on Friday that so far, there is no evidence that the Khan government or the military is dismantling Pakistan's terrorist support infrastructure. "There is little change in Pakistan's attitude towards militancy, particularly the one directed against Afghanistan and India," he said in his address to the third 'India Ideas Conference' organised by India Initiative of the prestigious Georgetown University. Haqqani pointed out that Pakistan has failed to initiate any action against the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group or its leader Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. "Islamabad's close ties with Beijing were invoked to ensure that Azhar's designation as a terrorist by the United Nations was blocked by China at Pakistan's behest," he said, adding that such moves are consistent with Islamabad's policies of the last 30 years. Haqqani, who has authored several books, is currently the Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think-tank. He is considered as an outspoken critic of the Pakistan Army's domestic and foreign policies, especially its support of terrorism. "Although the FATF sanctions are not imminent, Pakistan is trying to thwart them with public relations moves such as Imran Khan's latest statement. There will be more PR moves as FATF pressures increase," he said. The former ambassador said that the desire to reassure the world once again that Pakistan wants to act against terrorist groups is motivated by economic considerations. "Pakistan's economy is not doing too well. FATF sanctions would only make Khan's only economic option more borrowing and financial bailouts by other countries and IMF-- more difficult," he said. Haqqani stressed that "Pakistan's support for militancy is a strategic choice, motivated by the desire to provide a force multiplier for a relatively poor country trying to act as a major regional power without resources comparable to its perceived rival". Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on February 22 condemned the Pulwama terror attack and decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamat-ud-Dawa. The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&P and Fitch, according to experts.

No evidence of Pakistan dismantling terror infrastructure, says former envoy Haqqani

The US on Monday threatened to impose <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-set-for-trade-talks-with-us-on-march-6-amid-concern-over-tariffs-201134&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi2vPzDmMLhAhWad94KHch8DJIQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Yk0M-aoR0ub3iSWNaTvJu">tariff</a> counter-measures of up to $11.2 billion on a host of European products in response to subsidies received by aircraft maker Airbus.

For more than 14 years, Washington and Brussels have accused each other of unfairly subsidising Boeing and Airbus, respectively, in a tit-for-tat dispute.&nbsp;

In a statement Monday, the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said the World Trade Organization (WTO) had repeatedly found that European subsidies to Airbus have caused adverse effects to the United States. &nbsp;

"This case has been in litigation for 14 years, and the time has come for action," said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

"Our ultimate goal is to reach an agreement with the EU to end all WTO-inconsistent subsidies to large civil aircraft. &nbsp;When the EU ends these harmful subsidies, the additional US duties imposed in response can be lifted."

The statement added that the final amount it would seek in duties was subject to arbitration at the WTO, the result of which was expected in the summer.

The USTR's preliminary list extends to 14 pages and contains a number of products in the civil aviation sector, including Airbus aircraft.

It also contains food products such as swordfish, salmon, cheeses, fruits, olive oil and wines, along with clothes.

Complicated trade spat&nbsp;

The Boeing-Airbus spat is the longest and most complicated dispute dealt with by the WTO, which aims to create a level playing field in global trade.

Both Airbus and Boeing have scored points along the way.

The WTO ruled in March 2012 that billions of dollars of subsidies to Boeing were illegal and notified the United States to end them.

But a few months later, the European Union filed a new complaint, alleging Washington was not complying with that order.

In a ruling published in June 2017, the WTO said the US had brought 28 of 29 programmes into compliance but agreed with Brussels that Washington had not taken "appropriate steps to remove the adverse effects or... withdraw the subsidy" in the case of Washington state.

The EU and the US appealed against that to the WTO Appellate Body, which on last month echoed the 2017 finding, although it appeared to take a harsher line against the American side.

The EU was also reprimanded by the WTO during the tit-for-tat conflict between Airbus and Boeing, and the US asked the WTO to determine the amount it could impose in sanctions against the European Union for failing to comply in removing subsidies.&nbsp;

The USTR said Monday that once that report is issued, it will announce a full product list, which comes after months of trade tensions between the US and the EU.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's administration has made punitive tariffs something of a signature, imposing many and frequently threatening them as a negotiation tactic: and the EU was no exception.

The EU and the US have been working to set in motion a limited trade pact as part of a truce agreed in July when Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pledged no new tariffs following those imposed on steel and aluminium.

The USTR's statement also comes as Boeing faces a crisis over its 737 MAX aircraft, which is grounded over safety fears following two fatal accidents.

The US on Monday threatened to impose tariff counter-measures of up to $11.2 billion on a host of European products in response to subsidies received by aircraft maker Airbus.

