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Australia has pledged to move forward with a comprehensive carbon trading scheme in 2010, despite concerns that it may not be sufficient to address global warming. The plan includes targets to reduce emissions by 5 percent of 2000 levels by 2020, with a potential increase to 15 percent if an ambitious international agreement is reached. Climate Change Minister Penny Wong emphasized the importance of the scheme for Australia, which has high levels of greenhouse gas emissions due to its reliance on coal. The policy aims to mitigate the economic impact of the scheme during the global financial crisis. If action is not taken promptly, we will face severe and rapid consequences, resulting in the loss of significant industries and jobs in Australia. The current plan involves allowing market forces to determine prices through auctions in the first half of 2010, instead of implementing a fixed price as previously considered. The government anticipates a price of approximately A$25 ($16.70) per tonne, which is lower than the European emission allowances currently trading at around 15 euros (A$30) per tonne. Additionally, the government plans to set an interim price cap of A$40 per tonne, a measure that analysts believe could initially restrict the market's growth. Brett Janissen, executive manager of the consultancy Asia-Pacific Emissions Trading Forum, expressed concerns about the carbon trading scheme, comparing it to a risky strategy of trying to have it both ways. The scheme allows polluters to import carbon permits from overseas green projects while preventing exports from Australia, potentially leading to participants choosing the cheapest option. Despite calls from scientists and green groups for more ambitious cuts, the government is implementing the scheme at a politically sensitive time, just before upcoming elections. Greenpeace climate campaigner John Hepburn criticized the scheme as a "total and utter failure." The government estimates that the scheme will slightly reduce annual growth in gross national product from 2010 to 2050, with a one-time increase in inflation of around 1.1 percent. Wong stated that carbon trading would account for 75 percent of Australia's carbon emissions, involving 1,000 of the nation's largest companies. However, major polluting exporters would receive up to 90 percent of carbon permits at no cost. The rapidly expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, previously excluded from an initial draft plan in July, was satisfied to receive exemptions in the final version. Belinda Robinson, CEO of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, acknowledged the progress made since the model was first outlined in the Green paper. She emphasized the importance of the LNG industry in helping Australia and the world reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these advancements, the targets set were considered cautious compared to global standards. Europe has committed to a 20 percent reduction in emissions by 2020, while the IPCC has recommended that wealthy nations aim for reductions of 25 to 40 percent by then. Martijn Wilder, a partner at Baker & McKenzie in Sydney, expressed disappointment in the proposed scheme, believing it falls short of the IPCC's recommended reduction levels. He noted that while the A$40 price cap would provide companies with certainty regarding compliance costs, it also allows them to buy their way out of compliance if the carbon price exceeds $40. Janissen characterized the scheme as a gentle start with stricter emission reduction targets beyond the 2012-2013 financial year. He also observed that the scheme seems to be providing significant support to industries that are concerned about their emissions intensity, particularly through subsidies for emissions-intensive and trade-exposed industries. Participating companies in the scheme will be required to give up a permit for each ton of carbon they release. It is anticipated that the sale of permits will generate A$11.5 billion in 2010/11, all of which will be used to offset the increased expenses for electricity and transportation for businesses and households. Australian farmers, who have endured a lengthy period of drought, will be exempt from participating in carbon trading for a minimum of five years. Although agriculture is responsible for approximately 16 percent of Australia's emissions, transport and fuel will still be subject to the scheme. The government plans to bring carbon-trading legislation to parliament in 2009. It will require the backing of the Greens and two independent senators, or it could face opposition from the conservative party, who want to postpone the scheme because of the worldwide economic crisis. | 1 |
