The United States has denied accusations it is pressuring banks to stop dealing with the Palestinian government, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/us-stops-funds-to-uns-palestine-agency-162925">whose relations with Washington have been plummeting</a>.

Several Palestinian officials have accused the US of trying to force banks not to deal with transactions linked to the Palestinian Authority, which has limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank.

"The United States has not requested that foreign donors restrict assistance to the Palestinians, nor has it requested that financial institutions cease transfers to Palestinian Authority (PA) bank accounts," a US official told AFP late Monday.&nbsp;

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<h5>Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki has said on local radio that the US was using 'all means to press Arab countries to stop financial support for our people'</h5>
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"We are aware of media reports suggesting this has occurred. Those reports are incorrect."

On Sunday, senior Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh charged that Washington was launching a "financial siege" on the PA.

"Major international financial institutions and parties have begun to accede to an American request to impose a tight financial siege on the Palestinian Authority," he told AFP.

"Washington has asked for financial aid given to the authority to be stopped, and it has also issued a circular to banks not to receive transfers for the authority’s accounts."

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki has said on local radio that the US was using "all means to press Arab countries to stop financial support for our people".

Relations between the US and the Palestinians have broken down since President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in late 2017.

The Palestinians consider the eastern part of the city their capital and have boycotted the Trump administration since.&nbsp;

In response, the US has cut more than $500 million in annual aid to the Palestinians, mostly to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees.

The cuts have worsened longterm financial shortfalls for the PA, which is heavily reliant on international aid.

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

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

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

The top four Democratic and Republican negotiators in the US&nbsp;Congress on border security funding plan to meet on Monday in a bid to reach an elusive deal by a Friday deadline <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-more-us-congressional-talks-scheduled-to-avert-shutdown-196466">to avert another partial government shutdown</a>.

The talks were scheduled to resume in Washington hours before Republican President Donald Trump plans a rally in the Texas border city of El Paso, where he is expected to promote his long-promised wall along the US-Mexico border.

An anti-wall protest will greet the Republican president, led by hometown Democrat Beto O'Rourke, the former congressman who is considering running for his party's 2020 presidential nomination after gaining national prominence last year by nearly upsetting Republican Ted Cruz in a US&nbsp;Senate race in Texas.

In Washington, the lawmakers hope to reach an agreement on Monday to allow time for the legislation to pass the House of Representatives and Senate and get Trump's signature by Friday when funding is due to expire for the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department and several other federal agencies.

Negotiations broke down during the weekend over funding for immigrant detention beds and physical barriers along the US-Mexico border.

House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, a Democrat, and the panel's top Republican, US&nbsp;Representative Kay Granger, will attend the meeting with Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, a Republican, and the panel's senior Democrat Patrick Leahy, according to congressional aides. They were tentatively set to meet at 3:30 p.m. (2030 GMT).

Trump's December demand for $5.7 billion to help construct a border wall triggered a 35-day partial government shutdown that ended last month without the president getting wall funding. Trump agreed to reopen the government for three weeks to allow congressional negotiators time to find a compromise on government funding for the rest of the fiscal year, which ends on September 30, to avert another shutdown on February 15.

The disagreement over border barriers and making detention facilities able to hold more immigrants to be deported are at the heart of the dispute between congressional Democrats and Trump, who has sought to crack down on illegal and legal immigration.

Campaign promise

Trump made a border wall one of his central campaign promises in 2016, saying it is needed to curb illegal immigration, drug trafficking and other crimes. Democrats, who assumed control of the House last month from Trump's fellow Republicans, oppose a wall as ineffective, expensive and immoral.

A sticking point in the border security talks has been a Democratic demand for funding fewer detention beds. Democrats oppose the Trump administration expanding its capacity to hold more people arrested by US&nbsp;Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for eventual deportation.

Democrats generally push for less use of detention, arguing it is much cheaper to release some immigrants but require restrictions on them such as wearing ankle bracelets that track their location. Republicans want to increase the number of beds in detention facilities to enable holding more people to speed up and expand deportations.

Trump has called the situation at the border a national security crisis and deployed an extra 3,750 US&nbsp;troops there this month.

His 2020 re-election campaign made a wall the centrepiece of a fundraising drive seeking contributions of $5 or more from supporters by midnight on Monday.

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, was poised to withdraw all 360 of his state's National Guard troops from the border to counter Trump's claim of a national security crisis, according to US&nbsp;media reports. Democratic-governed New Mexico made a similar move last week.

&nbsp;

The top four Democratic and Republican negotiators in the US Congress on border security funding plan to meet on Monday in a bid to reach an elusive deal by a Friday deadline to avert another partial government shutdown.

The top four Democratic and Republican negotiators in the US Congress on border security funding plan to meet on Monday in a bid to reach an elusive deal by a Friday deadline to avert another partial government shutdown. The talks were scheduled to resume in Washington hours before Republican President Donald Trump plans a rally in the Texas border city of El Paso, where he is expected to promote his long-promised wall along the US-Mexico border. An anti-wall protest will greet the Republican president, led by hometown Democrat Beto O'Rourke, the former congressman who is considering running for his party's 2020 presidential nomination after gaining national prominence last year by nearly upsetting Republican Ted Cruz in a US Senate race in Texas. In Washington, the lawmakers hope to reach an agreement on Monday to allow time for the legislation to pass the House of Representatives and Senate and get Trump's signature by Friday when funding is due to expire for the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department and several other federal agencies. Negotiations broke down during the weekend over funding for immigrant detention beds and physical barriers along the US-Mexico border. House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, a Democrat, and the panel's top Republican, US Representative Kay Granger, will attend the meeting with Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, a Republican, and the panel's senior Democrat Patrick Leahy, according to congressional aides. They were tentatively set to meet at 3:30 p.m. (2030 GMT). Trump's December demand for $5.7 billion to help construct a border wall triggered a 35-day partial government shutdown that ended last month without the president getting wall funding. Trump agreed to reopen the government for three weeks to allow congressional negotiators time to find a compromise on government funding for the rest of the fiscal year, which ends on September 30, to avert another shutdown on February 15. The disagreement over border barriers and making detention facilities able to hold more immigrants to be deported are at the heart of the dispute between congressional Democrats and Trump, who has sought to crack down on illegal and legal immigration. Campaign promise Trump made a border wall one of his central campaign promises in 2016, saying it is needed to curb illegal immigration, drug trafficking and other crimes. Democrats, who assumed control of the House last month from Trump's fellow Republicans, oppose a wall as ineffective, expensive and immoral. A sticking point in the border security talks has been a Democratic demand for funding fewer detention beds. Democrats oppose the Trump administration expanding its capacity to hold more people arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for eventual deportation. Democrats generally push for less use of detention, arguing it is much cheaper to release some immigrants but require restrictions on them such as wearing ankle bracelets that track their location. Republicans want to increase the number of beds in detention facilities to enable holding more people to speed up and expand deportations. Trump has called the situation at the border a national security crisis and deployed an extra 3,750 US troops there this month. His 2020 re-election campaign made a wall the centrepiece of a fundraising drive seeking contributions of $5 or more from supporters by midnight on Monday. California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, was poised to withdraw all 360 of his state's National Guard troops from the border to counter Trump's claim of a national security crisis, according to US media reports. Democratic-governed New Mexico made a similar move last week.

US lawmakers to hold border security talks in bid to avert shutdown

Pompeo says US will still lead fight against ISIS

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-european-interference-in-venezuela-195064">Russia will race</a> to develop two new land-based missile launch systems before 2021 to respond to Washington's planned exit from a landmark nuclear arms control pact, it said on Tuesday.

President Vladimir Putin said at the weekend that Russia had suspended the Cold War-era Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), which bans both nations from stationing short- and intermediate-range land-based missiles in Europe.

Moscow and Washington accuse each other of violating the treaty and Putin said Russia had acted after the United States announced it was withdrawing from the pact.

Washington had made clear it planned to start research, development and design work on new missile systems and Moscow would do the same, Putin said.

The Russian military should start work on creating land-based launch systems for an existing ship-launched cruise missile, the Kalibr, and for longer-range hypersonic missiles which travel at least five times the speed of sound, he said.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday ordered work to begin on developing the new systems.

Shoigu, a close Putin ally, said he wanted the work completed by the end of next year so the new systems were ready by 2021.

"From February 2, the United States suspended its obligations under the INF treaty," Shoigu told a meeting of defence chiefs.

"At the same time they are actively working to create a land-based missile with a range of more than 500 km which is outside the treaty's limits. President Putin has given the defence ministry the task of taking symmetrical measures."

Moscow denies flouting the 1987 pact. It says Washington is the one violating it and has accused the United States of inventing a false pretext to exit a treaty it wanted to leave anyway in order to develop new missiles. Washington denies that.

US disarmament ambassador Robert Wood told a UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on Tuesday that the United States would reconsider its withdrawal from the INF treaty "should Russia return to full and verifiable compliance."

"This is Russia's final opportunity to return to compliance," Wood said.

Russia will race to develop two new land-based missile launch systems before 2021 to respond to Washington's planned exit from a landmark nuclear arms control pact, it said on Tuesday.

Russia will race to develop two new land-based missile launch systems before 2021 to respond to Washington's planned exit from a landmark nuclear arms control pact, it said on Tuesday. President Vladimir Putin said at the weekend that Russia had suspended the Cold War-era Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), which bans both nations from stationing short- and intermediate-range land-based missiles in Europe. Moscow and Washington accuse each other of violating the treaty and Putin said Russia had acted after the United States announced it was withdrawing from the pact. Washington had made clear it planned to start research, development and design work on new missile systems and Moscow would do the same, Putin said. The Russian military should start work on creating land-based launch systems for an existing ship-launched cruise missile, the Kalibr, and for longer-range hypersonic missiles which travel at least five times the speed of sound, he said. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday ordered work to begin on developing the new systems. Shoigu, a close Putin ally, said he wanted the work completed by the end of next year so the new systems were ready by 2021. "From February 2, the United States suspended its obligations under the INF treaty," Shoigu told a meeting of defence chiefs. "At the same time they are actively working to create a land-based missile with a range of more than 500 km which is outside the treaty's limits. President Putin has given the defence ministry the task of taking symmetrical measures." Moscow denies flouting the 1987 pact. It says Washington is the one violating it and has accused the United States of inventing a false pretext to exit a treaty it wanted to leave anyway in order to develop new missiles. Washington denies that. US disarmament ambassador Robert Wood told a UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on Tuesday that the United States would reconsider its withdrawal from the INF treaty "should Russia return to full and verifiable compliance." "This is Russia's final opportunity to return to compliance," Wood said.

New arms race begins, Russia says it will build missile systems to counter US by 2021

Billionaire former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a TV interview that he is looking into running against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-cribs-about-defence-spending-by-allies-nato-chief-says-its-having-a-positive-impact-193262">Donald Trump</a> in 2020 as an independent presidential candidate.

"I am seriously thinking of running for president," Schultz told the CBS news show "60 Minutes" late Sunday.

The self-described "lifelong Democrat" said he "will run as a centrist independent outside of the two-party system."

According to Schultz, 65, "We're living at a most fragile time."

Not only is Trump "not qualified to be the president," but Republicans and Democrats "are consistently not doing what's necessary on behalf of the American people and are engaged, every single day, in revenge politics."

Schultz grew up in a working-class neighbourhood in New York City but made his fortune when he moved to the northwestern state of Washington in the 1980s and built Starbucks into a global coffee shop behemoth.

Schultz blamed both parties for the country's $21.5 trillion debt, which he portrayed as "a reckless example" of the "failure of their constitutional responsibility."

Schultz dismissed fears that his bid could split the opposition vote and result in a second term for Trump.

"I want to see the American people win. I want to see America win," Schultz told CBS.

At least one Democratic presidential hopeful, Texan Julian Castro, told CNN that if Schultz runs "it would provide Donald Trump with his best hope of getting reelected."

According to Castro, "I don't think that would be in the best interest of our country."

While third-party candidates in US politics often face insurmountable odds, they have played the role of spoilers.

In 1992 conservative billionaire Ross Perot syphoned enough votes away from George HW Bush to hand the presidency to Democrat Bill Clinton.

And Democrats blame consumer advocate Ralph Nader for taking votes away from Democrat Al Gore in the 2000 election, allowing Republican George W. Bush to become president. Nader rejects the accusation.

Billionaire former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a TV interview that he is looking into running against Donald Trump in 2020 as an independent presidential candidate.

Billionaire former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a TV interview that he is looking into running against Donald Trump in 2020 as an independent presidential candidate. "I am seriously thinking of running for president," Schultz told the CBS news show "60 Minutes" late Sunday. The self-described "lifelong Democrat" said he "will run as a centrist independent outside of the two-party system." According to Schultz, 65, "We're living at a most fragile time." Not only is Trump "not qualified to be the president," but Republicans and Democrats "are consistently not doing what's necessary on behalf of the American people and are engaged, every single day, in revenge politics." Schultz grew up in a working-class neighbourhood in New York City but made his fortune when he moved to the northwestern state of Washington in the 1980s and built Starbucks into a global coffee shop behemoth. Schultz blamed both parties for the country's $21.5 trillion debt, which he portrayed as "a reckless example" of the "failure of their constitutional responsibility." Schultz dismissed fears that his bid could split the opposition vote and result in a second term for Trump. "I want to see the American people win. I want to see America win," Schultz told CBS. At least one Democratic presidential hopeful, Texan Julian Castro, told CNN that if Schultz runs "it would provide Donald Trump with his best hope of getting reelected." According to Castro, "I don't think that would be in the best interest of our country." While third-party candidates in US politics often face insurmountable odds, they have played the role of spoilers. In 1992 conservative billionaire Ross Perot syphoned enough votes away from George HW Bush to hand the presidency to Democrat Bill Clinton. And Democrats blame consumer advocate Ralph Nader for taking votes away from Democrat Al Gore in the 2000 election, allowing Republican George W. Bush to become president. Nader rejects the accusation.

Ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz may fight Trump in 2020 elections: Report

Another round of peace talks between Afghanistan`s Taliban and the United States is tentatively set for February 25, a Qatari foreign ministry official said on Sunday, after a draft pact was reached to potentially end the United States` longest war.

"Both parties agreed tentatively to reconvene on February 25th," the official told Reuters.

The draft deal, agreed after six days of talks last week, stipulates that US troops would leave within 18 months of the agreement being signed, potentially ending the war more than 17 years after American-led forces invaded Afghanistan.

According to Taliban sources, the hardline Islamic group gave assurances that Afghanistan will not be allowed to be used by al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants to attack the United States and its allies - a key early demand of Washington.

The reported progress comes as the Taliban continues to stage near-daily attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government and its security forces.

Despite the presence of US-led foreign forces training, advising and assisting their Afghan counterparts, the Taliban controls nearly half of Afghanistan. 
&nbsp;

Another round of peace talks between Afghanistan`s Taliban and the United States is tentatively set for February 25, a Qatari foreign ministry official said on Sunday, after a draft pact was reached to potentially end the United States` longest war.

Another round of peace talks between Afghanistan`s Taliban and the United States is tentatively set for February 25, a Qatari foreign ministry official said on Sunday, after a draft pact was reached to potentially end the United States` longest war. "Both parties agreed tentatively to reconvene on February 25th," the official told Reuters. The draft deal, agreed after six days of talks last week, stipulates that US troops would leave within 18 months of the agreement being signed, potentially ending the war more than 17 years after American-led forces invaded Afghanistan. According to Taliban sources, the hardline Islamic group gave assurances that Afghanistan will not be allowed to be used by al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants to attack the United States and its allies - a key early demand of Washington. The reported progress comes as the Taliban continues to stage near-daily attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government and its security forces. Despite the presence of US-led foreign forces training, advising and assisting their Afghan counterparts, the Taliban controls nearly half of Afghanistan.

Next round of Afghanistan talks tentatively set for February 25

A pro-Khalistani rally organised by Pakistan-backed SFJ (Sikhs For Justice) fizzled out in Washington on Saturday as Indians supporters staged a major counter-rally.&nbsp;

Eyewitnesses from Washington told WION that only 15 to 20 people from the SFJ had gathered and were outnumbered by a large number of Indians.

Indian supporters, who had gathered in large numbers, chanted patriotic slogans and waved the national flag.&nbsp;

Eyewitnesses told WION that no Indian flag was burnt and the pictures uploaded on SFJ's website were to cover up the flop show.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Indian ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla greets members of the Indian community gathered for Republic Day celebration in Washington DC, USA. (26.01.2019) <a href="https://t.co/FUXpDAZ0BV">pic.twitter.com/FUXpDAZ0BV</a>
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The Twitter accounts of 'Sikhs for Justice' and 'SFJ Lawyer' have been suspended for violating Twitter rules.

'Sikhs for Justice' had planned to burn the Indian flag on Indian Republic Day in Washington on Saturday. Some of the most prominent Sikhs and Hindu organisations in the United States <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikh-hindu-groups-condemn-planned-burning-of-tricolour-by-pro-khalistan-group-193006">condemned </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikh-hindu-groups-condemn-planned-burning-of-tricolour-by-pro-khalistan-group-193006">SFJ's</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikh-hindu-groups-condemn-planned-burning-of-tricolour-by-pro-khalistan-group-193006"> plan</a>.

The Sikhs of America Inc. had "condemn and denounced" in the "strongest terms the planned burning of the Indian flag" on the occasion of the Republic Day. In a release, they said, "Sikhs reside and have businesses not only all over India but also boast a global presence. Such theatrical protests like flag-burning are detrimental to the peace-loving and harmony-enhancing Sikh community".

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It added, "Sikhs have achieved a lot recently through dialogue with the Indian government, solving some of the key issues that were faced by the Sikhs for decades."

The American Hindu Coalition (AHC) also expressed "deep dismay" at the statements made by 'Sikhs for Justice'.&nbsp;

The AHC in a release said, "Intent of flag-burning is an immense affront to the largest democracy on the earth" and causes "huge grief to the American Hindus". It added, "Entire AHC membership urges "Sikhs for Justice to stop this act."

Meanwhile, India's new ambassador to United states Harsh Shringla unfurled the national flag at the Indian mission in Washington on Saturday. Indian community was present in full force at the ceremony.

A pro-Khalistani rally organised by Pakistan-backed SFJ (Sikhs For Justice) fizzled out in Washington on Saturday as Indians supporters staged a major counter-rally.

A pro-Khalistani rally organised by Pakistan-backed SFJ (Sikhs For Justice) fizzled out in Washington on Saturday as Indians supporters staged a major counter-rally. Eyewitnesses from Washington told WION that only 15 to 20 people from the SFJ had gathered and were outnumbered by a large number of Indians. Indian supporters, who had gathered in large numbers, chanted patriotic slogans and waved the national flag. Eyewitnesses told WION that no Indian flag was burnt and the pictures uploaded on SFJ's website were to cover up the flop show. #WATCH: Indian ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla greets members of the Indian community gathered for Republic Day celebration in Washington DC, USA. (26.01.2019) pic.twitter.com/FUXpDAZ0BV — ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2019 × The Twitter accounts of 'Sikhs for Justice' and 'SFJ Lawyer' have been suspended for violating Twitter rules. 'Sikhs for Justice' had planned to burn the Indian flag on Indian Republic Day in Washington on Saturday. Some of the most prominent Sikhs and Hindu organisations in the United States condemned SFJ's plan. The Sikhs of America Inc. had "condemn and denounced" in the "strongest terms the planned burning of the Indian flag" on the occasion of the Republic Day. In a release, they said, "Sikhs reside and have businesses not only all over India but also boast a global presence. Such theatrical protests like flag-burning are detrimental to the peace-loving and harmony-enhancing Sikh community". #WATCH: A few Pro Khalistani supporters fail to shout down Indian Republic Day celebrations in Washington DC, USA. (26.01.2019) pic.twitter.com/kQhku392zw — ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2019 × It added, "Sikhs have achieved a lot recently through dialogue with the Indian government, solving some of the key issues that were faced by the Sikhs for decades." The American Hindu Coalition (AHC) also expressed "deep dismay" at the statements made by 'Sikhs for Justice'. The AHC in a release said, "Intent of flag-burning is an immense affront to the largest democracy on the earth" and causes "huge grief to the American Hindus". It added, "Entire AHC membership urges "Sikhs for Justice to stop this act." Meanwhile, India's new ambassador to United states Harsh Shringla unfurled the national flag at the Indian mission in Washington on Saturday. Indian community was present in full force at the ceremony.

Pak-backed, pro-Khalistan rally fizzles out in Washington, Indian supporters stage counter-rally in full force

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-police-tear-gas-protesters-ahead-of-parliament-march-witnesses-191651">Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir</a> does little to hide his contempt for the young men and women who have been protesting for more than a month to demand an end to his three-decade rule.

Addressing soldiers this month, Bashir, a 75-year-old former paratrooper who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1989, warned the "rats to go back to their holes" and said he would only move aside for another army officer, or at the ballot box.

"They said they want the army to take power. That's no problem. If someone comes in wearing khaki, we have no objection," Bashir, wearing his military uniform, told soldiers at a base in Atbara, the northern Sudanese city where the protests started.

"When the army moves, it doesn't move in a vacuum. It doesn't move in support of traitors. It moves in support of the homeland," he added in colloquial Arabic.

Bashir has long been a divisive figure.

Since taking office in what was then Africa's largest country, he fought a protracted civil war with southern rebels which ultimately ended with the secession of South Sudan in 2011, and the loss of more than 70 per cent of Sudan's oil.

Sudan has suffered prolonged periods of isolation since 1993 when the United States added Bashir's government to its list of terrorism sponsors for harbouring Islamist militants. Washington followed up with sanctions four years later.

Bashir has also been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague over allegations of genocide in Sudan's Darfur region during an insurgency that began in 2003.

Now, he is facing almost daily defiance at home in towns and cities across the country, protests that are still spreading despite mass arrests and a harsh crackdown by security forces using tear gas and live ammunition.

Authorities say at least 30 people have died in the unrest, which started on Dec. 19 after the government tried to raise bread prices, while rights groups and local opposition figures say at least 45 have been killed. Hundreds have been injured and hundreds more detained.

"The current protests represent the biggest and deepest challenge to Bashir's rule because they indicate that the crisis has reached a new level," analyst Khalid al-Tijani said.

Economic meltdown

Bashir's critics blame him for Sudan's marginalisation and an economic meltdown that saw inflation soar to 72 per cent by the end of 2018 and left the country unable to pay for food imports.

Supporters blame a Western conspiracy designed to undermine Islamist rule in Sudan, just as Bashir rejected the ICC charges over Darfur as part of a neo-colonialist plot.

In the months before the protests began, Sudanese had already been struggling to makes ends meet. The government tried to introduce reforms, devaluing the Sudanese pound and relaxing import restrictions, all to little effect.

The government had hoped for quick financial support from wealthy Gulf Arab allies after Bashir sent troops to Yemen as part of Saudi-led alliance fighting rebels aligned with Iran, but help was slow to arrive.

The trigger for the wave of protests was a government attempt to introduce unsubsidised bread, allowing bakeries to sell at a higher price. That came on top of the crippling, drawn-out crisis that had led to fuel and banknote shortages.

The demonstrations quickly turned political, targeting ruling party offices and demanding Bashir step down.

Unlike previous bouts of unrest, the protests have spread to parts of the country normally loyal to Bashir - and the heavy-handed response has so far failed to stem the spread.

Security forces have mostly used tear gas and stun grenades to try to quash the protests, but demonstrators and local rights groups have also documented the use of live ammunition.

Protesters often repeat one chant: "Down, that's it." Others shout, "Down, down with Keezan," a derogatory name used to describe Islamists.

Humble beginnings

Bashir was born on Jan. 1, 1944 to a poor farming family in Hosh Bannaga, a small village consisting mainly of mud houses and dusty streets on the eastern bank of the Nile River, some 150 km (93 miles) north of the capital Khartoum.

He has often played up his humble beginnings. Earlier this month, he repeated a story he told in 2013 of how he broke a tooth while carrying concrete at a construction site where he worked as a student to pay for his education.

Bashir said he refused a silver tooth implant when he joined the military because he wanted to remember that incident whenever he looked in the mirror.

After graduating from Sudan's military academy in 1967, Bashir served in the Sudanese contingent despatched to Egypt to help in the war of attrition against Israel that began following the Six Day War in 1967.

As a young officer in the parachute regiment, he joined the armed wing of the Islamist Movement, which broke away from the Muslim Brotherhood and has ruled Sudan since Bashir took office.

The head of the junta that seized power in 1989, Bashir dissolved the military council in 1993 and has since ruled with an iron fist, accused by rights groups of violence and torture to get rid of his political opponents.

Darfur legacy

But it was Bashir's response to the insurgency in the western Darfur region that has come to define his legacy.

Facing an ICC arrest warrant over the death of an estimated 300,000 people in Darfur, Bashir has focused on his survival, holding on to power as a shield against a trial similar to that of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

Defying the ICC, Bashir continued to visit friendly foreign states as he tried to demonstrate he had not been cowed by the international arrest warrant issued by the court.

Bashir has sought to play on regional and international differences to improve Sudan's standing. In 2013, he hosted then Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad in Khartoum.

Two years later, Bashir joined a Saudi-led alliance that had intervened in Yemen's civil war as part of a strategy to contain Iran's expanding influence.

Bashir has also courted Turkey and Russia, at the same time as Khartoum stepped up security cooperation with Washington - hoping to speed up the country's emergence from decades of U.S. sanctions that were lifted in 2017.

Now, facing the most sustained challenge to his rule yet, Bashir will be counting on steadfast support from the security establishment he has nurtured for 30 years to see him through.

