Northern League leader says Italian society threatened by Islam
ROME (Reuters) - Italian culture and society risk being eradicated by Islam, Northern League leader Matteo Salvini, an ally of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, said on Monday as he vowed to halt a migrant "invasion".
His comments came after a prominent League politician faced widespread criticism for saying Italy's "white race" could be wiped out unless stronger measures were taken to stop mainly African migrants from entering the country.
Italy holds national elections on March 4 and immigration has become a major campaign issue, with centre-right opposition parties accusing the centre-left government of doing too little to stop the influx of newcomers.
"We have to decide if our ethnicity, if our white race, if our society continues to exist or if our society will be rubbed out," Attilio Fontana, the League candidate to become the next head of the wealthy Lombardy region, told Radio Padania.
Facing a barrage of condemnation for his comments, Fontana later said it had been a "lapse". But he received swift support from party leader, Salvini, whose popularity has risen strongly in recent years thanks to his anti-migrant stance.
"We are under attack. Our culture, society, traditions and way of life are at risk," he said in a statement.
"The colour of one's skin has nothing to do with it, but the risk is very real. Centuries of history risk disappearing if Islamisation, which up until now has been underestimated, gains the upper hand," Salvini added.
Salvini has pushed the League -- a regional power that at times has called for secession -- to the far-right of European politics, allying himself with the anti-Islam Freedom Party in the Netherlands and looking to tap into popular concern over mass migration.
More than 600,000 migrants have come to Italy from across the Mediterranean Sea over the past four years, fleeing war and poverty back home.
However, Muslims only represent a small minority in Roman Catholic Italy, with the Pew Research Centre saying they will make up 4.9 percent of the population by 2020 against 3.7 percent in 2010.
All Italy's mainstream parties have called for tougher restrictions on migration and the government is working closely with Libyan authorities to try to thwart people smuggling. Last year migrant arrivals to Italy by sea fell by a third.
The head of the ruling Democratic Party, former prime minister Matteo Renzi, accused the League on Monday of scaremongering. "We look to the future, not to fear," he said.
The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement said Fontana's comments showed the centre-right bloc was extremist.
Opinion polls predict the centre-right will win the most seats at the national vote, but will fall short of an absolute majority. Polls also suggest that Fontana will be elected as Lombardy president in a ballot also set for March 4.
IMF wants China to review trade restrictions for global economy
Hong Kong, Jan 15 (IANS) As a key growth driver, China should review its trade and investment restrictions for improving the global economy, a senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said on Monday.
"China should be open to look at its own restrictions on trade and investment, which have generated criticism from some trading partners," IMF's First Deputy Managing Director David Lipton said at the Asian Financial Forum.
According to IMF, China alone contributes to a third of the global growth.
As a trading partner to over 100 countries across the world that represent 80 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the ChineseAsuccess story is linked to the world's growth, Lipton said.
"China plays an increasingly important role in development aid and infrastructure finance, as epitomised by the Belt and Road Initiative.
"In terms of its global role, China has been a voice of reason in the debate over trade and economic integration," he said.
The Belt and Road Initiative, unveiled by the Chinese government in 2013, plans to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.
With an important role in globalisation, the country should look at its own "shortcomings" with respect to trade policies, remarked Lipton.
"It means protecting intellectual property rights, reducing distortions of industrial policy, overcapacity and policies that favour state enterprises," he said.
Better globalisation is in China's own interest, he said, adding that the Chinese government and its lenders, considering the benefits of debt resolution, would ensure that the developing world does not face a new debt crisis.
"China needs to be alert to the discontent with globalisation as it is currently configured and support a global economic order for the future that will be widely embraced," he said.
With growing Foreign Direct Investments in China, the country should ensure the investments are commercially viable, Lipton said.
"China also needs to take account of the impact from investments on governance, capacity building, sustainable development and environmental protection."
Twin bombing kills 16 in Baghdad
Baghdad [Iraq], January 15 (ANI): At least 16 people were reportedly killed and several others injured in twin suicide bombings in Iraq's capital Baghdad on Monday.
