upi--2020-01-20--President Donald Trump touts trade deal at Farm Bureau convention

The president 's 14th visit to Texas since he took office came days after Congress passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement - and the U.S. Senate opened his impeachment trial .
`` I 'm thrilled to be back in this incredible state of Texas , '' Trump said at the start of his hour-long speech .
`` This is where people are known for being tough and strong and hardworking , loyal , fiercely patriotic , just like America 's incredible farmers . ''
The new trade agreement , negotiated by Trump , was heralded as a win for farmers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ports of entry than any other state in the U.S. '' It 's being prepared now , beautifully prepared , '' Trump said of the legislation , which he is expected to sign this week .
`` Everyone wants to come back to America . ''
The USMCA deal was the last major piece of legislation the Senate addressed ahead of Trump 's impeachment trial , where Democratic Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Houston will help prosecute the case against him - and Texas ' Republican Sens .
John Cornyn and Ted Cruz are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baylor University President Kenneth Starr , well known for investigating former President Bill Clinton , has joined Trump 's impeachment defense team .
`` We 're achieving what no administration has ever achieved before , '' Trump said .
`` And what do I get for it ?
I get impeached ! ''
`` But that 's OK the farmers are sticking with Trump , '' he added .
The Texas Democratic Party countered many of those notions .
`` Trump 's trade wars , broken promises , and economic policies have failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Bill Brannon , the party 's senior rural advisor , said in a statement .
`` Under the Trump Administration , farm bankruptcies have substantially risen and hardworking families continue to get left behind .
Trump 's brazen disregard for them and their interests is yet another example of his disregard for people who work for a living .
Texas farmers will be the reason why Trump loses Texas in 2020 . ''
Trump also spoke briefly on immigration and border security .
He said the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being built `` at a very rapid pace . ''
`` We want them [ people ] to come legally , and we want them to help the farmers , '' Trump said .
`` Just so you understand , I want them coming to help the farmers . ''
Outside the Austin Convention Center , demonstrators gathered to both support and protest Trump 's visit .
Supporters waved Trump-Pence campaign flags while protestors held signs denouncing animal products , including one that mimicked Trump saying , `` Dead animals fund my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motorcade arrived at the convention center , demonstrators chanted dueling messages : `` Lock him up '' versus `` Four more years . ''
Josh Watson , a vegetable farmer from North Carolina who attended Trump 's speech , acknowledged that many farmers - himself included - have struggled financially in the years since Trump took office .
He compared waiting for the new USMCA deal to getting hair waxed .
`` It 's gon na hurt , '' Watson said .
`` It 's gon na look bad for a little while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ na be really nice . ''
Watson said Trump was hardly his first-choice candidate in 2016 , but said he `` ca n't deny '' that Trump 's presidency has improved the economy .
Now , nearly four years later , he proudly dons a `` Make Farming Great Again '' hat .
Stephanie Mackey , a soybean farmer from Kentucky , saw Trump speak at the Farm Bureau conventions in 2017 and 2018 .
This year , she brought her kids and one of her kids ' friends .
Mackey said her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the U.S. trade war with China , but she 's hopeful the U.S.-China trade deal that Trump signed last week will help farmers bounce back .
`` When you go to the market or try to get your contracts and the prices are just rock bottom , you 're just like , `` Come on , there 's got ta be something they can do , ' '' Mackey said .
`` And Trump got it done . ''
Trump during his speech acknowledged the hard times farmers have faced as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the best days for Americans and the best days for farmers and ranchers are yet to come . ''
`` Thank you very much to the farmers and ranchers for staying with me and for saying , 'the President is right , '' Trump said . '
'' Yes , it 's tough right now , but the president is doing the right thing . ''
' Trump also told the crowd that Texas will remain in Republican hands in November , despite many political experts saying it looks more purple than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 election , when he won Texas by 9 percentage points , Trump was optimistic Sunday about his chances in the Lone Star State this year - thanks in part to the Texas officials who back him .
`` I remember the 2016 election , and the fake news ... said Trump is gon na have a hard time winning Texas , '' Trump said .
`` And I said , why am I going to have a hard time in Texas ?
And I remember [ Texas Agriculture Commissioner ] Sid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
And he said , ' I do n't know about you , and I do n't know where you 're getting this information about a close race in Texas , but there 's going to be nothing close about this race in Texas .
Trump is going to win this race by so much you wo n't believe it . '
And that 's exactly what happened . ''

The president's 14th visit to Texas since he took office came days after Congress passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement - and the U.S. Senate opened his impeachment trial.
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"I'm thrilled to be back in this incredible state of Texas," Trump said at the start of his hour-long speech. "This is where people are known for being tough and strong and hardworking, loyal, fiercely patriotic, just like America's incredible farmers."
The new trade agreement, negotiated by Trump, was heralded as a win for farmers and ranchers in Texas, which has more ports of entry than any other state in the U.S.
"It's being prepared now, beautifully prepared," Trump said of the legislation, which he is expected to sign this week. "Everyone wants to come back to America."
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The USMCA deal was the last major piece of legislation the Senate addressed ahead of Trump's impeachment trial, where Democratic Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Houston will help prosecute the case against him - and Texas' Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz are expected to fervently defend him. Former Baylor University President Kenneth Starr, well known for investigating former President Bill Clinton, has joined Trump's impeachment defense team.
"We're achieving what no administration has ever achieved before," Trump said. "And what do I get for it? I get impeached!"
"But that's OK the farmers are sticking with Trump," he added.
The Texas Democratic Party countered many of those notions.
"Trump's trade wars, broken promises, and economic policies have failed farmers, time and time again," Bill Brannon, the party's senior rural advisor, said in a statement. "Under the Trump Administration, farm bankruptcies have substantially risen and hardworking families continue to get left behind. Trump's brazen disregard for them and their interests is yet another example of his disregard for people who work for a living. Texas farmers will be the reason why Trump loses Texas in 2020."
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Trump also spoke briefly on immigration and border security. He said the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, one of his top campaign promises, is being built "at a very rapid pace."
"We want them [people] to come legally, and we want them to help the farmers," Trump said. "Just so you understand, I want them coming to help the farmers."
Outside the Austin Convention Center, demonstrators gathered to both support and protest Trump's visit. Supporters waved Trump-Pence campaign flags while protestors held signs denouncing animal products, including one that mimicked Trump saying, "Dead animals fund my campaign."
When the President's motorcade arrived at the convention center, demonstrators chanted dueling messages: "Lock him up" versus "Four more years."
Josh Watson, a vegetable farmer from North Carolina who attended Trump's speech, acknowledged that many farmers - himself included - have struggled financially in the years since Trump took office. He compared waiting for the new USMCA deal to getting hair waxed.
"It's gonna hurt," Watson said. "It's gonna look bad for a little while. But eventually, it's gonna be really nice."
Watson said Trump was hardly his first-choice candidate in 2016, but said he "can't deny" that Trump's presidency has improved the economy. Now, nearly four years later, he proudly dons a "Make Farming Great Again" hat.
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Stephanie Mackey, a soybean farmer from Kentucky, saw Trump speak at the Farm Bureau conventions in 2017 and 2018. This year, she brought her kids and one of her kids' friends.
Mackey said her soybean prices hit "rock bottom" during the U.S. trade war with China, but she's hopeful the U.S.-China trade deal that Trump signed last week will help farmers bounce back.
"When you go to the market or try to get your contracts and the prices are just rock bottom, you're just like, "Come on, there's gotta be something they can do,'" Mackey said. "And Trump got it done."
Trump during his speech acknowledged the hard times farmers have faced as a result of his policies, but promised "the best days for Americans and the best days for farmers and ranchers are yet to come."
"Thank you very much to the farmers and ranchers for staying with me and for saying, 'the President is right," Trump said. '"Yes, it's tough right now, but the president is doing the right thing."'
Trump also told the crowd that Texas will remain in Republican hands in November, despite many political experts saying it looks more purple than it has in years.
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In recalling the 2016 election, when he won Texas by 9 percentage points, Trump was optimistic Sunday about his chances in the Lone Star State this year - thanks in part to the Texas officials who back him.
"I remember the 2016 election, and the fake news ... said Trump is gonna have a hard time winning Texas," Trump said. "And I said, why am I going to have a hard time in Texas? And I remember [Texas Agriculture Commissioner] Sid Miller ... sitting there with his hat on. And he said, 'I don't know about you, and I don't know where you're getting this information about a close race in Texas, but there's going to be nothing close about this race in Texas. Trump is going to win this race by so much you won't believe it.' And that's exactly what happened."


upi--2020-01-20--Joaquin Phoenix calls Heath Ledger his favorite actor in SAG acceptance speech

Jan. 20 ( UPI ) -- Joker star Joaquin Phoenix honored his late friend Heath Ledger as he accepted his @ @ @ @ @ statuette at the Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony in Los Angeles .
Phoenix , 45 @ @ @ @ @ playing a new take on the Joker , the villain Ledger memorably portrayed in 2008 @ @ @ @ @ Phoenix also won a Golden Globe and Critics ' Choice Award for his performance this @ @ @ @ @ Oscar for the role in 2009 , more than a year after he died of @ @ @ @ @ 28 .
`` I am standing here on the shoulders of my favorite actor , @ @ @ @ @ said Sunday .
He also paid tribute to his fellow nominee , Once Upon a @ @ @ @ @ DiCaprio .
`` Leo , you 've been an inspiration for over 25 years to @ @ @ @ @ .
I thank you very , very much , '' Phoenix said , acknowledging he @ @ @ @ @ DiCaprio , 45 , throughout his career .