"We say to the youth, this country is yours, protect it, and if it goes up in smoke we won't be refugees, we will die here," he said this month, dressed in white robes and waving his trademark cane.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir does little to hide his contempt for the young men and women who have been protesting for more than a month to demand an end to his three-decade rule.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir does little to hide his contempt for the young men and women who have been protesting for more than a month to demand an end to his three-decade rule. Addressing soldiers this month, Bashir, a 75-year-old former paratrooper who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1989, warned the "rats to go back to their holes" and said he would only move aside for another army officer, or at the ballot box. "They said they want the army to take power. That's no problem. If someone comes in wearing khaki, we have no objection," Bashir, wearing his military uniform, told soldiers at a base in Atbara, the northern Sudanese city where the protests started. "When the army moves, it doesn't move in a vacuum. It doesn't move in support of traitors. It moves in support of the homeland," he added in colloquial Arabic. Bashir has long been a divisive figure. Since taking office in what was then Africa's largest country, he fought a protracted civil war with southern rebels which ultimately ended with the secession of South Sudan in 2011, and the loss of more than 70 per cent of Sudan's oil. Sudan has suffered prolonged periods of isolation since 1993 when the United States added Bashir's government to its list of terrorism sponsors for harbouring Islamist militants. Washington followed up with sanctions four years later. Bashir has also been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague over allegations of genocide in Sudan's Darfur region during an insurgency that began in 2003. Now, he is facing almost daily defiance at home in towns and cities across the country, protests that are still spreading despite mass arrests and a harsh crackdown by security forces using tear gas and live ammunition. Authorities say at least 30 people have died in the unrest, which started on Dec. 19 after the government tried to raise bread prices, while rights groups and local opposition figures say at least 45 have been killed. Hundreds have been injured and hundreds more detained. "The current protests represent the biggest and deepest challenge to Bashir's rule because they indicate that the crisis has reached a new level," analyst Khalid al-Tijani said. Economic meltdown Bashir's critics blame him for Sudan's marginalisation and an economic meltdown that saw inflation soar to 72 per cent by the end of 2018 and left the country unable to pay for food imports. Supporters blame a Western conspiracy designed to undermine Islamist rule in Sudan, just as Bashir rejected the ICC charges over Darfur as part of a neo-colonialist plot. In the months before the protests began, Sudanese had already been struggling to makes ends meet. The government tried to introduce reforms, devaluing the Sudanese pound and relaxing import restrictions, all to little effect. The government had hoped for quick financial support from wealthy Gulf Arab allies after Bashir sent troops to Yemen as part of Saudi-led alliance fighting rebels aligned with Iran, but help was slow to arrive. The trigger for the wave of protests was a government attempt to introduce unsubsidised bread, allowing bakeries to sell at a higher price. That came on top of the crippling, drawn-out crisis that had led to fuel and banknote shortages. The demonstrations quickly turned political, targeting ruling party offices and demanding Bashir step down. Unlike previous bouts of unrest, the protests have spread to parts of the country normally loyal to Bashir - and the heavy-handed response has so far failed to stem the spread. Security forces have mostly used tear gas and stun grenades to try to quash the protests, but demonstrators and local rights groups have also documented the use of live ammunition. Protesters often repeat one chant: "Down, that's it." Others shout, "Down, down with Keezan," a derogatory name used to describe Islamists. Humble beginnings Bashir was born on Jan. 1, 1944 to a poor farming family in Hosh Bannaga, a small village consisting mainly of mud houses and dusty streets on the eastern bank of the Nile River, some 150 km (93 miles) north of the capital Khartoum. He has often played up his humble beginnings. Earlier this month, he repeated a story he told in 2013 of how he broke a tooth while carrying concrete at a construction site where he worked as a student to pay for his education. Bashir said he refused a silver tooth implant when he joined the military because he wanted to remember that incident whenever he looked in the mirror. After graduating from Sudan's military academy in 1967, Bashir served in the Sudanese contingent despatched to Egypt to help in the war of attrition against Israel that began following the Six Day War in 1967. As a young officer in the parachute regiment, he joined the armed wing of the Islamist Movement, which broke away from the Muslim Brotherhood and has ruled Sudan since Bashir took office. The head of the junta that seized power in 1989, Bashir dissolved the military council in 1993 and has since ruled with an iron fist, accused by rights groups of violence and torture to get rid of his political opponents. Darfur legacy But it was Bashir's response to the insurgency in the western Darfur region that has come to define his legacy. Facing an ICC arrest warrant over the death of an estimated 300,000 people in Darfur, Bashir has focused on his survival, holding on to power as a shield against a trial similar to that of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. Defying the ICC, Bashir continued to visit friendly foreign states as he tried to demonstrate he had not been cowed by the international arrest warrant issued by the court. Bashir has sought to play on regional and international differences to improve Sudan's standing. In 2013, he hosted then Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad in Khartoum. Two years later, Bashir joined a Saudi-led alliance that had intervened in Yemen's civil war as part of a strategy to contain Iran's expanding influence. Bashir has also courted Turkey and Russia, at the same time as Khartoum stepped up security cooperation with Washington - hoping to speed up the country's emergence from decades of U.S. sanctions that were lifted in 2017. Now, facing the most sustained challenge to his rule yet, Bashir will be counting on steadfast support from the security establishment he has nurtured for 30 years to see him through. "We say to the youth, this country is yours, protect it, and if it goes up in smoke we won't be refugees, we will die here," he said this month, dressed in white robes and waving his trademark cane.

Sudan's Bashir fights for survival as protests spread

Pro-India groups stage counter-rally in Washington

The US&nbsp;economy lost at least $6 billion during the partial shutdown of the federal government due to lost productivity from furloughed workers and economic activity lost to outside business, S&amp;P Global Ratings said on Friday.

President Donald Trump agreed on Friday to end the 35-day partial shutdown, the longest in history, without getting the $5.7 billion he had demanded from Congress for a border wall.

"Although this shutdown has ended, little agreement on Capitol Hill will likely weigh on business confidence and financial market sentiments," S&amp;P said in a news release.

The US economy lost at least $6 billion during the partial shutdown of the federal government due to lost productivity from furloughed workers and economic activity lost to outside business, S&P Global Ratings said on Friday.

The US economy lost at least $6 billion during the partial shutdown of the federal government due to lost productivity from furloughed workers and economic activity lost to outside business, S&P Global Ratings said on Friday. President Donald Trump agreed on Friday to end the 35-day partial shutdown, the longest in history, without getting the $5.7 billion he had demanded from Congress for a border wall. "Although this shutdown has ended, little agreement on Capitol Hill will likely weigh on business confidence and financial market sentiments," S&P said in a news release.

US economy lost at least $6 billion to government shutdown: Report

Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday.

A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings.

"There's been a lot of anticipatory work done but we're miles and miles from getting a resolution and that shouldn't be too surprising," Ross told CNBC.

As the world economy comes under increasing strain, the possibility of failure in the US-China talks has rattled global stock markets repeatedly over the last year.

Wall Street futures fell during his remarks, which came a day after the White House contradicted reports the trade talks had hit serious obstacles. His comments also coincided with pessimistic policy remarks from the European Central Bank.&nbsp;

US stocks bounced in and out of the red during the day and finished mixed.

Washington accuses Beijing of a host of unfair trading practices, especially theft of American technological know-how.

Ross said there was still "a fair chance" of reaching a deal with Beijing, but much work remains to be done since the dispute involves issues difficult to address in a short timeframe.

'Mutually indispensable'&nbsp;

"I believe China would like to make a deal. I believe we would like to make a deal but it has to be a deal that works for both parties," he said.

"I'm trying to say people shouldn't think the events of next week will be the solution to all of the issues between the United States and China."

Washington and Beijing last year exchanged tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, slowing the economies in both countries.

Top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Wednesday helped right Wall Street stock prices, denying media reports that US officials had called off a preparatory meeting this week due to a supposed lack of progress.

Kudlow told reporters on Thursday that next week's meeting would be "very important" but "not the end of the game."

The US message to China, he said, was "open up your economy. We'll export like crazy."

Earlier at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Wednesday, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan said,&nbsp;"neither side can do without the other."

"The Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win," Wang said.

Despite President Donald Trump's hard line tactics, the US trade deficit with China has continued to grow, underscoring the extent to which American industry has come to rely on the Asian giant's manufacturing base.

Last year, China posted its slowest growth in nearly three decades, and economists say the trade war is sapping the strength of the world's second-largest economy.

Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday. A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings.

Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday. A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings. "There's been a lot of anticipatory work done but we're miles and miles from getting a resolution and that shouldn't be too surprising," Ross told CNBC. As the world economy comes under increasing strain, the possibility of failure in the US-China talks has rattled global stock markets repeatedly over the last year. Wall Street futures fell during his remarks, which came a day after the White House contradicted reports the trade talks had hit serious obstacles. His comments also coincided with pessimistic policy remarks from the European Central Bank. US stocks bounced in and out of the red during the day and finished mixed. Washington accuses Beijing of a host of unfair trading practices, especially theft of American technological know-how. Ross said there was still "a fair chance" of reaching a deal with Beijing, but much work remains to be done since the dispute involves issues difficult to address in a short timeframe. 'Mutually indispensable' "I believe China would like to make a deal. I believe we would like to make a deal but it has to be a deal that works for both parties," he said. "I'm trying to say people shouldn't think the events of next week will be the solution to all of the issues between the United States and China." Washington and Beijing last year exchanged tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, slowing the economies in both countries. Top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Wednesday helped right Wall Street stock prices, denying media reports that US officials had called off a preparatory meeting this week due to a supposed lack of progress. Kudlow told reporters on Thursday that next week's meeting would be "very important" but "not the end of the game." The US message to China, he said, was "open up your economy. We'll export like crazy." Earlier at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Wednesday, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan said, "neither side can do without the other." "The Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win," Wang said. Despite President Donald Trump's hard line tactics, the US trade deficit with China has continued to grow, underscoring the extent to which American industry has come to rely on the Asian giant's manufacturing base. Last year, China posted its slowest growth in nearly three decades, and economists say the trade war is sapping the strength of the world's second-largest economy.

US, China 'miles and miles' from resolving trade conflict: Official

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

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

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

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

A top North Korean general opened talks with the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress towards arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearization and easing decades of hostility.

Kim Yong Chol, a right-hand man to leader Kim Jong Un, stood formally next to a smiling Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the US representative on North Korea policy, Stephen Biegun, before a meeting inside a popular hotel in the US capital.

The trio posed briefly for pictures near a shelf holding a framed photograph of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, little more than a year after Trump was threatening to wipe the totalitarian state off the map.

After tensions eased, the two leaders held their landmark first meeting in Singapore in June, where Kim Jong Un and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearization of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled as Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagree over what that means.

Kim Yong Chol is the first North Korean dignitary in nearly two decades known to have spent the night in the US capital. The State Department did not announce the meeting until shortly beforehand, cautious after the general abruptly cancelled his last trip to the United States planned in early November.

Presuming the talks go smoothly, Kim will then head to the White House to meet Trump, a US source said on condition of anonymity.

Trump has repeatedly voiced eagerness to see Kim Jong Un again -- even opining that the two are "in love" after their Singapore summit, the first meeting ever between sitting leaders from the two countries that never formally ended the 1950-53 Korean War.

Tensions began to abate a year ago with the encouragement of South Korea's dovish president, Moon Jae-in. Trump has repeatedly hailed his own diplomacy as a triumph, recently saying there would have been "a nice big fat war in Asia" if it were not for him.

- Vietnam ready to host - 
Trump has said to expect an announcement soon about the second summit.&nbsp;

In Vietnam, a government source told AFP that "logistical preparations" were underway to host the summit, most likely in the capital Hanoi or coastal city of Danang, but that no decision had been made.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam was ready to welcome the two leaders, noting that Hanoi has a growing relationship with the United States despite war memories.

"We don't know the final decision. However, if it happens here we will do our best to facilitate the meeting," he said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

For Trump, the made-for-television summitry with the young and elusive North Korean leader also offers a welcome respite from a steady barrage of negative headlines at home.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is probing whether Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia, and his insistence that Congress fund a wall on the Mexican border has shuttered the US government for nearly a month.

For Kim, the stakes are more existential as he seeks guarantees of the survival of his regime.

Kim, backed by ally China as well as South Korea, is also hoping for an easing of international sanctions, but the United States insists on maintaining maximum pressure until Pyongyang moves forward on giving up its nuclear weapons.

Leader-driven dipolomacy

Although in Singapore Kim promised his "unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," the United States expects North Korea to give up nuclear weapons assembled over decades of work while Pyongyang more broadly seeks an end to what it sees as US threats.

"I think there is somewhat of a general consensus of what denuclearization means. I think there is obviously still disagreement on how to get there -- whether denuclearization is the end of the process or the process itself," said Jenny Town, managing editor of the 38 North web journal on North Korea policy at the Stimson Center.

She noted that Americans have traditionally preferred to hash out the details of agreements before big summits, while the type of leader-driven diplomacy favored by Trump is more common in Asia.

"People have been very sceptical of this top-down approach, but we won't know unless we try it," Town said.

A top North Korean general opened talks with the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress towards arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearization and easing decades of hostility.

A top North Korean general opened talks with the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress towards arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearization and easing decades of hostility. Kim Yong Chol, a right-hand man to leader Kim Jong Un, stood formally next to a smiling Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the US representative on North Korea policy, Stephen Biegun, before a meeting inside a popular hotel in the US capital. The trio posed briefly for pictures near a shelf holding a framed photograph of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, little more than a year after Trump was threatening to wipe the totalitarian state off the map. After tensions eased, the two leaders held their landmark first meeting in Singapore in June, where Kim Jong Un and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearization of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled as Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagree over what that means. Kim Yong Chol is the first North Korean dignitary in nearly two decades known to have spent the night in the US capital. The State Department did not announce the meeting until shortly beforehand, cautious after the general abruptly cancelled his last trip to the United States planned in early November. Presuming the talks go smoothly, Kim will then head to the White House to meet Trump, a US source said on condition of anonymity. Trump has repeatedly voiced eagerness to see Kim Jong Un again -- even opining that the two are "in love" after their Singapore summit, the first meeting ever between sitting leaders from the two countries that never formally ended the 1950-53 Korean War. Tensions began to abate a year ago with the encouragement of South Korea's dovish president, Moon Jae-in. Trump has repeatedly hailed his own diplomacy as a triumph, recently saying there would have been "a nice big fat war in Asia" if it were not for him. - Vietnam ready to host - Trump has said to expect an announcement soon about the second summit. In Vietnam, a government source told AFP that "logistical preparations" were underway to host the summit, most likely in the capital Hanoi or coastal city of Danang, but that no decision had been made. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam was ready to welcome the two leaders, noting that Hanoi has a growing relationship with the United States despite war memories. "We don't know the final decision. However, if it happens here we will do our best to facilitate the meeting," he said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. For Trump, the made-for-television summitry with the young and elusive North Korean leader also offers a welcome respite from a steady barrage of negative headlines at home. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is probing whether Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia, and his insistence that Congress fund a wall on the Mexican border has shuttered the US government for nearly a month. For Kim, the stakes are more existential as he seeks guarantees of the survival of his regime. Kim, backed by ally China as well as South Korea, is also hoping for an easing of international sanctions, but the United States insists on maintaining maximum pressure until Pyongyang moves forward on giving up its nuclear weapons. Leader-driven dipolomacy Although in Singapore Kim promised his "unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," the United States expects North Korea to give up nuclear weapons assembled over decades of work while Pyongyang more broadly seeks an end to what it sees as US threats. "I think there is somewhat of a general consensus of what denuclearization means. I think there is obviously still disagreement on how to get there -- whether denuclearization is the end of the process or the process itself," said Jenny Town, managing editor of the 38 North web journal on North Korea policy at the Stimson Center. She noted that Americans have traditionally preferred to hash out the details of agreements before big summits, while the type of leader-driven diplomacy favored by Trump is more common in Asia. "People have been very sceptical of this top-down approach, but we won't know unless we try it," Town said.

