Page 970 - Politics
Mueller's report will be made public within a week, says Barr
US Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday (local time) announced that he will make public special counsel Robert Mueller's report on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election "within a week".Testifying before a House Appropriations subcommittee on the Justice Department's fiscal 2020 budget request, Barr underlined that some modifications would be made to the 400-page report to make some portions colour-coded and footnoted so that the public will get to know why the Justice Department decided to make such a move."The process is going along very well. My original timetable of being able to release this by mid-April stands. Within a week, I will be in a position to release the report to the public and then I will engage with the chairman of the Judiciary committees on its release to the Congress," The Hill quoted Barr as saying.Explaining his move to present a redacted report, Barr informed that authorities would colour code classified information and explanatory .
Vadra's campaign in Amethi will benefit BJP, farmers will come out to save land: Smriti Irani
Union Minister and BJP's candidate from Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, Smriti Irani on Tuesday took a jibe at Robert Vadra while downplaying his campaigning for Congress in Amethi and asserted that farmers will run a parallel campaign during his stay to save their lands from him.Speaking to ANI, Irani said, "Robert Vadra's campaign will definitely benefit BJP. Wherever Vadra will go, the farmers will come out to save their land. So even if Congress runs an "Aashirwad campaign", farmers of the region will campaign for saving their land".Robert Vadra is the husband of Congress party general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.Irani, while reaffirming that Amethi has constantly remained her priority, accused Rahul Gandhi of being absent from his constituency."For last five years, Amethi has remained my priority. I lost the election from here but despite that, I have stayed more in Amethi than Rahul Gandhi and have worked here among locals. Rahul Gandhi was .
Algeria Parliament confirms Abdelkader Bensalah as new interim president, protesters reject decision
The Algerian Parliament on Tuesday (local time) confirmed upper house Speaker Abdelkader Bensalah as the interim president of the country, even as thousands of protesters expressed disappointment with the appointment of the 76-year-old key aide of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who stepped down from the post earlier this month after week-long demonstrations.The agitators, mostly students, chanted "out with the system", in protest against Bensalah's appointment as acting head of state for 90 days. They expressed disappointment with the move as Bensalah is a part of the ruling dispensation they have been seeking to remove in the last few months, Al Jazeera reported.Police responded by firing tear gas, water cannons and used pepper spray and batons in a bid to dispel the crowd.Although Bensalah's appointment is in accordance with the Algerian Constitution, the demonstrators are unhappy with the move as the 76-year-old is a seasoned establishment insider, besides having close links to ...
Pompeo agrees Kim Jong Un is a 'tyrant'
US President Donald Trump has said he's in love with Kim Jong Un, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday agreed that the North Korean leader is a "tyrant." Pompeo, who flew to Pyongyang four times last year as the Trump administration sought an opening with North Korea, was taken to task as he testified before a Senate subcommittee. Senator Patrick Leahy, a Democrat, pointed to Pompeo's denunciations of Venezuela's leftist President Nicolas Maduro as a "tyrant" and asked if he would use similar language for Kim. "Sure. I'm sure I've said that," Pompeo replied. The comment may irk North Korea, which has signalled it is open to a third summit with Trump after a February meeting in Hanoi ended in stalemate. Seeking a potentially landmark denuclearisation accord, Trump has repeatedly praised Kim and last month said he had blocked major new sanctions planned for North Korea out of affection for its young authoritarian leader. North Korea has also been careful not to criticize Trump,
Israel's Gantz hails 'historic day', vows forming next govt
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main rival, Benny Gantz, declared victory in parliamentary elections on Tuesday night, vowing to unite Israel and be "everyone's prime minister."
Pompeo refuses to back two-state solution after Netanyahu pledge
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday refused to reaffirm US support for a Palestinian state after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged to annex West Bank settlements. Testifying before a Senate subcommittee just as Israel wrapped up tight elections, Pompeo declined to respond when Democrats asked him to back a two-state solution. "Ultimately the Israelis and Palestinians will decide how to resolve this," Pompeo replied. Pompeo said that President Donald Trump's aides Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt would soon lay out a proposal "to resolve a problem that's been going on for decades and decades that previous administrations couldn't solve." "We're hopeful that we have some ideas that are different, unique, which will allow the Israelis and the Palestinian people to come to a resolution of the conflict," Pompeo said. Kushner, who is also Trump's son-in-law, has close family ties to Netanyahu, who was locked in a tight race to remain prime minister against centrist former ...
