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Trump under fire for defending Putin over poll meddling

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Washington, July 17 (IANS) US President Donald Trump is facing a barrage of criticism for defending his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over claims of Moscow’s interference in the 2016 presidential elections.

At a joint news conference with Putin following their summit in Finland on Monday, Trump refused to denounce the Russian leader for interfering in the presidential campaign and instead contradicted American intelligence agencies, the US media reported on Tuesday.

Russia had no reason to meddle, Trump said.

His remarks sparked an enormous amount of backlash from his critics, Republicans and Democrats, warning that his actions could ultimately hurt national security interests.

“The President must appreciate that Russia is not our ally,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan. “The US must be focused on holding Russia accountable and putting an end to its vile attacks on democracy.”

Russia is responsible for “ongoing, pervasive attempts” to undermine US democracy, said Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats.

Republican Senator John McCain, a key member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said it was a “disgraceful performance”.

“No prior President has ever abased himself more abjectly before a tyrant,” he said.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham tweeted that it was a “missed opportunity… to firmly hold Russia accountable for 2016 meddling”.

“Shameful,” tweeted Republican Senator Jeff Flake. “Bizarre and flat-out wrong,” wrote Senator Ben Sasse in reference to Trump’s separate assertion that both countries were to blame for their deteriorating relationship.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump’s actions had “strengthened our adversaries while weakening our defences and those of our allies”.

Former Vice President Joe Biden said: “… Our President had the chance to confront an adversary who has attacked – and continues to attack – our democracy and our allies. He could have stood up for American interests and values. He chose not to.”

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called Trump’s performance an “embarrassment”.

Former CIA director John Brennan said Trump’s news conference “was nothing short of treasonous”.

“Not only were Trump’s comments imbecilic, he is wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Mike Pence defended the summit and praised Trump.

During the press conference, Putin offered to allow US investigators to visit Russia to question the officers regarding poll medding.

In a later interview with Fox News, he said it was “ridiculous” that some people thought Russia could have influenced the US elections.

Putin said the US-Russian relations should not be “held hostage” to an internal political struggle in America.

He also dismissed longstanding reports that Russian intelligence may hold compromising material on Trump.

The Russian leader described the Helsinki meeting as “candid and useful” while Trump said there had been “deeply productive dialogue”.

Trump said US-Russia relations had “never been worse” than before they met, but that had now changed.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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