Top North Korean holds rare Washington talks to prepare Trump-Kim summit

A 21-year-old man from Georgia has been arrested and charged over allegations he plotted to attack the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-will-not-allow-syria-chemical-attacks-to-continue-white-house-129693">White House</a> by blowing a hole in it with an anti-tank rocket then storming the building with guns and grenades, US prosecutors said on Wednesday.

Hasher Jallal Taheb, of the Atlanta suburb of Cumming, was arrested in Gwinnett County on Wednesday and appeared briefly in federal court in Atlanta in a case brought by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Byung Pak, the US attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, told reporters.

 
"His alleged intent was to attack the White House and other targets of opportunity in the Washington, DC, area by using explosive devices, including an improvised explosive device, an anti-tank rocket," Pak said. 
All threats have been neutralized, Pak said in a statement. 
It was not clear whether Taheb had a lawyer.

A criminal complaint said around March 2018 a community member contacted law enforcement to say Taheb had become "radicalized." On August 25, 2018, Taheb put his vehicle up for sale and an FBI informant showed interest in buying it, the complaint said.&nbsp;

Taheb later told the informant "he wished to conduct an attack in the United States against targets such as the White House and the Statue of Liberty," according to the complaint.

Taheb told the informant "jihad was the best deed in Islam and the peak of Islam," the complaint said. 
At a December 2018 meeting with an undercover FBI agent, Taheb said he wanted to do as much damage as possible and he expected to become a "martyr." Taheb told the agent to acquire weapons and explosives for the White House attack.&nbsp;

Later that month he told the agent he also planned to attack the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument and a synagogue. He wanted to use semi-automatic weapons, an "AT-4" anti-tank weapon and hand grenades, the complaint said. It said Taheb hoped to carry out the attack on or about January 17, together with the agent and the informant. 
"He described his plan to use the AT-4 to blow a hole in the White House so that the group could enter," FBI Special Agent Tyler Krueger said in an affidavit. "His plan was to go in and take down as many (people) as they possibly could."&nbsp;

He was arrested on January 16 when he met another undercover agent to supposedly obtain weapons and explosives. 
&nbsp;

A 21-year-old man from Georgia has been arrested and charged over allegations he plotted to attack the White House by blowing a hole in it with an anti-tank rocket then storming the building with guns and grenades, US prosecutors said on Wednesday.

A 21-year-old man from Georgia has been arrested and charged over allegations he plotted to attack the White House by blowing a hole in it with an anti-tank rocket then storming the building with guns and grenades, US prosecutors said on Wednesday. Hasher Jallal Taheb, of the Atlanta suburb of Cumming, was arrested in Gwinnett County on Wednesday and appeared briefly in federal court in Atlanta in a case brought by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Byung Pak, the US attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, told reporters. "His alleged intent was to attack the White House and other targets of opportunity in the Washington, DC, area by using explosive devices, including an improvised explosive device, an anti-tank rocket," Pak said. All threats have been neutralized, Pak said in a statement. It was not clear whether Taheb had a lawyer. A criminal complaint said around March 2018 a community member contacted law enforcement to say Taheb had become "radicalized." On August 25, 2018, Taheb put his vehicle up for sale and an FBI informant showed interest in buying it, the complaint said. Taheb later told the informant "he wished to conduct an attack in the United States against targets such as the White House and the Statue of Liberty," according to the complaint. Taheb told the informant "jihad was the best deed in Islam and the peak of Islam," the complaint said. At a December 2018 meeting with an undercover FBI agent, Taheb said he wanted to do as much damage as possible and he expected to become a "martyr." Taheb told the agent to acquire weapons and explosives for the White House attack. Later that month he told the agent he also planned to attack the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument and a synagogue. He wanted to use semi-automatic weapons, an "AT-4" anti-tank weapon and hand grenades, the complaint said. It said Taheb hoped to carry out the attack on or about January 17, together with the agent and the informant. "He described his plan to use the AT-4 to blow a hole in the White House so that the group could enter," FBI Special Agent Tyler Krueger said in an affidavit. "His plan was to go in and take down as many (people) as they possibly could." He was arrested on January 16 when he met another undercover agent to supposedly obtain weapons and explosives.

Man charged in plot to attack White House with anti-tank rocket

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will visit the United States on January 30 and 31 for the next round of trade negotiations with Washington, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-us-negotiators-discuss-trade-talks-timetable-183052">confirming earlier reports of the planned talks</a>.

Liu's scheduled visit follows lower-level negotiations held in Beijing last week aimed at resolving a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trade-negotiations-underway-between-chinese-us-work-teams-chinese-fm-183496"> bitter trade dispute between</a> the world's two largest economies ahead of a scheduled March 2 escalation of US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.

Commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng confirmed Liu's visit during a weekly press briefing.

A source familiar with White House planning for the negotiations said this week that Liu had accepted an invitation to go to Washington for talks with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on the last two days of January.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will visit the United States on January 30 and 31 for the next round of trade negotiations with Washington, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday, confirming earlier reports of the planned talks.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will visit the United States on January 30 and 31 for the next round of trade negotiations with Washington, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday, confirming earlier reports of the planned talks. Liu's scheduled visit follows lower-level negotiations held in Beijing last week aimed at resolving a bitter trade dispute between the world's two largest economies ahead of a scheduled March 2 escalation of US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. Commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng confirmed Liu's visit during a weekly press briefing. A source familiar with White House planning for the negotiations said this week that Liu had accepted an invitation to go to Washington for talks with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on the last two days of January.

China confirms Vice Premier Liu to visit US for trade talks

US shutdown turns Washington into ghost town during quiet travel season

A top North Korean diplomat was travelling to Sweden Tuesday, she told reporters, as speculation mounts over the next summit between the isolated state's leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-seeks-to-up-ante-with-xi-summit-analysts-189006&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi-wqWave_fAhUHuY8KHRVKAsUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3QRoSp6uM2wv1niHr2J446">Kim Jong Un</a> and US President Donald Trump.

Choe Son Hui, a North Korean vice-minister of foreign affairs, landed in Beijing on a flight from the North Korean capital Pyongyang.

"I am going to an international conference in Sweden," South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted her as saying on arrival at the airport.

Choe's trip comes as expectations grow for a second meeting between Kim and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-record-long-government-shutdown-could-be-resolved-in-15-minutes-189918&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiMu_WBwO_fAhXYe30KHXYcBmwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw080PzFPcJFkJya-os8jZgU">Trump</a>&nbsp;— despite a lack of progress in denuclearisation negotiations — after the North Korean leader went to Beijing, long Pyongyang's key ally, last week for talks with President Xi Jinping.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Kim's trip was a sign a second US-North Korean summit was "imminent", and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added at the weekend that: "We're working out the details".

Suggestions circulating among Korea-watchers for possible venues include Vietnam and Thailand, among others.

Stockholm has a long history of mediating between Washington and Pyongyang — while the two do not have diplomatic relations, Sweden is the protecting power for US citizens in the Asian country, and Choe has been intimately involved in the US-North Korean relationship.

Before she assumed her current position, she was director general of the foreign ministry's North American department.

She was also among the officials who accompanied Kim to Singapore for his first summit with Trump in June.

The meeting, held in a blaze of publicity, saw the two men sign a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Pyongyang is seeking sanctions relief and rejects demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament, while Washington insists that the punitive measures must stay in place until it gives up its nuclear arsenal.

Citing a diplomatic source, the South's Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported Tuesday that Kim Yong Chol, Pompeo's counterpart in the discussion process, was expected to visit Washington later this week for talks.

There were no reports that he had passed through Beijing.

A top North Korean diplomat was travelling to Sweden Tuesday, she told reporters, as speculation mounts over the next summit between the isolated state's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump.

A top North Korean diplomat was travelling to Sweden Tuesday, she told reporters, as speculation mounts over the next summit between the isolated state's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump. Choe Son Hui, a North Korean vice-minister of foreign affairs, landed in Beijing on a flight from the North Korean capital Pyongyang. "I am going to an international conference in Sweden," South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted her as saying on arrival at the airport. Choe's trip comes as expectations grow for a second meeting between Kim and Trump — despite a lack of progress in denuclearisation negotiations — after the North Korean leader went to Beijing, long Pyongyang's key ally, last week for talks with President Xi Jinping. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Kim's trip was a sign a second US-North Korean summit was "imminent", and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added at the weekend that: "We're working out the details". Suggestions circulating among Korea-watchers for possible venues include Vietnam and Thailand, among others. Stockholm has a long history of mediating between Washington and Pyongyang — while the two do not have diplomatic relations, Sweden is the protecting power for US citizens in the Asian country, and Choe has been intimately involved in the US-North Korean relationship. Before she assumed her current position, she was director general of the foreign ministry's North American department. She was also among the officials who accompanied Kim to Singapore for his first summit with Trump in June. The meeting, held in a blaze of publicity, saw the two men sign a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means. Pyongyang is seeking sanctions relief and rejects demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament, while Washington insists that the punitive measures must stay in place until it gives up its nuclear arsenal. Citing a diplomatic source, the South's Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported Tuesday that Kim Yong Chol, Pompeo's counterpart in the discussion process, was expected to visit Washington later this week for talks. There were no reports that he had passed through Beijing.

North Korean official heads for talks in Sweden: Report

China on Tuesday vociferously defended a court's decision to impose the death penalty on a convicted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-says-13-citizens-detained-in-china-since-huawei-cfo-arrest-188160">Canadian</a> drug smuggler, escalating a diplomatic row that experts say has descended into a high-stakes game of "hostage politics".

China's foreign ministry blasted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "irresponsible remarks" after he criticised the death sentence imposed on 36-year-old Robert Lloyd Schellenberg.

Beijing and Ottawa have been squabbling since last month when Canada arrested the chief financial officer of top Chinese telecom company Huawei on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations.

In a move observers see as retaliation,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/central-asia/two-canadians-being-investigated-for-threatening-national-security-china-183709"> Chinese authorities </a>detained two Canadian citizens -- a former diplomat and a business consultant -- on suspicion of endangering national security.

Then authorities revisited the little-known case of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in November for drug offences.&nbsp;

A month later, an upper court took up his appeal and ordered a hasty retrial in the northeastern port city of Dalian after ruling that the punishment was too lenient.

The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence&nbsp;and the inclusion of new evidence presenting him as a key player in a plan to ship 222 kilograms (490 pounds) of methamphetamine to Australia raised suspicion among observers.

"Playing hostage politics, China rushes the retrial of a Canadian suspect and sentences him to death in a fairly transparent attempt to pressure Canada," Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said in a tweet.

Donald Clarke, a George Washington University professor specialising in Chinese law, coined an even grimmer term for the situation: "death threat diplomacy".

"The Chinese government is not even trying to pretend that there was a fair trial here," he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed "extreme concern" that China had "chosen to arbitrarily" apply the death penalty.

But Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying denied Beijing had politicised Schellenberg's case, calling on Canada to "respect China's judicial sovereignty... and stop making such irresponsible remarks."

Ottawa had issued a new travel advisory urging citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws."

Hua countered: "Canada should remind its own citizens to definitely not engage in drug smuggling in China".

The court in Liaoning on said its actions were "in compliance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law," the state-run Legal Daily reported.

Suspect timing&nbsp;

China executes one or two foreigners every year -- nearly all for drug offences, according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group.

Experts said retrials are rare in China, especially ones calling for a harsher sentence, but rights groups note that courts are not independent and can be influenced by the ruling Communist Party.

"What's unusual is how this case shifted from extremely slow handling to suddenly rapid-fire movement," said Margaret Lewis, a law professor at Seton Hall University.

The rare decision to allow three foreign journalists, including one from AFP, to attend the hearing makes it "clear that the Chinese government wants (the) international spotlight on this case."

"The timing is suspect and certainly his nationality makes it all the more glaring," she said.

Meng at home&nbsp;

Schellenberg, who claimed he was innocent and framed by an acquaintance, has 10 days to appeal to the same high court that rejected his first appeal.

Lewis said the court was likely to confirm the sentence and the case would move up to the Supreme People's Court.

The top court could confirm the death penalty, give him a two-year suspended death sentence that would be converted into a long prison term or reduce his punishment, she said.

Clarke said: "My prediction is that the Supreme People's Court will sit on the review decision for as long as Meng's fate remains undetermined."

The fate of the other two Canadians, who have been held in undisclosed locations, remains a mystery.

Last week, Trudeau accused China of "arbitrarily and unfairly" detaining former diplomat Michael Kovrig and business consultant Michael Spavor, who were rounded up nine days after Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

The Chinese foreign ministry rejected Trudeau's assertion that Kovrig, who now works for the International Crisis Group, still enjoyed diplomatic immunity.

Meng, meanwhile, was granted bail by a Canadian court last month, allowing her to wait for the US extradition hearing in a Vancouver house.

Beijing on Tuesday repeated its calls for her immediate release, calling on Canada to correct its "severe mistake". 
&nbsp;

China on Tuesday vociferously defended a court's decision to impose the death penalty on a convicted Canadian drug smuggler, escalating a diplomatic row that experts say has descended into a high-stakes game of "hostage politics".