Similar to Trump's visit to Davos last year, Bolsonaro attempted to soften the radical message that propelled him to the presidency. He presented Brazil as a favorable location for business, emphasizing the country's commitment to fighting corruption and reducing regulations. However, Bolsonaro also declared his intention to eliminate left-wing ideology from Brazilian politics and society, prioritizing economic growth despite criticism that it may harm the environment. In a speech to a full room, Bolsonaro stated that his administration marks a shift away from ideological bias, with the motto "God above all things." Bolsonaro's speech at Davos highlighted the absence of American and European leaders at the conference, as political forces in Latin America and Europe challenge the idea of global cooperation. Known for his nationalist views and controversial remarks about marginalized groups, Bolsonaro stands in stark contrast to the typical "Davos Man." As a former Army officer who resonated with Brazilians fed up with corruption, Bolsonaro has quickly moved to relax gun laws, restrict LGBTQ rights, and tighten control over civil society. Under his leadership, Brazil withdrew its offer to host the 2019 UN climate summit, although he has not yet pulled out of the Paris climate agreement as many feared during his election campaign. Bolsonaro emphasized on Tuesday that Brazil would collaborate with the world to decrease carbon emissions, without mentioning the accord. He stated that those who criticize them can learn from Brazil. Bolsonaro and Trump have developed a close relationship, with similarities between them being evident. Bolsonaro celebrated his victory despite facing unfair attacks, similar to Trump's criticism of the media. Despite the warm room, Bolsonaro wore a long winter coat. Trump was seen wearing one recently in the State Dining Room while posing with fast food for the Clemson University football team. After Bolsonaro's inauguration, Trump congratulated him on Twitter and Bolsonaro responded with a message of unity. Trump, who was a major presence at the previous year's meeting, cancelled his visit this year due to the government shutdown. He also cancelled the rest of the American delegation after denying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others the use of a military aircraft. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a video appearance summarizing Trump's "America First" foreign policy, with criticism towards Iran and China. He informed the audience that Trump's disruptive style was a positive response to voters who were disenchanted with traditional politicians, similar to political unrest in other countries like Britain, France, Italy, and Brazil. Both British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron, dealing with their own issues, did not attend the meeting. Pompeo stated that critics of the Trump administration were not prepared to reform international institutions like the United Nations, but Trump was ready for the challenge. When asked if the United States was isolated, Pompeo disagreed, saying they were not isolated at all. However, the changing world order was evident in the snowy streets of Davos. While tech giants like Facebook and Salesforce still have impressive booths at Silicon Valley, Saudi Arabia had the biggest advertisement on the side of a hotel promoting investment in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia's investor conference, Davos in the Desert, faced cancellations following reports linking Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, led by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was also promoted on the streets. Despite a lack of Chinese officials, sessions on China's economy, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, attracted the largest audiences. The United States maintained a lower profile but still had a significant presence at the event. Economic analysts blame Trump's trade war with China for reducing their predictions of global economic growth, while foreign policy analysts believe Trump's unpredictable style poses the biggest risk worldwide. Karin von Hippel, a former State Department official, notes that challenging the international system requires a solid alternative plan, which seems to be lacking. | 1 |
Pope Benedict called on all Christians to assist in global efforts to address a food price crisis that is causing an increase in hunger among millions of people. He emphasized the importance of not being indifferent to those who lack daily bread, drawing a parallel to the Christian Eucharist. The pontiff expressed concern about the severity of the issue and the struggles of the international community to find a solution. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization will host a summit in Rome next month to discuss the challenges posed by high commodity prices, which have significantly raised the food import costs for the poorest nations. The summit will also address the impact of climate change and biofuel use on food security. | 1 |
Lars Sorensen, CEO of Novo Nordisk, is confident that the demand for his products will continue to increase due to the rising global obesity epidemic leading to more cases of type 2 diabetes. However, he is facing challenges in negotiating prices for insulin and other diabetes treatments with cost-conscious reimbursement authorities worldwide. Despite reporting a 46th quarter of double-digit sales growth, the company fell short of market expectations, causing concern among investors. Sorensen remains optimistic about achieving the company's long-term financial targets but acknowledges the increasing difficulties in growing the company, especially after setbacks like the FDA's delay in approving their new insulin product. Novo is also facing competition from other pharmaceutical companies and resistance from insurers and governments on pricing. Balancing pricing for both premium products in rich markets and generics for developing nations is becoming more challenging for Novo. However, the current climate is changing for Novo, as they have recently lost a major US managed care contract with Express Scripts due to cheaper competition for Victoza. In addition, austerity-hit Europe is hesitant to pay for Novo's new drugs. CEO Sorensen is