The explosions took place in central Baghdad's Tayaran Square which is usually crowded by labourers seeking work, local media reports said.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
The blasts come after Iraq's security forces recently retook nearly all the territories once held by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Chinese woman shot dead in Pakistan
Islamabad [Pakistan], January 15 (ANI): A Chinese woman was shot dead in Pakistan by three robbers who stormed a residence in Islamabad on Friday.
The 35 year old woman, died from gunshot wounds after being shot by 3 robbers who stormed a residence rented by a group of Chinese nationals in Islamabad last Friday, the People's Daily reported citing Chinese embassy in Pakistan.
Last month, the Embassy of China in Islamabad had warned Chinese citizens and organisations in Pakistan to be on alert for possible terror attacks on them.
According to an estimate, there are nearly 400,000 Chinese people living in Pakistan, with a large number of professionals involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
UKPNP condemns killing of MQM leader
Bern [Switzerland], Jan 15 (ANI): United Kashmir People`s National Party (UKPNP) Exiled Chairman Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) London's deputy convener Dr Hasan Zafar Arif.
Sardar Shaukat said this is another shocking example of violence against those speaking out for truth and justice in Pakistan.
"Professor Dr Hassan Zafar was kidnapped and now his tortured body dumped in Karachi city. As usual, law enforcement forces eliminated a political opponent and now are in a state of denial that they are unaware of Professor Hassan Zafar`s killing," he said.
Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri further said how pity and shameful it is that a 72-years-old professor, an intellectual, a democrat and a peace-loving person was kidnapped and brutally killed by law enforcement forces of Pakistan.
"We are shocked and pained by the brutality and atrocities being perpetrated by Pakistan against oppressed nations and ethnic groups," he said.
The exiled chairman averred that the international community, especially United Nations (UN) should take serious note of barbarism and atrocities committed by Pakistan.
"U.N., international community and human rights organisations should put pressure on Pakistan to respect human rights, freedom of expression and demolish the prevailing impunity that permits such attacks against political opponents, civil society activists and human rights defenders," he said.
Sardar Shaukat also demanded that U.N. should send its fact-finding mission to investigate this case and cases of enforced disappearances, kidnappings, extrajudicial killings and crimes against humanity in Pakistan.
"Those responsible for such heinous crimes should be urgently brought to justice and punished," he said.
MQM leader Dr Arif was found dead in a car in Karachi's Ilyas Goth area on Sunday.
Dr Arif, who was also the MQM-London's deputy convener, used to teach Philosophy at the University of Karachi.
"The body of Hassan Zafar Arif, son of Maqbool Hassan, 70-72-years-old, was found from car number ANC-016, Lancer silver at Ilyas Goth," the Dawn quoted station house officer (SHO) at Ibrahim Hyderi police station as saying.
Palestine being offered Abu Dis as capital
Jerusalem [Israel], Jan 15 (ANI): President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday confirmed that Palestinians are being offered Abu Dis as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Abu Dis is a Palestinian town on the outskirts of Jerusalem, where Al-Quds University, one of the largest Palestinian universities, is located.
The Jerusalem Post quoted Abbas, as saying that "What would you want if Jerusalem were to be lost? Would you want to make a state with Abu Dis as its capital?" Abbas stated rhetorically. "That's what they are offering us now. Abu Dis."
The Palestinian president did not mention, whose plan is to make Abu Dis as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
However, several Palestinian and Lebanese officials, have reportedly said that a forthcoming United States peace plan includes Abu Dis as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Abbas said "no" to US President Donald Trump's peace plan.
"We can say no to anyone... And we have now said 'no' to Trump and others. No, we will not accept his plan," Abbas said. "We told him that the deal of the era is the slap of the era... We will repeal it," he added.
Protests and violence erupted in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip after US President Donald Trump, last month, announced the relocation of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Since then, Israeli forces have killed 12 Palestinians. Unofficial figures of casualties vary between 30 to 40. At least 2,900 others have been injured and more than 400 arrested so far.