China on Tuesday vociferously defended a court's decision to impose the death penalty on a convicted Canadian drug smuggler, escalating a diplomatic row that experts say has descended into a high-stakes game of "hostage politics". China's foreign ministry blasted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "irresponsible remarks" after he criticised the death sentence imposed on 36-year-old Robert Lloyd Schellenberg. Beijing and Ottawa have been squabbling since last month when Canada arrested the chief financial officer of top Chinese telecom company Huawei on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations. In a move observers see as retaliation, Chinese authorities detained two Canadian citizens -- a former diplomat and a business consultant -- on suspicion of endangering national security. Then authorities revisited the little-known case of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in November for drug offences. A month later, an upper court took up his appeal and ordered a hasty retrial in the northeastern port city of Dalian after ruling that the punishment was too lenient. The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence and the inclusion of new evidence presenting him as a key player in a plan to ship 222 kilograms (490 pounds) of methamphetamine to Australia raised suspicion among observers. "Playing hostage politics, China rushes the retrial of a Canadian suspect and sentences him to death in a fairly transparent attempt to pressure Canada," Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said in a tweet. Donald Clarke, a George Washington University professor specialising in Chinese law, coined an even grimmer term for the situation: "death threat diplomacy". "The Chinese government is not even trying to pretend that there was a fair trial here," he said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed "extreme concern" that China had "chosen to arbitrarily" apply the death penalty. But Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying denied Beijing had politicised Schellenberg's case, calling on Canada to "respect China's judicial sovereignty... and stop making such irresponsible remarks." Ottawa had issued a new travel advisory urging citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws." Hua countered: "Canada should remind its own citizens to definitely not engage in drug smuggling in China". The court in Liaoning on said its actions were "in compliance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law," the state-run Legal Daily reported. Suspect timing China executes one or two foreigners every year -- nearly all for drug offences, according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group. Experts said retrials are rare in China, especially ones calling for a harsher sentence, but rights groups note that courts are not independent and can be influenced by the ruling Communist Party. "What's unusual is how this case shifted from extremely slow handling to suddenly rapid-fire movement," said Margaret Lewis, a law professor at Seton Hall University. The rare decision to allow three foreign journalists, including one from AFP, to attend the hearing makes it "clear that the Chinese government wants (the) international spotlight on this case." "The timing is suspect and certainly his nationality makes it all the more glaring," she said. Meng at home Schellenberg, who claimed he was innocent and framed by an acquaintance, has 10 days to appeal to the same high court that rejected his first appeal. Lewis said the court was likely to confirm the sentence and the case would move up to the Supreme People's Court. The top court could confirm the death penalty, give him a two-year suspended death sentence that would be converted into a long prison term or reduce his punishment, she said. Clarke said: "My prediction is that the Supreme People's Court will sit on the review decision for as long as Meng's fate remains undetermined." The fate of the other two Canadians, who have been held in undisclosed locations, remains a mystery. Last week, Trudeau accused China of "arbitrarily and unfairly" detaining former diplomat Michael Kovrig and business consultant Michael Spavor, who were rounded up nine days after Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. The Chinese foreign ministry rejected Trudeau's assertion that Kovrig, who now works for the International Crisis Group, still enjoyed diplomatic immunity. Meng, meanwhile, was granted bail by a Canadian court last month, allowing her to wait for the US extradition hearing in a Vancouver house. Beijing on Tuesday repeated its calls for her immediate release, calling on Canada to correct its "severe mistake".

'Hostage politics': Death sentence heightens China, Canada tensions

A massive winter storm rolled eastward to the mid-Atlantic United States on Sunday (January 13) after dropping more than a foot of snow on parts of the Midwest and killing at least 7 people in highway accidents on Saturday.

Millions of Americans in ten states and Washington, DC were under a winter storm warning or advisory on Sunday.

It was the first major snowfall in the US capital city.

Washington was forecast to receive almost a half foot of snow, forcing airlines to cancel over one hundred flights leaving Reagan National Airport on Sunday morning.

It was the first major snowfall in the US capital city.

A massive winter storm rolled eastward to the mid-Atlantic United States on Sunday (January 13) after dropping more than a foot of snow on parts of the Midwest and killing at least 7 people in highway accidents on Saturday. Millions of Americans in ten states and Washington, DC were under a winter storm warning or advisory on Sunday. It was the first major snowfall in the US capital city. Washington was forecast to receive almost a half foot of snow, forcing airlines to cancel over one hundred flights leaving Reagan National Airport on Sunday morning.

Watch: Winter storm hits Washington; at least 7 dead

A winter storm that dumped heavy snow on the US Midwest, causing at least five roadway deaths, stranding some motorists in Missouri and cancelling dozens of flights, marched east toward Washington on Saturday.

The weather system, which started as rain from Mexico but has since turned into snow, is forecast to affect a 1,800-mile (2,900 km) swath of the United States from Colorado to the Mid-Atlantic.

The storm hit Kansas and Missouri on Friday and pummeled those states again on Saturday as it extended into parts of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, said US&nbsp;Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Andrew Orrison.

In Kansas City, snow dusted the field at Arrowhead Stadium during Saturday's National Football League playoff game between the hometown Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts.

"There's snow time like Showtime," the Chiefs said on Twitter, sharing video of the team's quarterback Patrick Mahomes arriving at the stadium in the snow.

The storm is leaving its heaviest snowfall on areas west of St&nbsp;Louis, where about a foot and a half of snow was recorded, with still more falling on Saturday, Orrison said.

At least five people died in weather-related crashes on roads in Missouri and Kansas, according to the highway patrolmen in both states.

"I think it's safe to say that every road is bad in Kansas right now!" Trooper Tod Hileman, a spokesman for the Kansas Highway Patrol, said on Twitter on Saturday.

Dozens of flights were cancelled at St Louis Lambert International Airport, which described the onslaught of snow on Twitter as one of its biggest single-day winter storms in years.

Snow is forecast for the Appalachian Mountains and the Mid-Atlantic on Saturday evening and Sunday.

"Given how cold it is across the Midwest and even in the mid-Atlantic region, certainly people who are going to be out are going to want to dress in layered clothing," Orrison said.

Washington, where many federal government offices are closed due to the US government shutdown, is expected to receive 6 to 8 inches (15 cm to 20 cm) of snow from this storm, according to the National Weather Service.

Central and northern Virginia will receive even more, with up to 10 inches of snow possible in some places. Baltimore and parts of Maryland are also bracing for a similar amount.

Philadelphia is expected to receive a few inches of snow, but areas north of there are expected to be spared, Orrison added.

A winter storm that dumped heavy snow on the US Midwest, causing at least five roadway deaths, stranding some motorists in Missouri and cancelling dozens of flights, marched east toward Washington on Saturday.

A winter storm that dumped heavy snow on the US Midwest, causing at least five roadway deaths, stranding some motorists in Missouri and cancelling dozens of flights, marched east toward Washington on Saturday. The weather system, which started as rain from Mexico but has since turned into snow, is forecast to affect a 1,800-mile (2,900 km) swath of the United States from Colorado to the Mid-Atlantic. The storm hit Kansas and Missouri on Friday and pummeled those states again on Saturday as it extended into parts of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, said US Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Andrew Orrison. In Kansas City, snow dusted the field at Arrowhead Stadium during Saturday's National Football League playoff game between the hometown Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts. "There's snow time like Showtime," the Chiefs said on Twitter, sharing video of the team's quarterback Patrick Mahomes arriving at the stadium in the snow. The storm is leaving its heaviest snowfall on areas west of St Louis, where about a foot and a half of snow was recorded, with still more falling on Saturday, Orrison said. At least five people died in weather-related crashes on roads in Missouri and Kansas, according to the highway patrolmen in both states. "I think it's safe to say that every road is bad in Kansas right now!" Trooper Tod Hileman, a spokesman for the Kansas Highway Patrol, said on Twitter on Saturday. Dozens of flights were cancelled at St Louis Lambert International Airport, which described the onslaught of snow on Twitter as one of its biggest single-day winter storms in years. Snow is forecast for the Appalachian Mountains and the Mid-Atlantic on Saturday evening and Sunday. "Given how cold it is across the Midwest and even in the mid-Atlantic region, certainly people who are going to be out are going to want to dress in layered clothing," Orrison said. Washington, where many federal government offices are closed due to the US government shutdown, is expected to receive 6 to 8 inches (15 cm to 20 cm) of snow from this storm, according to the National Weather Service. Central and northern Virginia will receive even more, with up to 10 inches of snow possible in some places. Baltimore and parts of Maryland are also bracing for a similar amount. Philadelphia is expected to receive a few inches of snow, but areas north of there are expected to be spared, Orrison added.

Snowstorm targets Washington, at least five dead in US Midwest

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-despite-us-sanctions-it-has-found-new-potential-oil-buyers-188406">US sanctions are putting unprecedented pressure on Iranians </a>while "first class idiots" are running Washington's policy, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump last year pulled out of an international pact on Iran's nuclear program and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-knowns-and-unknowns-of-us-iran-oil-sanction-waivers-176204">reimposed sanctions intended to scupper Tehran's oil exports</a>, curb its missile program and clip its regional influence.

The measures have hit Iran's economy hard.

"The sanctions do put pressure on the country and the people," Khamenei said, according to a transcript on his website of a speech in Tehran to commemorate an event from the 1979 revolution.

"The Americans happily say that these sanctions are unprecedented in history. Yes, they're unprecedented. And the defeat that the Americans will face will be unprecedented, God willing," he added.

Khamenei lambasted US officials' approach to Iran as irrational, saying: "They are first-class idiots."

Iran's economy has faced instability in recent months with the rial fluctuating in value, making it difficult for ordinary people to make ends meet.

Sporadic protests linked to the tough economic situation have been led by truck drivers, farmers, workers, merchants, and teachers, occasionally resulting in violent confrontations with security forces.

The Iranian government must help the country's weakest, Khamenei added in his speech.

US sanctions are putting unprecedented pressure on Iranians while "first class idiots" are running Washington's policy, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday.

US sanctions are putting unprecedented pressure on Iranians while "first class idiots" are running Washington's policy, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump last year pulled out of an international pact on Iran's nuclear program and reimposed sanctions intended to scupper Tehran's oil exports, curb its missile program and clip its regional influence. The measures have hit Iran's economy hard. "The sanctions do put pressure on the country and the people," Khamenei said, according to a transcript on his website of a speech in Tehran to commemorate an event from the 1979 revolution. "The Americans happily say that these sanctions are unprecedented in history. Yes, they're unprecedented. And the defeat that the Americans will face will be unprecedented, God willing," he added. Khamenei lambasted US officials' approach to Iran as irrational, saying: "They are first-class idiots." Iran's economy has faced instability in recent months with the rial fluctuating in value, making it difficult for ordinary people to make ends meet. Sporadic protests linked to the tough economic situation have been led by truck drivers, farmers, workers, merchants, and teachers, occasionally resulting in violent confrontations with security forces. The Iranian government must help the country's weakest, Khamenei added in his speech.

'First class idiots' running Washington policy: Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/partial-us-government-shutdown-set-to-last-through-christmas-185912">The United States</a> on Saturday denounced at the United Nations a system of discounts for the peacekeeping assessments of wealthy nations and confirmed Washington will pay no more than 25 per cent.

The comments came a day after UN member states failed to reach a deal to make up for a $220 million budget black hole left by Washington's downsising of its peacekeeping contributions.

The discounts demonstrate an "urgent need to reform," said Cherith Norman Chalet, the US Ambassador for UN Management and Reform, referring to countries whose "per capita income is more than twice the average of the organization's membership." She did not identify those countries.

Her comments came during the adoption of a resolution renewing until 2021 contributions to the UN operating budget, which is $5.4 billion for 2018-19, and to the peacekeeping budget of $6.6 billion annually.

The United States is the largest contributor, whose share is 22 per cent of the operating budget and 28 per cent for peacekeeping.

President Donald Trump announced in September, however, that Washington would pay no more than 25 per cent for Blue Helmet operations.

Washington has been trying to convince several countries to reduce their discounts in order to cover the $220 million annually which Washington no longer wants to pay.

Peacekeeping financing is determined by a complicated formula that takes into account a country's wealth, it's standing as a permanent Security Council member and other factors.

"These discounts are without justification and have no basis in any methodology and should be eliminated," Chalet said.

"Nearly half of the member states receive an 80 per cent discount to their assessments on the peacekeeping scale." Diplomats said that, in their quest for a better sharing of the financial burden, the US had approached Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Singapore, Brunei, Brazil, Mexico and India.

Ambassador Nikki Haley, who leaves her post on December 31, could have been involved in the battle but surprisingly abandoned it, a diplomat said.

Overnight Thursday-Friday Washington finally joined a consensus to maintain the status quo on key budget issues for another three years, diplomats said, meaning the UN's financial shortfall will continue to grow.&nbsp;

On Saturday the 193 member states formally confirmed the consensus. But the financial dispute is not going away.

"The United States is going to attack mission after mission" to eliminate them or reduce the costs, the diplomat predicted.

A second diplomat said that even "without legal basis" Washington "will pay only 25 per cent and accumulate the arrears." Chalet assured that "the United States takes its obligations to the United Nations seriously and its partnership with the organization and with other member states."&nbsp;

However, she added that "lack of agreement on a 25 per cent ceiling will cause the organization to continue to face a three per cent shortfall in its peacekeeping budget as the United States will pay no more than 25 per cent of peacekeeping expenses."

The United States on Saturday denounced at the United Nations a system of discounts for the peacekeeping assessments of wealthy nations and confirmed Washington will pay no more than 25 per cent.

