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Khashoggi murder: Central Intelligence Agency chief Haspel 'to brief Congress'

December 04, 2018

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and American resident, was murdered and dismembered minutes after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2 - allegedly on orders from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Was there a phone conversation between the crown prince and the killers? The New York Times, the Journal and the Washington Post and have all reported that the Central Intelligence Agency has evidence Prince Mohammed (below) exchanged 11 messages with his ...

Sri Lanka president weighs backing down in crisis over parliament

December 04, 2018

Wickremesinghe said that all political parties agree to hold an election only if a legal government exists in the country and that even the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) have declared this. Sri Lanka's toppled premier likened the president to Hitler on Tuesday as he demanded to be reinstated, nearly six weeks into a paralysing political crisis in the Indian Ocean nation.

Prince Charles to attend Bush’s funeral in Washington, D.C.

December 04, 2018

The president and first lady made a trip to the U.S. Capitol Monday night to pay their respects to former President George H.W. Bush, who is lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda ahead of the state funeral Wednesday. Bush was elected USA president in 1988 as the successor to Ronald Reagan. "This is the way the country says goodbye to presidents". He said Bush showed other political leaders that "how we live is as important as what we achieve".

Israel launches operation to destroy Hezbollah tunnels

December 04, 2018

Jonathan Conricus, an Israel military spokesman, said they were aware of a number of tunnels crossing into Israel from Lebanon to the north, and that the army would only be operating within Israel and not crossing the border. In a tweet, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the Lebanese government is responsible for the build-up of the tunnels, saying they are endangering Lebanese citizens.

G20 summit shows strains over climate change

December 04, 2018

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also met the press together after their meeting. Mr Macron said the crown prince only "took note" of his concerns. French President Emmanuel Macron was captured on video seemingly lecturing Mr bin Salman, at one point being heard saying "I am anxious", "you never listen to me", and "I am a man of my word".

Former US president George HW Bush dies aged 94

December 04, 2018

White House advisor Kellyanne Conway tweeted: "Heartfelt sympathy and deep condolences to the entire Bush family on the passing of our 41st President, George HW Bush ". He was a World War II aviator and Texan oil tycoon before entering politics in 1964 as a Republican. Bush did not endorse fellow Republican Trump, the eventual victor of the 2016 presidential election, who attacked both Jeb and George W.

Algerian president cancels bin Salman meeting over cold

December 04, 2018

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will arrive in Algiers on Sunday, Algerian state media said, for a visit that has been roundly criticised due to the killing of a dissident journalist. Secretary General of the leftist Workers' Party Louisa Hanoun called Prince Mohammed's visit a "provocation". It said MbS was "responsible for the death of a large number of children and civilians in Yemen " as well as that of Khashoggi.

'Mr. Putin Is a Slow Learner.' Mattis Blasts Russia Aggression, Meddling

December 04, 2018

USA officials and expert observers said on midterms election night earlier this month they did not see coordinated cyber activity targeting the midterms, unlike the hack-and-leak attacks and infrastructure probing Russian Federation is suspected to have coordinated and conducted ahead of and during the 2016 presidential election.

Trump asks Pakistan's Khan to help with Taliban talks following verbal spat

December 04, 2018

The letter was a damning indictment that Pakistan is yet to act to deal with the Taliban. Prime Minister Imran, in a meeting with TV anchors and reporters in the federal capital, informed that he received a letter from the USA president earlier today.

Kellyanne Conway’s Husband Accuses Trump of Witness Tampering

December 03, 2018

Cohen, once one of the president's closest allies and a top executive at The Trump Organization, last week admitted lying in testimony about contacts with powerful Moscow figures over building a Trump Tower in Moscow. In his court statement, Cohen said he had lied "out of loyalty" to Trump and his "political messaging". Stone appeared on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" on Sunday and said he would refuse to go against the president.

In Poland, President Buhari dismisses "Jubril from Sudan" cloning tale

December 03, 2018

He spoke on the issue while interacting with Nigerians living in Poland, in his first official engagement, ahead of the Conference of the Parties (COP24) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which began yesterday.He said a lot of people had wished him dead during the period of his ill health.

Korean train enters N. Korea for first time in 11 years

December 03, 2018

Trump noted that he has " a very friendly view of Chairman Kim and that he likes him ", the South Korean leader said, as quoted by Yonhap News Agency. The South Korean government is optimistic over Kim's visit to Seoul , which he promised during the third inter-Korean summit in September in Pyongyang.