On Christmas eve, Israel also sealed-off the entrance to the West Bank cities of Ramallah and al-Bireh until further notice.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has also rejected the American peace efforts and called on the European Union (EU) to take the lead in the Israel-Palestine peace process.
Jerusalem is considered as a sacred place and is home to Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites. However, it is also a disputed territory, contested by both Israel and Palestine, which sees it as the capital of its future state.
Israel extends remand of Palestinian girl who hit soldiers
JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli military court has extended the detention of a Palestinian teen filmed last month slapping soldiers.
Ahed Tamimi was filmed in December outside her family home, pushing, kicking and slapping the soldiers, who fended off the blows without retaliating.
Palestinians have hailed the 16-year-old as a hero. The altercation sparked outrage in Israel over what was seen as a humiliating incident for the military.
On Monday, the military court extended her detention for two days. Her father, Bassem, yelled in court: "My dear, my daughter. How are you? Be strong. You're strong."
The military has said she could face up to 14 years in prison. However, the maximum sentence appears unlikely.
She was indicted earlier this month on several counts, including attacking the soldiers.
US moves ships, bombers toward Korea ahead of Olympics
TOKYO (AP) — The U.S. is beefing up its presence around the Korean Peninsula ahead of next month's Winter Olympics by deploying stealth bombers, at least one extra aircraft carrier and a new amphibious assault ship to the region.
Coming after Washington agreed to postpone massive annual military maneuvers with South Korea until after the Games, North Korea says the U.S. is trying to put a chill on its renewed talks with Seoul.
"Such moves are an unpardonable military provocation chilling the atmosphere for improved inter-Korean relations," the North's ruling party said in a commentary published over the weekend.
Representatives of both Koreas held a second round of talks Monday near the Demilitarized Zone to try to pave the way for a North Korean delegation to join the Pyeongchang Games.
The U.S. has officially welcomed the talks and the moves represent routine training and scheduled upgrades, according to U.S. military officials.
Tensions remain high and the military deployments are significant.
Last week, the Pacific Air Forces announced three B-2 "Spirit" stealth bombers with approximately 200 personnel have been deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to the Pacific island of Guam.
The statement said the deployment is intended to provide leaders with "deterrent options to maintain regional stability."
But the Guam deployment hits an especially sore nerve and plays on a key vulnerability for Pyongyang, which is probably the message Washington had in mind as it seeks to make sure nothing happens during the Olympics and also let Pyongyang know its decision to postpone the exercises is not a sign of weakness.
Last year, flights by B-1B bombers from Guam to the airspace around Korea were a major flashpoint, prompting a warning from North Korea that it had drawn up a plan to target the waters around the island with a missile strike that it could carry out anytime Kim gave the order.
The B-2 is more threatening.
It's the most advanced bomber in the Air Force and, unlike the B-1B, can carry nuclear weapons. It's also the only known aircraft that can drop the Air Force's biggest bomb, the 14,000-kilogram (30,000-pound) GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
The "MOP," capable of penetrating deep into the ground to destroy reinforced tunnels and bunkers, was explicitly designed with North Korea in mind.
The B-2 deployment came just days after the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier departed for the western Pacific in what the Navy called a regularly scheduled deployment. South Korean media reports say the carrier and its strike group will reach waters near the Korean Peninsula ahead of the start of the Games on Feb. 9.
The USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, whose home port is just south of Tokyo in Yokosuka, is also in the region, and North Korea has accused the U.S. of planning to send another carrier, the USS John Stennis from Bremerton, Washington.
The Marines announced on Sunday the arrival in southern Japan of the USS Wasp, an upgraded amphibious assault ship that can carry troops and launch the corps' new F-35B stealth fighters. It can carry 30-plus aircraft, including the F-35s, which are designed for vertical takeoffs and landings.
The ships and bombers could figure largely in a U.S. response to any military emergencies during the Games. North Korea may view them as a greater and more imminent threat.
Aircraft carriers, virtually impervious to any attack the North could mount, are floating platforms for sustained air assaults, while the F-35 fighters could be a key part of any potential strike on Kim Jong Un himself.