Gone, but never forgotten. Joaquin Phoenix paid tribute to the late Heath Ledger during his acceptance speech for his role as the Joker. #sagawards pic.twitter.com/A5iYDEclWH— SAG Awards (@SAGawards) January 20, 2020
Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Joker star Joaquin Phoenix honored his late friend Heath Ledger as he accepted his Best Actor in a Film statuette at the Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
Phoenix, 45, won the prize for playing a new take on the Joker, the villain Ledger memorably portrayed in 2008's The Dark Knight. Phoenix also won a Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Award for his performance this season.
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Ledger won an Oscar for the role in 2009, more than a year after he died of a drug overdose at age 28.
"I am standing here on the shoulders of my favorite actor, Heath Ledger," Phoenix said Sunday.
He also paid tribute to his fellow nominee, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
"Leo, you've been an inspiration for over 25 years to me and so many people. I thank you very, very much," Phoenix said, acknowledging he has lost many parts to DiCaprio, 45, throughout his career.


upi--2020-01-20--2 dead, 15 injured in Kansas City nightclub shooting

A shooting outside of a nightclub late Sunday in KansasCity left two dead and more than a dozen injured , police reported early Monday .
The shooting happened at about 11:30 p.m. local time when authorities believe the suspect started shooting at a line waiting to get into a nearby bar .
One woman died and police believe an armed security guard at the scene killed the suspected gunman .
`` As the investigation unfolded at least 15 other victims arrived at area hospitals , '' Kansas City Police said in a statement on Twitter .
`` At this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical condition .
An armed security guard at the business engaged the shooter outside of the establishment .
`` We believe the shooter is the deceased adult male .
The circumstances that lead to this shooting are unknown .
Detectives and crime scene investigators will be collecting evidence and talking with witnesses to gather more information to see what lead to this shooting , '' the statement said .
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said the shooting marred a celebratory time in the city after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day , reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in about 50 years .
`` It just puts such a tragic end to such a wonderful day in Kansas City , '' Peters Baker said .
`` I have scores , really , that are in the hospital right now having their wounds mended . ''
`` Our greatest challenges remain even this morning in our community , '' Lucas said Monday .
`` My thoughts are with the families and friends of those whose lives were lost or impacted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security appears to have kept the situation from being even worse . ''
The shooter and victims had not been publicly identified as of Monday morning .

Jan. 20 (UPI) -- A gunman opened fire on a crowd waiting in line outside a Kansas City, Mo., night club late Sunday, killing one person and injuring more than a dozen others before being fatally shot by a security guard, police said Monday.
The shooting happened shortly before 11:30 p.m. local time following a "disturbance in the club," Kansas City Police Chief Richard Smith said in a Monday news conference.
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One woman was killed before the security guard exited the club and shot the suspect, who police have identified as 29-year-old Jahron Swift of Kansas City.
"At this time, we do not have a motive for why the shooting took place," Smith said. "We are not sure if this is random or if there's someone in the crowd he was specifically upset at."
Smith said the security guard was inside the club when the shooting began and went outside to inspect the commotion before shooting the gunman.
"Police officers did not fire any shots at the scene," Smith said. "The security guard is the one who engaged the suspect."
Police identified the lone slain victim as 25-year-old Raeven A. Parks.
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Fifteen people were transported to local hospitals following the shooting, authorities said, adding it is unknown if all were injured by gunfire.
"As the investigation unfolded at least 15 other victims arrived at area hospitals," Kansas City Police said in a statement on Twitter. "At this time three of those victims are listed in critical condition. An armed security guard at the business engaged the shooter outside of the establishment."
Smith said the club was known to be an "issue" and police had left the parking lot minutes before the shooting began.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said the shooting marred a celebratory time in the city after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Tennessee Titans in the NFL playoffs earlier in the day, reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in about 50 years.
"It just puts such a tragic end to such a wonderful day in Kansas City," Peters Baker said. "I have scores, really, that are in the hospital right now having their wounds mended."
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas shared his condolences on Twitter.
"Our greatest challenges remain even this morning in our community," Lucas said Monday. "My thoughts are with the families and friends of those whose lives were lost or impacted by last night's mass shooting. Thankful security appears to have kept the situation from being even worse."


upi--2020-01-20--Watch: Brad Pitt watched ex-wife Jennifer Aniston's SAG speech from backstage

Jan. 20 ( UPI ) -- Brad Pitt was filmed at Sunday 's Screen Actors Guild Awards watching a TV monitor from backstage that showed his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston accepting her Best Actress trophy .
Aniston won the prize for her performance in the TV drama , The Morning Show .
Pitt was backstage because he had earlier received the Best Supporting Actor in a Film honor for his work in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood .
The official SAG Awards Twitter account featured the video of Pitt listening to Aniston 's speech .
`` We forever want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # sagawards , '' the clip was captioned .
SAG also posted a small gallery of photos of the former spouses smiling when they ran into each other earlier in the evening .
`` We 'll just leave this here , '' read the accompanying message .
ETOnline reported the stars later attended the same Netflix after-party at Sunset Tower , but were not spotted interacting there .
Pitt , 56 , and Aniston , 50 , were married from 2000 to 2005 .
Pitt began a long-term romance with actress Angelina Jolie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pitt and Jolie raised six children together and exchanged wedding vows in 2014 .
Jolie , 44 , filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016 and it was finalized last year .
Aniston married screenwriter and actor Justin Theroux , 48 , in 2015 and they separated in 2017 .

Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Brad Pitt was filmed at Sunday's Screen Actors Guild Awards watching a TV monitor from backstage that showed his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston accepting her Best Actress trophy.
We forever want to watch Brad watch Jen receive her Actor #sagawards pic.twitter.com/4arINQhKQx— SAG Awards (@SAGawards) January 20, 2020 Advertisement
Aniston won the prize for her performance in the TV drama, The Morning Show.
Pitt was backstage because he had earlier received the Best Supporting Actor in a Film honor for his work in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
The official SAG Awards Twitter account featured the video of Pitt listening to Aniston's speech.
"We forever want to watch Brad watch Jen receive her Actor #sagawards," the clip was captioned.
SAG also posted a small gallery of photos of the former spouses smiling when they ran into each other earlier in the evening.
"We'll just leave this here," read the accompanying message.
ETOnline reported the stars later attended the same Netflix after-party at Sunset Tower, but were not spotted interacting there.
Pitt, 56, and Aniston, 50, were married from 2000 to 2005.
Pitt began a long-term romance with actress Angelina Jolie while he was still with Aniston.
Pitt and Jolie raised six children together and exchanged wedding vows in 2014.
Jolie, 44, filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016 and it was finalized last year.
Aniston married screenwriter and actor Justin Theroux, 48, in 2015 and they separated in 2017.


upi--2020-01-21--Celtics' Jaylen Brown gets 'bucket list' dunk on Lakers' LeBron James

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- Jaylen Brown said he completed a bucket list item after throwing down a powerful dunk over LeBron James during a Boston Celtics win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday .
`` I was just being aggressive and made a play at the rim , '' Brown told reporters .
`` I 'm not going to lie , it was pretty awesome .
I 'm not going to lie , yeah [ it was on bucket list ] . ''
The slam came in the third quarter of the Celtics ' 139-107 win Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Celtics had a 79-63 lead when Brown caught a pass just outside the 3-point arc .
Brown then darted into the toward the paint , while surrounded by three defenders .
He picked up his dribble just as he entered the paint , as James slid under the rim to attempt to defend the Celtics star .
Brown disregarded `` King James ' '' defense , jumping straight up while chest to chest with the Lakers star .
James put up his arms to defend Brown , but was out-jumped .
Brown finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with both hands , as James stumbled away .
`` That was a hell of a play by Jaylen .
He is so gifted athletically , '' Celtics forward Jayson Tatum said .
`` I did n't think he was going to dunk it . ''
Brown had 20 points , six assists , four rebounds and three steals in the win .
James had 15 points , 14 assists and seven rebounds for the Lakers .
`` Why would I take it personally ?
It 's part of basketball , '' James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dunk .
`` You get blocks , you get dunks , you get crossed over at times , you get charges , it 's all part of basketball . ''
Tatum scored a game-high 27 points and had five rebounds and three assists for Boston .
Kemba Walker chipped in 20 points in the win .
JaVale McGee paced the Lakers with 18 points .
The Lakers battle the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. EST Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City .
The Celtics host the Memphis Grizzlies at @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Jaylen Brown said he completed a bucket list item after throwing down a powerful dunk over LeBron James during a Boston Celtics win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.
"I was just being aggressive and made a play at the rim," Brown told reporters. "I'm not going to lie, it was pretty awesome. I'm not going to lie, yeah [it was on bucket list]."
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The slam came in the third quarter of the Celtics' 139-107 win Monday at TD Garden in Boston.
The Celtics had a 79-63 lead when Brown caught a pass just outside the 3-point arc. Brown then darted into the toward the paint, while surrounded by three defenders. He picked up his dribble just as he entered the paint, as James slid under the rim to attempt to defend the Celtics star.
Brown disregarded "King James'" defense, jumping straight up while chest to chest with the Lakers star. James put up his arms to defend Brown, but was out-jumped. Brown finished the play by throwing in the dunk with both hands, as James stumbled away.
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"That was a hell of a play by Jaylen. He is so gifted athletically," Celtics forward Jayson Tatum said. "I didn't think he was going to dunk it."
Brown had 20 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals in the win. James had 15 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds for the Lakers.
"Why would I take it personally? It's part of basketball," James said, when asked about Brown's dunk. "You get blocks, you get dunks, you get crossed over at times, you get charges, it's all part of basketball."
Tatum scored a game-high 27 points and had five rebounds and three assists for Boston. Kemba Walker chipped in 20 points in the win. JaVale McGee paced the Lakers with 18 points.
The Lakers battle the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. EST Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Celtics host the Memphis Grizzlies at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at TD Garden.