State Funeral Arrangements for George H.W. Bush Announced

December 03, 2018

His son George - the 43rd president of the United States - and other loved ones are expected to travel on the plane as well as his service dog Sully. Sully was assigned to Bush in June to provide support in his daily activities, according to America's VetDogs - an organisation that matches veterans and service dogs.

Things to know about George H.W. Bush funeral services

December 03, 2018

On Wednesday, family and friends will gather at the National Cathedral in D.C., for an 11 a.m. ET memorial service. Social media users thanked Sully for his services and commented on his and dogs' loyalty generally towards their owners. President Trump plans to attend. Bush will then be taken by a motorcade procession to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, where he will be laid to rest.

Citing Russia threat, Ukraine boosts security at ports, power plants

December 03, 2018

Germany, France, Ukraine and Russian Federation will hold further talks at the advisor level about a shipping standoff in the Kerch Strait, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday, urging Moscow to let Ukrainian vessels enter the Sea of Azov.

Michelle Obama memoir sells two million copies in two weeks

December 03, 2018

As many as 1,122,618 hardcover copies of Obama's uplifting memoir have been sold since its November 13 release date, according to a CNN report, citing NDP BookScan data. She also digs into personal issues, detailing a miscarriage, conceiving her daughters Malia, 20, and Sasha, 17, by in-vitro fertilization and marriage counseling.

Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra post wedding on social media

December 03, 2018

An important part for the girl in an Indian wedding is the Mehendhi. What a gorgeous day December 01, 2018 - 19:09 GMT Hollie Richardson See the photos and details of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' lavish Indian pre-wedding ceremony including the wedding rings and Priyanka's dress.

Brexit legal advice: Theresa May faces fresh battle

December 03, 2018

May herself has stuck rigidly to the line that she can win the parliamentary vote, and refused to tell reporters traveling with her to Buenos Aires whether she had a plan B. As critics gathered for an all-out assault, shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer hinted that his favoured outcome is a second referendum - suggesting staying in the European Union should be an option in the ballot, and no-deal Brexit should not be.

Sir John Major leads tributes to George HW Bush

December 03, 2018

Mr Kenyatta said the world has lost an astute statesman and public servant, business icon and a family man who will be emulated by many across the globe. Before that, he served for eight years as Vice-President under Ronald Reagan . He also navigated the United States through the end of the Cold War, with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Soviet Union , and the reunification of Germany.

Cops seek suitor who dropped engagement ring down NYC grating

December 03, 2018

The NYPD had been looking for the couple since Saturday, after getting the ring out of the grate. In extremely unlucky circumstances, the ring slipped off Daniella's finger as they were walking over a subway grate in Times Square later that night.

Pompeo says Iran tested ballistic missile, in violation of United Nations resolution

December 03, 2018

Addressing Mr Pompeo's comments, Iran's Foreign Ministry insisted the country's missile programme did not violate United Nations resolutions and was used exclusively for building Tehran's defence capabilities. "Iran is among the world's top powers in building missiles, radars, armoured vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles", Hatami told official IRNA news agency, reports Xinhua.

Pelosi’s path back to speaker’s gavel is firmly in sight

December 03, 2018

She's not quite there. Abby Finkenauer, a Democrat, announced her decision in an emailed statement Wednesday afternoon. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/APAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Tuesday joined a protest on climate change outside of Nancy Pelosi's office.

Erdogan demands Saudis extradite suspects in Khashoggi killing

December 03, 2018

Following the worldwide outcry after Khashoggi's death, all eyes are on the Saudi prince at the G20 summit. "It's essential that these people are tried in Turkey in order to eliminate any question marks that the worldwide community may have", Erdogan told reporters.

Modi, Xi upbeat on relations post-Wuhan

December 03, 2018

Had an excellent meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron . Calling the meet a "good occasion", Modi appreciated the meet with their clear aim to develop stability in the world with promoting peace and prosperity. The three leaders agreed to have regular consultations at all levels to jointly promote worldwide and regional peace and stability, to strengthen cooperation through BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and East Asia Summit (EAS) mechanisms, to address global challenges ...

George H.W. Bush to lie in state at the Capitol

December 03, 2018

Baker, told the publication. "Given what politics looks like in America and around the world today, it's easy to sigh and say George H.W. Bush belonged to an era that is gone and never coming back - where our opponents are not our enemies, where we are open to different ideas and changing our minds, where facts matter and where our devotion to our children's future leads to honest compromise and shared progress", he wrote.