Spain warns Catalan leader against swearing-in from Brussels
MADRID (AP) — Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned Monday that the government will keep control of Catalonia if the former regional leader who was ousted for pushing independence tries to resume office from Belgium, where he is eluding Spanish justice.
Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont wants to present his candidacy for his old job to Catalonia's parliament by video or through a delegate to avoid returning to Spain and being arrested. Puigdemont was re-elected during a parliamentary election last month after campaigning from Brussels.
The Catalan assembly's regulations are not clear on whether a candidate can be considered in absentia. The region's anti-independence opposition and Rajoy's government have said they would take the matter to the Constitutional Court of Spain if lawmakers vote on the fugitive Puigdemont.
The new parliament is set to meet for the first time Thursday. An initial vote to pick Catalonia's next president is likely to take place by the end of the month.
Rajoy said Monday that the new president would have to be sworn into office in person. He added that the Spanish government would continue invoking constitutional authority to run Catalonia until that happens.
Much to Rajoy's ire, secessionist parties again won the most seats in the Dec. 21 election the prime minister called under the temporary takeover powers after removing Puigdemont's government and dissolving the regional parliament.
Eight of their lawmakers, including Puigdemont, have fled Spain or are in jail facing possible charges of rebellion or sedition. Other former Cabinet members and parliamentary officials have been released from jail, but remain under investigation.
The parties that promote Catalan independence jointly hold 66 of the regional chamber's 135 seats and also have support from four pro-independence, anti-establishment lawmakers.
The Catalan crisis, Spain's worst political trouble decades, came to a head when separatist lawmakers declared independence Oct. 27 based on the results from an Oct. 1 voter referendum that Spanish courts had suspended.
Puigdemont remains adamant about pushing ahead with forming a Catalan republic that is separate from Spain. However, nearly all of the elected lawmakers under investigation have pledged to act within the law from now on.
Polls consistently show that most Catalans want the right to decide the region's future but are evenly divided over splitting from Spain.
ROME (Reuters) - Italian culture and society risk being eradicated by Islam, Northern League leader Matteo Salvini, an ally of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, said on Monday as he vowed to halt a migrant "invasion".
His comments came after a prominent League politician faced widespread criticism for saying Italy's "white race" could be wiped out unless stronger measures were taken to stop mainly African migrants from entering the country.
Italy holds national elections on March 4 and immigration has become a major campaign issue, with centre-right opposition parties accusing the centre-left government of doing too little to stop the influx of newcomers.
"We have to decide if our ethnicity, if our white race, if our society continues to exist or if our society will be rubbed out," Attilio Fontana, the League candidate to become the next head of the wealthy Lombardy region, told Radio Padania.
Facing a barrage of condemnation for his comments, Fontana later said it had been a "lapse". But he received swift support from party leader, Salvini, whose popularity has risen strongly in recent years thanks to his anti-migrant stance.
"We are under attack. Our culture, society, traditions and way of life are at risk," he said in a statement.
"The colour of one's skin has nothing to do with it, but the risk is very real. Centuries of history risk disappearing if Islamisation, which up until now has been underestimated, gains the upper hand," Salvini added.
Salvini has pushed the League -- a regional power that at times has called for secession -- to the far-right of European politics, allying himself with the anti-Islam Freedom Party in the Netherlands and looking to tap into popular concern over mass migration.
More than 600,000 migrants have come to Italy from across the Mediterranean Sea over the past four years, fleeing war and poverty back home.
However, Muslims only represent a small minority in Roman Catholic Italy, with the Pew Research Centre saying they will make up 4.9 percent of the population by 2020 against 3.7 percent in 2010.
All Italy's mainstream parties have called for tougher restrictions on migration and the government is working closely with Libyan authorities to try to thwart people smuggling. Last year migrant arrivals to Italy by sea fell by a third.
The head of the ruling Democratic Party, former prime minister Matteo Renzi, accused the League on Monday of scaremongering. "We look to the future, not to fear," he said.
