(Xinhua/Yin Bogu)LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May formally rejected a petition Monday signed by nearly 2 million people wanting the cancellation of the proposed state visit to Britain by U.S. President Donald Trump. The petitioners said a state visit by Trump, which would involve a state banquet, would embarrass Queen Elizabeth. In its response, the government says it believes the president of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a state visit. ALSO READ: U.S. blacklists Venezuela's vice president as drug trafficker"We look forward to welcoming President Trump once dates and arrangements are finalized," said an official statement. Media in London are reporting that Trump's state visit will take place before the end of this month.

Source: Standard Digital February 15, 2017 06:33 UTC