Page 1570 - Politics
Trump refers Pulwama attack as 'horrible situation'
US President Donald Trump described as a "horrible situation" the February Pulwama terrorist attack, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel.Trump said he was getting reports on the attack carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed group and would soon issue a statement in the connection. "I've seen it, I've watched, I've gotten a lot of reports on it. We'll have a comment at the appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) got along," Trump said."It seems like that was a horrible situation. But we're getting reports, we'll have a statement to put out," the President added when asked to review the terror attack.Meanwhile, Deputy Spokesperson of US State Department Robert Palladino, while addressing the press at the White House on Tuesday, pledged strong commitment with India to combat terrorism in all forms and further called on Pakistan to act against the terror organisations operating in the country."We condemn in the strongest terms possible the terrorist attack that .
Russia opens two humanitarian corridors to evacuate besieged Syrians
In an efforts to secure the return of the besieged Syrian civilians, Russia opened two humanitarian corridors to evacuate the displaced people in al-Rukban Camp in al Tanf area of Syria's Homs on Tuesday."Due to the urgent need to address the problems of the displaced in al-Rukban Camp, two corridors were opened in the towns of Jleighem and Jabal al-Ghurab on the outskirts of al-Tanf area to facilitate the evacuation of the civilians from the camp," Sanna news quoted Russian National Center for State Defence Control General Lieutenant Mikhail Mezentsev as saying.Mezentsev claimed that the situation is "catastrophic" in the camp where around 50 thousand displaced Syrians are being held hostages by the terrorist organisations under the control of the US.Units of the Syrian Arab Army, together with the Russian military police, take charge of securing the safety of the displaced people all the way to the new residential places.Russia has always accused the US of holding people in Rukban ..
Pak-origin Faiz Shakir to manage Sanders' presidential campaign
US Senator Bernie Sanders has picked Pakistani-origin Faiz Shakir to serve as campaign manager for his second run at the White House, according to reports.The son of Pakistani immigrants, Shakir an experienced Democratic operative who was national political director at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), will manage the 2020 presidential campaign of the Vermont Senator.Shakir, who grew up in Florida was a senior advisor to former Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and worked at the liberal Centre for American Progress think tank.According to the CNN, Shakir replaces Jeff Weaver, Sanders' first presidential campaign manager. Reportedly, Shakir held a meeting with his team at the ACLU at noon on Tuesday to announce that he was leaving ACLU to join the Sanders campaign.The 39-year-old will be the first Muslim to ever hold a position of the campaign manager of the presidential campaign.A graduate from Harvard University, Shakir had also served as senior adviser and director of ...
Will contest Lok Sabha polls, Ajit, Parth will not: Sharad Pawar
Ending the long speculation over his future role in active politics, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has declared that he will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, while his nephew Ajit Pawar and some other family members will not contest.Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, Pawar said, "Ajit Pawar is not going to contest the election, Parth Pawar is not going to contest, Rohit Pawar is not going to contest. Sharad Pawar is going to contest."Pawar made this statement while addressing a question about him allegedly promoting dynastic politics in the region.Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar is already a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and there were speculations about his son Ajit joining the active politics and contesting polls. Pawar also refuted rumours of his grandson Rohit contesting polls.Pawar, however, made no mention of his daughter who is a NCP MP Supriya Sule and is expected to contest again from Baramati LS constituency.Talking about the
Pulwama attack: Indian Americans to protest outside Chinese, Pak diplomatic missions in US
The Indian American community will hold peaceful protests outside the Pakistani and Chinese diplomatic missions in the US over the Pulwama terrorist attack, alleging China provides tacit support to Pakistan which uses non-State actors against its neighbours. A candlelight protest will be held outside the Pakistan Consulate in Chicago after which the protesters will march to the Chinese consulate on Thursday, February 21, the organisers have said. The main objectives of the protest, according to the organisers, are to "expose the barbaric nature" of Pakistani terrorism and to wake up the world against Pakistan- and China-supported terrorism, a media release said. The next day, the Indian Americans in New York and New Jersey area would hold another peaceful protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Manhattan, New York. "It is time that the United States and rest of the world speak in unison against Pakistani establishment's continued support to terrorists in recruiting, training, ...
UN urges India, Pakistan to defuse tensions
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" and offered to mediate in the face of rising tensions following the attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF troopers.