The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement said Fontana's comments showed the centre-right bloc was extremist.
Opinion polls predict the centre-right will win the most seats at the national vote, but will fall short of an absolute majority. Polls also suggest that Fontana will be elected as Lombardy president in a ballot also set for March 4.
IMF wants China to review trade restrictions for global economy
Hong Kong, Jan 15 (IANS) As a key growth driver, China should review its trade and investment restrictions for improving the global economy, a senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said on Monday.
"China should be open to look at its own restrictions on trade and investment, which have generated criticism from some trading partners," IMF's First Deputy Managing Director David Lipton said at the Asian Financial Forum.
According to IMF, China alone contributes to a third of the global growth.
As a trading partner to over 100 countries across the world that represent 80 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the ChineseAsuccess story is linked to the world's growth, Lipton said.
"China plays an increasingly important role in development aid and infrastructure finance, as epitomised by the Belt and Road Initiative.
"In terms of its global role, China has been a voice of reason in the debate over trade and economic integration," he said.
The Belt and Road Initiative, unveiled by the Chinese government in 2013, plans to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.
With an important role in globalisation, the country should look at its own "shortcomings" with respect to trade policies, remarked Lipton.
"It means protecting intellectual property rights, reducing distortions of industrial policy, overcapacity and policies that favour state enterprises," he said.
Better globalisation is in China's own interest, he said, adding that the Chinese government and its lenders, considering the benefits of debt resolution, would ensure that the developing world does not face a new debt crisis.
"China needs to be alert to the discontent with globalisation as it is currently configured and support a global economic order for the future that will be widely embraced," he said.
With growing Foreign Direct Investments in China, the country should ensure the investments are commercially viable, Lipton said.
"China also needs to take account of the impact from investments on governance, capacity building, sustainable development and environmental protection."
Twin bombing kills 16 in Baghdad
Baghdad [Iraq], January 15 (ANI): At least 16 people were reportedly killed and several others injured in twin suicide bombings in Iraq's capital Baghdad on Monday.
The explosions took place in central Baghdad's Tayaran Square which is usually crowded by labourers seeking work, local media reports said.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
The blasts come after Iraq's security forces recently retook nearly all the territories once held by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Chinese woman shot dead in Pakistan
Islamabad [Pakistan], January 15 (ANI): A Chinese woman was shot dead in Pakistan by three robbers who stormed a residence in Islamabad on Friday.
The 35 year old woman, died from gunshot wounds after being shot by 3 robbers who stormed a residence rented by a group of Chinese nationals in Islamabad last Friday, the People's Daily reported citing Chinese embassy in Pakistan.
Last month, the Embassy of China in Islamabad had warned Chinese citizens and organisations in Pakistan to be on alert for possible terror attacks on them.
According to an estimate, there are nearly 400,000 Chinese people living in Pakistan, with a large number of professionals involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
UKPNP condemns killing of MQM leader
Bern [Switzerland], Jan 15 (ANI): United Kashmir People`s National Party (UKPNP) Exiled Chairman Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) London's deputy convener Dr Hasan Zafar Arif.
Sardar Shaukat said this is another shocking example of violence against those speaking out for truth and justice in Pakistan.
"Professor Dr Hassan Zafar was kidnapped and now his tortured body dumped in Karachi city. As usual, law enforcement forces eliminated a political opponent and now are in a state of denial that they are unaware of Professor Hassan Zafar`s killing," he said.
Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri further said how pity and shameful it is that a 72-years-old professor, an intellectual, a democrat and a peace-loving person was kidnapped and brutally killed by law enforcement forces of Pakistan.
"We are shocked and pained by the brutality and atrocities being perpetrated by Pakistan against oppressed nations and ethnic groups," he said.
The exiled chairman averred that the international community, especially United Nations (UN) should take serious note of barbarism and atrocities committed by Pakistan.
"U.N., international community and human rights organisations should put pressure on Pakistan to respect human rights, freedom of expression and demolish the prevailing impunity that permits such attacks against political opponents, civil society activists and human rights defenders," he said.