upi--2020-01-21--Watch live: Senate to begin first day of impeachment trial with rules debate

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- The main stage of the Senate impeachment trial is set to begin Tuesday afternoon when lawmakers in the upper chamber will convene to sit in judgement on President Donald Trump , to decide whether he abused his power and interfered in the congressional investigation .
The process will begin with the House 's rebuttal to Trump 's trial brief before the Senate reconvenes .
At 1 p.m. , the Senate will sit for the impeachment proceedings , starting with a discussion of a resolution setting the rules for the trial before opening arguments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he will seek to force votes on witnesses during this session .
Senators are expected to settle the issue of witnesses and the entering of evidence from the House impeachment proceedings at some point during the sessions this week .
The bulk of Tuesday is expected to be spend on establishing the rules of the trial , with opening arguments coming Wednesday .
The trial will last for six days per week , from Monday through Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. and ending from 5 and 6 p.m. , through the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled through 6 p.m. , but both sides have said they expect the initial sessions to run long .
The Senate will come into session at noon each trial day with time for leadership remarks and potential legislative action before trial preparation begins .
The schedule for the rest of the trial will be officially determined during Tuesday 's session .
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell issued a blueprint for the rules on Monday night .
It gives House Democrats and Trump 's legal team each 24 hours over two days to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be given 16 hours to submit questions in writing to Chief Justice John Roberts , who will preside over the trial .
He and every senator , who will act as jurors for the trial , were sworn in last week .
McConnell has said he will seek to have the trial follow the same structure as that of former President Bill Clinton 's , but the majority leader 's outline indicates Republicans want to fast track the trial .
Schumer criticized McConnell 's outline , saying it 's an attempt to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dark of night . ''
`` It 's clear Sen. McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through , '' he said .
`` On something as important as impeachment , Senator McConnell 's resolution is nothing short of a national disgrace . ''
Schumer and House Democrats held onto the articles of impeachment for three weeks in an effort to secure assurances the trial would be fair .
They want the proceedings to include key administration witnesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House impeached Trump in mid-December .
A few `` swing '' Republicans in the upper chamber have indicated an openness to include witnesses .
`` Overall , it aligns closely with the [ Clinton ] rules package , '' said Utah Sen. Mitt Romney , the only senator who 's said he wants to hear from former national security adviser John Bolton .
`` If attempts are made to vote on witnesses prior to opening arguments , I would oppose those efforts

1/7
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., makes his way to the Senate chamber in the Capitol as the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump begins on Tuesday. Photo by Pete Marovich/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 21 (UPI) -- The Senate passed a resolution early Wednesday to set the rules for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump after hours of contentious debate that saw Republicans thwart all attempts by the Democrats to subpoena witnesses. The resolution was adopted in a party line vote of 53-47 after more than 12 hours of debate that began Tuesday but was dragged into the early hours of Wednesday when Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky finally adjourned. Advertisement
Each of the 11 amendments Democrats proposed seeking subpoenas for documents, records and witness testimony, among other rules and regulations, were shot down 53-47.
Under the resolution passed, House managers and White House attorneys will open their arguments Wednesday afternoon. Each will have 24 hours to make their cases for or against impeachment over three days, up from two as McConnell had originally proposed.
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Following that, senators will have 16 hours to ask questions in writing that will be read by Chief Justice John G. Roberts for the appropriate side to answer.
Trump is charged with abuse of power and obstruction of justice in connection to his interactions with Ukraine last year.
The Senate began the trial of Trump on Tuesday with McConnell introducing a resolution to establish rules for the proceedings.
McConnell then quietly increased the time each side will have for opening arguments from 24 hours over the course of two days to three. The language of the resolution also changed the rules on evidence, allowing evidence to be admitted unless there's a vote otherwise.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York cheered the alterations in a brief statement, claiming McConnell's shift signaled that Republican senators were beginning to see "how unfair" his trial rules are.
White House counsel Pat Cipollone opened the discussion, offering support for McConnell's resolution and saying Trump has done nothing wrong.
"We support this resolution. It is a fair way to proceed with this trial," Cipollone said. "It is long past time to start this proceeding, and we are here today to do it."
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Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., one of the Democratic managers from the House, urged the Senate to allow senators to call witnesses and conduct a "fair trial."
"Why should this trial be different than any other trial? The short answer is it shouldn't. But leader McConnell's resolution would turn the trial process on its head," he said.
As the proceedings dragged on, the debates turned acrimonious with Democrats lashing out at Republicans, accusing them of participating in a coverup after the GOP voted down several of their amendments seeking documents and testimony from witnesses.
The Democrats were seeking testimony from former and present White House staff Mick Mulvaney, his aide Robert Blair, Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffey and former national security adviser John Bolton.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler chastised the Republicans, stating that if they don't vote in favor of hearing testimony from Bolton then they will be "voting for a coverup."
"Will this Senate do its duty and hear all the evidence, or will it slam this door shut and show it is participating in a coverup?" he asked.
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Cipollone then demanded Nadler apologize to Trump, his family, the Senate and the American people before Roberts admonished both sides "in equal terms to remember they are addressing the world's greatest deliberative body."
McConnell has said he will seek to have the trial follow the same structure as that of former President Bill Clinton's in 1999, but his outline indicated Republicans want to fast-track the proceedings.
Democrats criticized the plan, with Schumer saying it's an attempt to "conceal" Trump's misconduct "in the dark of night" -- and Schiff calling it a "rigged" trial process.
"I do think by structuring the trial this way it furthers our case that what's going on here ... is a coverup," said Schiff, who serves as chairman of the House intelligence committee.
"It's clear Sen. McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through," Schumer said. "On something as important as impeachment, Sen. McConnell's resolution is nothing short of a national disgrace."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi held onto the articles of impeachment for three weeks in an effort to secure assurances the trial would be fair. Democrats said they want the trial to include key administration witnesses and new evidence that has emerged since the House impeached Trump in mid-December.
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The trial will go six days a week, from Monday through Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.
Trump was in Switzerland on Tuesday, where he spoke at the World Economic Forum.


upi--2020-01-21--Watch: Josh Gad had 'Star Wars' spoiled during set visit with Daisy Ridley

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- Josh Gad said on Conan that he had a major plot point from Star Wars : The Rise of Skywalker spoiled for him when he visited the set .
Gad was originally invited to check out the set by his friend Daisy Ridley who portrays Rey .
The actor 's schedule prevented him from visiting the set until the final day of production .
Ridley got permission from director J.J. Abrams that Gad could visit despite it being the final day .
Gad then witnessed one of the film 's major surprises concerning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first thing he saw was Ian McDiarmid as the Emperor .
`` So I 'm there and the first dialogue that comes out of his mouth is 'You are my granddaughter , ' '' Gad said on Monday .
`` I was [ expletive ] pissed . ''
Gad compared the incident to visiting the set of M. Night Shyamalan 's The Sixth Sense and learning that Bruce Willis ' character is a ghost .
`` I was like , I feel so honored , but also so disrespected at the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would n't want to experience that with an audience , '' he said .
Gad can be seen alongside Hugh Laurie in HBO 's new sci-fi comedy series Avenue 5 .

Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Josh Gad said on Conan that he had a major plot point from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker spoiled for him when he visited the set.
Gad was originally invited to check out the set by his friend Daisy Ridley who portrays Rey. The actor's schedule prevented him from visiting the set until the final day of production.
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Ridley got permission from director J.J. Abrams that Gad could visit despite it being the final day. Gad then witnessed one of the film's major surprises concerning the origin of Rey.
The actor said the first thing he saw was Ian McDiarmid as the Emperor.
"So I'm there and the first dialogue that comes out of his mouth is 'You are my granddaughter,'" Gad said on Monday. "I was [expletive] pissed."
Gad compared the incident to visiting the set of M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense and learning that Bruce Willis' character is a ghost.
"I was like, I feel so honored, but also so disrespected at the same time that you would think that I wouldn't want to experience that with an audience," he said.
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Gad can be seen alongside Hugh Laurie in HBO's new sci-fi comedy series Avenue 5.


upi--2020-01-21--Greta Thunberg at Swiss forum: 'Pretty much nothing has been done' on climate change

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg chided the world 's developed countries Tuesday for doing `` basically nothing '' to address climate change at the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland .
The 17-year-old Swedish environmental crusader , who shot to international fame at last year 's event in Davos , cited a 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report in warning that the world has only a limited `` carbon budget '' to have a realistic chance of keeping global heating to within 1.5 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels .
But with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track to surpass that budget within eight years and atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases showing no signs of diminishing , Thunberg said Tuesday the world 's leaders are not doing enough to head off disaster .
`` The climate and environment is a hot topic right now , thanks to young people pushing , '' she said during a panel discussion among youth activists .
`` Pretty much nothing has been done , since the global emissions of CO2 have not reduced . ''
Politicians in developed nations are not taking the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the planet for future generations , she said , noting that even a difference of a fraction of a degree in global warmth can have dire consequences .
`` Since last summer , I have been repeating these numbers over and over again in almost every speech , '' she said , `` but honestly , I have not once seen any media outlet or person in power communicate this or what it means .
`` I know you do n't want to report about this and talk about this but I assure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers until you do . ''
The panel preceded an appearance by U.S. President Donald Trump , who was to deliver the keynote address at the World Economic Forum .