Cuba refutes Trump's claims of troops in Venezuela
Cuba on Tuesday rejected claims of United States President Donald Trump about an alleged deployment of Cuban troops in Venezuela."The US president's accusations that Cuba has deployed a private army in Venezuela are not true. Our government strongly and categorically rejects that," Sputnik quoted Rodriguez as saying.The foreign minister remarks came in the wake of US President allegation against Cuba that it is controlling the Venezuelan socialist President Nicolas Maduro. He further alleged that Maduro was "controlled was protected by a private army of Cuban soldiers."The US President on Monday asked Venezuelan officials and military officers to not follow orders of President Nicolas Maduro to block the humanitarian aid deliveries to the country and to accept the offer of amnesty made by the opposition leader Guaido. The US leader also said that Washington was seeking a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela but noted that "all options" remained open.Venezuela is in political ...
Congress strengthens team Priyanka, Jyotiraditya, appoints 6 AICC secretaries for UP
Congress has appointed six AICC secretaries for Uttar Pradesh with three each being given the responsibility of UP East and UP West.As per orders of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Rana Goswami, Dhiraj Gurjar and Rohit Chaudhary have been appointed as AICC Secretaries for UP West and were attached with General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia.Zubair Khan, Kumar Ashish and Bajirao Khade have been appointed as AICC Secretaries for UP East and attached with General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.With the announcement of these names, Congress has chosen a blend of experienced and low-key faces of the organisation to serve as the secretary for both regions of the politically significant Uttar Pradesh.Designated in Scindia's team, Rana Goswami hails from Assam and has worked in Uttar Pradesh before as well. Similarly, Zubair Khan hailing from Rajasthan and a former MLA from state's Ramgarh constituency has also worked as convener secretary in Bundelkhand region.The other two individuals who
Venezuelan congress authorizes entry of humanitarian aid
Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly voted on Tuesday to authorise the entry of humanitarian aid from the US and other countries that President Nicolas Maduro's government refuses to accept.
UN Human Rights chief strongly condemns Pulwama terror attack
The top United Nations human rights official has strongly condemned last week's suicide bomb attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir calling on authorities to bring those responsible to justice. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Michelle Bachelet is also saddened by the further loss of life from subsequent gun battles in the same area Monday, the spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Rupert Colville said in Geneva Tuesday. "The High Commissioner strongly condemns the suicide bomb attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February and calls on authorities to bring those responsible to justice," Colville said. A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed group drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding others. In a major encounter in Pulwama's Pinglan area Monday, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists,
White House moves forward with wall funding despite lawsuits
The White House is moving forward with plans to shift existing federal funds to pay for construction of a wall on the southern border, a senior administration official said.
Pak has started a war, we will end it: G D Bakshi
In a sharp reaction to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's statements on the deadly Pulwama attack, Retired Major General Gagandeep Bakshi has termed the killing of 40 soldiers in a premeditated operation as an "act of war" and it is now for India to finish what Pakistan had started.Citing Khan's televised address earlier on Tuesday, Bakshi said, "On 14th February his Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) network attacked our CRPF convey and killed 40 people. JeM has proudly owned up to it. What they did is not an act of terror; it is an act of war. They started it but we will finish it."He also asserted that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was not elected to the post but selected by the country's army for the job."Imran Khan is a selected prime minister and not elected prime minister. He was selected by Pakistan Army Chief General Bajwa, who is now arm twisting him to give an extension."Imran Khan is not in control of the army that we know but it is now known that he is not even in control of ..
Parrikar must go if mining has to restart in Goa: Girish Chodankar
Calling for the resignation of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the Congress on Tuesday said a lasting solution to the mining crisis in the state could only be found only after he leaves the charge.Reacting to Cabinet discussions regarding mining in the state, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar said, "It was Parrikar who proudly claimed in 2012 to have closed down mining in Goa and since then he is talking about restarting of mining without any results."He has been fooling the people for more than a year after the Supreme court order and the BJP leaders, Union ministers, cabinet ministers have all been making misleading statements with multiple options of Corporation, amendments to Act, Ordinance, etc. They have also been changing timelines since then."Chodankar further emphasised that the main obstacle to finding a solution to the deadlock in the mining sector is Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar and the issue can be solved only with his resignation.Chief
Trump signs directive to create Space Force
United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a long-awaited directive ordering the Department of Defence to create a Space Force as a sixth military branch.According to the CNN, the Space Policy Directive-4 (SPD-4) orders the Pentagon draft legislation for Congress that would develop the Space Force as a part of the US Air Force.This would be a youngest US military branch surpassing the Air Force which was added shortly after World War II. The Space Force will serve as a force provider for personnel, assets, etc while the Space Command will serve as the operational command that will lead space operations by employing space capabilities.The directive was developed by National Space Council along with Pentagon, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, National Security Council, Office of Management and Budget, and the White House Counsel's Office.In December last year, Trump had has signed a memo to establish a US Space Command as a unified ...