OAS recognizes Guaido envoy until new Venezuela polls
The Organization of American States said Tuesday it recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido's envoy as Venezuela's delegate to the regional body until new elections are held in the country. After a heated debate, the OAS permanent council made the decision by a vote of 18 in favour, nine against, and six abstentions. One delegate was absent. The new delegate is Gustavo Tarre. The move is yet another blow against President Nicolas Maduro, and was vehemently opposed by the delegate of the beleaguered leader, who is locked in a power struggle with Guaido. Guaido, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, is recognized by more than 50 countries, led by the US, as the oil-rich but economically crippled country's legitimate interim president. The OAS permanent council brings together the ambassadors of all 34 OAS member states. It is the organization's top body. The council asked OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro to send the text to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The text states ...
OAS recognizes Guaido envoy until new Venezuela polls
The Organization of American States said Tuesday it recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido's envoy as Venezuela's delegate to the regional body until new elections are held in the country. After a heated debate, the OAS permanent council made the decision by a vote of 18 in favour, nine against, and six abstentions. One delegate was absent. The new delegate is Gustavo Tarre. The move is yet another blow against President Nicolas Maduro, and was vehemently opposed by the delegate of the beleaguered leader, who is locked in a power struggle with Guaido. Guaido, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, is recognized by more than 50 countries, led by the US, as the oil-rich but economically crippled country's legitimate interim president. The OAS permanent council brings together the ambassadors of all 34 OAS member states. It is the organization's top body. The council asked OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro to send the text to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The text states ...
OAS recognizes Guaido envoy until new Venezuela polls
The Organization of American States said Tuesday it recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido's envoy as Venezuela's delegate to the regional body until new elections are held in the country. After a heated debate, the OAS permanent council made the decision by a vote of 18 in favour, nine against, and six abstentions. One delegate was absent. The new delegate is Gustavo Tarre. The move is yet another blow against President Nicolas Maduro, and was vehemently opposed by the delegate of the beleaguered leader, who is locked in a power struggle with Guaido. Guaido, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, is recognized by more than 50 countries, led by the US, as the oil-rich but economically crippled country's legitimate interim president. The OAS permanent council brings together the ambassadors of all 34 OAS member states. It is the organization's top body. The council asked OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro to send the text to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The text states ...
As May makes her whirlwind Europe trip, Tusk proposes 'long' Brexit delay
With just two days left for the Brexit deadline, British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday (local time) met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin and Paris, respectively, in a bid to secure an extension for the country's withdrawal from the European Union.May has made a request for a second extension of Brexit deadline from April 12 to June 30, which is set to be discussed by the EU leaders at a special summit in Brussels on April 10 (Wednesday).Making her first stop in Berlin, May was received by Merkel at the Chancellery, where the two leaders held a working lunch and held deliberations on the proposed Brexit extension as well as preventing efforts to not allow the UK to leave the 28-member EU bloc without any deal.May "outlined the steps the government is taking to bring the Brexit process to a successful conclusion," CNN quoted a Downing Street spokesperson as saying.May also apprised Merkel on her ongoing talks with the opposition ...
Telangana: Kavitha hits out at 'patriotic' BJP, asks why party didn't solve Kashmir issue
Lashing out at the BJP, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) MP and party president KCR's daughter Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Tuesday said the party's sole claim over patriotism is fake as they couldn't even solve the Kashmir issue.Addressing media here on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of polls, Kavitha said, "BJP says that they are the only party having patriotism in the country, but actually they don't have it because patriotism doesn't only support one religion. In our country TRS is the only government to provide funds for all religions. If BJP is so patriotic then why didn't they solve Kashmir issue?"She also accused BJP and Congress of not looking after people of Telangana for the last five years and coming to them only for campaigning."From past five years parties like BJP and Congress haven't asked about people's well-wishes but from past twenty days, they are showing love towards them. When BJP is in the Centre they haven't provided any economic support or schemes to
In contradictory exit polls, Netanyahu, Gantz claim victory in Israeli parliamentary elections
As voting for the 21st parliamentary elections in Israel came to an end on Tuesday (local time), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz both claimed victory in the elections after exit polls predicted a majority for Likud party, but forecasted the Blue and White party making major gains in the 120-seat Knesset (Parliament).Exit polls, which were released at 10 pm (local time), predicted a tight race for the presidential post.According to local media, two exit polls gave the right-wing bloc led by Likud party a 64-seat majority in the 120-seat Knesset. However, two to three exit polls saw the Blue and White party gaining more seats than the Likud party.Responding to the exit polls, Netanyahu said that the Likud party and other right-wing parties secured a "clear majority", and would form the government "as soon as tonight"."The right-wing bloc led by the Likud won a clear victory. I thank the citizens of Israel for the trust. I will start forming a right-wing .