committed to not compromising on pricing for innovation, believing that premium pricing is necessary to fund future innovation. Despite facing resistance in Europe for the high price of Tresiba, Sorensen is adamant about not reducing the price, even if it means the medicine may not be launched in Germany. He argues that Europe will need to find additional funding, such as through insurance or patient co-payments, to address the increasing healthcare burden. Investors are concerned about Novo's long-term growth, but the company's stock is still performing well due to the projected rise in diabetes cases. Sorensen is hopeful about the future of the company, aiming for technological breakthroughs such as oral insulin and GLP-1 pills. While Novo is behind Israel's Oramed Pharmaceuticals in developing an insulin pill, Sorensen has not considered a deal with them. Personally, Sorensen shows no signs of slowing down, having extended his retirement age from 62 to 65. He rides his bike to work frequently and enjoys cross-country skiing, getting ready to participate in the 90-km Vasa race in Sweden this winter. Lars Sorensen, CEO of Novo Nordisk, believes there are strong internal candidates to succeed him when he steps down. "We have some time to carefully plan for succession and we are currently working on that," he stated during an interview at the company's headquarters in Bagsvaerd near Copenhagen. Photo credit: Reuters/Fabian Bimmer. | 1 |
She stated that this would enhance the exchange of parliamentary delegations and strengthen cooperation in various fields such as socioeconomic, educational, agricultural, energy, and cultural. Hasina made this statement during a meeting with Valentina I Matvienko, Chairperson of the Council of Federation of Federal Assembly of Russia, at the Council of Federation building in Moscow. After the hour-long meeting, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Bijan Lal Dev briefed reporters. Hasina also mentioned the possibility of Bangladesh and Russia collaborating on counter-terrorism, while acknowledging Russia's support during Bangladesh’s Liberation War and post-independence development. She emphasized Bangladesh's role as a connecting hub between Eastern Asia and Western countries, aiming to ensure regional peace. Matvienko, Russia's highest-ranking female politician, agreed to collaborate with Bangladesh on counter-terrorism and lauded Hasina's leadership. They also agreed to address the impact of climate change together. During the visit, they signed several agreements, including financing for a nuclear power plant in Rooppur. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina embarked on a nine-day official trip to the USA to attend the 67th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). She departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on an Emirates flight on Saturday night. The flight is scheduled to arrive at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York at 8.15am (New York time) on Sunday, with a two-hour stopover at Dubai International Airport. Upon landing in New York, Hasina and her entourage will head directly to the Hotel Grand Hayatt where they will be staying during their visit. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Environment and Forest Minister Hasan Mahmud, Ambassador-At-Large M Ziauddin, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammad Wahid-Uz- Zaman and Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, along with others, will be accompanying Hasina on her trip to the USA. In addition, a 23-member high-level business delegation led by AK Azad, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), will also be joining the Prime Minister to explore new trade and business opportunities in the USA. Hasina is scheduled to participate in a high-level event on 'Rule of Law' on Sept 24 at the UN headquarters, followed by a reception hosted by US President Barak Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on the same day. On Sept 25, Hasina will attend a reception hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. She will also participate in the opening session of the 67th UN General Assembly on the same day. The following day, the Prime Minister will kick off an event called the 'Second Edition of the Climate Vulnerability Monitor'. Expatriate Bangladeshis will host a reception for her at the Marriott Marquis Hotel near Times Square in New York. On September 27, Hasina will take part in a meeting on autism organized by the US First Lady at the Roosevelt House. She is also set to attend the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) initiative. She is scheduled to give a speech at the General Assembly on September 27 at 8pm local time. The theme for this year's session is "Promoting the resolution of international disputes or situations through peaceful methods." Prior to returning home on September 30, Hasina will participate in a press conference at 4pm. It is anticipated that she will arrive in Dhaka on the morning of October 2. | 1 |