Tension in India and Pakistan could affect Afghan-peace process: Zahid Nasurllah Khan
Pakistan Ambassador to Afghanistan Zahid Nasrullah Khan on Tuesday claimed that the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan could have serious implication over Afghan-peace process."Since the development is so momentous that it can affect the stability of the entire region," Tolo news quoted Zahid as saying.This came in the wake of deescalation of India and Pakistan relations after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed by a Pakistan-sponsered JeM terrorist.While talking about Pakistan efforts in the peace process, he said, "Pakistan is making a very major effort, playing its key role which is being recognized internationally. But it is a shared responsibility. Everyone has a responsibility towards it and Pakistan has a limited role in that, but what limited role we have, we are playing that. We also have limited influence. So expect Pakistan deliver on each and every account I think is not reasonable. Yes, we believe that it has to be intra-Afghan ..
Marc Short appointed as Mike Pence's chief of staff
Former White House director of legislative affairs Marc Short has been appointed as Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff on Tuesday.Confirming the news, Pence said that he is pleased to announce the return of Marc Short to White House as his chief of staff."I am pleased to announce that Marc Short will be returning to the White House to serve as my chief of staff. Marc will be joining the Office of the Vice President in March and we look forward to welcoming him to our great @VP Team!" he tweeted..
Venezuelan military brass dismiss ultimatum from Trump
The Venezuelan military reaffirmed on Tuesday its loyalty to Nicolas Maduro in the face of US President Donald Trump's threat that the generals and admirals will "lose everything" if they do not switch their allegiance to self-proclaimed interim head of state Juan Guaido.
Bernie Sanders already missed his chance, says Trump
Senator Bernie Sanders, who announced his presidential bid Tuesday, has already missed his chance to enter the White House, President Donald Trump said even though he wished him well. "Bernie Sanders is running. Yeah, that's right. Personally, I think he missed his time," Trump told reporters at the White House hours after the US Senator from Vermont announced his second presidential bid. In 2016, he had lost the Democratic presidential primaries to Hillary Clinton. Trump said he likes Bernie Sanders because of his views on trade. "I like Bernie because he is one person that, you know, on trade, he sort of would agree on trade. I'm being very tough on trade. He was tough on trade. The problem is he doesn't know what to do about it. We're doing something very spectacular on trade," he said. Wishing Sanders well, Trump said it will be interesting to see how he does. "I think what happened to Bernie maybe was not so nice. I think he was taken advantage of. He ran great four years ago, ...
Trump describes Pulwama terrorist attack as 'horrible situation'
US President Donald Trump Tuesday described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, and said he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement. Separately, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino expressed "strong support" for India and asked Pakistan to "punish anyone responsible" for the February 14 attack. The suicide attack has led to escalation of tension between India and Pakistan and Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be "wonderful" if the two South Asia neighbours get along. "I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along," Trump said in response to a question. "That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out," Trump said. At a separate news ..
Trump speaks to South Korean prez Moon Jae-in about N Korea summit
Ahead of the North Korea summit in Hanoi later this month, US President Donald Trump Tuesday discussed the trip with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in and told reporters his ultimate goal is denuclearization of N Korea. "I had a great conversation this morning with President Moon of South Korea. We obviously discussed the upcoming trip next week...we're going to Hanoi in Vietnam...I look forward to being with Chairman Kim (Jong-un)..I think a lot of things will come out of it," Trump told reporters about the telephonic conversation. President Moon and I discussed probably every aspect of the meeting," he said. "We're in no rush whatsoever, we're going to have our meeting...we'll see what happens and I think ultimately we're going to be very successful." Trump and the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are scheduled to meet on February 27-28 in Hanoi, Vietnam. "The two leaders agreed to remain in close communication following the summit," the White House said. In an interaction ...