The US on Monday threatened to impose tariff counter-measures of up to $11.2 billion on a host of European products in response to subsidies received by aircraft maker Airbus. For more than 14 years, Washington and Brussels have accused each other of unfairly subsidising Boeing and Airbus, respectively, in a tit-for-tat dispute. In a statement Monday, the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said the World Trade Organization (WTO) had repeatedly found that European subsidies to Airbus have caused adverse effects to the United States. "This case has been in litigation for 14 years, and the time has come for action," said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. "Our ultimate goal is to reach an agreement with the EU to end all WTO-inconsistent subsidies to large civil aircraft. When the EU ends these harmful subsidies, the additional US duties imposed in response can be lifted." The statement added that the final amount it would seek in duties was subject to arbitration at the WTO, the result of which was expected in the summer. The USTR's preliminary list extends to 14 pages and contains a number of products in the civil aviation sector, including Airbus aircraft. It also contains food products such as swordfish, salmon, cheeses, fruits, olive oil and wines, along with clothes. Complicated trade spat The Boeing-Airbus spat is the longest and most complicated dispute dealt with by the WTO, which aims to create a level playing field in global trade. Both Airbus and Boeing have scored points along the way. The WTO ruled in March 2012 that billions of dollars of subsidies to Boeing were illegal and notified the United States to end them. But a few months later, the European Union filed a new complaint, alleging Washington was not complying with that order. In a ruling published in June 2017, the WTO said the US had brought 28 of 29 programmes into compliance but agreed with Brussels that Washington had not taken "appropriate steps to remove the adverse effects or... withdraw the subsidy" in the case of Washington state. The EU and the US appealed against that to the WTO Appellate Body, which on last month echoed the 2017 finding, although it appeared to take a harsher line against the American side. The EU was also reprimanded by the WTO during the tit-for-tat conflict between Airbus and Boeing, and the US asked the WTO to determine the amount it could impose in sanctions against the European Union for failing to comply in removing subsidies. The USTR said Monday that once that report is issued, it will announce a full product list, which comes after months of trade tensions between the US and the EU. US President Donald Trump's administration has made punitive tariffs something of a signature, imposing many and frequently threatening them as a negotiation tactic: and the EU was no exception. The EU and the US have been working to set in motion a limited trade pact as part of a truce agreed in July when Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pledged no new tariffs following those imposed on steel and aluminium. The USTR's statement also comes as Boeing faces a crisis over its 737 MAX aircraft, which is grounded over safety fears following two fatal accidents.

US threatens new tariffs on EU products over Airbus subsidies

Anti-Pakistan protests outside White House

Japan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-cronyism-scandal-japans-finance-minister-to-skip-g20-meeting-35618&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiSytLyk8DhAhVt7HMBHVX2AfUQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1RKFW75e3aATX6dN0qXfsA">Shinzo Abe </a>announced Monday plans to visit the United States, Canada and France this month before his country hosts the G20 later this year.

The tour from April 22 to 29 will also include stops in Italy, Belgium and Slovakia, a foreign ministry official said.

The trip comes ahead of long-awaited trade talks between Washington and Tokyo, as US President<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-opens-under-assault-from-trump-on-collective-action-180345&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiSytLyk8DhAhVt7HMBHVX2AfUQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GXHmUZ8HyCRuZwl_Nph4O"> Donald Trump</a> looks to negotiate a bilateral deal and threatens auto tariffs.

The visit to France comes at a sensitive time, with ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, who holds French citizenship, back behind bars in Tokyo.

He was re-arrested last week while out on bail and faces multiple charges of financial misconduct.

Abe said the trip was intended to "affirm close co-operation for success in the G20 summit in Osaka", which will be held June 28 and 29.

Trump is also expected to visit Japan in May to become the first foreign head of state to meet Japan's new emperor, Naruhito, who will be enthroned on May 1.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Monday plans to visit the United States, Canada and France this month before his country hosts the G20 later this year.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Monday plans to visit the United States, Canada and France this month before his country hosts the G20 later this year. The tour from April 22 to 29 will also include stops in Italy, Belgium and Slovakia, a foreign ministry official said. The trip comes ahead of long-awaited trade talks between Washington and Tokyo, as US President Donald Trump looks to negotiate a bilateral deal and threatens auto tariffs. The visit to France comes at a sensitive time, with ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, who holds French citizenship, back behind bars in Tokyo. He was re-arrested last week while out on bail and faces multiple charges of financial misconduct. Abe said the trip was intended to "affirm close co-operation for success in the G20 summit in Osaka", which will be held June 28 and 29. Trump is also expected to visit Japan in May to become the first foreign head of state to meet Japan's new emperor, Naruhito, who will be enthroned on May 1.

Japan's Abe to visit US, France on pre-G20 tour

Iran may put the US military on its terror list if Washington <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-declare-irans-revolutionary-guards-as-terrorist-organization-report-208316">designates the Iranian elite Revolutionary Guards as terrorists</a>, a senior Iranian lawmaker said on Saturday.

The United States is expected to designate the Revolutionary Guards a foreign terrorist organisation, three US officials told Reuters, marking the first time Washington has formally labelled another country's military a terrorist group.

"If the Revolutionary Guards are placed on America's list of terrorist groups, we will put that country's military on the terror blacklist next to Daesh (Islamic State)," Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, head of parliament's national security committee, said on Twitter.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp was formed after the 1979 Islamic revolution with a mission to defend the clerical regime, in contrast to more traditional military units that protect borders.

The Revolutionary Guards have amassed strong power within Iran, including with significant economic interests.

The Guards' prized unit is the Quds Force, named for the Arabic word for Jerusalem, which supports forces allied with Iran around the region including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

The Trump administration has already imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran after withdrawing last year from an international agreement under which Tehran drastically scaled back its nuclear program.

