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Donald Trump hit out at "chronic trade abuses" as he warned world leaders he will not let the US "be taken advantage of anymore".

During a speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the President urged foreign leaders to approach trade relationships with the US "in the principles of fairness and reciprocity" and "follow the rules just like we do".

Mr Trump also attacked the World Trade Organisation, which sets global trade rules, for failing to clamp down on alleged abuses such as currency manipulation, product dumping and government subsidisation of goods.

He added: "We expect that markets will be open to an equal degree on both sides and that private industry not government planners will direct investment.

"Unfortunately, for too long, and in too many places the opposite has happened."

In his blunt address – a marked change from his friendly overtures in China on Thursday – Mr Trump warned the neglect of World Trade Organisation rules "hurt many people" in the US.

He added America would "no longer turn a blind eye to violations, cheating or economic aggression", and threatened: "We will no longer tolerate the audacious theft of intellectual property."

The President did not single out China by name, but all of the allegations raised in his speech have been lodged against Beijing by the US in the past.

Mr Trump's speech in Vietnam came during an official tour of Asia, which had already included visits to Japan and South Korea.

The tour, which will conclude in the Philippines, has been dominated by the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.

Referring to tensions on the Korean peninsula, Mr Trump told APEC delegates that the region will not have lasting prosperity "if we do not confront grave threats to security, sovereignty and stability facing our world today".

And in an attack on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, he said: "The future of this region and its beautiful people must not be held hostage to a dictator's twisted fantasies of violent conquest and nuclear blackmail."

Appearing at a business event in Beijing on Thursday, Mr Trump warned "time is quickly running out" to deal with Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.

But in an attempt to ease tensions, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said Washington had "two or three channels" open to communicate directly with Mr Kim.

He said: "As part of our ongoing diplomatic effort we are always ready to hear what he has to say diplomatically.

"Whatever he wants to say publicly, he can say publicly, and what we say to him diplomatically is not public either.

"Because I think eventually we're going to have one of those days where we're both going to say okay, maybe it's a good time to have that first conversation."

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France: Russian accident caused recent radioactivity spike

The French nuclear safety agency says it thinks an apparently minor accident at a Russian facility caused a recent spike in radioactivity in the air over much of Europe.

The Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety says the release of the isotope Ruthenium-106 posed no health or environmental risks to European countries.

The agency said the "plausible zone of release" was between the Volga River and the Ural Mountains.

It suggested random checks on food imports from the region as a precaution.

In a report released Thursday based on monitoring in multiple countries, IRSN said the Ruthenium appeared to come from an accident involving nuclear fuel or production of radioactive material.

The report says the radioactivity peaked in late September and early October, and is no longer detected in the atmosphere.

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Richard Browning sets a world record for the fastest speed in a body controlled jet engine powered suit.
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The Latest: Germany urges Saudis, Iran not to weaken Lebanon

The Latest on developments surrounding Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri who resigned from Riyadh last week and the crisis between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon (all times local):

3:35 p.m.

Germany is calling on Saudi Arabia and Iran not to undermine Lebanon's stability following the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel called his Saudi counterpart Thursday to highlight the need to safeguard Lebanon's stability.

Government spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters in Berlin on Friday that when discussing Lebanon "it's also necessary to talk about the role of Iran."

Seibert noted that Tehran has influence over Hezbollah and its support for the Shiite militia is viewed by Germany "with great concern."

He said that Germany "of course appeals to both countries, Saudi Arabia and Iran, not to weaken the political stability in Lebanon."

———

1:50 p.m.

A French official says that Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has told foreign ambassadors that he is not a prisoner in Saudi Arabia, where he has been holed up since an unusual resignation announcement.

An official in French President Emmanuel Macron's office said on Friday that the French and U.S. ambassadors in Saudi Arabia met with Hariri, and that Hariri "says he is not a prisoner, the (Saudi crown) prince says he is not a prisoner."

Macron paid a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday night and met with the crown prince, notably about rising tensions in Lebanon, a former French protectorate.

The official said Hariri did not ask to see Macron during the visit and that French officials "don't have any specific signs" that the Lebanese prime minister's life is in danger.

The official was not authorized to be publicly named according to presidential policy.

—Sylvie Corbet in Paris

———

12:50 p.m.

A senior Lebanese official says Beirut has formally told Saudi Arabia that the way Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned — in a televised statement from Riyadh — is "unacceptable" and requested his return to the country.

The official says the Lebanese position was conveyed by President Michel Aoun to the Saudi charge d'affaires in Lebanon, Walid al-Bukhari, at the presidential palace on Friday.

