SHUTDOWN DEADLINE LOOMS AS TRUMP, DEMOCRATS FIGHT OVER WALL MONEY
WASHINGTON: The prospect of an embarrassing Christmas-time shutdown of the US government loomed on Friday as President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats remained far apart on a stopgap funding bill held up by discord over money for a border wall. An air of chaos hung over Washington as a midnight deadline approached for lawmakers and the president to find a way to do a very basic task: keep the government up and running. If they do not, key agencies will close and many workers will be furloughed right before Christmas without a paycheck. Trump insists he needs $5 billion in funding for the Us-mexico border wall.
US willing to hold talks with North Korea, says envoy
SEOUL: Washington is willing to discuss trust-building initiatives with Pyongyang, a US envoy said on Friday, as the Donald Trump administration tries to revive efforts to convince Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. “The US has no intention of easing our unilateral or United Nations sanctions” on Pyongyang, stressed Stephen Biegun, the US Special Representative for North Korea.
Belgian PM resigns, king requests him to stay
BRUSSELS: Belgium’s King Philippe on Friday accepted the resignation of PM Charles Michel on Friday, but asked the premier to stay on at the head of a caretaker government until elections are held on May 26. Michel submitted his resignation earlier this week after the biggest party in his coalition quit. AP
Gatwick flights halted again over new drone fears
LONDON: Flights were suspended again on Friday at London’s Gatwick Airport after another drone sighting, following three days of getaway disruption. Flights had resumed earlier on Friday, but a spokeswoman said the runway had been brought to a standstill once more following a fresh “sighting” at 5.10pm. AP
At least 25 killed in raids in two Nigerian villages
KANO: More than 25 people were gunned down when a group of armed men raided two villages in trouble-hit northern Nigeria, police said on Friday. Gunmen on motorbikes last Wednesday invaded Gidan Halilu and Gidan Kaka in Nigeria’s Zamfara state. “The attacks were carried out by cattle thieves who’ve been terrorising us for years,” Usman Wadatau, a community leader in Gidan Halilu, said. AGENCIES