A foreign terrorist designation would make any activities of the group toxic for the United States, with any transactions involving US institutions or individuals subject to punishment.

The Wall Street Journal said that the Pentagon and the CIA had reservations about the move, saying it would increase risks for US troops without doing much more to damage the Iranian economy.

Iran may put the US military on its terror list if Washington designates the Iranian elite Revolutionary Guards as terrorists, a senior Iranian lawmaker said on Saturday.

Iran may put the US military on its terror list if Washington designates the Iranian elite Revolutionary Guards as terrorists, a senior Iranian lawmaker said on Saturday. The United States is expected to designate the Revolutionary Guards a foreign terrorist organisation, three US officials told Reuters, marking the first time Washington has formally labelled another country's military a terrorist group. "If the Revolutionary Guards are placed on America's list of terrorist groups, we will put that country's military on the terror blacklist next to Daesh (Islamic State)," Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, head of parliament's national security committee, said on Twitter. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp was formed after the 1979 Islamic revolution with a mission to defend the clerical regime, in contrast to more traditional military units that protect borders. The Revolutionary Guards have amassed strong power within Iran, including with significant economic interests. The Guards' prized unit is the Quds Force, named for the Arabic word for Jerusalem, which supports forces allied with Iran around the region including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanon's Hezbollah. The Trump administration has already imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran after withdrawing last year from an international agreement under which Tehran drastically scaled back its nuclear program. A foreign terrorist designation would make any activities of the group toxic for the United States, with any transactions involving US institutions or individuals subject to punishment. The Wall Street Journal said that the Pentagon and the CIA had reservations about the move, saying it would increase risks for US troops without doing much more to damage the Iranian economy.

Iran may blacklist US military if Washington designates Guards as terrorists

Four-legged whale from India, Pak also found in southern Peru

Tunis hosts the 30th Arab League summit, focus is Washington’s stands on Golan heights

Hundreds of youngsters skipped school to rally in Washington on Friday as part of what organisers called an international youth climate strike to seek action on climate change.

Chanting "climate action now!", some 1,500 students joined the event in front of the Capitol Building, where Congress sits, while similar rallies were held in 46 states.

The demonstrations, which demanded politicians take action to combat climate change, backed measures including the Green New Deal, an ambitious Democratic environmental proposal that has become a lightning rod for Republican criticism.

"This is the only Earth that we have. There is no Planet B. There is no other place we can go so we need to save it," said Elise Haverland, a 16-year-old from Silver Spring, Maryland.

Protesters carried colourful homemade placards bearing slogans such as "Our planet, our future," "Let us Live," and "Don`t frack up our Earth."

The students also held an 11-minute silence, one for each of the years that a United Nations report said the world has remaining to get climate change under control.

School children across the world held demonstrations to demand action on climate change on Friday.

The protests are the offspring of youth strikes in Europe that were inspired by Greta Thunberg, a lone 15-year-old picketer at the Swedish Parliament.

Organisers said they hope staging the event during the school day will signal the importance that students attach to fighting climate change.

"Adults come fight with us!" 12-year-old Haven Coleman of Denver, one of three youth organisers of the protest in the United States, said from the stage. 
The two other leaders of the US movement are Isra Hirsi, the 16-year-old daughter of newly-elected Democratic US Representative Ilhan Omar, of Minneapolis, and Alexandria Villasenor, 13, of New York.&nbsp;

The group is calling for a "national emergency" on climate change and for the United States to stop all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The scientific community broadly agrees that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to net-zero by 2050 to halt the catastrophic effects of climate change.&nbsp;

Most of the declared Democratic candidates for the White House have already voiced support for the Green New Deal, a measure proposed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - a sweeping 10-year blueprint for combating climate change that involves reducing carbon emissions and retrofitting infrastructure.

Republicans have dismissed the proposals as unreasonably expensive and disruptive to the US economy. They have tried to use some of the measures to sow discord within the Democratic party, painting their political rivals as shifting to the left and embracing extreme policies.

Hundreds of youngsters skipped school to rally in Washington on Friday as part of what organisers called an international youth climate strike to seek action on climate change.

Hundreds of youngsters skipped school to rally in Washington on Friday as part of what organisers called an international youth climate strike to seek action on climate change. Chanting "climate action now!", some 1,500 students joined the event in front of the Capitol Building, where Congress sits, while similar rallies were held in 46 states. The demonstrations, which demanded politicians take action to combat climate change, backed measures including the Green New Deal, an ambitious Democratic environmental proposal that has become a lightning rod for Republican criticism. "This is the only Earth that we have. There is no Planet B. There is no other place we can go so we need to save it," said Elise Haverland, a 16-year-old from Silver Spring, Maryland. Protesters carried colourful homemade placards bearing slogans such as "Our planet, our future," "Let us Live," and "Don`t frack up our Earth." The students also held an 11-minute silence, one for each of the years that a United Nations report said the world has remaining to get climate change under control. School children across the world held demonstrations to demand action on climate change on Friday. The protests are the offspring of youth strikes in Europe that were inspired by Greta Thunberg, a lone 15-year-old picketer at the Swedish Parliament. Organisers said they hope staging the event during the school day will signal the importance that students attach to fighting climate change. "Adults come fight with us!" 12-year-old Haven Coleman of Denver, one of three youth organisers of the protest in the United States, said from the stage. The two other leaders of the US movement are Isra Hirsi, the 16-year-old daughter of newly-elected Democratic US Representative Ilhan Omar, of Minneapolis, and Alexandria Villasenor, 13, of New York. The group is calling for a "national emergency" on climate change and for the United States to stop all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The scientific community broadly agrees that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to net-zero by 2050 to halt the catastrophic effects of climate change. Most of the declared Democratic candidates for the White House have already voiced support for the Green New Deal, a measure proposed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - a sweeping 10-year blueprint for combating climate change that involves reducing carbon emissions and retrofitting infrastructure. Republicans have dismissed the proposals as unreasonably expensive and disruptive to the US economy. They have tried to use some of the measures to sow discord within the Democratic party, painting their political rivals as shifting to the left and embracing extreme policies.