Comey blinks in battle with Congress over 'grandiose' demand for public hearing

December 03, 2018

As part of a deal with legislators, Comey has been told that he is free to speak about the questioning afterward and that a transcript would be released 24 hours after he testifies, his attorney, David Kelley, said. Trump fired Comey previous year on the grounds that Comey had mishandled the Clinton case, with both then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein sending memos expressing agreement with the decision.

Macron mulls state of emergency after worst unrest in decades

December 03, 2018

While France was burning, Macron was at the useless G-20 summit. A group sprayed graffiti on the iconic monument at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, which houses the tomb of the unknown soldier, where 60 leaders on November 11 commemorated the end of World War I.

Michael Cohen's lawyers ask for no prison time

December 02, 2018

The former NY mayor said Mueller, who is investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election and any involvement by Trump campaign associates, is trying to pressure targets of his probe into turning on the president - at any cost. "He intends to continue to make himself available to the SCO as and when needed for additional questioning". He is also cooperating with federal investigators in the Southern District of NY in another ongoing case.

Trump on China: 'I like the deal we have now'

December 02, 2018

There is a "good possibility" President Donald Trump will reach an agreement later this week to resolve the US trade dispute with China , a White House official said Tuesday. "What would the United States do?" China has retaliated with tariffs of its own on U.S. imports. "In the manufacturing chain, China occupies the low end and middle section, while the United States is on the middle to high end".

Rod 'Should Have Never Picked A Special Counsel'

December 02, 2018

Rosenstein has been widely viewed to be on shaky ground since The New York Times reported that the deputy attorney general had discussed secretly recording the president and pursuing Constitutional steps to remove him from office with other administration officials.

Israeli police recommend indicting Netanyahu in telecom case

December 02, 2018

A statement issued on Sunday says that Netanyahu is suspected of accepting bribes in exchange for policy decisions that favored Shaul Elovitch, a media mogul that controlled Israel's largest telecom firm, Bezeq, and the Walla News website. Police are also recommending charges be brought against Elovitch and members of his family. There is sufficient evidence to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for taking bribes, fraud and breach of trust, and fraudulently obtaining benefits under ...

A messy start to December: Snow, Rain, Ice this weekend

December 02, 2018

Rain showers taper off early Sunday morning before sunrise and we should get a dry start with scattered showers through the afternoon and temps near 50 degrees as skies become partly sunny even with showers around. Wind gust up to 40 miles per hour will be possible at times with mild highs in the low-mid 60's. Bad news is that snow return Sunday night with colder air being ushered in.

Trudeau asked Vladimir Putin release imprisoned Ukrainian sailors

December 02, 2018

Trade, China - Trump has cast his talks Saturday with Xi as a deadline for China to cave on his key trade concerns, including access for U.S. companies and protection of their intellectual property. United States intelligence agencies have concluded the crown prince ordered Khashoggi's killing. Signing the agreement alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, Trump said he looked forward to working with the US Congress to complete the terms of ...

South Korean train crosses DMZ into North Korea

December 02, 2018

A South Korean train runs on the rail track, which the two Koreas hope to eventually use as an global transport link, near to the border village of Panmunjom in North Korea , in Paju, South Korea, Friday, Nov. After whistling twice, the South Korean train slowly traveled toward North Korea's Panmun Station, near the town of Kaesong, where the cars would be reconnected to a North Korean engine.

NYPD Finds Engagement Ring After Couple’s Proposal Attempt Goes Disastrously Awry

December 02, 2018

All was not lost - police found the ring at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The NYPD Emergency Service Unit responded, but the couple departed in defeat after they were unable to retrieve the ring. Officers also shared a picture of the newly cleaned gleaming ring, asking people to get in touch "if you know the happy couple so we can return it to them!" "She said "Yes" - but he was so excited that he dropped the ring in a grate", the NYPD wrote on Twitter.

Quake causes disruptions at Anchorage Airport

December 02, 2018

The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake Friday morning was centred about 12 kilometres north of Alaska's largest city. The tsunami warning for Southcentral Alaska including Kenai, Kodiak and the shores of Cook Inlet was canceled around 10 a.m.

Trump reacts to death of George H.W. Bush

December 02, 2018

In a joint statement, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Bush "never stopped serving". In August 2015, Trump tweeted a dig at the presidency of George H.W. Bush's death came seven months after that of his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, to whom he was married for 73 years - longer than any other president and first lady.