Sardar Shaukat also demanded that U.N. should send its fact-finding mission to investigate this case and cases of enforced disappearances, kidnappings, extrajudicial killings and crimes against humanity in Pakistan.
"Those responsible for such heinous crimes should be urgently brought to justice and punished," he said.
MQM leader Dr Arif was found dead in a car in Karachi's Ilyas Goth area on Sunday.
Dr Arif, who was also the MQM-London's deputy convener, used to teach Philosophy at the University of Karachi.
"The body of Hassan Zafar Arif, son of Maqbool Hassan, 70-72-years-old, was found from car number ANC-016, Lancer silver at Ilyas Goth," the Dawn quoted station house officer (SHO) at Ibrahim Hyderi police station as saying.
Palestine being offered Abu Dis as capital
Jerusalem [Israel], Jan 15 (ANI): President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday confirmed that Palestinians are being offered Abu Dis as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Abu Dis is a Palestinian town on the outskirts of Jerusalem, where Al-Quds University, one of the largest Palestinian universities, is located.
The Jerusalem Post quoted Abbas, as saying that "What would you want if Jerusalem were to be lost? Would you want to make a state with Abu Dis as its capital?" Abbas stated rhetorically. "That's what they are offering us now. Abu Dis."
The Palestinian president did not mention, whose plan is to make Abu Dis as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
However, several Palestinian and Lebanese officials, have reportedly said that a forthcoming United States peace plan includes Abu Dis as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Abbas said "no" to US President Donald Trump's peace plan.
"We can say no to anyone... And we have now said 'no' to Trump and others. No, we will not accept his plan," Abbas said. "We told him that the deal of the era is the slap of the era... We will repeal it," he added.
Protests and violence erupted in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip after US President Donald Trump, last month, announced the relocation of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Since then, Israeli forces have killed 12 Palestinians. Unofficial figures of casualties vary between 30 to 40. At least 2,900 others have been injured and more than 400 arrested so far.
On Christmas eve, Israel also sealed-off the entrance to the West Bank cities of Ramallah and al-Bireh until further notice.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has also rejected the American peace efforts and called on the European Union (EU) to take the lead in the Israel-Palestine peace process.
Jerusalem is considered as a sacred place and is home to Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites. However, it is also a disputed territory, contested by both Israel and Palestine, which sees it as the capital of its future state.
Israel extends remand of Palestinian girl who hit soldiers
JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli military court has extended the detention of a Palestinian teen filmed last month slapping soldiers.
Ahed Tamimi was filmed in December outside her family home, pushing, kicking and slapping the soldiers, who fended off the blows without retaliating.
Palestinians have hailed the 16-year-old as a hero. The altercation sparked outrage in Israel over what was seen as a humiliating incident for the military.
On Monday, the military court extended her detention for two days. Her father, Bassem, yelled in court: "My dear, my daughter. How are you? Be strong. You're strong."
The military has said she could face up to 14 years in prison. However, the maximum sentence appears unlikely.
She was indicted earlier this month on several counts, including attacking the soldiers.
US moves ships, bombers toward Korea ahead of Olympics
TOKYO (AP) — The U.S. is beefing up its presence around the Korean Peninsula ahead of next month's Winter Olympics by deploying stealth bombers, at least one extra aircraft carrier and a new amphibious assault ship to the region.
Coming after Washington agreed to postpone massive annual military maneuvers with South Korea until after the Games, North Korea says the U.S. is trying to put a chill on its renewed talks with Seoul.
"Such moves are an unpardonable military provocation chilling the atmosphere for improved inter-Korean relations," the North's ruling party said in a commentary published over the weekend.
Representatives of both Koreas held a second round of talks Monday near the Demilitarized Zone to try to pave the way for a North Korean delegation to join the Pyeongchang Games.
The U.S. has officially welcomed the talks and the moves represent routine training and scheduled upgrades, according to U.S. military officials.
Tensions remain high and the military deployments are significant.