The United States on Saturday denounced at the United Nations a system of discounts for the peacekeeping assessments of wealthy nations and confirmed Washington will pay no more than 25 per cent. The comments came a day after UN member states failed to reach a deal to make up for a $220 million budget black hole left by Washington's downsising of its peacekeeping contributions. The discounts demonstrate an "urgent need to reform," said Cherith Norman Chalet, the US Ambassador for UN Management and Reform, referring to countries whose "per capita income is more than twice the average of the organization's membership." She did not identify those countries. Her comments came during the adoption of a resolution renewing until 2021 contributions to the UN operating budget, which is $5.4 billion for 2018-19, and to the peacekeeping budget of $6.6 billion annually. The United States is the largest contributor, whose share is 22 per cent of the operating budget and 28 per cent for peacekeeping. President Donald Trump announced in September, however, that Washington would pay no more than 25 per cent for Blue Helmet operations. Washington has been trying to convince several countries to reduce their discounts in order to cover the $220 million annually which Washington no longer wants to pay. Peacekeeping financing is determined by a complicated formula that takes into account a country's wealth, it's standing as a permanent Security Council member and other factors. "These discounts are without justification and have no basis in any methodology and should be eliminated," Chalet said. "Nearly half of the member states receive an 80 per cent discount to their assessments on the peacekeeping scale." Diplomats said that, in their quest for a better sharing of the financial burden, the US had approached Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Singapore, Brunei, Brazil, Mexico and India. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who leaves her post on December 31, could have been involved in the battle but surprisingly abandoned it, a diplomat said. Overnight Thursday-Friday Washington finally joined a consensus to maintain the status quo on key budget issues for another three years, diplomats said, meaning the UN's financial shortfall will continue to grow. On Saturday the 193 member states formally confirmed the consensus. But the financial dispute is not going away. "The United States is going to attack mission after mission" to eliminate them or reduce the costs, the diplomat predicted. A second diplomat said that even "without legal basis" Washington "will pay only 25 per cent and accumulate the arrears." Chalet assured that "the United States takes its obligations to the United Nations seriously and its partnership with the organization and with other member states." However, she added that "lack of agreement on a 25 per cent ceiling will cause the organization to continue to face a three per cent shortfall in its peacekeeping budget as the United States will pay no more than 25 per cent of peacekeeping expenses."

US denounces wealthy-nation discounts for UN peacekeeping

The funeral of President George HW Bush got underway on Wednesday, with US and foreign dignitaries gathered to commemorate the life of a World War Two hero, Cold War veteran and former head of the CIA who went on to represent an era of civility in American politics.

An unusual bipartisan spirit was on display at the service at the Washington National Cathedral with both Republican and Democratic politicians gathering to honour a president who called for a "kinder, gentler" nation.

Bush, the 41st US&nbsp;president, died last week in Texas aged 94.

“George HW&nbsp;Bush was America's last great soldier-statesman,” Jon Meacham, a presidential biographer, said in a eulogy. "He stood in the breach in the Cold War against totalitarianism. He stood in the breach in Washington against unthinking partisanship," he said.

Political feuds were briefly set aside in honour of the late president, a naval aviator who was shot down over the Pacific Ocean in World War Two, and a commander in chief who defeated Iraqi forces in the 1991 Gulf War.

Trump shook hands with his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, who he has often sharply criticized, as he took his seat at the cathedral.

Democratic former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Trump's 2016 election opponent, and her husband Bill Clinton shared the front pew with Obama, Trump and their spouses.

Trump, like Bush a Republican, infuriated the late president by attacking his sons, former President George W. Bush and Jeb Bush, one of Trump's rivals in the 2016 Republican primary campaign.

Bush, who was president from 1989 to 1993, has been remembered as a patrician figure who represented a bygone era of civility in American politics.

He was voted out of office in part for failing to connect with ordinary Americans during an economic recession. But his reputation for moderation and politeness has shone more brightly in recent years in light of the divisiveness and anger in the United States that accompanied the rise of Trump.

TRUMP AT SERVICE

"Looking forward to being with the Bush family. This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed!" Trump tweeted on Wednesday.

The Trumps spent about 20 minutes visiting with the Bush family on Tuesday.

Jeb Bush, a former governor of Florida, told the Wall Street Journal's CEO Council on Tuesday: "The president and first lady have been really gracious."

All surviving former US&nbsp;presidents were at the cathedral along with their wives.

George W&nbsp;Bush was also to deliver a eulogy, along with former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and retired Wyoming Republican Senator Alan Simpson.

The guest list included Britain's Prince Charles and leaders of Germany, Jordan, Australia and Poland, along with a host of former world leaders, such as former British Prime Minister John Major, who was in office during Bush's term.

Trump closed the federal government on Wednesday to mark a day of mourning for Bush, and several US&nbsp;financial exchanges were closed.

Bush, who had been President Ronald Reagan's vice president, navigated the United States through the end of the Cold War and was president when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989.

He was dogged by domestic problems, including a sluggish

economy, and faced criticism for not doing enough to stem the tens of thousands of deaths from the AIDS virus ravaging America.

When he ran for re-election in 1992, he was pilloried by Democrats and many Republicans for violating his famous 1988 campaign promise: "Read my lips, no new taxes." Democrat Bill Clinton coasted to victory.

Hundreds of people lined Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Washington to watch a hearse drive Bush's coffin from Capitol Hill, where he had lain in state since Monday night, toward the cathedral on Wednesday morning.

Thousands of people had filed past Bush's body to pay their respects in the Capitol Rotunda, some getting a chance to see Sully, a service dog who was Bush's friendly companion. Sully became an internet sensation after being photographed lying next to his late master's coffin.

The funeral of President George HW Bush got underway on Wednesday, with US and foreign dignitaries gathered to commemorate the life of a World War Two hero, Cold War veteran and former head of the CIA who went on to represent an era of civility in American politics.

The funeral of President George HW Bush got underway on Wednesday, with US and foreign dignitaries gathered to commemorate the life of a World War Two hero, Cold War veteran and former head of the CIA who went on to represent an era of civility in American politics. An unusual bipartisan spirit was on display at the service at the Washington National Cathedral with both Republican and Democratic politicians gathering to honour a president who called for a "kinder, gentler" nation. Bush, the 41st US president, died last week in Texas aged 94. “George HW Bush was America's last great soldier-statesman,” Jon Meacham, a presidential biographer, said in a eulogy. "He stood in the breach in the Cold War against totalitarianism. He stood in the breach in Washington against unthinking partisanship," he said. Political feuds were briefly set aside in honour of the late president, a naval aviator who was shot down over the Pacific Ocean in World War Two, and a commander in chief who defeated Iraqi forces in the 1991 Gulf War. Trump shook hands with his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, who he has often sharply criticized, as he took his seat at the cathedral. Democratic former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Trump's 2016 election opponent, and her husband Bill Clinton shared the front pew with Obama, Trump and their spouses. Trump, like Bush a Republican, infuriated the late president by attacking his sons, former President George W. Bush and Jeb Bush, one of Trump's rivals in the 2016 Republican primary campaign. Bush, who was president from 1989 to 1993, has been remembered as a patrician figure who represented a bygone era of civility in American politics. He was voted out of office in part for failing to connect with ordinary Americans during an economic recession. But his reputation for moderation and politeness has shone more brightly in recent years in light of the divisiveness and anger in the United States that accompanied the rise of Trump. TRUMP AT SERVICE "Looking forward to being with the Bush family. This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed!" Trump tweeted on Wednesday. The Trumps spent about 20 minutes visiting with the Bush family on Tuesday. Jeb Bush, a former governor of Florida, told the Wall Street Journal's CEO Council on Tuesday: "The president and first lady have been really gracious." All surviving former US presidents were at the cathedral along with their wives. George W Bush was also to deliver a eulogy, along with former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and retired Wyoming Republican Senator Alan Simpson. The guest list included Britain's Prince Charles and leaders of Germany, Jordan, Australia and Poland, along with a host of former world leaders, such as former British Prime Minister John Major, who was in office during Bush's term. Trump closed the federal government on Wednesday to mark a day of mourning for Bush, and several US financial exchanges were closed. Bush, who had been President Ronald Reagan's vice president, navigated the United States through the end of the Cold War and was president when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. He was dogged by domestic problems, including a sluggish economy, and faced criticism for not doing enough to stem the tens of thousands of deaths from the AIDS virus ravaging America. When he ran for re-election in 1992, he was pilloried by Democrats and many Republicans for violating his famous 1988 campaign promise: "Read my lips, no new taxes." Democrat Bill Clinton coasted to victory. Hundreds of people lined Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Washington to watch a hearse drive Bush's coffin from Capitol Hill, where he had lain in state since Monday night, toward the cathedral on Wednesday morning. Thousands of people had filed past Bush's body to pay their respects in the Capitol Rotunda, some getting a chance to see Sully, a service dog who was Bush's friendly companion. Sully became an internet sensation after being photographed lying next to his late master's coffin.

Remembering American 'soldier-statesman,' Trump, Obama and Clintons attend Bush funeral

Meet the lucky Turkeys of thanksgiving

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country.

Ahead of US&nbsp;congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend.

This group of migrants is made up of many children. They're resting in the city of Cordoba in Veracruz before they head off to Mexico City where some will consider getting a job in the bustling capital.

President Enrique Pena Nieto has called on migrants travelling through Mexico to register so that they can participate in a temporary work programme being offered by the government.

The leftist local government of Mexico City has set up medical and food aid facilities for migrants arriving in the capital, stressing the need for a humanitarian response to the challenges of the caravan.

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country. Ahead of US congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend.

Amidst criticism from US President Donald Trump, some migrants travelling in a caravan through Mexico are considering staying on in the country. Ahead of US congressional elections, President Donald Trump has warned repeatedly about the advance of the caravan and ordered thousands of troops to the Mexican border, where units strung up razor wire this weekend. This group of migrants is made up of many children. They're resting in the city of Cordoba in Veracruz before they head off to Mexico City where some will consider getting a job in the bustling capital. President Enrique Pena Nieto has called on migrants travelling through Mexico to register so that they can participate in a temporary work programme being offered by the government. The leftist local government of Mexico City has set up medical and food aid facilities for migrants arriving in the capital, stressing the need for a humanitarian response to the challenges of the caravan.

Caravan migrants consider staying in Mexico as Trump rachets up criticism

Donald Trump and his Democratic rivals made frenzied, final pushes to motivate their core voters Sunday ahead of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-us-midterm-polls-how-they-work-and-what-is-at-stakes-175277">contentious midterm elections</a> seen as a referendum on the president's divisive first two years in office.

Both sides say voter turnout will be key.&nbsp;

Trump was on a hectic schedule of campaign appearances for Republican candidates 48 hours before Americans deliver their verdict at the ballot box, while former president Barack Obama made a last-ditch appeal for an endangered Senate Democrat in Indiana.&nbsp;

"You gotta get to the polls on Tuesday, and you gotta vote," Trump implored a crowd in Macon, Georgia, where he campaigned Sunday for the Republican candidate for governor in one of the country's tightest major races.

"The contrast in this election could not be more clear."

Political passions have risen to a rare peak, with early voting in some states already running far ahead of normal levels.

"It's all about turnout," Senator Chris Van Hollen told "Fox News Sunday," as Democrats wage what polls say is an uphill battle to win control of the US Senate.

Democrats are far better positioned for reclaiming a majority in the House, experts and polls say.

But in the first midterm under Trump -- an utterly unconventional president -- there are many unknowns, above all the bottom-line impact of a president who has driven both supporters and foes to a rare fever pitch of emotion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I can't speak to the blue, but I can speak to the red," Trump said earlier of Democrats and Republicans. "There is a lot of energy out there."

Democrats out front&nbsp;

The party of a first-term president tends to lose congressional seats in his first midterm. But a healthy economy favors the incumbent -- and the US economy has been growing with rare vigor.

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll released Sunday suggested that while Democrats retain an edge in their battle for the House, Republicans could profit from increasingly positive assessments of the economy and by Trump's harsh focus on border security.

It found registered voters preferred Democratic candidates for the House over Republicans by 50 percent to 43 percent; but that was down from a 14-point advantage in August.

A second poll, by NBC and The Wall Street Journal, also showed Democrats holding the same seven-point advantage over Republicans.

But in what could be a sharp warning sign for Republicans, that poll reported college-educated white women -- the so-called suburban moms seen as crucial to the 2018 outcome -- favor Democrats by a substantial 61 percent to 33 percent.

Another wild card: The campaign's closing days come just a week after a gunman, who allegedly hated immigrants and Jews, killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue.

A fanatical Trump supporter was also arrested on charges of mailing pipe bombs to prominent opponents of the president, including Obama.

The president's critics say the highly charged atmosphere he has helped create made the two attackers feel sufficiently comfortable to carry out their crimes

Republicans, trying to move past that, have been enthusiastically pressing the economic argument.&nbsp;

But the president -- to the unease of some in the party -- has instead used his nearly nonstop schedule of campaign rallies to keep the spotlight on what he calls the security threat from migrants seeking to enter the nation through Mexico.

"We're not letting these people invade our country," Trump declared.

'Kinder' America?&nbsp;

Democrats meantime painted sharp distinctions with Trump, insisting that only they will protect the health care gains made under Obama, that Trump has employed inhumane measures to keep migrants out, and that the divisiveness he has fostered must end.

And while Obama said Democrats would support a "kinder version of America," he did what many Democratic candidates have refrained from doing: directly challenging the president.

"There's got to be consequences when people don't tell the truth, when words stop meaning anything. When people can just lie with abandon, democracy can't work," he told a cheering crowd as he campaigned for Senator Joe Donnelly.

"The only check right now on the behavior of these Republicans is you and your vote."

Democrats face their toughest political map in decades in the Senate, which Republicans currently control 51-49. It is more favorable in the House, where Democrats need to gain 23 seats to take control of the 435-seat chamber.

Election analysts at website FiveThirtyEight.com put the likelihood of Democrats winning the House at 85 percent.

One key barometer of a midterm's direction is the presidential approval rating, and in Trump's case it is underwater, worsening in the last week to 54 percent disapproval versus 40 percent approval, according to public opinion pollster Gallup.

The two parties are also battling over dozens of governor's races, including tight high-profile contests in Georgia and Florida, where two Democrats are seeking to make history as the first African-Americans to lead those states

Donald Trump and his Democratic rivals made frenzied, final pushes to motivate their core voters Sunday ahead of contentious midterm elections seen as a referendum on the president's divisive first two years in office.