President Bush and Queen Elizabeth celebrated the long-lasting friendship between the United States and Britain during a state dinner at the White House. The dinner, which honored the British monarch at the end of her six-day visit to the US, was attended by 132 guests. This was the first white tie event hosted by President Bush and his wife Laura. The royal couple arrived at the White House in a black Chevrolet Suburban and were greeted by the president and first lady, who was wearing an aqua gown. Queen Elizabeth was dressed in a white gown with a blue sash and a sparkling crown. During the dinner, President Bush praised the US-British alliance as a positive force for the "common good." He stated that we are working together to help young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan and facing global challenges such as poverty, disease, and terrorism. He expressed confidence that the friendship between Anglo-American countries will last for centuries. The queen mentioned that current trans-Atlantic leaders can learn from past figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. She emphasized that the international community is dealing with complex issues like climate change, poverty, and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Accompanied by our friends in Europe and other regions, we can continue to draw inspiration and guidance from past leaders to address threats and solve problems. Guests at the dinner included Nancy Reagan, Arnold Palmer, Calvin Borel, and Itzhak Perlman. The royal couple's visit to the US has involved commemorating the 400th anniversary of the British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, and attending the Kentucky Derby. They were also welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony at the White House, featuring a fife-and-drum corps and trumpets announcing the arrival of dignitaries. The US Air Force Band performed national anthems for 7,000 guests on a sunny spring day. Bush acknowledged the queen's extensive experience working with multiple American administrations, almost mistakenly dating her back to 1776, the year the 13 British colonies declared independence from Britain. Elizabeth has been reigning over Britain for 55 years and is currently 81 years old. Bush expressed pride in welcoming the queen back to the US, a country she is very familiar with, having dined with 10 US presidents. Bush thanked the queen for helping the nation celebrate its bicentennial in 1976. He recalled the queen giving him a motherly look as the crowd laughed. The queen then commended the strong relationship between the US and Britain. She stated that now is the time to evaluate our current friendship, appreciating its strengths without assuming they will always be there. She also emphasized the importance of looking ahead and reaffirming our dedication to creating a better world. | 1 |
The prime minister emphasized the importance of governments not only recognizing their national contributions to the Paris Agreement but also increasing their ambitions during her speech at the Climate Vulnerable Leaders’ Event. She stressed the need for climate justice to be established and called for major economies, MDBs, and IFIs to provide more funding and technology access. Bangladesh is proud to lead the Climate Vulnerable Forum for a second time, representing over one billion people from the world's most vulnerable countries. CVF countries are experiencing the greatest impact of climate change despite their minimal contribution to global carbon emissions. According to the Climate Change Vulnerability Index 2019 by German Watch, Bangladesh ranks as the seventh most affected country in the world. The country has been dealing with repeated flooding this monsoon season, leading to extensive crop damage and displacement of many people. Additionally, the effects of super cyclone Amphan and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have worsened the situation, as mentioned by Hasina. The presence of 1.1 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Cox’s Bazar is also causing significant social and environmental issues, she pointed out. She emphasized that as president, their focus would be on rallying support to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees, speeding up financial mechanisms, and highlighting the importance of climate resilience and the issue of 'loss and damage.' Hasina emphasized the importance of appointing a UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and establishing a CVF and V20 Joint Multi-Donor Fund in her speech. As chair of the CVF, Hasina launched the "Midnight Survival Deadline for the Climate" initiative to address the global impact of climate change. She called on leaders of every nation to show leadership and proposed the designation of an international day as "Climate Resilience Day" to promote harmony with the environment. Hasina warned that the world is close to exceeding the 1.5 degrees Centigrade limit set by the Paris Agreement, urging G20 countries, which are responsible for the majority of global emissions, to set clear and effective NDCs for emission reduction. She stated that if the current trend of rising sea levels continues, many island and coastal countries will be submerged, leading to millions of climate refugees with no place to go. Bangladesh's parliament declared a "Planetary Emergency" and urged the world to take urgent action to combat climate change. With COP 26 postponed, the deadline for extended NDCs is now December 31st, which the prime minister described as a "survival deadline." She also emphasized the need for at least 100 billion US dollars per year to be available to developing countries for mitigation, adaptation, and disaster response and recovery. | 1 |