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks Tuesday at a panel session during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Photo by Gian Ehrenzeller/EPA-EFE
Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg chided the world's developed countries Tuesday for doing "basically nothing" to address climate change at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The 17-year-old Swedish environmental crusader, who shot to international fame at last year's event in Davos, cited a 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report in warning that the world has only a limited "carbon budget" to have a realistic chance of keeping global heating to within 1.5 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels. Advertisement
But with the latest figures showing the world is on track to surpass that budget within eight years and atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases showing no signs of diminishing, Thunberg said Tuesday the world's leaders are not doing enough to head off disaster.
"The climate and environment is a hot topic right now, thanks to young people pushing," she said during a panel discussion among youth activists. "Pretty much nothing has been done, since the global emissions of CO2 have not reduced."
Politicians in developed nations are not taking the situation seriously enough to ensure the sustainability of the planet for future generations, she said, noting that even a difference of a fraction of a degree in global warmth can have dire consequences.
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"Since last summer, I have been repeating these numbers over and over again in almost every speech," she said, "but honestly, I have not once seen any media outlet or person in power communicate this or what it means.
"I know you don't want to report about this and talk about this but I assure you I will continue to repeat these numbers until you do."
The panel preceded an appearance by U.S. President Donald Trump, who was to deliver the keynote address at the World Economic Forum.


upi--2020-01-21--WWE Raw: Seth Rollins, Buddy Murphy become Tag Team Champions

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- Seth Rollins and his newest recruit Buddy Murphy challenged The Viking Raiders for the Raw Tag Team Championships on Raw .
Rollins issued the challenge after his rivals Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe joined forces with The Viking Raiders to attack The Messiah and his followers which also include Akam and Rezar of AOP on Monday .
AOP , Owens and Joe were taken out of the championship match after they started fighting around the arena .
Rollins tossed Ivar of The Viking Raiders off the top turnbuckle onto the ringside floor and nailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lay on the ring apron .
Murphy then covered Erik for the three count to earn the Raw Tag Team Championships .
AOP would return and celebrated with Rollins and Murphy at the entrance ramp .
Also on Raw , WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman returned .
Heyman once again declared that there is no one in the Raw locker room worthy enough to challenge The Beast to a championship match as WrestleMania .
Lesnar will prove himself by winning the Royal Rumble match on Sunday and is entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lesnar and Heyman were interrupted by Ricochet who said he was n't scared of Lesnar challenged him to a fight on the spot .
Lesnar attempted to leave until Ricochet called the champion scared .
Lesnar responded by kicking Ricochet below the belt , instantly taking down the high flyer .
United States Champion Andrade defended his title against Rey Mysterio in a Ladder match .
The rules require a competitor to climb a ladder and retrieve the championship which is hanging above the ring .
The brutal contest featured both superstars utilizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mysterio , as he appeared poised to grab the title belt , was stopped by Andrade 's manager Zelina Vega who climbed to the top of the ladder .
Vega 's actions allowed Andrade to put Mysterio through a ladder using the Hammerlock DDT .
Andrade then climbed to the top and grabbed the United States Championship .
Andrade attempted to injure Mysterio further after the match but was stopped by Humberto Carrillo .
Other moments from Raw included Aleister Black defeating a local competitor ; The O.C .
attacking Drew McIntyre and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then hitting McIntyre with an RKO ; Raw Women 's Champion Becky Lynch defeating Women 's Tag Team Champion Kairi Sane ; Erick Rowan defeating Matt Hardy ; and Bobby Lashley and Lana defeating Rusev and Liv Morgan in a Mixed Tag Team match .
Rusev got ready in the corner to deliver his Machka Kick to Lashley when Lana grabbed his leg .
This allowed Lashley to take down Rusev with a Spear to earn the victory .

Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Seth Rollins and his newest recruit Buddy Murphy challenged The Viking Raiders for the Raw Tag Team Championships on Raw.
Rollins issued the challenge after his rivals Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe joined forces with The Viking Raiders to attack The Messiah and his followers which also include Akam and Rezar of AOP on Monday.
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AOP, Owens and Joe were taken out of the championship match after they started fighting around the arena.
Rollins tossed Ivar of The Viking Raiders off the top turnbuckle onto the ringside floor and nailed Erik with a Curb Stomp as he lay on the ring apron. Murphy then covered Erik for the three count to earn the Raw Tag Team Championships. AOP would return and celebrated with Rollins and Murphy at the entrance ramp.
Also on Raw, WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman returned. Heyman once again declared that there is no one in the Raw locker room worthy enough to challenge The Beast to a championship match as WrestleMania. Lesnar will prove himself by winning the Royal Rumble match on Sunday and is entering the bout at No. 1.
Lesnar and Heyman were interrupted by Ricochet who said he wasn't scared of Lesnar challenged him to a fight on the spot. Lesnar attempted to leave until Ricochet called the champion scared. Lesnar responded by kicking Ricochet below the belt, instantly taking down the high flyer.
United States Champion Andrade defended his title against Rey Mysterio in a Ladder match. The rules require a competitor to climb a ladder and retrieve the championship which is hanging above the ring.
The brutal contest featured both superstars utilizing multiple ladders to inflict more pain. Mysterio, as he appeared poised to grab the title belt, was stopped by Andrade's manager Zelina Vega who climbed to the top of the ladder.
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Vega's actions allowed Andrade to put Mysterio through a ladder using the Hammerlock DDT. Andrade then climbed to the top and grabbed the United States Championship. Andrade attempted to injure Mysterio further after the match but was stopped by Humberto Carrillo.
Other moments from Raw included Aleister Black defeating a local competitor; The O.C. attacking Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton during their match; Orton then hitting McIntyre with an RKO; Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch defeating Women's Tag Team Champion Kairi Sane; Erick Rowan defeating Matt Hardy; and Bobby Lashley and Lana defeating Rusev and Liv Morgan in a Mixed Tag Team match.
Rusev got ready in the corner to deliver his Machka Kick to Lashley when Lana grabbed his leg. This allowed Lashley to take down Rusev with a Spear to earn the victory.


upi--2020-01-21--Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon wants end of military drills to push forward joint Korean Olympic bid

SEOUL , Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon called on Tuesday for the end of all military drills on the Korean Peninsula until the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing , China , to create a climate of peace in Northeast Asia and aid a joint bid by North and South Korea to host the 2032 Summer Games .
`` I proposed [ the cessation ] because we need to create a peaceful atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia right now so that we can make concrete preparations for bidding to host the Olympics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a briefing in downtown Seoul .
Park , a former human rights and lawyer who has been mayor of Seoul since 2011 , also called for the loosening of sanctions on North Korea to allow for humanitarian assistance and increased cultural and sports exchanges .
Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul have been at an impasse for most of the last year after a period of renewed detente that saw South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hold three inter-Korean summits in 2018 .
At their final summit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides agreed to compete together at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and to submit a bid to jointly host the Summer Games in 2032 .
After a meeting between U.S. President Trump and Kim last February in Hanoi , Vietnam ended abruptly without an agreement , however , the relationship between the two Koreas cooled dramatically .
Pyongyang has cut off official communications with Seoul and has regularly issued mocking and belligerent statements through its state media .
Park said the frozen relationship is endangering a major opportunity for the joint Olympic bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current stalled situation between the two [ Koreas ] in order to avoid this crucial golden time being wasted helplessly , '' he said .
`` It is urgent for us to start preparations for co-hosting Olympic events .
We should stop all activities that generate military tensions and conflict . ''
Park said that preparations for co-hosting the Olympics could restart the dormant peace process on a Korean Peninsula that saw several missile and rocket tests by North Korea over the latter half of 2018 .
`` We can not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Park .
`` We need to make an opportunity and I think the joint Olympics preparation will be the first starting point of making peace . ''
Moon has also called for increased engagement with North Korea from tourism to economic projects to sports exchanges in order to generate momentum for the stalled peace process .
`` A joint hosting of the 2032 Summer Olympics will serve as a golden opportunity to show to the world that the two Koreas consist of one nation and to make a leap forward together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Year 's address earlier this month .
U.S .
Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris sparked a controversy last week when he told international correspondents that increased inter-Korean engagement `` should be done in consultation with the United States . ''
South Korea 's Presidential Blue House rebuked Harris on Friday for making `` inappropriate remarks '' regarding inter-Korean cooperation .
Park recently returned from a tour of the United States , where he raised the idea of suspending military exercises in a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Consumer Electronics Show ( CES ) 2020 in Las Vegas , where he participated in a panel on smart city development .
Park said Tuesday that Seoul would host several peace-themed events this year , including a `` Peace Week '' in October .