US youth rally in Washington protests climate inaction

The United States is preparing to impose 'very significant' Venezuela-related sanctions against financial institutions in the coming days, US special envoy Elliott Abrams said on Tuesday. 
 
Abrams did not elaborate on the fresh measures but his warning came a day after the US&nbsp;Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian bank Evrofinance Mosnarbank for helping Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA evade US&nbsp;financial restrictions. 
 
Abrams said Washington was also preparing to withdraw more US&nbsp;visas from Venezuelans with close ties to President Nicolas Maduro. 
 
Washington has taken the lead in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela`s rightful president after the 35-year-old Congress chief declared Maduros 2018 re-election a fraud and announced an interim presidency in January. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have followed suit. 
 
Abrams comments came as Venezuela ordered American diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours. 
 
Washington said it had decided to withdraw the remaining diplomats due to deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, which has been plunged into its worst blackout on record. 
Abrams emphasized that the withdrawal of diplomats was not a change in US&nbsp;policy. 
 
"This does not represent any change in US policy toward Venezuela, nor does it represent any reduction in the commitment we have to the people of Venezuela and to their struggle for democracy," he said, adding that the US&nbsp;intended to keep up pressure on Maduro through sanctions. 
 
"You will see very soon a significant number of additional visa revocations. You will see in the coming days some very significant additional sanctions," Abrams added.&nbsp; 
 
He said the United States was in talks with other countries that could act as its "protecting power" in Venezuela to ensure the safety of the US&nbsp;embassy`s premises and provide assistance to Americans in trouble.&nbsp; 
 
A "protecting power" is a country that represents another in cases where two countries have broken off diplomatic relations. Washington, for example, has appointed Switzerland as its "protecting power" in Iran. 
 
"We are trying to decide on a protecting power," Abrams said. 
 
He said the safety of US&nbsp;diplomats was a key factor in the withdrawal decision reached by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the late hours of Monday night.

The United States is preparing to impose 'very significant' Venezuela-related sanctions against financial institutions in the coming days, US special envoy Elliott Abrams said on Tuesday.

The United States is preparing to impose 'very significant' Venezuela-related sanctions against financial institutions in the coming days, US special envoy Elliott Abrams said on Tuesday. Abrams did not elaborate on the fresh measures but his warning came a day after the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian bank Evrofinance Mosnarbank for helping Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA evade US financial restrictions. Abrams said Washington was also preparing to withdraw more US visas from Venezuelans with close ties to President Nicolas Maduro. Washington has taken the lead in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela`s rightful president after the 35-year-old Congress chief declared Maduros 2018 re-election a fraud and announced an interim presidency in January. Most countries in Europe and Latin America have followed suit. Abrams comments came as Venezuela ordered American diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours. Washington said it had decided to withdraw the remaining diplomats due to deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, which has been plunged into its worst blackout on record. Abrams emphasized that the withdrawal of diplomats was not a change in US policy. "This does not represent any change in US policy toward Venezuela, nor does it represent any reduction in the commitment we have to the people of Venezuela and to their struggle for democracy," he said, adding that the US intended to keep up pressure on Maduro through sanctions. "You will see very soon a significant number of additional visa revocations. You will see in the coming days some very significant additional sanctions," Abrams added. He said the United States was in talks with other countries that could act as its "protecting power" in Venezuela to ensure the safety of the US embassy`s premises and provide assistance to Americans in trouble. A "protecting power" is a country that represents another in cases where two countries have broken off diplomatic relations. Washington, for example, has appointed Switzerland as its "protecting power" in Iran. "We are trying to decide on a protecting power," Abrams said. He said the safety of US diplomats was a key factor in the withdrawal decision reached by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the late hours of Monday night.

United States plans 'very significant' additional Venezuela sanctions: Official

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday evening as they discussed terrorism and the need for Pakistan to take <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-mastermind-mudasir-believed-to-be-killed-in-encounter-jk-police-202489">"meaningful action" against terrorist groups</a>.

India's foreign secretary<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-putin-calls-pm-modi-expresses-condolences-over-pulwama-attack-200360"> Gokhale discussed the strength</a> of India's partnership as both agreed on&nbsp;the importance of bringing the perpetrators of the Pulwama terrorist attack to justice.