Malaysia's ruling coalition brought 41 lawmakers to Taiwan for a study tour, coinciding with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's efforts to persuade MPs to defect in his bid to remove the government. Anwar had set a deadline of Sept. 16 to oust the government, prompting top opposition leaders to strategize on Monday. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi scheduled a meeting for his coalition on Tuesday to prevent any defections that could end its 50-year rule. Anwar's push to disrupt the political status quo since independence from Britain in 1957 has increased Malaysia's political risks and unsettled foreign investors. The country's growing fiscal deficit, partly due to spending to regain popularity after a poor general election last March, has also negatively impacted the ringgit, stock market, and bond prices. Adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty, Anwar is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday to confront a new sodomy charge that he believes the government has fabricated to sabotage his political aspirations. The judge is anticipated to transfer the case to a higher court. Barisan MPs informed reporters before departing for Taiwan on an eight-day "study mission" that their trip was unrelated to the Anwar situation. Bung Mokhtar Radin, an MP from Sabah, stated at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, "We are going to Taiwan to study agriculture. This trip has no political significance." He, along with 40 other Members of Parliament, departed on Monday. An additional eight MPs will leave on Tuesday. The Barisan coalition has 140 MPs compared to 82 for the opposition. Lim Kit Siang, an experienced opposition figure, claimed that government MPs had to leave Malaysia to prevent them from participating in potential political shifts on September 16. He mentioned that the MPs may face constant monitoring and have their phones confiscated while in Taiwan. A political analyst suggested that Anwar's Taiwan trip could serve as a convenient excuse if he did not meet his September 16 deadline. Columnist Suhaini Aznam wrote in the Star newspaper that Barisan's actions were playing into Anwar's psychological warfare tactics. Anwar met with leaders of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance on Monday to discuss the takeover plan, according to his aides. Anwar, who was sacked in 1998 and later imprisoned on sodomy and corruption charges, was expected to issue a statement following the meeting. He emerged victorious in a special election last month, allowing him to return to parliament and potentially become the prime minister if the opposition alliance is successful in gaining power. | 1 |
During a parliamentary discussion on poverty reduction strategies on Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticized the opposition for not caring about the poor people. She expressed her disappointment in the absence of the main opposition party, BNP, stating that they lack the desire to help the poor. Hasina stated that she would have been pleased if they had joined the discussion on this important national issue. The Planning Minister, A K Khandaker, presented the draft PRSP-2 in the House on September 15 for the MPs to give their opinions. Prime Minister Hasina spoke about the draft for 38 minutes during the four-hour discussion, which was overseen by Speaker Abdul Hamid and attended by twenty-three MPs. Also present were Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury and Finance Minister AMA Muhith. At the start of the discussion, the planning minister announced that the paper would be completed by December of this year. He also requested specific suggestions from the MPs. Prime Minister Hasina stated that the country aims to progress through the five-year plan, highlighting the formulation and discussion of the PRSP in parliament, a rare occurrence. She mentioned that the PRSP will be available online in Bangla and discussed measures outlined in the strategy paper such as development through joint partnerships, addressing the issue of Monga, creating employment opportunities for those affected by floods, utilizing water resources for environmental improvement, ensuring food security, constructing infrastructure that benefits the poor, and enhancing the communication system. The prime minister mentioned the actions taken by her government, such as rationing essential items for garment workers, adjusting school and office hours to ease traffic congestion, and building six flyovers and elevated roads in the capital. Although power outages have decreased, she acknowledged that her government still faces criticism for mismanagement by previous administrations. She attributed climate change to developed nations and called for compensation at the United Nations. Additionally, she stated that plans are in place to dredge rivers and allocated Tk 700 crore for those who may be impacted. The prime minister also mentioned her government's plans to establish multi-purpose cyclone centers in coastal areas. She urged people to stay vigilant against ongoing conspiracies and false propaganda aimed at undermining the government, which she believes can reduce poverty with the cooperation of the people. Hasina expressed her desire for the people's support in developing the country into a developed nation and overcoming obstacles. She also referenced the recent bomb attack on AL MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, stating that there are conspiracies to create chaos through terrorist acts, but she believes that the people have faith in the government. She stated that she was prepared to confront any situation in order to work for the benefit of the people. | 1 |