Donald Trump and his Democratic rivals made frenzied, final pushes to motivate their core voters Sunday ahead of contentious midterm elections seen as a referendum on the president's divisive first two years in office. Both sides say voter turnout will be key. Trump was on a hectic schedule of campaign appearances for Republican candidates 48 hours before Americans deliver their verdict at the ballot box, while former president Barack Obama made a last-ditch appeal for an endangered Senate Democrat in Indiana. "You gotta get to the polls on Tuesday, and you gotta vote," Trump implored a crowd in Macon, Georgia, where he campaigned Sunday for the Republican candidate for governor in one of the country's tightest major races. "The contrast in this election could not be more clear." Political passions have risen to a rare peak, with early voting in some states already running far ahead of normal levels. "It's all about turnout," Senator Chris Van Hollen told "Fox News Sunday," as Democrats wage what polls say is an uphill battle to win control of the US Senate. Democrats are far better positioned for reclaiming a majority in the House, experts and polls say. But in the first midterm under Trump -- an utterly unconventional president -- there are many unknowns, above all the bottom-line impact of a president who has driven both supporters and foes to a rare fever pitch of emotion. "I can't speak to the blue, but I can speak to the red," Trump said earlier of Democrats and Republicans. "There is a lot of energy out there." Democrats out front The party of a first-term president tends to lose congressional seats in his first midterm. But a healthy economy favors the incumbent -- and the US economy has been growing with rare vigor. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll released Sunday suggested that while Democrats retain an edge in their battle for the House, Republicans could profit from increasingly positive assessments of the economy and by Trump's harsh focus on border security. It found registered voters preferred Democratic candidates for the House over Republicans by 50 percent to 43 percent; but that was down from a 14-point advantage in August. A second poll, by NBC and The Wall Street Journal, also showed Democrats holding the same seven-point advantage over Republicans. But in what could be a sharp warning sign for Republicans, that poll reported college-educated white women -- the so-called suburban moms seen as crucial to the 2018 outcome -- favor Democrats by a substantial 61 percent to 33 percent. Another wild card: The campaign's closing days come just a week after a gunman, who allegedly hated immigrants and Jews, killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. A fanatical Trump supporter was also arrested on charges of mailing pipe bombs to prominent opponents of the president, including Obama. The president's critics say the highly charged atmosphere he has helped create made the two attackers feel sufficiently comfortable to carry out their crimes Republicans, trying to move past that, have been enthusiastically pressing the economic argument. But the president -- to the unease of some in the party -- has instead used his nearly nonstop schedule of campaign rallies to keep the spotlight on what he calls the security threat from migrants seeking to enter the nation through Mexico. "We're not letting these people invade our country," Trump declared. 'Kinder' America? Democrats meantime painted sharp distinctions with Trump, insisting that only they will protect the health care gains made under Obama, that Trump has employed inhumane measures to keep migrants out, and that the divisiveness he has fostered must end. And while Obama said Democrats would support a "kinder version of America," he did what many Democratic candidates have refrained from doing: directly challenging the president. "There's got to be consequences when people don't tell the truth, when words stop meaning anything. When people can just lie with abandon, democracy can't work," he told a cheering crowd as he campaigned for Senator Joe Donnelly. "The only check right now on the behavior of these Republicans is you and your vote." Democrats face their toughest political map in decades in the Senate, which Republicans currently control 51-49. It is more favorable in the House, where Democrats need to gain 23 seats to take control of the 435-seat chamber. Election analysts at website FiveThirtyEight.com put the likelihood of Democrats winning the House at 85 percent. One key barometer of a midterm's direction is the presidential approval rating, and in Trump's case it is underwater, worsening in the last week to 54 percent disapproval versus 40 percent approval, according to public opinion pollster Gallup. The two parties are also battling over dozens of governor's races, including tight high-profile contests in Georgia and Florida, where two Democrats are seeking to make history as the first African-Americans to lead those states

'You gotta get to the polls on Tuesday, and you gotta vote,' Trump says before US midterm elections

&nbsp;The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US&nbsp;over the prospect of such a summit.

President Donald Trump held a summit with Putin in Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and then issued Putin an invitation to visit Washington in the autumn. But that was postponed after Trump was accused of cozying up to the Kremlin.

"We have invited President Putin to Washington," Bolton said at a news conference during a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, days after meeting Putin and senior security officials in Moscow.

It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation, which is for next year.

Bolton, in a separate interview with Reuters, strongly criticised Russian foreign policy, saying Moscow's behaviour on the world stage was one of the reasons Washington had imposed sanctions on Russia and was now considering imposing more.

"It will be helpful if they (the Russians) stop interfering in our election ... get out of Crimea and the Donbass in Ukraine ... stop using illegal chemical weapons to conduct assassination attempts against Russian exiles in the West, and if they would be less intrusive in the Middle East," he said.

Russia denies meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election, sending soldiers and equipment to eastern Ukraine, and has rejected Western allegations it was behind the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain.

Putin last held a meeting with a US&nbsp;president on American soil in 2015 when he met Barack Obama on the sidelines of a UN&nbsp;General Assembly.

Trump's earlier invitation to Putin sparked an outcry in Washington, including from lawmakers in Trump's Republican party, who argued that Putin was an adversary not worthy of a White House visit.

Trump has said it is in US&nbsp;interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin however.

Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting in Paris on Nov. 11 on the sidelines of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One.

Bolton said that the Paris meeting would be brief and more of "a base-touching exercise."

"One of the most important subjects they will discuss is whether President Putin will accept President Trump's invitation to come to Washington or will President Putin once again extend his invitation to President Trump to go to Moscow," said Bolton.

"I think what President Trump would like would be more of an opportunity to discuss the issues at length and we'll have to see when it gets on the schedule."

The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US over the prospect of such a summit.

The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US over the prospect of such a summit. President Donald Trump held a summit with Putin in Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and then issued Putin an invitation to visit Washington in the autumn. But that was postponed after Trump was accused of cozying up to the Kremlin. "We have invited President Putin to Washington," Bolton said at a news conference during a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, days after meeting Putin and senior security officials in Moscow. It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation, which is for next year. Bolton, in a separate interview with Reuters, strongly criticised Russian foreign policy, saying Moscow's behaviour on the world stage was one of the reasons Washington had imposed sanctions on Russia and was now considering imposing more. "It will be helpful if they (the Russians) stop interfering in our election ... get out of Crimea and the Donbass in Ukraine ... stop using illegal chemical weapons to conduct assassination attempts against Russian exiles in the West, and if they would be less intrusive in the Middle East," he said. Russia denies meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, sending soldiers and equipment to eastern Ukraine, and has rejected Western allegations it was behind the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain. Putin last held a meeting with a US president on American soil in 2015 when he met Barack Obama on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly. Trump's earlier invitation to Putin sparked an outcry in Washington, including from lawmakers in Trump's Republican party, who argued that Putin was an adversary not worthy of a White House visit. Trump has said it is in US interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin however. Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting in Paris on Nov. 11 on the sidelines of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One. Bolton said that the Paris meeting would be brief and more of "a base-touching exercise." "One of the most important subjects they will discuss is whether President Putin will accept President Trump's invitation to come to Washington or will President Putin once again extend his invitation to President Trump to go to Moscow," said Bolton. "I think what President Trump would like would be more of an opportunity to discuss the issues at length and we'll have to see when it gets on the schedule."

US invites Putin to Washington, but says get out of Ukraine

Anyone entering the US illegally would be arrested, detained and then deported back, President Donald Trump has warned as he threatened three Central American nations to halt a migrant caravan from heading to America or lose millions of dollars in foreign aid.

Trump's warning comes amidst reports that a new migrant caravan from Honduras comprising about 1600 people is moving towards the US via Guatemala.

The caravan, formed in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula on Saturday, crossed into Guatemala on Monday. Guatemala detained one of its coordinators on Tuesday, but other members of the caravan are advancing through Guatemala with hopes of reaching the US border.

"Anybody entering the United States illegally will be arrested and detained, prior to being sent back to their country!" Trump said in a late-night tweet.

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Anybody entering the United States illegally will be arrested and detained, prior to being sent back to their country!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1052369731959820292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said his administration has informed the three countries - Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador - that America will stop all payments to them if they allow their citizens to enter the US.

"We have today informed the countries of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador that if they allow their citizens, or others, to journey through their borders and up to the United States, with the intention of entering our country illegally, all payments made to them will STOP (END)!" Trump said in another tweet.

In 2017, the US gave US $248 million to Guatemala, US $175 million to Honduras and US $115 million to El Salvador in foreign aid.

Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted earlier, saying that he had spoken with Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez and Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales.

He said Trump's message to Honduras also applied to Guatemala, "no more aid if it's not stopped!"

"Spoke with Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales about caravan heading for the US and made clear our borders and sovereignty must be maintained. We expect our partners to do all they can to assist and appreciate their support. Reiterated POTUS' message: no more aid if it's not stopped!" Pence tweeted.

This caravan's emergence comes nearly six months after another caravan consisting largely of Honduran immigrants reached the US-Mexico border.

Its formation also comes just weeks before high-stakes midterm elections in the United States, in which many Republican candidates have been echoing President Trump's message of boosting border security and cracking down on illegal immigration.

Trump has been a fierce advocate of building a border wall with Mexico to tighten the US' immigration controls.

He believes border security is a serious national issue and the lack of it poses a substantial threat to the "sovereignty and safety" of America and its citizens.

During his campaign, Trump tapped into the immigration concerns of many Americans who worry about loss of economic opportunities and the threat of criminals and terrorists entering the country.

His call for the construction of a border wall was one of his most popular proposals and helped the billionaire tycoon to galvanise masses.&nbsp;

Anyone entering the US illegally would be arrested, detained and then deported back, President Donald Trump has warned as he threatened three Central American nations to halt a migrant caravan from heading to America or lose millions of dollars in foreign aid.

Anyone entering the US illegally would be arrested, detained and then deported back, President Donald Trump has warned as he threatened three Central American nations to halt a migrant caravan from heading to America or lose millions of dollars in foreign aid. Trump's warning comes amidst reports that a new migrant caravan from Honduras comprising about 1600 people is moving towards the US via Guatemala. The caravan, formed in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula on Saturday, crossed into Guatemala on Monday. Guatemala detained one of its coordinators on Tuesday, but other members of the caravan are advancing through Guatemala with hopes of reaching the US border. "Anybody entering the United States illegally will be arrested and detained, prior to being sent back to their country!" Trump said in a late-night tweet. Anybody entering the United States illegally will be arrested and detained, prior to being sent back to their country! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2018 × He said his administration has informed the three countries - Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador - that America will stop all payments to them if they allow their citizens to enter the US. "We have today informed the countries of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador that if they allow their citizens, or others, to journey through their borders and up to the United States, with the intention of entering our country illegally, all payments made to them will STOP (END)!" Trump said in another tweet. In 2017, the US gave US $248 million to Guatemala, US $175 million to Honduras and US $115 million to El Salvador in foreign aid. Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted earlier, saying that he had spoken with Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez and Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales. He said Trump's message to Honduras also applied to Guatemala, "no more aid if it's not stopped!" "Spoke with Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales about caravan heading for the US and made clear our borders and sovereignty must be maintained. We expect our partners to do all they can to assist and appreciate their support. Reiterated POTUS' message: no more aid if it's not stopped!" Pence tweeted. This caravan's emergence comes nearly six months after another caravan consisting largely of Honduran immigrants reached the US-Mexico border. Its formation also comes just weeks before high-stakes midterm elections in the United States, in which many Republican candidates have been echoing President Trump's message of boosting border security and cracking down on illegal immigration. Trump has been a fierce advocate of building a border wall with Mexico to tighten the US' immigration controls. He believes border security is a serious national issue and the lack of it poses a substantial threat to the "sovereignty and safety" of America and its citizens. During his campaign, Trump tapped into the immigration concerns of many Americans who worry about loss of economic opportunities and the threat of criminals and terrorists entering the country. His call for the construction of a border wall was one of his most popular proposals and helped the billionaire tycoon to galvanise masses.

'Arrest, detain and deport': Donald Trump on people entering US illegally

The United States will confront Tehran at the UN's top court on Monday over billions in frozen assets, in a case that could deepen the Trump administration's rift with international justice.

Iran had dragged Washington before the International Court of Justice in June 2016 to oppose a US Supreme Court ruling that the $2 billion should go to victims of terror attacks blamed on the Islamic republic.

Monday's hearing of US objections against Iran's appeal comes a week after the ICJ in a separate case ordered the United States to ease sanctions reimposed after President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

Both the assets and the sanctions cases are based on a 1955 "Treaty of Amity" between Washington and Tehran that predates Iran's Islamic revolution.

Last Wednesday the Trump administration announced it was not only tearing up the 1955 treaty but also that it was quitting the international accord relating to the UN top court's jurisdiction.

It remained unclear how Washington will respond to the latest case before the court but US officials confirmed that its lawyers will be present at the hearing on Monday.

The ICJ was set up after World War II to rule on disputes between United Nations member states. Its rulings are binding but it has no power to enforce them.

'Full reparations'

At Monday's hearing a 15-judge bench is to listen to arguments by Washington's lawyers over whether the ICJ can take up the case under its strict rules governing its procedure.

The US Supreme Court ruled in April 2016 that $2 billion in Iran's frozen assets must go to American victims of terror attacks.

These included the 1983 bombing of a US Marine barracks in Beirut in which 241 soldiers were killed and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia. In total the decision affects more than 1,000 Americans.

Iran angrily accused Washington of breaking the 1955 treaty -- even though it was signed at the time with the pro-US regime of the Shah -- and called for the US "to make full reparations to Iran for the violation of its international legal obligations."