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon urged Tuesday the ceasing of all military drills on the Korean Peninsula until the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI
SEOUL, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon called Tuesday for the end of all military drills on the Korean Peninsula until the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing to create a climate of peace in Northeast Asia and aid a joint bid by North and South Korea to host the 2032 Summer Games. "I proposed [the cessation] because we need to create a peaceful atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia right now so that we can make concrete preparations for bidding to host the Olympics," Park told foreign correspondents at a briefing in downtown Seoul. Advertisement
Park, a former human rights lawyer who has served as mayor since 2011, also called for the loosening of sanctions on North Korea to allow for humanitarian assistance and increased cultural and sports exchanges.
Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul have been at an impasse for most of the last year after a period of renewed detente that saw South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hold three inter-Korean summits in 2018.
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At their final summit in Pyongyang in September 2018, the two sides agreed to compete together at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and to submit a bid to jointly host the Summer Games in 2032.
After a meeting between U.S. President Trump and Kim last February in Hanoi, Vietnam ended abruptly without an agreement, however, the relationship between the two Koreas cooled dramatically. Pyongyang has cut off official communications with Seoul and has regularly issued mocking and belligerent statements through its state media.
Park said the frozen relationship is endangering a major opportunity for the joint Olympic bid.
"We should strive to change the current stalled situation between the two [Koreas] in order to avoid this crucial golden time being wasted helplessly," he said. "It is urgent for us to start preparations for co-hosting Olympic events. We should stop all activities that generate military tensions and conflict."
Park said preparations for co-hosting the Olympics could restart the dormant peace process on a Korean Peninsula that saw several missile and rocket tests by North Korea over the latter half of 2018.
"We cannot just watch these escalating moves building up," Park said. "We need to make an opportunity, and I think the joint Olympics preparation will be the first starting point of making peace."
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Moon has also called for increased engagement with North Korea from tourism to economic projects to sports exchanges in order to generate momentum for the stalled peace process.
"A joint hosting of the 2032 Summer Olympics will serve as a golden opportunity to show to the world that the two Koreas consist of one nation and to make a leap forward together," Moon said in a New Year's address earlier this month.
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris sparked a controversy last week when he told international correspondents that increased inter-Korean engagement "should be done in consultation with the United States."
South Korea's Presidential Blue House rebuked Harris on Friday for making "inappropriate remarks" regarding inter-Korean cooperation.
Park recently returned from a tour of the United States, where he raised the idea of suspending military exercises in a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C. last week. He also attended the Consumer Electronics Show 2020 in Las Vegas, where he participated in a panel on smart city development.
Park said Tuesday that Seoul would host several peace-themed events this year, including a "Peace Week" in October.


upi--2020-01-21--Watch live: President Donald Trump speaks at World Economic Forum in Switzerland

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at the start of the World @ @ @ @ @ Switzerland , early Tuesday .
Trump was set to deliver his remarks at 5:45 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ , Trump was scheduled to meet with the founder and executive chairman of the forum @ @ @ @ @ with the president of the European Commission will follow .
Later , he 's scheduled @ @ @ @ @ of the Swiss confederation and Pakistani prime minister .

President Donald Trump, speaking at the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, touted U.S. economic performance under his administration. Photo by Gian Ehrenzeller/EPA-EFE
Jan. 21 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump touted his administration's economic achievements in a speech Tuesday at the start of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, saying the United States "is winning" like never before. Delivering the keynote address at the 50th annual WEF, Trump said his policies -- such as instituting the "largest tax cuts in U.S. history" and eliminating "job-killing regulations" -- are responsible for a booming U.S. economy. Advertisement
"America is thriving, America is flourishing, and, yes, America is winning again like never before," he told the audience of world leaders.
"This is a blue-collar boom. The American dream is back, bigger, better and stronger than ever before. No one is benefiting more than America's middle class."
Trump stuck to a staunch defense of his economic policies during his Davos speech, steering clear of his domestic political troubles even as the U.S. Senate prepared to enter the main stage of his impeachment trial in Washington on Tuesday.
Trump said 7 million new jobs have been created since he took office, and there have been record low levels of unemployment, adding he assumed the presidency as the economy was faltering and pessimism was rampant among business leaders.
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He also touted new trade deals with China and North American neighbors Mexico and Canada, which were signed last week.
"These agreements represent a new model of trade for the 21st century," he said.
The "phase one" deal with Beijing, he said, will curb "predatory practices" by China and added, "Our relationship with China has right now probably never been better."
Trump took a swipe at the Federal Reserve, declaring he has expanded the U.S. economy while the central bank "raised rates too fast and cut them too slowly."
The president also gave mention to environmental topics at the forum, where prominent Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg criticized world leaders, saying they have "pretty much done nothing" to curb global warming.
Trump said the United States will a join the One Trillion Trees Initiative -- a pledge by nations to plant more trees to help offset carbon dioxide emissions. An ecologist said last year that planting 1.2 trillion new trees could neutralize harmful carbon emissions.
"[The United States has] among the cleanest air and drinking water on Earth," he said. "We're committed to conserving the majesty of God's creation and the natural beauty of our world."


upi--2020-01-21--Attorney: U.S. case against Huawei's Meng is 'a facade'

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- A Canadian court has begun hearings in the high-profile case of a senior Huawei executive fighting against extradition to the United States .
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou , 47 , was arrested on Dec. 1 , 2018 , in Vancouver , British Columbia , at the request of the United States where she faces several fraud and bank fraud charges as well as violating U.S. sanctions against Iran .
On Monday , she sat in court in the bulletproof defendant 's box as the first phase of the case began that will see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the charges against her are crimes in Canada , a concept know as double criminality -- And if they are , then the extradited process will continue .
Attorney Richard Peck of her defense called the fraud charges against her `` a facade '' as Canada does not accept sanctions the United States accuses her of breaching .
Prosecutors accuse Meng of having put HSBC at risk of sanctions when it lied to the bank in 2013 about Huawei 's relations with an Iranian-based subsidiary .
`` This case is founded on allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada has repudiated , '' he said .
`` The U.S. has cast [ Meng 's ] alleged behavior as a fraud against a bank .
This is an artifice . ''
He said the extradition case has the appearance of the United States using Canada to enforce sanctions it does n't agree with as it is still a member of a multi-nation nuclear accord that U.S. President Trump pulled out of in 2018 .
Prosecutors have said it justifies extradition , arguing that if the crimes alleged in the charges were committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered illegal actions .
Meng has denied the charges and has filed a countersuit against Canada for unlawful detention , accusing the North American country of violating her rights .
China has repeatedly voiced its support for its citizen , and on Monday accused Canada and the United States of abusing their bilateral extradition treaty to `` arbitrarily '' arrest a Chinese national .
`` This is entirely a serious political incident that grossly violates the legitimate rights and interest of the Chinese citizen , '' Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we urge the Canadian side to take China 's position and concerns seriously , release Ms. Meng and ensure her safe return to China at an early date . ''
Huawei released a statement saying it was inappropriate for its to comment on the case as it is before the courts , but that it trusts Canada 's judicial system will prove Meng 's innocence .
`` Huawei stands with Ms. Meng in her pursuit for justice and freedom , '' Huawei spokesman Benjamin Howes said in a recorded statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her family , colleagues and friends as soon as possible . ''
Meng 's arrest last December has fractured the relations between the two countries .
Largely seen as a retaliatory move , China arrested two Canadian nationals on charges of espionage shortly after Meng was detained at the Vancouver airport .
Deputy Prime Minster Chrystia Freeland told reporters Monday in Winnipeg that the government 's top priority is the release of Canadian diplomat Micheal Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor .
`` Our government has been clear that we 're a rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extradition treaty commitments , and that 's what we need to do and that is what we 'll do , '' she said .