On Wednesday, the United States tried to downplay a recent clash between Chinese and US naval vessels as they engaged in high-level talks about economic growth and addressing North Korea's nuclear program. The incident occurred in the South China Sea, where five Chinese ships confronted a US Navy survey vessel near China's Hainan island. The US claims its vessel, the Impeccable, was in international waters, but China argues otherwise, stating the US ship violated their sovereignty. Despite this disagreement, it is unlikely to impact broader political and economic discussions between the two countries, which are focused on addressing issues like the global financial crisis, security threats from North Korea, and climate change. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke about her discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, where they both agreed to work together to prevent similar incidents in the future. They also talked about human rights, North Korea, Iran, and the global economy. Clinton praised China's economic stimulus efforts and mentioned President Obama's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao at the G20 summit. She emphasized the importance of the G20 meeting producing collective action to jumpstart global recovery. Regarding North Korea, Clinton mentioned various options, such as UN Security Council action, that could be taken against Pyongyang if they tested a long-range ballistic missile, which she deemed as a provocative action. North Korea recently announced its plans to launch a satellite using one of its rockets, which experts believe might be a trial of its longest-range missile, the Taepodong-2. This missile is capable of reaching Alaska, but during its only test in 2006, it only managed a few seconds of controlled flight before breaking apart in less than a minute. North Korea has faced U.N. sanctions for previous ballistic missile tests and is prohibited from conducting further tests. The argument is that the missiles are a part of a peaceful space program, with the right to launch satellites into orbit. This includes a call for North Korea to return to negotiations for an aid-for-disarmament deal. It was noted that North Korea did not allow the new envoy, Stephen Bosworth, to visit. In response to criticism from human rights groups, the U.S. Secretary of State emphasized that human rights are a part of their overall dialogue with China, including discussions on Tibet. She informed reporters that human rights is a significant topic being discussed and emphasized the importance of seeing tangible outcomes from their efforts. The US House of Representatives passed a resolution with a large majority recognizing the 50th anniversary and urging Beijing to find a permanent resolution. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stressed the importance of speaking up for human rights in China and Tibet to maintain moral authority on the issue globally. | 1 |
By Thursday, the link to Donald J. Trump's Dec 7 proposal calling for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States" had disappeared, along with other details such as his potential Supreme Court justice picks and economic, defense, and regulatory reform plans. The Trump campaign did not respond to inquiries about these website changes. The links now redirect to a campaign fundraising page, suggesting they were removed around Election Day when Trump won against Hillary Clinton. Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal commended Trump for removing the Muslim ban proposal from his website and deleting offensive statements towards Muslims from his Twitter account. However, some tweets attacking Muslims that Trump sent during his presidential campaign remained in his feed, including one from March 22 criticizing Hillary Clinton's stance on borders and Muslims. In a tweet from a supporter on Nov 30, 2015, which Trump later quoted, it was claimed that Muslims celebrated the Sept 11, 2001 attacks and suggested including footage of the celebrations in political ads. Samer Khalaf, president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, expressed concerns about Trump's policies at a news conference with civil rights leaders, stating that while they appreciated the removal of certain words, actions speak louder. Despite some changes, Trump's core policy positions, such as building a wall on the border with Mexico, remained on his website. The Trump campaign has previously made unexplained alterations to its website. Earlier this year, they replaced the section on Trump's healthcare policy with a different version, but after being contacted by Reuters in September, they restored the original page. | 1 |
A YouTube video featuring Australia's potential Prime Minister Kevin Rudd dressed as Chairman Mao in a spoof Chinese propaganda film is leading a guerrilla video campaign that is challenging the major parties' election advertisements. The video portrays Rudd as seeking votes from enthusiastic supporters, with Labour lawmakers and cheering crowds surrounding him. The clip, set to heroic Chinese music and commentary, highlights Rudd's earnestness and ambition, as well as his promises of generational change and reform in education, health, and labor laws. The Mandarin-speaking former diplomat, who is ahead of conservative Prime Minister John Howard in polls, is presented as a powerful and promising leader in the video. In order to appeal to the important youth demographic, both major political parties have utilized the Internet for their campaign efforts. Millions of dollars are being spent daily on election