The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Aoun was meeting with foreign ambassadors to discuss Hariri's abrupt resignation last Saturday. Hariri, who cited Iran's meddling in the region, has not returned to Lebanon since.

The resignation has thrown the tiny nation in turmoil and officials have demanded his return, suspecting he is being held in the Saudi capital against his will.

—Zeina Karam in Beirut.

———

12:35 p.m.

Scores of citizens from Gulf Arab countries have started leaving Lebanon after their governments ordered them out of the Mediterranean country amid a major Riyadh-Beirut crisis.

Dozens of men and women from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain were seen leaving Lebanon on Friday morning through Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates have ordered their citizens to leave Lebanon.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri shocked his country Saturday when he announced in a televised statement from Saudi Arabia that he was resigning. The unexpected move led to rumors that he is being held in Saudi Arabia against his will.

———

11:10 a.m.

France's foreign minister says French authorities believe Lebanese Premier Saad Hariri is "free in his movements" and not in custody in Saudi Arabia.

Jean-Yves Le Drian told Europe-1 radio on Friday that "to our knowledge" Hariri is not being held by Saudi authorities. Hariri abruptly announced his resignation last week in a television appearance from Saudi Arabia, and has not returned to his country since.

Le Drian said Hariri traveled from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates and back earlier this week "so we think he is free in his movements, and it is up to him to make his choices."

Le Drian's office wouldn't say where the French information came from.

French President Emmanuel Macron discussed Lebanon, a former French protectorate, during a surprise visit Thursday to Riyadh.

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Finally iPhone users can type the letter 'I' again thanks to the latest Apple fix.
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Rand Paul's rib fracture: What you need to know

WATCH Neighbor accused of attacking Sen. Paul appears in court

After initial reports that Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul had been injured in an altercation with a neighbor, the senator tweeted about his injuries Wednesday indicating they may be more serious than originally thought.

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“A medical update: final report indicates six broken ribs & new X-ray shows a pleural effusion,” he said.

I appreciate all of the support from everyone. A medical update: final report indicates six broken ribs & new X-ray shows a pleural effusion

— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) November 8, 2017

Kentucky doctor pleads not guilty to assault of Sen. Rand Paul

Austin Anthony/Daily News via AP

Below is more information about what a rib fracture could mean for the senator’s health.

What is a rib fracture?

Rib fracture, meaning a break in one or more of the ribs, is a fairly common injury following physical trauma. Ribs can be broken in a car accident, in a fall, or by a direct impact.

In fact, 10 percent of all trauma patients suffer from rib fractures and this figure rises to about 30 percent for those who experience trauma directly to the chest. Simple rib fractures are most common and require little treatment beyond painkillers and rest. Complicated rib fractures, on the other hand, may take longer to heal and can even require surgery.

How serious is it?

The chest contains a lot of vital organs and an intact ribcage is important to protect them. If one or more ribs is broken, this protection is compromised.

But that’s not the only thing that can go wrong when ribs are broken. In some cases, bleeding can occur in the chest. The worst cases can lead to collapse of a lung –- a condition known as pneumothorax. Serious rib fractures also introduce the possibility of infection of the lungs, for example pneumonia.

What is a pleural effusion?

Another medical issue cited in the senator’s tweet, a pleural effusion, can develop after a rib injury.

The condition develops when inflammation and changes in pressure cause fluid to build up in the chest. Doctors diagnose this condition using a chest x-ray; it shows up as fluid around the lungs. Pleural effusion can happen days, or even weeks, after an initial injury. Sometimes this fluid can become infected or may need to be drained if the person has trouble breathing. Pleural effusion often resolves on its own, unless it is too large.

How long does it take to recover from rib fracture?

It may take anywhere from six weeks to six months for rib fractures to fully heal. Doctors say the priority during this time is pain control. Without appropriate pain management, people with rib fractures are unable to move well or breathe deeply — which can put them at risk for more complications, such as pneumonia or collapsed air sacs in the lungs.

Besides pain medications, doctors will sometimes use an elastic abdominal binder to stabilize the patient’s torso.

Multiple rib fractures and fractures in older adults are more dangerous. But, rib fractures are common and most people make a full recovery.

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President Trump addresses key Apec summit in Vietnam

US President Donald Trump is addressing business leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) summit, which has begun in Vietnam.

Mr Trump is outlining the future US role in the region when it comes to trade and growth.

His "America First" slogan and withdrawal from a regional deal has been seen as move away from free trade.

President Trump has also vowed to correct a huge trade imbalance with China and Japan.