Both men noted the strength of India-US partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation including in counter-terrorism. They also sought complementary&nbsp;vision for Indo-Pacific and US-India defence cooperation.

Pompeo and foreign secretary Gokhale recognised the growing US-India economic partnership, including joint efforts to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and reciprocal&nbsp;manner.

During his three-day visit, India's foreign secretary is also likely to meet with senior leaders in the US administration and US Congress. Gokhale is expected to meet Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson.

During the Pulwama attack, Gokhale had briefed the media during which he had said there was credible information information that &nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, as a result a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM at&nbsp;Balakot.

Gokhale had said that India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism and that Indian Air Force strike at Balakot was "non-military pre-emptive"&nbsp;action targeted specifically at JeM camp.

The strike was&nbsp;aimed with a desire to to avoid civilian casualties, he had informed the media days after IAF planes stuck JeM terror targets deep inside Pakistan at Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26th.

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday evening as they discussed terrorism and the need for Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups.

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday evening as they discussed terrorism and the need for Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups. India's foreign secretary Gokhale discussed the strength of India's partnership as both agreed on the importance of bringing the perpetrators of the Pulwama terrorist attack to justice. Both men noted the strength of India-US partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation including in counter-terrorism. They also sought complementary vision for Indo-Pacific and US-India defence cooperation. Pompeo and foreign secretary Gokhale recognised the growing US-India economic partnership, including joint efforts to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and reciprocal manner. During his three-day visit, India's foreign secretary is also likely to meet with senior leaders in the US administration and US Congress. Gokhale is expected to meet Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson. During the Pulwama attack, Gokhale had briefed the media during which he had said there was credible information information that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, as a result a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM at Balakot. Gokhale had said that India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism and that Indian Air Force strike at Balakot was "non-military pre-emptive" action targeted specifically at JeM camp. The strike was aimed with a desire to to avoid civilian casualties, he had informed the media days after IAF planes stuck JeM terror targets deep inside Pakistan at Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26th.

Pakistan must take meaningful action against terrorists on its soil, says Pompeo in meeting with Gokhale

The United States said Monday it has restored the EU's mission in Washington to its former status, calling the bloc one of "its most valuable partners" as their troubled trade talks are set to resume.

The US State Department lowered the European Union mission's diplomatic status from member state to international organisation late last year, in what was seen as a further blow to transatlantic ties.&nbsp;

"The Department of State will again recognize the European Union’s representation in Washington as equivalent to that of a bilateral mission in the Diplomatic Corps Order of Precedence," according to a statement from Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the EU.

"The European Union is a uniquely important organisation, and one of America's most valuable partners in ensuring global security and prosperity," Sondland said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Europe’s security and success are inextricably linked to that of the United States, and this level of engagement and cooperation should be recognized appropriately in all settings."

The EU in January confirmed it was in talks with US officials about the mission's status after German broadcaster Deutsche Welle reported the downgrade.

DW said it only came to light when the EU ambassador in Washington did not receive an invitation to the funeral of former US president George H.W. Bush in December.

Under US President Donald Trump, Europe's once-solid ties with the US have deteriorated and last year Washington put tariffs on steel and aluminium from the EU and other partners.

EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom is to meet her US counterpart Robert Lighthizer on Wednesday in Washington as the two sides seek a trade deal limited to industrial goods and avert threatened US auto tariffs.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in December used a major policy speech in Brussels to take aim at the bloc, saying Britain's Brexit vote had raised valid questions about whether the EU was putting the interests of bureaucrats ahead of those of citizens.

The United States said Monday it has restored the EU's mission in Washington to its former status, calling the bloc one of "its most valuable partners" as their troubled trade talks are set to resume.

The United States said Monday it has restored the EU's mission in Washington to its former status, calling the bloc one of "its most valuable partners" as their troubled trade talks are set to resume. The US State Department lowered the European Union mission's diplomatic status from member state to international organisation late last year, in what was seen as a further blow to transatlantic ties. "The Department of State will again recognize the European Union’s representation in Washington as equivalent to that of a bilateral mission in the Diplomatic Corps Order of Precedence," according to a statement from Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the EU. "The European Union is a uniquely important organisation, and one of America's most valuable partners in ensuring global security and prosperity," Sondland said. "Europe’s security and success are inextricably linked to that of the United States, and this level of engagement and cooperation should be recognized appropriately in all settings." The EU in January confirmed it was in talks with US officials about the mission's status after German broadcaster Deutsche Welle reported the downgrade. DW said it only came to light when the EU ambassador in Washington did not receive an invitation to the funeral of former US president George H.W. Bush in December. Under US President Donald Trump, Europe's once-solid ties with the US have deteriorated and last year Washington put tariffs on steel and aluminium from the EU and other partners. EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom is to meet her US counterpart Robert Lighthizer on Wednesday in Washington as the two sides seek a trade deal limited to industrial goods and avert threatened US auto tariffs. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in December used a major policy speech in Brussels to take aim at the bloc, saying Britain's Brexit vote had raised valid questions about whether the EU was putting the interests of bureaucrats ahead of those of citizens.