advertising across the nation. Despite this, a two-minute video clip featuring Rudd depicted as Mao, created by a Sydney law student and labeled as a rejected Labour advertisement, has gained significant traction online, surpassing official party content in views. Other videos circulating online show footage of Rudd allegedly eating ear wax and a comedic cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" renamed as "Stairway to Kevin." Even Howard, who is seeking re-election for the fifth time amidst predictions of conservative defeat, has faced mockery on YouTube. A video featuring a bobbing Howard puppet references his past fear campaigns against refugees and Islamic extremists in 2001 and 2004. In 2007, "Killerspudly" is trying to scare people into voting for him by finding something special to use as a scapegoat. The official party Internet content is more traditional TV advertising without the added cost. Conservatives are focusing on attacking Labour and Rudd's union ties and tax policies, while Labour is criticizing Howard's refusal to sign the Kyoto climate pact, which is a major concern for young voters. Smaller parties are also participating in the election campaign. The Australian Greens have utilized YouTube to share a video featuring Howard and Rudd in bed, symbolizing their close relationship with Australia's coal industry that is contributing to China's economic growth. Atkin, who created Rudd's Mao clip, stated that he plans to vote for the Labour party despite mocking their leader's carefully-crafted image. He expressed his desire for Labour to win the election while also enjoying poking fun at them. | 1 |
Diverging political viewpoints cast a shadow over a meeting of European and Latin American leaders in Peru, potentially hindering their joint efforts to combat poverty and address global warming. Bolivian President Evo Morales, a leftist, clashed with fellow regional leaders over free trade ahead of the summit, while Venezuela's Hugo Chavez escalated tensions in a dispute with Colombia. Advocates of free trade, such as Peru, are becoming frustrated with skeptics like Morales, who accused Peru and Colombia of attempting to exclude Bolivia from discussions between the European Union and Andean nations. Peruvian President Alan Garcia urged for progress despite differences in opinion, emphasizing the need for countries to move forward together. Morales, a former coca farmer, is concerned that free trade agreements could negatively impact small-scale farmers in Bolivia. "We are interested in trade, but it must be fair," he informed the press in Lima. The EU is currently in talks with Mercosur, which is led by Brazil and Argentina, as well as with Central American countries. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was among the first leaders to attend the summit, stated after meeting with Garcia that the EU is open to making trade easier. Merkel did not address the recent conflict with Chavez, who accused her of being a political follower of Adolf Hitler for suggesting he had harmed relations between Europe and Latin America. Chavez is known for frequently insulting conservative leaders, particularly U.S. President George W. Bush. At a summit in Chile last year, Spain's king told him to be quiet. Chavez is currently involved in a dispute with Colombia that has raised concerns of war in the Andean region. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe accuses him of supporting the FARC guerrillas, and Chavez mentioned that he was considering reviewing diplomatic ties with Bogota before leaving for Lima. These conflicts may be a major focus at the upcoming gathering of leaders from Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Additionally, they may struggle to find agreement on how to combat cocaine trafficking and the use of food crops for renewable biofuels instead of fossil fuels. Brazil supports environmentally friendly fuels, but some developing countries believe they contribute to higher food prices. Despite this, poorer nations are becoming more concerned about climate change and are urging wealthier countries to reduce carbon emissions. Peru established an environment ministry to address the effects of global warming, particularly the melting Andean glaciers. Delegates from Peru will advocate for stronger actions to combat climate change, criticizing governments that only pay lip service to the issue. British junior Foreign Office minister Kim Howells told Reuters that they want to encourage those governments to implement tangible measures. | 1 |
Yvo de Boer, head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, expressed concern that the Bali climate talks could collapse unless 190 nations quickly resolve issues hindering the start of negotiations for a new global warming agreement. The talks, involving over 10,000 delegates, are stuck on the specifics of initiating discussions on a climate deal to replace the Kyoto Protocol. De Boer warned that failure to make progress could cause the entire process to fail. Disagreements have arisen among countries such as the United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia over the inclusion of a guideline suggesting that rich nations should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 in future negotiations. The European Union, which supports this range to demonstrate leadership by wealthy countries, has criticized Washington for hindering progress at the Bali talks. This guideline was part of a recent draft outlining terms for discussions aimed at