Apec brings together 21 economies from both sides of the Pacific – the equivalent of about 60% of the world's GDP.

Since taking office, President Trump has pulled the US out of the Trans Pacific Partnership, a major trade deal with 12 Apec member countries, arguing it would hurt US economic interests.

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Mr Trump's speech will be followed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Shaping a new role for the US

Jonathan Head, BBC News, Da Nang

For nearly 30 years Apec has been the venue where the United States has led the drive for freer trade and stronger business ties between the world's most dynamic economies.

But President Trump's preoccupation with getting a better deal for America has changed that. He argues that decades of trade growth in the Asia-Pacific region have hurt American companies.

His opening speech at a meeting of business leaders here in Da Nang will be an opportunity for Mr Trump to outline what role he thinks the US should now play in a region which has to a large extent been shaped by past American leadership.

But member states are also exploring ways to pursue improved trade networks without the United States – and China, already a serious rival for military and diplomatic dominance in Asia, is making it clear it is prepared to take over US economic leadership too.

Balancing trade and language

The total trade relationship between the US and China was worth $648bn last year, but trade was heavily skewed in China's favour with the US amassing a nearly $310bn deficit.

Mr Trump has in the past accused China of stealing American jobs and threatened to label it a currency manipulator, though he has since rowed back on such rhetoric.

During his state visit to Beijing on Thursday he said:

• that he did "not blame China" for "taking advantage".
• that previous US administrations were responsible for "a very unfair and one-sided" trade relationship with China.

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In response, China said it would further lower entry barriers in the banking, insurance, and finance sectors, and gradually reduce vehicle tariffs.

Mr Xi on Thursday promised "healthy" and "balanced" economic and trade relations.

Deals worth $250bn (£190bn) were also announced, although it was unclear how much of that figure included past agreements or potential future deals. At the same time, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told journalists the deals were "pretty small" in terms of tackling the trade imbalance.

• Trump vs Xi: The two men compared

Before the Beijing talks, Mr Trump in Tokyo lashed out at Japan, saying it "has been winning" on trade in recent decades.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will also be making a speech at the Apec summit. Japan had a $69bn (£52.8bn) trade surplus with the US in 2016, according to the US Treasury department.

Climate warning from New Zealand

As one of the first leaders to make a speech on Friday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said climate change was "the biggest challenge of our generation".

"It is also the greatest challenge facing the Asia Pacific region," she said, two weeks after having assumed office.

"We have the largest number of climate vulnerable people in the world. We are already seeing the terrible effects of climate change in our region. It is literally lapping at our feet."

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After attending the Apec summit, Mr Trump will pay a state visit to the Vietnamese capital Hanoi.

Mr Trump will end his 12-day Asian tour in the Philippines on 13 November.

Source – bbc.com

It could take over 100 years to close the gender pay gap if progress remains at current levels, a charity has warned.

The Fawcett Society, which campaigns for women's rights, issued the warning as it dubbed Friday Equal Pay Day – saying it marked the time in the calendar year when women start to work for free because of their pay lag on male earnings.

It said the date, 10 November, had not shifted for the past three years because of the lack of progress closing the gap.

The charity's report was compiled using figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which had just last month declared the pay gap at its lowest level on record at 9.1% on the measure of median hourly earnings.

The society found the gulf widening for younger women under a different, average measure reported by the ONS.

:: Opinion: Why are UK women working for free?

It said that because the gap was widest for older women, it meant the UK was actually "going backwards" in its pay parity efforts.

The Fawcett Society measured the gap for women in their 50s at 18.6%.

It said those in their 20s were now suffering a 5.5% shortfall this year – up from 1.1% in 2011.

Chief executive Sam Smethers said that was extremely worrying.

"At a time when we are breaking the taboo of talking about sexual harassment in the workplace we need to wake up to the fact that a culture which tolerates or even fosters sexual harassment isn't going to pay women properly either, and we know that younger women are particularly likely to experience harassment," she said.

The report was released on the back of several high-profile gender pay rows this year – the most prominent at the BBC, which saw bosses come under pressure amid a backlash by senior female presenters.

:: Most 'sexist' city in gender pay revealed

Anne Milton, minister for women, said: "The pay gap won't close on its own – we all need to take action to make sure we address this.

"That is why we have introduced a legal requirement for all large employers to publish their gender pay and bonus data by April 2018.

"I'm pleased that some of our top companies are leading the way and have already reported.

"By shining a light on where there are gaps, they can take action to address it.

"There are no excuses, employers now need to get on with the job of publishing their pay gap and pledge to improve workplace equality."