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, leaves her home to go to the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Monday. The United States is seeking extradition of Meng since she was detained in December 2018 on charges related to accusations that Huawei had tried to steal U.S. technology and had lied about its relationship with an Iranian subsidiary. Photo by EPA-EFE
Jan. 21 (UPI) -- A Canadian court has begun hearings in the high-profile case of a senior Huawei executive fighting against extradition to the United States. Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, 47, was arrested on Dec. 1, 2018, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at the request of the United States where she faces several fraud and bank fraud charges as well as violating U.S. sanctions against Iran. Advertisement
On Monday, she sat in court in the bulletproof defendant's box as the first phase of the case began that will see the Supreme Court of British Columbia examine if the charges against her are crimes in Canada, a concept know as double criminality -- And if they are, then the extradited process will continue.
Attorney Richard Peck of her defense called the fraud charges against her "a facade" as Canada does not accept sanctions the United States accuses her of breaching.
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Prosecutors accuse Meng of having put HSBC at risk of sanctions when it lied to the bank in 2013 about Huawei's relations with an Iranian-based subsidiary.
"This case is founded on allegations of breach of U.S. sanctions, which Canada has repudiated," he said. "The U.S. has cast [Meng's] alleged behavior as a fraud against a bank. This is an artifice."
He said the extradition case has the appearance of the United States using Canada to enforce sanctions it doesn't agree with as it is still a member of a multi-nation nuclear accord that U.S. President Trump pulled out of in 2018.
Prosecutors have said it justifies extradition, arguing that if the crimes alleged in the charges were committed on Canadian soil then they would be considered illegal actions.
Meng has denied the charges and has filed a countersuit against Canada for unlawful detention, accusing the North American country of violating her rights.
China has repeatedly voiced its support for its citizen, and on Monday accused Canada and the United States of abusing their bilateral extradition treaty to "arbitrarily" arrest a Chinese national.
"This is entirely a serious political incident that grossly violates the legitimate rights and interest of the Chinese citizen," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a press briefing. "Once again, we urge the Canadian side to take China's position and concerns seriously, release Ms. Meng and ensure her safe return to China at an early date."
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Huawei released a statement saying it was inappropriate for its to comment on the case as it is before the courts, but that it trusts Canada's judicial system will prove Meng's innocence.
"Huawei stands with Ms. Meng in her pursuit for justice and freedom," Huawei spokesman Benjamin Howes said in a recorded statement. "We hope Ms. Meng will be together with her family, colleagues and friends as soon as possible."
Huawei statement regarding Meng Wanzhou [video] pic.twitter.com/JtO88uTXYD— Huawei Canada (@Huawei_Canada) January 20, 2020
Meng's arrest last December has fractured the relations between the two countries. Largely seen as a retaliatory move, China arrested two Canadian nationals on charges of espionage shortly after Meng was detained at the Vancouver airport.
Deputy Prime Minster Chrystia Freeland told reporters Monday in Winnipeg that the government's top priority is the release of Canadian diplomat Micheal Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor.
"Our government has been clear that we're a rule of law country and we honor our extradition treaty commitments, and that's what we need to do and that is what we'll do," she said.


upi--2020-01-21--Famous birthdays for Jan. 21: Jack Nicklaus, Emma "Baby Spice" Bunton

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aquarius .
-- Roger @ @ @ @ @ the American Civil Liberties Union , in 1884 -- Former U.S .
Ambassador to China @ @ @ @ @ age 70 ) -- Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in 1951 ( age 69 @

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Jack Nicklaus hits the ceremonial first tee shot with Gary Player before the first round at the 2019 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 11. He turns 80 on January 21. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aquarius. They include: Advertisement
-- Soldier/Vermont folk hero Ethan Allen in 1738
-- Explorer/historian John Fremont in 1813
-- Confederate Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson in 1824
-- Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin in 1869
-- Roger Nash Baldwin, founder of the American Civil Liberties Union, in 1884
-- Blues musician Lead Belly, born Huddie William Ledbetter, in 1888
-- French fashion designer Christian Dior in 1905
-- German high-wire walker Karl Wallenda in 1905
-- Actor Telly Savalas in 1922
UPI File Photo
-- Actor Paul Scofield in 1922
-- British comedian Benny Hill in 1924
-- Disc jockey Robert "Wolfman Jack" Smith in 1938
-- Golfer Jack Nicklaus in 1940 (age 80)
-- Opera star Placido Domingo in 1941 (age 79)
-- Folk musician Richie Havens in 1941
-- Singer Mac Davis in 1942 (age 78)
-- Singer Edwin Starr in 1942
-- Actor Jill Eikenberry in 1947 (age 73)
-- Singer Billy Ocean in 1950 (age 70)
-- Former U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke in 1950 (age 70)
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-- Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in 1951 (age 69)
File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI
-- Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 1953
-- Artist Jeffrey Koons in 1955 (age 65)
-- Actor Robby Benson in 1956 (age 64)
-- Actor Geena Davis in 1956 (age 64)
-- Basketball Hall of Fame member Hakeem Olajuwon in 1963 (age 57)
-- Singer Emma "Baby Spice" Bunton in 1976 (age 44)


upi--2020-01-21--Climate change could damage thousands of U.S. bridges, engineers say

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- Bridges built after World War II are susceptible to temperature variations , making them more likely to fail because of climate change , two civil engineers have found .
Drastic fluctuations in climate , often blamed on humans , could cause significant deterioration to tens of thousands of steel-girder bridges across the United States , a study from Colorado State University civil engineers Susan Palu and Hussam N. Mahmoud concluded .
They studied simple steel-span bridges constructed with a deck on top of two girders and supported by concrete pillars .
The bridges were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1950s and 1960s .
Of almost 90,000 U.S. bridges studied , about 25 percent could fail within the next 20 years .
Almost 30 percent of steel-span bridges could fail by 2060 , and nearly all of the bridges will failed by 2100 , the researchers predicted .
Researchers found a weakness in expansion joints , which allow girders to expand and contract 3 to 6 inches as temperatures rise and fall .
The problem , they said , is that the joints , which lie on the roadway and work like interlocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dust .
When the steel heats up , `` the girder wants to expand , but the joint is already clogged with debris , '' Mahmoud said .
Axial pressure on the girders , added to the vertical weight of cars and trucks on the bridge , could cause steel fatigue , leading to cracks in the deck and steel supports .
`` When the steel ca n't expand there is a pushing-back on the girders , '' he said .
As many of these bridges reach the end of their intended life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fail sooner than expected , authors said in `` Impact of climate change on the integrity of the superstructure of deteriorated U.S. bridges , '' published in PLOS One .
Bridges in the Northern Rockies and Plains , Northwest and Upper Midwest are the most vulnerable to hastening deterioration .
North and South Dakota were states in which the most bridges were at risk , the study found .
Expansion joints are a maintenance problem compounded by the number of bridges with similar features , said Boston-based Andy Herrmann , former president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Structural Engineering Institute , who was not connected with the study .
Herrmann said regular inspections flag debris-filled bridge components .
`` It 's a maintenance problem that could be accelerated by climate change , and we have to stay on top of it , '' Herrmann said , adding that in old bridge extension joints theoretically could be replaced or shaved down to adjust to raising temperatures .
The Federal Highway Administration inspects bridges every two years for damage that could cause catastrophic failure .
The program began after the 1967 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ohio River that killed 46 people after a suspension bar failed .
Another fatal bridge collapse from a design flaw came in 1983 , when a section of the Mianus River Bridge in Connecticut gave way because of rust , killing three people .
Almost 615,000 bridges exist in the United States , and almost 40 percent of them are 50 years old or older .
Bearings and expansion joints get clogged with dirt , grit and salt , engineer Herrmann said .
Engineers designing bridges now cover the joints , allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or use a design that does n't collect debris .
If temperatures in the United States rise by even 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit , clogged expansion joints will put added stress on these bridges in some parts of the country that already are at the end of their useful life , Mahmoud said .
Fixing bridge structural failures increases commuter time and can cause social and economic losses when bridges are closed for significant repairs .
The American Society of Civil Engineers ' 2016 `` Failure to Act '' report estimates that from 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose $ 3,400 each year in disposable income due to infrastructure deficiencies . ''
`` We still have all those old bridges out there that have to be maintained rehabilitated and eventually replaced , '' Herrman said .
`` It all comes down to money . ''
As for new bridges being built , civil engineers need to account for climate change and stronger designs that can withstand increased flooding , seismic activity and temperature fluctuations , Mahmoud said .
Adding these contingencies is a growing area of study in civil engineering , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ master 's degree in civil engineering when the work was conducted , and Mahmoud is an associate professor and chair of the American Society of Civil Engineers ' Steel Bridges and Fatigue and Fracture committees .
`` Historically , these steel bridges have done well , and we have had limited failures , but going forward , engineers need to factor in extreme weather and higher temperatures , '' Mahmoud said .