Tehran said that because the US has maintained its designation of Iran as a major state sponsor of terrorism, its assets including the Central Bank also known as the Bank Markazi, have been "subjected to enforcement proceedings in the United States" even if they should benefit from immunity under the 1955 treaty.

A decision by the ICJ's judges could take weeks or even months before being made public.

'Compulsory jurisdiction'

Iran won a shock victory last week when the ICJ ruled that the US must lift sanctions against Tehran targeting humanitarian goods like food and medicine.

In response, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was terminating the 1955 friendship treaty.&nbsp;

But Trump's national security advisor John Bolton also announced that the United States was pulling out of the 1961 Optional Protocol and Dispute Resolution of the Vienna Convention.

The protocol establishes the ICJ as the "compulsory jurisdiction" for disputes unless nations decide to settle them elsewhere.

The step also comes after the Palestinians went to the ICJ to challenge the US move of its Israel embassy to Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Trump last month at the United Nations virulently rejected the authority of the International Criminal Court -- a separate court based in The Hague that the US is not a member of -- over a probe into US forces in Afghanistan.

The United States will confront Tehran at the UN's top court on Monday over billions in frozen assets, in a case that could deepen the Trump administration's rift with international justice.

The United States will confront Tehran at the UN's top court on Monday over billions in frozen assets, in a case that could deepen the Trump administration's rift with international justice. Iran had dragged Washington before the International Court of Justice in June 2016 to oppose a US Supreme Court ruling that the $2 billion should go to victims of terror attacks blamed on the Islamic republic. Monday's hearing of US objections against Iran's appeal comes a week after the ICJ in a separate case ordered the United States to ease sanctions reimposed after President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. Both the assets and the sanctions cases are based on a 1955 "Treaty of Amity" between Washington and Tehran that predates Iran's Islamic revolution. Last Wednesday the Trump administration announced it was not only tearing up the 1955 treaty but also that it was quitting the international accord relating to the UN top court's jurisdiction. It remained unclear how Washington will respond to the latest case before the court but US officials confirmed that its lawyers will be present at the hearing on Monday. The ICJ was set up after World War II to rule on disputes between United Nations member states. Its rulings are binding but it has no power to enforce them. 'Full reparations' At Monday's hearing a 15-judge bench is to listen to arguments by Washington's lawyers over whether the ICJ can take up the case under its strict rules governing its procedure. The US Supreme Court ruled in April 2016 that $2 billion in Iran's frozen assets must go to American victims of terror attacks. These included the 1983 bombing of a US Marine barracks in Beirut in which 241 soldiers were killed and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia. In total the decision affects more than 1,000 Americans. Iran angrily accused Washington of breaking the 1955 treaty -- even though it was signed at the time with the pro-US regime of the Shah -- and called for the US "to make full reparations to Iran for the violation of its international legal obligations." Tehran said that because the US has maintained its designation of Iran as a major state sponsor of terrorism, its assets including the Central Bank also known as the Bank Markazi, have been "subjected to enforcement proceedings in the United States" even if they should benefit from immunity under the 1955 treaty. A decision by the ICJ's judges could take weeks or even months before being made public. 'Compulsory jurisdiction' Iran won a shock victory last week when the ICJ ruled that the US must lift sanctions against Tehran targeting humanitarian goods like food and medicine. In response, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was terminating the 1955 friendship treaty. But Trump's national security advisor John Bolton also announced that the United States was pulling out of the 1961 Optional Protocol and Dispute Resolution of the Vienna Convention. The protocol establishes the ICJ as the "compulsory jurisdiction" for disputes unless nations decide to settle them elsewhere. The step also comes after the Palestinians went to the ICJ to challenge the US move of its Israel embassy to Jerusalem. Trump last month at the United Nations virulently rejected the authority of the International Criminal Court -- a separate court based in The Hague that the US is not a member of -- over a probe into US forces in Afghanistan.

United States in new global court showdown with Iran

Donald Trump faced a new challenge to his authority Friday after US media reported that his deputy attorney general had discussed ways to force him from office on grounds of incompetence, just months into his presidency.

In the latest bombshell to rock the troubled administration, The New York Times and The Washington Post reported that Rod Rosenstein in May 2017 had suggested secretly recording Trump for evidence of White House dysfunction -- and using that to formally remove him from power.

Coming on the heels of an explosive book by respected White House chronicler Bob Woodward, the reports added to mounting evidence indicating that numerous people in Trump's own government have serious doubts about his fitness for office -- and have actively worked to undermine him.

As the number two Justice Department official, Rosenstein oversees the probe into whether Trump's 2016 election campaign colluded with Russians in defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton.

The Time and Post reports were both based on secret memos by a former FBI director -- which some speculated may have been leaked in order to undermine Rosenstein, and in turn the Russia special prosecutor Robert Mueller.

Rosenstein branded the reports "inaccurate and factually incorrect."

And the Justice Department released a statement by a former senior official -- who would not be identified -- saying that he was "in the room" at the time and that Rosenstein was only joking.

"The statement was sarcastic and was never discussed with any intention of recording a conversation with the president," said the former official.

Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. held up the reports as evidence of disloyalty among the president's entourage.

"Who are we kidding at this point?" he tweeted, above a link to the Times article. "No one is shocked that these guys would do anything in their power to undermine @realdonaldtrump."

Trump's Republican ally Mike Huckabee meanwhile urged Attorney General Jeff Sessions to fire Rosenstein -- or for Trump to fire them both if he refuses.

Washington was convulsed this month by the release of Woodward's book on the inner workings of the White House -- which he described as mired in a perpetual "nervous breakdown" with staff battling to control an unstable president.

Compounding Woodward's account, The New York Times went on to publish an op-ed by an anonymous senior official -- whose identity remains a mystery -- claiming that select administration staff are so alarmed by the president's "erratic" and "amoral" behaviour that they actively sabotage his most extreme policy efforts.

"We believe our first duty is to this country, and the president continues to act in a manner that is detrimental to the health of our republic," the writer said.

Mueller probe threatened?

The latest reports were based on private memos written by then-interim FBI director Andrew McCabe, summarizing discussions with Rosenstein.&nbsp;

Because of Rosenstein's crucial role in overseeing the Russia probe, there was immediate speculation that the memos may have been leaked in order to damage Rosenstein, and by extension Mueller -- more than to hurt Trump.

Rosenstein appointed Mueller in May 2017 to lead the Russia investigation.&nbsp;

After securing convictions of seven people associated with Trump, Mueller's probe increasingly threatens the White House and the president himself. Trump has repeatedly pressured Rosenstein and Sessions to shut down what he calls an illegal "witch hunt."

Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, immediately sought to pre-empt any attempt to push out Rosenstein.

"This story must not be used as a pretext for the corrupt purpose of firing Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein in order (to) install an official who will allow the president to interfere with the Special Counsel's investigation," Schumer said.&nbsp;

The New York Times said Rosenstein made the comments in a, particularly chaotic period, in the weeks right after he was appointed deputy attorney general.&nbsp;

Rosenstein's alleged allusion to the 25th amendment of the US Constitution, which provides for removing a president if they are judged unfit for office, came just after Trump fired FBI director James Comey -- invoking a memo written by Rosenstein.

According to the Times, Rosenstein was unhappy about being "used" by Trump in the firing of Comey, as well as concerned about other turmoil in the White House under the new president.

"I will not further comment on a story based on anonymous sources who are obviously biased against the department and are advancing their own personal agenda," Rosenstein said in a statement Friday.

"But let me be clear about this: Based on my personal dealings with the president, there is no basis to invoke the 25th Amendment."

Donald Trump faced a new challenge to his authority Friday after US media reported that his deputy attorney general had discussed ways to force him from office on grounds of incompetence, just months into his presidency.

Donald Trump faced a new challenge to his authority Friday after US media reported that his deputy attorney general had discussed ways to force him from office on grounds of incompetence, just months into his presidency. In the latest bombshell to rock the troubled administration, The New York Times and The Washington Post reported that Rod Rosenstein in May 2017 had suggested secretly recording Trump for evidence of White House dysfunction -- and using that to formally remove him from power. Coming on the heels of an explosive book by respected White House chronicler Bob Woodward, the reports added to mounting evidence indicating that numerous people in Trump's own government have serious doubts about his fitness for office -- and have actively worked to undermine him. As the number two Justice Department official, Rosenstein oversees the probe into whether Trump's 2016 election campaign colluded with Russians in defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton. The Time and Post reports were both based on secret memos by a former FBI director -- which some speculated may have been leaked in order to undermine Rosenstein, and in turn the Russia special prosecutor Robert Mueller. Rosenstein branded the reports "inaccurate and factually incorrect." And the Justice Department released a statement by a former senior official -- who would not be identified -- saying that he was "in the room" at the time and that Rosenstein was only joking. "The statement was sarcastic and was never discussed with any intention of recording a conversation with the president," said the former official. Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. held up the reports as evidence of disloyalty among the president's entourage. "Who are we kidding at this point?" he tweeted, above a link to the Times article. "No one is shocked that these guys would do anything in their power to undermine @realdonaldtrump." Trump's Republican ally Mike Huckabee meanwhile urged Attorney General Jeff Sessions to fire Rosenstein -- or for Trump to fire them both if he refuses. Washington was convulsed this month by the release of Woodward's book on the inner workings of the White House -- which he described as mired in a perpetual "nervous breakdown" with staff battling to control an unstable president. Compounding Woodward's account, The New York Times went on to publish an op-ed by an anonymous senior official -- whose identity remains a mystery -- claiming that select administration staff are so alarmed by the president's "erratic" and "amoral" behaviour that they actively sabotage his most extreme policy efforts. "We believe our first duty is to this country, and the president continues to act in a manner that is detrimental to the health of our republic," the writer said. Mueller probe threatened? The latest reports were based on private memos written by then-interim FBI director Andrew McCabe, summarizing discussions with Rosenstein. Because of Rosenstein's crucial role in overseeing the Russia probe, there was immediate speculation that the memos may have been leaked in order to damage Rosenstein, and by extension Mueller -- more than to hurt Trump. Rosenstein appointed Mueller in May 2017 to lead the Russia investigation. After securing convictions of seven people associated with Trump, Mueller's probe increasingly threatens the White House and the president himself. Trump has repeatedly pressured Rosenstein and Sessions to shut down what he calls an illegal "witch hunt." Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, immediately sought to pre-empt any attempt to push out Rosenstein. "This story must not be used as a pretext for the corrupt purpose of firing Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein in order (to) install an official who will allow the president to interfere with the Special Counsel's investigation," Schumer said. The New York Times said Rosenstein made the comments in a, particularly chaotic period, in the weeks right after he was appointed deputy attorney general. Rosenstein's alleged allusion to the 25th amendment of the US Constitution, which provides for removing a president if they are judged unfit for office, came just after Trump fired FBI director James Comey -- invoking a memo written by Rosenstein. According to the Times, Rosenstein was unhappy about being "used" by Trump in the firing of Comey, as well as concerned about other turmoil in the White House under the new president. "I will not further comment on a story based on anonymous sources who are obviously biased against the department and are advancing their own personal agenda," Rosenstein said in a statement Friday. "But let me be clear about this: Based on my personal dealings with the president, there is no basis to invoke the 25th Amendment."

New bombshell revives debate on Trump fitness for office

Iran hit back at a US&nbsp;offer of negotiations on Thursday, saying Washington had violated the terms of the last big deal they agreed, the 2015 nuclear accord.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump pulled out of that nuclear accord - which curbed Iran's atomic activities in return for sanctions relief - in May, saying it did not go far enough.

The US&nbsp;special envoy for Iran, Brian Hook, said on Wednesday that Washington now wanted to negotiate a treaty that included Tehran's ballistic missile programme and its regional behaviour.

Hook said the new deal that Washington hoped to sign with Iran, would not be a "personal agreement between two governments like the last one, we seek a treaty."

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif took to Twitter to dismiss the characterisation of last deal as a "personal agreement", saying it was "an int'l accord enshrined in a UN (Security Council resolution)".

"US&nbsp;has violated its treaty obligations too... Apparently, U.S. only mocks calls for peace," he added in the message that was attached to a video of a protester who took to the stage after Hook's speech, shouting that sanctions were hurting Iranian people.

The five other world powers that signed the 2015 accord with Iran - France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia - have been trying to salvage it, saying it offers the best chance to stop Iran developing a nuclear bomb. Tehran says its nuclear work is for electricity generation and other peaceful purposes.

Iran hit back at a US offer of negotiations on Thursday, saying Washington had violated the terms of the last big deal they agreed, the 2015 nuclear accord. US President Donald Trump pulled out of that nuclear accord - which curbed Iran's atomic activities in return for sanctions relief - in May, saying it did not go far enough.

Iran hit back at a US offer of negotiations on Thursday, saying Washington had violated the terms of the last big deal they agreed, the 2015 nuclear accord. US President Donald Trump pulled out of that nuclear accord - which curbed Iran's atomic activities in return for sanctions relief - in May, saying it did not go far enough. The US special envoy for Iran, Brian Hook, said on Wednesday that Washington now wanted to negotiate a treaty that included Tehran's ballistic missile programme and its regional behaviour. Hook said the new deal that Washington hoped to sign with Iran, would not be a "personal agreement between two governments like the last one, we seek a treaty." Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif took to Twitter to dismiss the characterisation of last deal as a "personal agreement", saying it was "an int'l accord enshrined in a UN (Security Council resolution)". "US has violated its treaty obligations too... Apparently, U.S. only mocks calls for peace," he added in the message that was attached to a video of a protester who took to the stage after Hook's speech, shouting that sanctions were hurting Iranian people. The five other world powers that signed the 2015 accord with Iran - France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia - have been trying to salvage it, saying it offers the best chance to stop Iran developing a nuclear bomb. Tehran says its nuclear work is for electricity generation and other peaceful purposes.

Iran dismisses US offer of talks, says Washington broke last deal

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