AP: I-T Dept carries out raids at TDP MP Galla Jayadev's residence
Income tax sleuths on Tuesday raided different locations related to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Galla Jayadev.Confirming the raids, TDP spokesperson Lanka Dinakar said Jayadev, along with other TDP leaders, are staging a 'Dharna' against the raids."Union Government is carrying out vendetta politics in Andhra Pradesh on behalf of his B-team Jaganmohan Reddy. This IT raid against Jayadev is because he called on Prime Minister in Lok Sabha. He is now being agonised just before elections. Jayadev is one of the highest income taxpayers in Andhra Pradesh," said Dinakar.Following the raids, Jayadev alleged that he is being targeted for being an outspoken critic of Prime Minister Modi.Speaking to media, the TDP MP said, "It is happening at three locations where my election team was staying. I am demanding an explanation on why we are being targeted. This country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going down a fascist path. Because I have spoken against him, initiated a ...
Netanyahu, main challenger neck and neck after Israeli election: exit polls
Exit polls showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party finishing close second to his challenger Benny Gantz's Blue and White party after Israeli elections but the right wing bloc led by the Premier looks in a better position to form a coalition government. Israelis Tuesday voted in the country's most closely fought election in years that will decide whether incumbent Netanyahu will get another term to become the longest serving premier in the Jewish state's history or be replaced with a former army chief. Both Netanyahu and Gantz claimed victory minutes after the exit polls by Israel's three main television stations came out. "The right-wing bloc led by Likud won a clear victory," Netanyahu wrote on Twitter. "I thank the citizens of Israel for their faith. I will begin forming a right-wing government with our natural partners tonight already," the Prime Minister stressed. Kahol Lavan (Blue and White) party also claimed victory saying, "We won!" "The Israeli people have ...
May meeting Macron for Brexit delay request
UK Prime Minister Theresa May is holding last-minute Brexit talks with the French President Emmanuel Macron, with the UK due to leave the EU in three days' time.
Expect Mueller report within a week: AG William Barr
Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday said he expects to release a redacted version of special counsel Robert Mueller's report "within a week," but he does not plan to provide Congress with an unredacted version of the report, setting the stage for a showdown with congressional Democrats.
Congress in fix over two Alpesh Thakur aides in fray
Less than a month after he was won over by the Congress leadership, maverick legislator Alpesh Thakore seems to have decided to queer the pitch for his own party, with two members of his Kshatriya Thakore Sena contesting for Banaskantha Lok Sabha and Unjha Assembly by-elections as Independents.
I-T dept seeks legal action against K'taka CM, Dy CM for intimidating officers
The income tax department has written to the Chief Electoral Officer seeking legal action against Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara and a host of his cabinet colleagues for allegedly intimidating tax officers and obstructing them from discharging duties, sources said Tuesday. The chief minister, former chief minister Siddaramaiah, and host of other state ministers along with their supporters had staged a demonstration near the income tax office on March 28, accusing the Centre of using central agencies, such and income tax department, enforcement directorate and CBI, to intimidate the opposition. The protests took place when tax raids were in progress across the state. In his letter, dated April 5, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Goa-Karnataka region) B R Balakrishnan said, "Reports in electronic media depict that the protest was led by chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, former chief minister ...
Baghel expresses deep sorrow over death of BJP leader in Naxal attack
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed deep sorrow over the death of BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi and four security personnel in a Naxal attack in Dantewada district Tuesday and said the reply of Naxlas' bullet will be given in their own language by security forces. Talking to reporters late evening, Baghel also refuted BJP charge that a political conspiracy was behind the attack. "After Jhiram Ghati Naxal attack on Congress leaders, this was another big and highly condemnable attack on parliamentary democracy," Baghel said. "Who will understand this pain more than us (the Congress) as we had lost an entire generation of our leaders in a major Naxal attack," he said, referring to the Jhiram valley attack in which senior Congress leaders were killed in May, 2013. "Our government has been winning the confidence of tribal people in the entire state including Bastar. This ghastly act is outcome of Naxals' frustration," Baghel said. "Naxals do not have faith in democracy. The state .
Karnataka govt transfers Mandya deputy commissioner after EC direction
The Karnataka government Tuesday transferred the deputy commissioner of Mandya, from where Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil is contesting the Lok Sabha election as JD(S) candidate, following direction from the Election Commission. P C Jaffer, IAS commissioner for public instruction, Bengaluru, is transferred with immediate effect and posted until further order as deputy commissioner, Mandya district, from where Deputy Commissioner N Manjushree is transferred, the official notification said. The order is issued as per the direction of Election Commission of India, it said. Independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh had accused Manjushree of "bias". She had alleged that Kumaraswamy was misusing the office of the deputy commissioner, also the district election officer. Sumalatha's polling agent had also alleged that the DC did not act on their complaint against flaws in Nikhil Kumaraswamy's nomination papers. Sumalatha, a multi-lingual actress and widow of ...