Rahul Gandhi promises to cancel farmers' loans

December 02, 2018

Addressing a rally of almost 3,500 farmers, gathered from across the country in the national capital, Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar alleged the government from the "very beginning has been adopting pro-corporate policies and not a single major initiative for farmers has been launched by it".

President Trump, Saudi Crown Prince exchange greetings at G20

December 02, 2018

USA intelligence officials have reportedly concluded Mohammed bin Salman must have at least known of the plot to kill Khashoggi , who had written some columns for the Washington Post . American officials, including Trump, have publicly questioned whether the crown prince's role will ever truly be known. Despite initial pleasantries, the crown prince looked sidelined during the official "family photo" of world leaders and other dignitaries, standing at the far edge of the group ...

Feds show up at former Trump tax filer's office

December 01, 2018

Federal agents on Thursday raided the office of an attorney who in the past has handled the Trump Organization's taxes. "Our agents are executing search warrants at multiple locations today". He cited irreconcilable differences as the reason they stopped working together in letters filed with the Illinois State Property Tax Appeal Board. Brown paper covers the windows of Ald.

Wounded toll rises after blast at United Kingdom security firm in Kabul

December 01, 2018

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claims all 10 dead are foreigners. The group later said it was in response to a U.S. air strike which led to the deaths of civilians and children in the clash in southern Helmand. Provincial authorities provided different figures, telling reporters on Wednesday the air raids in Garmser were carried out by the US military and killed 30 civilians along with 16 Taliban fighters.

Nancy Pelosi set to become speaker of the House

December 01, 2018

Lee said it made sense for her to lead the caucus because of the role African-American women have played among Democrats. The group was formed several years ago by the centrist organization No Labels, in part to blunt the power of ultraconservative Republicans who have had an outsized influence on their leaders during their years in the majority.

Paul Manafort facing possible discipline in CT

December 01, 2018

How did Donald Trump respond to the Mueller team's questions? Manafort's trial there included testimony from his longtime aide Rick Gates, who has co-operated with prosecutors after pleading guilty to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

World waits to see if Trump-Xi dinner brings trade peace

December 01, 2018

Trade analysts and administration officials acknowledge it won't be easy. The United States Mexico Canada Agreement is a trilateral trade pact that replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), described by Trump as the " single worst deal ever approved ".

James Comey files motion to reject subpoena from House Republicans

December 01, 2018

Lawyers for Comey argued in a court filing on November 29, 2018, that he shouldn't have to appear for a closed-door interview with lawmakers next week. Representative Jerrold Nadler, who's in line to take over the Judiciary Committee when Democrats take control of the House in January, said earlier this week that he expected Comey would file to quash the subpoena.

Officer accused of killing man in wrong apartment indicted for murder

December 01, 2018

The grand jury's new indictment comes after deliberations and days of testimony from witnesses and Jean's family. A Dallas County grand jury on Friday indicted former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger for murder , according to county court records.

Another UK minister quits in protest of PM May’s Brexit deal

December 01, 2018

Mrs May has said that if the agreement is rejected by Parliament it would lead to greater division and uncertainty. "Galileo is only a foretaste of what's to come under the government's Brexit deal", Gyimah said in his statement. But, speaking to reporters on the way to the G20 summit in Argentina, the PM insisted she would not back down from introducing a skills-based system.

Accusations against Saudi crown prince could be discussed at G20: Argentina's Macri

December 01, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have made a decision to set up a mechanism at the leadership level to scale up the oil-rich kingdom's investments in energy, infrastructure and defence sectors in India as they met on the sidelines of the G-20 summit here.

G20: A timeline of US-China trade tensions

December 01, 2018

En route to Argentina , Xi said in Spain on Wednesday that his government would indeed boost protection of intellectual property, although foreign companies in China complain they have heard such promises before. If that was created to soothe Trump, Xi more generally urged his fellow G20 leaders "to stick to openness" and to "steer (the) world economy responsibly", Xinhua reported.

Former US president George H W Bush dead at 94

December 01, 2018

Bush's passing comes just months after the death in April of his wife and revered first lady Barbara Bush - his "most beloved woman in the world" - to whom he was married for 73 years. They were the longest-married presidential couple in US history. In 2012, the former president announced that he had vascular Parkinsonism. He also served as a congressman, Central Intelligence Agency director and Ronald Reagan's vice-president.

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