US restores mission status of 'valuable partner' EU

Saudi Arabia on Saturday named a princess as its first woman ambassador to the United States, a key appointment as the fallout over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder tests relations between the allies.

Princess Rima bint Bandar replaced Prince Khalid bin Salman, the younger brother of the powerful crown prince who was appointed vice defence minister in a flurry of late-night royal decrees announced on state media.

The reshuffle comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to quell an international outcry over Khashoggi's murder last October in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which strained relations with its key ally Washington.

After initially denying they knew anything of Khashoggi's disappearance, the kingdom finally acknowledged that Saudi agents killed him inside the consulate, but described it as a rogue operation.

Princess Rima faces hostile US lawmakers who have threatened tough action against Saudi Arabia over the brutal killing amid claims that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman -- the kingdom's de-facto ruler -- was personally responsible.

The Saudi government has denied he had anything to do with the murder of Khashoggi, a royal insider-turned-critic who was a columnist with the Washington Post.

"The appointment of a new envoy signifies an attempt by Riyadh to try and re-set relations with Washington and draw a line under the Khashoggi affair, however unlikely that may be in practice, at least with Congress," Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute in the United States, told AFP.

'First female ambassador'&nbsp;

Princess Rima, the daughter of a former long-time ambassador to the US, has been a leading advocate of female empowerment in the kingdom, which has faced intense criticism over the recent jailing of women activists -- and subsequent claims of sexual abuse and torture of some of them in detention.

The princess previously worked at the kingdom's General Sports Authority, where she led a campaign to increase women's participation in sports.

"Princess Rima becomes the first female ambassador in Saudi history and the first female with a rank of minister -- a strong signal to the integration of women into the government and workforce," Ali Shihabi, founder of the pro-Saudi think-tank Arabia Foundation, said on Twitter.

Prince Khalid, a son of the king who served as ambassador since 2017, had been expected to leave Washington for some time -- particularly after the global outcry over Khashoggi tarnished the kingdom's reputation.

His new appointment as deputy defence minister comes as a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia remains bogged down in a four-year conflict in neighbouring Yemen.

A separate royal decree on Saturday ordered a one-month salary bonus for frontline military officials on the kingdom's southern border.

'Difficult portfolio'

Prince Khalid, a former Saudi air force pilot, takes his post a year after the crown prince -- who also serves as the defence minister -- announced a military reform plan and a dramatic overhaul of top defence commanders.

"As the Yemen war drags on and the military reform programme continues to move painstakingly slow, Prince Khalid is gaining a difficult portfolio but one that is critical to his father, brother and the kingdom," Becca Wasser, a policy analyst at the US-based RAND Corporation, told AFP.

"Prince Mohammed has struggled to delegate authority within this file which has rendered some efforts -— chiefly military reform -- stagnant, and Prince Khalid's appointment may be an attempt to reinvigorate these initiatives."

Shihabi said Prince Khalid will virtually have the same authority as the defence minister, shouldering some of the burden on the crown prince.

Khashoggi's killing has refocused attention on the Saudi-led coalition's bombing campaign in Yemen, which is gripped by what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

A key challenge for Princess Rima will be to win over US lawmakers, who earlier this month voted overwhelmingly to end American involvement in the Saudi war effort in Yemen, dealing a rebuke to President Donald Trump who has publicly thrown his support behind the crown prince.

US lawmakers this month also said they were probing whether Trump was rushing to sell sensitive nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia, voicing fears that it could be misused to make an atomic bomb.

Saudi Arabia on Saturday named a princess as its first woman ambassador to the United States, a key appointment as the fallout over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder tests relations between the allies.

