Senate kicks off debate in Trump impeachment trial

Washington, Jan 21 (AFP) historic impeachment trial of US president Donald Trump opened debate with fireworks Tuesday as Democrats accused Senate Majority Leer Mitch McConnell of fomenting a "cover-up" with his proposed rules for process.

Republican McConnell proposed a set of ground rules that would place strict restrictions on witnesses and evidence for first st and move trial quickly ahe, saying he would summarily block any Democratic attempts to change his rules.

" basic structure we're proposing is just as eminently fair and even-handed," McConnell.

"re is reason why vote on this resolution ought to be remotely partisan," he said. (AFP) SCY