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Pixabay Drastic fluctuations in climate, often blamed on humans, could cause significant deterioration to tens of thousands of steel-girder bridges across the United States, researchers say. Image by Siggy Nowak
Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Bridges built after World War II are susceptible to temperature variations, making them more likely to fail because of climate change, two civil engineers have found. Drastic fluctuations in climate, often blamed on humans, could cause significant deterioration to tens of thousands of steel-girder bridges across the United States, a study from Colorado State University civil engineers Susan Palu and Hussam N. Mahmoud concluded. Advertisement
They studied simple steel-span bridges constructed with a deck on top of two girders and supported by concrete pillars. The bridges were mass-produced during the highway boom in the 1950s and 1960s.
Of almost 90,000 U.S. bridges studied, about 25 percent could fail within the next 20 years. Almost 30 percent of steel-span bridges could fail by 2060, and nearly all of the bridges will failed by 2100, the researchers predicted.
They found a weakness in expansion joints, which allow girders to expand and contract 3 to 6 inches as temperatures rise and fall. The problem, they said, is that the joints, which lie on the roadway and work like interlocking fingers, often clog with debris and dust.
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When the steel heats up, "the girder wants to expand, but the joint is already clogged with debris," Mahmoud said.
Axial pressure on the girders, added to the vertical weight of cars and trucks on the bridge, could cause steel fatigue, leading to cracks in the deck and steel supports.
"When the steel can't expand, there is a pushing-back on the girders," he said.
As many of these bridges reach the end of their intended life, climate-related stresses could cause them to fail sooner than expected, the authors said in their study, "Impact of climate change on the integrity of the superstructure of deteriorated U.S. bridges," published in PLOS One.
Bridges in the Northern Rockies and Plains, Northwest and Upper Midwest are the most vulnerable to hastening deterioration. North and South Dakota were states in which the most bridges were at risk, the study found.
Expansion joints are a maintenance problem compounded by the number of bridges with similar features, said Boston-based Andy Herrmann, former president of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Structural Engineering Institute, who was not connected with the study. Herrmann said regular inspections flag debris-filled bridge components.
"It's a maintenance problem that could be accelerated by climate change, and we have to stay on top of it," Herrmann said, adding that in old bridge extension joints theoretically could be replaced or shaved down to adjust to rising temperatures.
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The Federal Highway Administration inspects bridges every two years for damage that could cause catastrophic failure. The program began after the 1967 collapse of the Point Pleasant Bridge over the Ohio River that killed 46 people after a suspension bar failed.
Another fatal bridge collapse from a design flaw came in 1983, when a section of the Mianus River Bridge in Connecticut gave way because of rust, killing three people.
Almost 615,000 bridges exist in the United States, and almost 40 percent of them are 50 years old or older. Bearings and expansion joints get clogged with dirt, grit and salt, engineer Herrmann said. Engineers designing bridges now cover the joints, allow for expansion in the bridge's support or use a design that doesn't collect debris.
If temperatures in the United States rise by even 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, clogged expansion joints will put added stress on these bridges in some parts of the country that are at the end of their useful life, Mahmoud said.
Fixing bridge structural failures increases commuter time and can cause social and economic losses when bridges are closed for significant repairs.
The American Society of Civil Engineers' 2016 "Failure to Act" report estimates that from 2016 to 2025, "each household will lose $3,400 each year in disposable income due to infrastructure deficiencies."
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"We still have all those old bridges out there that have to be maintained, rehabilitated and eventually replaced," Herrman said. "It all comes down to money."
As for new bridges, civil engineers need to account for climate change and stronger designs that can withstand increased flooding, seismic activity and temperature fluctuations, Mahmoud said. Adding these contingencies is a growing area of study in civil engineering.
Palu was pursuing a master's degree in civil engineering when the work was conducted, and Mahmoud is an associate professor and chair of the American Society of Civil Engineers' Steel Bridges and Fatigue and Fracture committees.
"Historically, these steel bridges have done well, and we have had limited failures, but going forward, engineers need to factor in extreme weather and higher temperatures," Mahmoud said.


upi--2020-01-21--On This Day, Jan. 21: John McEnroe breaks racquet, gets booted from Australian Open

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1793 , French King Louis XVI was executed in Paris , ending more than a thousand years of continuous French monarchy .
In 1861 , Mississippi Sen. Jefferson Davis resigned from the U.S. Senate 12 days before Mississippi seceded from the Union .
He later became president of the Confederate States of America .
In 1915 , the English steamer Durward , traveling from Leith to Rotterdam , was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine near the mouth of the Meuse .
The crew was rescued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Hook .
In 1924 , Vladimir Lenin , architect of the Bolshevik Revolution and the first leader of the Soviet Union , died of a brain hemorrhage at the age of 54 .
In 1949 , Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek headed for exile , resigned his position as president of Nationalist China to clear the way for negotiations with the Chinese Communists to end China 's three-year civil war .
In 1954 , in odd news , a Connecticut man obtained a divorce on grounds of desertion after concluding his wife was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years before .
In 1954 , the world 's first atomic-powered submarine , the Nautilus , was launched at Groton , Conn .
In 1976 , the supersonic Concorde airplane was put into service by Britain and France .
In 1977 , U.S. President Jimmy Carter pardoned American Vietnam War-era draft evaders and ordered a case-by-case study of deserters .
In 1990 , U.S. tennis star John McEnroe became the first player to be disqualified from the Australian Open after an outburst in which he broke his racquet , yelled at a linesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 1996 , an overloaded ferry , the Gurita , capsized during a storm off the coast of Sumatra , Indonesia , killing 340 people .
In 1997 , the full U.S. House of Representatives voted 395-28 to reprimand Speaker Newt Gingrich , R-Ga. , for violating House rules and misleading congressional investigators looking into his possible misuse of tax-exempt donations for political purposes .
In 2003 , the U.S. Census Bureau said Hispanics had moved past African Americans as the largest minority group in the United States .
In 2009 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near-unanimous Senate confirmation as U.S. secretary of state .
She took the oath of office later that day .
In 2010 , the U.S. Supreme Court , in a far-reaching and controversial 5-4 decision , ruled that the government can not restrict the spending of corporations and unions for political campaigns .
In 2014 , a report from three former war-crimes prosecutors said they found evidence of widespread killings and torture by forces of the government of Syria .
The report , which included thousands of photographs apparently smuggled out of the war-torn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` systematic , ordered and directed from above . ''
In 2017 , millions of people gathered worldwide for the Women 's March protesting the election of President Donald Trump , who was inaugurated the day before .
Up to 500,000 attended the Washington , D.C. , event .
In 2019 , a private airplane carrying Argentine soccer star Emiliano Sala disappeared near the Channel Islands .
Searchers recovered his body from the wreckage of the plane at the bottom of the English Channel in February .

1/7
John Mcenroe plays an exhibition doubles match at the opening of Wimbledon’s new No.1 court on May 19. On January 21, 1990, McEnroe became the first player to be disqualified from the Australian Open after an outburst in which he broke his racquet. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 21 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1793, French King Louis XVI was executed in Paris, ending more than a thousand years of continuous French monarchy. Advertisement
In 1861, Mississippi Sen. Jefferson Davis resigned from the U.S. Senate 12 days before Mississippi seceded from the Union. He later became president of the Confederate States of America.
In 1915, the English steamer Durward, traveling from Leith to Rotterdam, was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine near the mouth of the Meuse. The crew was rescued by a Dutch pilot boat and landed at the Hook.
In 1924, Vladimir Lenin, architect of the Bolshevik Revolution and the first leader of the Soviet Union, died of a brain hemorrhage at the age of 54.
In 1949, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek headed for exile, resigned his position as president of Nationalist China to clear the way for negotiations with the Chinese Communists to end China's three-year civil war.
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In 1954, in odd news, a Connecticut man obtained a divorce on grounds of desertion after concluding his wife wasn't coming back. She left 45 years before.
In 1954, the world's first atomic-powered submarine, the Nautilus, was launched at Groton, Conn.
In 1976, the supersonic Concorde airplane was put into service by Britain and France.
File Photo by John Full/UPI
In 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter pardoned American Vietnam War-era draft evaders and ordered a case-by-case study of deserters.
In 1990, U.S. tennis star John McEnroe became the first player to be disqualified from the Australian Open after an outburst in which he broke his racquet, yelled at a linesman and erupted into a string of curses.
In 1996, an overloaded ferry, the Gurita, capsized during a storm off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, killing 340 people.
In 1997, the full U.S. House of Representatives voted 395-28 to reprimand Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., for violating House rules and misleading congressional investigators looking into his possible misuse of tax-exempt donations for political purposes.
Advertisement
In 2003, the U.S. Census Bureau said Hispanics had moved past African Americans as the largest minority group in the United States.
In 2009, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., won near-unanimous Senate confirmation as U.S. secretary of state. She took the oath of office later that day.
In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a far-reaching and controversial 5-4 decision, ruled that the government cannot restrict the spending of corporations and unions for political campaigns.
File Photo by Daniel Gluskoter/UPI
In 2014, a report from three former war-crimes prosecutors said they found evidence of widespread killings and torture by forces of the government of Syria. The report, which included thousands of photographs apparently smuggled out of the war-torn country, told of killings that were "systematic, ordered and directed from above."
In 2017, millions of people gathered worldwide for the Women's March protesting the election of President Donald Trump, who was inaugurated the day before. Up to 500,000 attended the Washington, D.C., event.
In 2019, a private airplane carrying Argentine soccer star Emiliano Sala disappeared near the Channel Islands. Searchers recovered his body from the wreckage of the plane at the bottom of the English Channel in February.
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upi--2020-01-21--Pompeo reiterates U.S. support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido

Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated his government 's support of Venezuela 's opposition leader and interim president Juan Guaido in his fight against embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro .
Pompeo and Guaido met for the first time on the sidelines of the Third Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism Ministerial in Bogota , Colombia , on Monday -- a day after Guaido arrived in the neighboring country despite a pro-government Supreme Court imposed travel ban .
During the press conference , Pompeo lavished praise on Guaido , calling him `` a great leader '' who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American nation .
Pompeo also emphasized that nearly 60 countries have recognized Guaido as the interim leader of Venezuela .
`` You should know that countries across the world -- in Latin America , where we are today , here in Colombia ; in Europe ; in the United States ; all across North America -- the people , the democratic people of those countries are with you , '' Pompeo said in a message to the Venezuelan people .
`` We 're here to ensure -- to do everything we can to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you get the chance simply to live the lives that you want , with democracy and freedom , so that you can take care of your families .
`` And president Guaido is working diligently to achieve that , '' he said .
Pompeo then pledged the support of the United States and all the countries participating in the counterterrorism ministerial to solve the political crisis that has gripped Venezuela since early last year when Maduro 's 2018 re-election was deemed illegitimate and Guaido , as leader of the National Assembly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the United States has been steadily applying pressure to force Maduro from power .
However , he has managed to hold on with the support of Cuba and Russia , and Pompeo said Monday that he expects the United States to continue to tighten its vises on the Maduro regime and those responsible for propping him up .
`` The work that we 've done over these past months has been building to the place that we find ourselves today , and I would fully expect that there will be further actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to support president Guaido and the Venezuelan people , '' he said .
Guaido told reporters that he defied the court ordered travel ban despite the risk of being jailed or killed when he returns in order to hold meetings in Europe with the European Union and at the World Economic Forum to be held this week in Davos , Switzerland .
`` Yes , there is a risk we assume on behalf of Venezuelans , in behalf of democracy , '' he said .
Asked what European leaders could do for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss that later but that they are `` implementing strategies to attain our objectives '' and to apply further pressure on Maduro .
`` The dictators wo n't want to give up the power they 've taken , '' he said .
`` So this is a long-term strategy .
We 're facing it .
So there are forces that can not be stopped when you seek democracy .
This is what we 're seeing in Venezuela .
We 're mobilizing .
We have demonstrating and we are not going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza lashed back at Pompeo , calling him Guiado 's `` puppeteer '' who is taking his puppet on an international tour after failing in its mission to oust Maduro .
`` [ Pompeo ] finds it hard to understand that as a puppeteer , he & his work were a monumental failure in [ Venezuela ] , '' Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a tweet posted on Maduro 's account .
`` Instead of opting for diplomacy , he now dedicates himself to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
What else could one expect ? ''
It was the first meeting between Guaido and Pompeo .
After Guaido announced his surprise arrival in Colombia , he stated he will be `` full of good news '' when he returns to Venezuela .
In a tweet , Guaido said an important part of his agenda abroad is to hold bilateral meetings with the United States during which he and his counterpart will be `` specifying new actions and defining agreements . ''
It was Guaido 's second time defying the court-imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help ship humanitarian aid into the country over a Maduro-imposed blockade .

Interim Venezuelan president Juan Guaido (L) and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met for the first time Monday in Bogota, Colombia. Photo courtesy of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompe
Jan. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated his government's support of Venezuela's opposition leader and interim president Juan Guaido in his fight against embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Pompeo and Guaido met for the first time on the sidelines of the Third Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism Ministerial in Bogota, Colombia, on Monday -- a day after Guaido arrived in the neighboring country despite a pro-government Supreme Court imposed travel ban. Advertisement
During the press conference, Pompeo lavished praise on Guaido, calling him "a great leader" who will bring democracy to the socialist South American nation.
Pompeo also emphasized that nearly 60 countries have recognized Guaido as the interim leader of Venezuela.
"You should know that countries across the world -- in Latin America, where we are today, here in Colombia; in Europe; in the United States; all across North America -- the people, the democratic people of those countries are with you," Pompeo said in a message to the Venezuelan people. "We're here to ensure -- to do everything we can to ensure -- that you get that opportunity, you get the chance simply to live the lives that you want, with democracy and freedom, so that you can take care of your families.
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"And president Guaido is working diligently to achieve that," he said.
Pompeo then pledged the support of the United States and all the countries participating in the counterterrorism ministerial to solve the political crisis that has gripped Venezuela since early last year when Maduro's 2018 re-election was deemed illegitimate and Guaido, as leader of the National Assembly, appointed himself interim president.
Since then, the United States has been steadily applying pressure to force Maduro from power. However, he has managed to hold on with the support of Cuba and Russia, and Pompeo said Monday that he expects the United States to continue to tighten its vises on the Maduro regime and those responsible for propping him up.
"The work that we've done over these past months has been building to the place that we find ourselves today, and I would fully expect that there will be further actions that the United States will take to continue to support president Guaido and the Venezuelan people," he said.
Guaido told reporters that he defied the court ordered travel ban despite the risk of being jailed or killed when he returns in order to hold meetings in Europe with the European Union and at the World Economic Forum to be held this week in Davos, Switzerland.
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"Yes, there is a risk we assume on behalf of Venezuelans, in behalf of democracy," he said.
Asked what European leaders could do for him, Guaido said he'd prefer to discuss that later but that they are "implementing strategies to attain our objectives" and to apply further pressure on Maduro.
"The dictators won't want to give up the power they've taken," he said.
"So this is a long-term strategy. We're facing it. So there are forces that cannot be stopped when you seek democracy. This is what we're seeing in Venezuela. We're mobilizing. We have demonstrating and we are not going to be different in the next few months," he said.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza lashed back at Pompeo, calling him Guiado's "puppeteer" who is taking his puppet on an international tour after failing in its mission to oust Maduro.
"[Pompeo] finds it hard to understand that as a puppeteer, he & his work were a monumental failure in [Venezuela]," Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a tweet posted on Maduro's account. "Instead of opting for diplomacy, he now dedicates himself to taking his defeated puppet out into the world. What else could one expect?"
It was the first meeting between Guaido and Pompeo. After Guaido announced his surprise arrival in Colombia, he stated he will be "full of good news" when he returns to Venezuela.
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In a tweet, Guaido said an important part of his agenda abroad is to hold bilateral meetings with the United States during which he and his counterpart will be "specifying new actions and defining agreements."
It was Guaido's second time defying the court-imposed travel ban after visiting Colombia in February to help ship humanitarian aid into the country over a Maduro-imposed blockade.


upi--2020-01-21--South Korea sending troops to Strait of Hormuz

SEOUL , Jan. 21 ( UPI ) -- South Korea will deploy troops to the Strait of Hormuz to help protect its vessels passing through the waterway , the country 's Ministry of National Defense announced on Tuesday .
An anti-piracy unit known as the Cheonghae Unit , which is already stationed in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia , will expand its operations to the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf , the ministry said in a statement .
`` In view of the current situation in the Middle East , our government has decided to expand the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to ensure the safety of our people and the freedom of navigation of ships , '' the statement read .
The unit will not operate as part of a coalition but will collaborate with the U.S.-led International Maritime Security Construct , headquartered in Bahrain , by sending two liaison officers `` for cooperation , including information sharing , '' the ministry said .
`` The Middle East is home to approximately 25,000 of our residents and the Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important area that accounts for more than 70 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ministry said , adding that South Korean ships sail through the strait around 900 times per year .
Tensions in the region have risen since the United States killed Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani with a drone strike earlier this month .
Iran launched missile strikes at U.S. forces in Iraq in retaliation and unintentionally shot down a Ukrainian jetliner near Tehran , killing 176 passengers and crew in a move its military ascribed to human error .
Last week , the United States issued a warning to commercial vessels in and around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hormuz , through which one-third of all oil traded by sea passes .
`` Heightened military activity and increased political tensions in this region continue to pose serious threats to commercial vessels , '' the warning said .
`` Associated with these threats is a potential for miscalculation or misidentification that could lead to aggressive actions . ''
The United States has pressed for international allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz .
In a meeting with reporters last week , U.S .
Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in maritime security in the Strait .
South Korea 's 300-strong Cheonghae Unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009 and operates a 4,400-ton destroyer , the Wang Geon , according to the ministry .

Maritime ministry officials check the locations of South Korean vessels in the Strait of Hormuz at the ministry's situation room in Sejong. South Korea announced on Tuesday it would be sending forces to the Strait. Photo by Yonhap
SEOUL, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- South Korea will deploy troops to the Strait of Hormuz to help protect its vessels passing through the waterway, the country's Ministry of National Defense announced on Tuesday. An anti-piracy unit known as the Cheonghae Unit, which is already stationed in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia, will expand its operations to the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, the ministry said in a statement. Advertisement
"In view of the current situation in the Middle East, our government has decided to expand the Cheonghae Unit dispatch area for a limited time to ensure the safety of our people and the freedom of navigation of ships," the statement read.
The unit will not operate as part of a coalition but will collaborate with the U.S.-led International Maritime Security Construct, headquartered in Bahrain, by sending two liaison officers "for cooperation, including information sharing," the ministry said.
"The Middle East is home to approximately 25,000 of our residents and the Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important area that accounts for more than 70 percent of our crude oil shipments," the ministry said, adding that South Korean ships sail through the strait around 900 times per year.
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Tensions in the region have risen since the United States killed Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani with a drone strike earlier this month. Iran launched missile strikes at U.S. forces in Iraq in retaliation and unintentionally shot down a Ukrainian jetliner near Tehran, killing 176 passengers and crew in a move its military ascribed to human error.
Last week, the United States issued a warning to commercial vessels in and around the Persian Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-third of all oil traded by sea passes.
"Heightened military activity and increased political tensions in this region continue to pose serious threats to commercial vessels," the warning said. "Associated with these threats is a potential for miscalculation or misidentification that could lead to aggressive actions."
The United States has pressed for international allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. In a meeting with reporters last week, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris confirmed that Washington had requested South Korea's assistance in maritime security in the Strait.
South Korea's 300-strong Cheonghae Unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009 and operates a 4,400-ton destroyer, the Wang Geon, according to the ministry.
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