Saudi Arabia on Saturday named a princess as its first woman ambassador to the United States, a key appointment as the fallout over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder tests relations between the allies. Princess Rima bint Bandar replaced Prince Khalid bin Salman, the younger brother of the powerful crown prince who was appointed vice defence minister in a flurry of late-night royal decrees announced on state media. The reshuffle comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to quell an international outcry over Khashoggi's murder last October in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which strained relations with its key ally Washington. After initially denying they knew anything of Khashoggi's disappearance, the kingdom finally acknowledged that Saudi agents killed him inside the consulate, but described it as a rogue operation. Princess Rima faces hostile US lawmakers who have threatened tough action against Saudi Arabia over the brutal killing amid claims that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman -- the kingdom's de-facto ruler -- was personally responsible. The Saudi government has denied he had anything to do with the murder of Khashoggi, a royal insider-turned-critic who was a columnist with the Washington Post. "The appointment of a new envoy signifies an attempt by Riyadh to try and re-set relations with Washington and draw a line under the Khashoggi affair, however unlikely that may be in practice, at least with Congress," Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute in the United States, told AFP. 'First female ambassador' Princess Rima, the daughter of a former long-time ambassador to the US, has been a leading advocate of female empowerment in the kingdom, which has faced intense criticism over the recent jailing of women activists -- and subsequent claims of sexual abuse and torture of some of them in detention. The princess previously worked at the kingdom's General Sports Authority, where she led a campaign to increase women's participation in sports. "Princess Rima becomes the first female ambassador in Saudi history and the first female with a rank of minister -- a strong signal to the integration of women into the government and workforce," Ali Shihabi, founder of the pro-Saudi think-tank Arabia Foundation, said on Twitter. Prince Khalid, a son of the king who served as ambassador since 2017, had been expected to leave Washington for some time -- particularly after the global outcry over Khashoggi tarnished the kingdom's reputation. His new appointment as deputy defence minister comes as a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia remains bogged down in a four-year conflict in neighbouring Yemen. A separate royal decree on Saturday ordered a one-month salary bonus for frontline military officials on the kingdom's southern border. 'Difficult portfolio' Prince Khalid, a former Saudi air force pilot, takes his post a year after the crown prince -- who also serves as the defence minister -- announced a military reform plan and a dramatic overhaul of top defence commanders. "As the Yemen war drags on and the military reform programme continues to move painstakingly slow, Prince Khalid is gaining a difficult portfolio but one that is critical to his father, brother and the kingdom," Becca Wasser, a policy analyst at the US-based RAND Corporation, told AFP. "Prince Mohammed has struggled to delegate authority within this file which has rendered some efforts -— chiefly military reform -- stagnant, and Prince Khalid's appointment may be an attempt to reinvigorate these initiatives." Shihabi said Prince Khalid will virtually have the same authority as the defence minister, shouldering some of the burden on the crown prince. Khashoggi's killing has refocused attention on the Saudi-led coalition's bombing campaign in Yemen, which is gripped by what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. A key challenge for Princess Rima will be to win over US lawmakers, who earlier this month voted overwhelmingly to end American involvement in the Saudi war effort in Yemen, dealing a rebuke to President Donald Trump who has publicly thrown his support behind the crown prince. US lawmakers this month also said they were probing whether Trump was rushing to sell sensitive nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia, voicing fears that it could be misused to make an atomic bomb.

Saudi Arabia names first woman envoy to Washington at critical time

A new round of talks between the United States and China to resolve their trade war will take place in Washington on Tuesday, with follow-up sessions at a higher level later in the week, the White House said on Monday.

The talks follow a round of negotiations that ended in Beijing last week without a deal but which officials said had generated progress on contentious issues between the world's two largest economies.

The talks are aimed at "achieving needed structural changes in China that affect trade between the United States and China. The two sides will also discuss China's pledge to purchase a substantial amount of goods and services from the United States," the White House said in a statement.

The higher-level talks will start on Thursday and be led by US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, a strong proponent of pressing China to end practices that the United States says include forced technology transfers from US&nbsp;companies and intellectual property theft.

China, which denies that it engages in such practices, confirmed that Vice Premier Liu He will visit Washington on Thursday and Friday for the talks.

The White House said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, economic adviser Larry Kudlow and trade adviser Peter Navarro would also take part in the talks.

US&nbsp;tariffs on $200 billion in imports from China are set to rise to 25 per cent from 10 per cent if no deal is reached by March 1.

Trump, who suggested last week that he could extend the deadline for the talks, reiterated in a speech on Monday that the negotiations had been fruitful.

"We're making a lot of progress. Nobody expected this was going to be happening," he told a crowd in Florida.

A new round of talks between the United States and China to resolve their trade war will take place in Washington on Tuesday, with follow-up sessions at a higher level later in the week, the White House said on Monday.

A new round of talks between the United States and China to resolve their trade war will take place in Washington on Tuesday, with follow-up sessions at a higher level later in the week, the White House said on Monday. The talks follow a round of negotiations that ended in Beijing last week without a deal but which officials said had generated progress on contentious issues between the world's two largest economies. The talks are aimed at "achieving needed structural changes in China that affect trade between the United States and China. The two sides will also discuss China's pledge to purchase a substantial amount of goods and services from the United States," the White House said in a statement. The higher-level talks will start on Thursday and be led by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, a strong proponent of pressing China to end practices that the United States says include forced technology transfers from US companies and intellectual property theft. China, which denies that it engages in such practices, confirmed that Vice Premier Liu He will visit Washington on Thursday and Friday for the talks. The White House said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, economic adviser Larry Kudlow and trade adviser Peter Navarro would also take part in the talks. US tariffs on $200 billion in imports from China are set to rise to 25 per cent from 10 per cent if no deal is reached by March 1. Trump, who suggested last week that he could extend the deadline for the talks, reiterated in a speech on Monday that the negotiations had been fruitful. "We're making a lot of progress. Nobody expected this was going to be happening," he told a crowd in Florida.

New round of US-China trade talks to begin in Washington today

Asian share markets bounced broadly on Monday as investors dared to hope for both progress at Sino-US trade talks in Washington this week and more policy stimulus from major central banks.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1 per cent, recovering from a sharp fall last Friday.

Japan's Nikkei climbed 1.8 per cent to its highest level of the year so far, while Australia's main index rose 0.7 per cent.

Shanghai blue chips bounced 1.6 per cent.

But E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 were flat as the trade was thinned by a holiday in US markets.

The Dow and the Nasdaq had boasted their eighth consecutive weekly gains on wagers the United States and China would hammer out an agreement resolving their protracted trade war.

The two sides will resume negotiations this week, with US President Donald Trump saying he may extend a March 1 deadline for a deal. Both reported progress in five days of talks in Beijing last week.