Last week, the Pacific Air Forces announced three B-2 "Spirit" stealth bombers with approximately 200 personnel have been deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to the Pacific island of Guam.
The statement said the deployment is intended to provide leaders with "deterrent options to maintain regional stability."
But the Guam deployment hits an especially sore nerve and plays on a key vulnerability for Pyongyang, which is probably the message Washington had in mind as it seeks to make sure nothing happens during the Olympics and also let Pyongyang know its decision to postpone the exercises is not a sign of weakness.
Last year, flights by B-1B bombers from Guam to the airspace around Korea were a major flashpoint, prompting a warning from North Korea that it had drawn up a plan to target the waters around the island with a missile strike that it could carry out anytime Kim gave the order.
The B-2 is more threatening.
It's the most advanced bomber in the Air Force and, unlike the B-1B, can carry nuclear weapons. It's also the only known aircraft that can drop the Air Force's biggest bomb, the 14,000-kilogram (30,000-pound) GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
The "MOP," capable of penetrating deep into the ground to destroy reinforced tunnels and bunkers, was explicitly designed with North Korea in mind.
The B-2 deployment came just days after the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier departed for the western Pacific in what the Navy called a regularly scheduled deployment. South Korean media reports say the carrier and its strike group will reach waters near the Korean Peninsula ahead of the start of the Games on Feb. 9.
The USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, whose home port is just south of Tokyo in Yokosuka, is also in the region, and North Korea has accused the U.S. of planning to send another carrier, the USS John Stennis from Bremerton, Washington.
The Marines announced on Sunday the arrival in southern Japan of the USS Wasp, an upgraded amphibious assault ship that can carry troops and launch the corps' new F-35B stealth fighters. It can carry 30-plus aircraft, including the F-35s, which are designed for vertical takeoffs and landings.
The ships and bombers could figure largely in a U.S. response to any military emergencies during the Games. North Korea may view them as a greater and more imminent threat.
Aircraft carriers, virtually impervious to any attack the North could mount, are floating platforms for sustained air assaults, while the F-35 fighters could be a key part of any potential strike on Kim Jong Un himself.
Spain warns Catalan leader against swearing-in from Brussels
MADRID (AP) — Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned Monday that the government will keep control of Catalonia if the former regional leader who was ousted for pushing independence tries to resume office from Belgium, where he is eluding Spanish justice.
Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont wants to present his candidacy for his old job to Catalonia's parliament by video or through a delegate to avoid returning to Spain and being arrested. Puigdemont was re-elected during a parliamentary election last month after campaigning from Brussels.
The Catalan assembly's regulations are not clear on whether a candidate can be considered in absentia. The region's anti-independence opposition and Rajoy's government have said they would take the matter to the Constitutional Court of Spain if lawmakers vote on the fugitive Puigdemont.
The new parliament is set to meet for the first time Thursday. An initial vote to pick Catalonia's next president is likely to take place by the end of the month.
Rajoy said Monday that the new president would have to be sworn into office in person. He added that the Spanish government would continue invoking constitutional authority to run Catalonia until that happens.
Much to Rajoy's ire, secessionist parties again won the most seats in the Dec. 21 election the prime minister called under the temporary takeover powers after removing Puigdemont's government and dissolving the regional parliament.
Eight of their lawmakers, including Puigdemont, have fled Spain or are in jail facing possible charges of rebellion or sedition. Other former Cabinet members and parliamentary officials have been released from jail, but remain under investigation.
The parties that promote Catalan independence jointly hold 66 of the regional chamber's 135 seats and also have support from four pro-independence, anti-establishment lawmakers.
The Catalan crisis, Spain's worst political trouble decades, came to a head when separatist lawmakers declared independence Oct. 27 based on the results from an Oct. 1 voter referendum that Spanish courts had suspended.
Puigdemont remains adamant about pushing ahead with forming a Catalan republic that is separate from Spain. However, nearly all of the elected lawmakers under investigation have pledged to act within the law from now on.
Polls consistently show that most Catalans want the right to decide the region's future but are evenly divided over splitting from Spain.
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