Ms Smethers said she hoped efforts to address the gap would help accelerate the path to parity.

"Employers with 250 staff or more need to review their pay systems and publish their gender pay gaps, with a clear action plan in place to close it," she said.

"All employers need to take a long hard look at their workplace culture.

"Discrimination and sexual harassment can be hidden and more common than they think. Proactive steps are needed to root it out and give women confidence to report it."

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Source – News.sky.com

It could now take over 100 years to close the gender pay gap if progress remains at current levels, a charity has claimed.

The Fawcett Society, which campaigns for women's rights, issued the warning as it dubbed Friday Equal Pay Day – saying it marked the time in the calendar year when women start to work for free because of their pay lag on male earnings.

It said the date, 10 November, had not shifted for the past three years because of the lack of progress closing the gap.

The charity's report was compiled using figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which had, just last month declared the pay gap at its lowest level on record at 9.1% on the measure of median hourly earnings.

The society found the gulf widening for younger women under a different, average measure reported by the ONS.

It declared that because the gap was widest for older women, it meant the UK was actually "going backwards" in its pay parity efforts.

The Fawcett Society measured the gap for women in their fifties at 18.6%.

It said those in their twenties were now suffering a 5.5% shortfall this year – up from from 1.1% in 2011.

Chief executive Sam Smethers said that was extremely worrying.

:: Most 'sexist' city in gender pay revealed

"At a time when we are breaking the taboo of talking about sexual harassment in the workplace we need to wake up to the fact that a culture which tolerates or even fosters sexual harassment isn't going to pay women properly either, and
we know that younger women are particularly likely to experience harassment."

Its report was released on the back of several high profile gender pay rows this year – the most prominent at the BBC, which saw bosses come under pressure amid a backlash by senior female presenters.

Anne Milton, minister for women, said: "The pay gap won't close on its own – we all need to take action to make sure we address this.

"That is why we have introduced a legal requirement for all large employers to publish their gender pay and bonus data by April 2018.

"I'm pleased that some of our top companies are leading the way and have already reported.

"By shining a light on where there are gaps, they can take action to address it.

"There are no excuses, employers now need to get on with the job of publishing their pay gap and pledge to improve workplace equality."

Ms Smethers said she hoped efforts to address the gap would help accelerate the path to parity.

She added: "Employers with 250 staff or more need to review their pay systems and publish their gender pay gaps, with a clear action plan in place to close it.

"All employers need to take a long hard look at their workplace culture.

"Discrimination and sexual harassment can be hidden and more common than they think. Proactive steps are needed to root it out and give women confidence to report it."

More stories

• Previous article Ofgem to cap forced meter installation fees
• Next article EU business groups to meet May on Brexit deal

Source – News.sky.com

Jeremy Piven slams 'completely fabricated' allegations of sexual assault

WATCH Jeremy Piven 'unequivocally' denies 'appalling' groping allegations

Jeremy Piven has offered to take a polygraph test to prove that he did not sexually assault the women who have come forward with claims that he did.

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In a new statement the former "Entourage" actor tweeted on Thursday, he slammed allegations made against him as "absolutely false and completely fabricated" and questioned how he could “prove something didn’t happen.”

Piven has been accused by three women of sexual misconduct.

"I would never force myself on a woman. Period," he wrote. "As a human being, I feel compassion for the victims of such acts, but I am perplexed as to the misdirection of anger with false accusations against me and hope they do not detract from the stories that should be heard."

Jeremy Piven 'unequivocally' denies 'appalling' groping allegations Jeremy Piven pulled from 'The Late Show' after groping allegation

Earlier this month, reality star and former Playboy Playmate Ariane Bellamar accused Piven, 52, of groping her on two separate occasions. The actor immediately released a denial, and CBS, the network behind his show "Wisdom of the Crowd," announced that there would be an investigation into the claim. "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" also pulled a segment on which Piven was supposed to appear.

Shortly thereafter, actress Cassidy Freeman reportedly leveled a claim on Instagram that Piven also acted inappropriately toward her, but her profile is no longer available. A third woman, advertising executive Tiffany Bacon Scourby, recently told People magazine that the actor forced himself on her in 2003 in a New York City hotel room.

“I pushed him off of me and ran down the short hallway to get to the door,” she said. “I ran outside and hailed a cab and I just burst into tears. I cried the entire way back to my hotel.”

Piven's spokesperson did not respond to ABC News' request for comment, but did tell People that the actor is exploring his legal options.

pic.twitter.com/F3N61SBE5k

— Jeremy Piven (@jeremypiven) November 9, 2017

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