"That does not rule out a setback or two between now and the start of March," said analysts at CBA in a note.

"Even so, we still think that both sides have good reasons to want to get to an agreement. And, so motivated, it makes an agreement more likely than not."

There are also growing expectations of more reflationary policies from some of the world's more powerful central banks.

The need for stimulus was highlighted on Monday by data showing a sharp slide in Singapore exports and a big drop in foreign orders for Japanese machinery goods.

Beijing is already taking action with China's banks making the newest loans on record in January in an attempt to jumpstart sluggish investment.

Minutes of the Federal Reserve's last policy meeting are due on Wednesday and should provide more guidance on the likelihood or not for rate hikes this year. There is also talk the bank will keep a much larger balance sheet than previously planned.

"Given the range of speakers since the January meeting who support "patience," the Fed minutes should reiterate a dovish message overall," said analysts at TD Securities in a note.

A roll call of Fed officials is speaking at various events this week including a round table on Friday covering the future of its balance sheet.

EYEING THE ECB

The European Central Bank's Olli Rehn told a German newspaper on Sunday that recent data point to a weakening eurozone economy and interest rates would remain at the current level until monetary policy goals have been met.

That came amid much speculation the ECB would launch another round of Targeted Long-Term Refinancing Operations (TLTRO) to support bank lending.

The risk of an easy ECB saw the euro touch a three-month low on Friday before bouncing on dovish comments from Fed officials.

The single currency edged up to $1.1309 but was still within the $1.1213/1.1570 trading range that has held since mid-October. The dollar was steady on the yen at 110.53, having backed away from a two-month top of 111.12.

Sterling was a shade firmer at $1.2909 ahead of Brexit talks between British Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker this week.

All of which left the dollar at 96.811 on a basket of currencies, inching away from last week's top of 97.368.

In commodity markets, spot gold firmed 0.28 per cent to $1,324.70 per ounce.

Oil prices reached their highest for the year so far, buoyed by OPEC-led supply cuts and US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela.

US crude was last up 36 cents at $55.95 a barrel, while Brent crude futures rose 20 cents to $66.45.

Asian share markets bounced broadly on Monday as investors dared to hope for both progress at Sino-US trade talks in Washington this week and more policy stimulus from major central banks.

Asian share markets bounced broadly on Monday as investors dared to hope for both progress at Sino-US trade talks in Washington this week and more policy stimulus from major central banks. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1 per cent, recovering from a sharp fall last Friday. Japan's Nikkei climbed 1.8 per cent to its highest level of the year so far, while Australia's main index rose 0.7 per cent. Shanghai blue chips bounced 1.6 per cent. But E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 were flat as the trade was thinned by a holiday in US markets. The Dow and the Nasdaq had boasted their eighth consecutive weekly gains on wagers the United States and China would hammer out an agreement resolving their protracted trade war. The two sides will resume negotiations this week, with US President Donald Trump saying he may extend a March 1 deadline for a deal. Both reported progress in five days of talks in Beijing last week. "That does not rule out a setback or two between now and the start of March," said analysts at CBA in a note. "Even so, we still think that both sides have good reasons to want to get to an agreement. And, so motivated, it makes an agreement more likely than not." There are also growing expectations of more reflationary policies from some of the world's more powerful central banks. The need for stimulus was highlighted on Monday by data showing a sharp slide in Singapore exports and a big drop in foreign orders for Japanese machinery goods. Beijing is already taking action with China's banks making the newest loans on record in January in an attempt to jumpstart sluggish investment. Minutes of the Federal Reserve's last policy meeting are due on Wednesday and should provide more guidance on the likelihood or not for rate hikes this year. There is also talk the bank will keep a much larger balance sheet than previously planned. "Given the range of speakers since the January meeting who support "patience," the Fed minutes should reiterate a dovish message overall," said analysts at TD Securities in a note. A roll call of Fed officials is speaking at various events this week including a round table on Friday covering the future of its balance sheet. EYEING THE ECB The European Central Bank's Olli Rehn told a German newspaper on Sunday that recent data point to a weakening eurozone economy and interest rates would remain at the current level until monetary policy goals have been met. That came amid much speculation the ECB would launch another round of Targeted Long-Term Refinancing Operations (TLTRO) to support bank lending. The risk of an easy ECB saw the euro touch a three-month low on Friday before bouncing on dovish comments from Fed officials. The single currency edged up to $1.1309 but was still within the $1.1213/1.1570 trading range that has held since mid-October. The dollar was steady on the yen at 110.53, having backed away from a two-month top of 111.12. Sterling was a shade firmer at $1.2909 ahead of Brexit talks between British Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker this week. All of which left the dollar at 96.811 on a basket of currencies, inching away from last week's top of 97.368. In commodity markets, spot gold firmed 0.28 per cent to $1,324.70 per ounce. Oil prices reached their highest for the year so far, buoyed by OPEC-led supply cuts and US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela. US crude was last up 36 cents at $55.95 a barrel, while Brent crude futures rose 20 cents to $66.45.

Asia markets dare to hope on trade talks, stimulus

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

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

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

Last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev slams Washington over arms treaty exit

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