addressing issues like famine, drought, sea level rise, and melting glaciers in the Himalayas. Portugal's Secretary of State for Environment, Humberto Rosa, expressed disappointment that the United States is delaying global action on climate change. Portugal currently holds the rotating EU presidency, and Rosa is leading the EU's delegation at the Bali talks. "The United States has been introducing new terminology like engagement and leadership, but simply using words is insufficient. We require tangible actions. This is the primary obstacle," he informed Reuters. The U.S., which is not a part of the Kyoto Protocol, argues that setting guidelines would prematurely influence the negotiation results. Additionally, it believes that the 25-40 percent target range is not supported by substantial scientific research." De Boer stated that negotiations must resolve all outstanding disagreements by midday on Friday to allow for the translation of documents into the six official U.N. languages. U.N. climate talks often go late into the night on the final day. The Kyoto Protocol binds 37 industrialized nations to reduce their emissions between 2008 and 2012. Developing nations, including China and India, are not required to reduce emissions, and President George W. Bush withdrew from the agreement in 2001, citing potential harm to the U.S. economy and lack of targets for developing nations. The United Nations aims for all countries to reach an agreement on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol by late 2009 in order to allow time for governments to ratify the new agreement by the end of 2012 and to provide clear guidelines for investment in clean energy technology. China is pushing for discussions on a new international agreement to continue until 2010 to allow time for the new American president to get involved. However, not many other countries support this idea. President Bush will leave office in January 2009. The goal, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, should be to limit global temperature increase to no more than 2 degrees Celsius and ensure that global emissions peak by 2015. In the future, our actions will be evaluated by generations to come. Additionally, he mentioned that the wealthy will need to bear the majority of the expenses in assisting underdeveloped nations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. | 1 |
China and the European Union have pledged to work together to achieve balanced trade and collaborate on addressing climate change during high-level meetings marked by tensions related to Tibet protests and the Olympics. EU officials, led by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, had planned meetings with senior Chinese officials in Beijing this week to help mend disagreements over China's significant trade deficit and to reach an agreement on sustainable growth. Economic tensions have persisted as China's trade surplus with the EU bloc reached nearly 160 billion euros ($251 billion) last year, based on EU data. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stated that both sides had agreed to strengthen cooperation on energy conservation and reducing emissions, emphasizing that the benefits of collaboration far exceed any conflicts. Wen told reporters that a better future for the Sino-EU relationship is possible as long as there is respect, trust, and mutual learning. Barroso stated that the main focus of the talks was climate change and China had expressed willingness to include domestic emissions in a global agreement post-2012. He noted trade imbalances and the need for a rebalance, with talks overshadowed by Tibetan unrest and protests during the Beijing Olympic torch relay in London and Paris. Barroso also welcomed China's decision to hold talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama. Barroso emphasized the importance of dialogue in finding a sustainable solution to the Tibet issue while also respecting China's sovereignty. Mandelson called for an end to threats of boycotts and urged both sides to engage in constructive dialogue. The European Parliament has called for a boycott of the Beijing Games' opening ceremony unless China initiates talks with the Dalai Lama, but Mandelson believes that such actions and retaliatory boycotts are unproductive for both sides. | 1 |
India has expressed disapproval of a United Nations report that suggests developing countries should reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The report, released by the UN Development Programme, emphasizes the urgent need for global action to prevent severe climate change, particularly affecting the impoverished. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of India's Planning Commission, criticized the report for placing unfair burdens on developing nations, challenging the research team to provide further evidence to support their recommendations. Ahluwalia, speaking as a guest at the Indian launch of the report, emphasized the importance of future commitments to reduce carbon emissions before the upcoming UN climate summit in Bali, Indonesia. The UN report highlights the necessity of quantitative commitments from developing countries for credibility. However, India, along with other developing countries, believes that binding cuts are unfair and could impede poverty alleviation efforts. They argue that rich nations, having become wealthy through extensive fossil fuel use during industrialization, should bear the responsibility for making cuts. Even though India makes up a significant portion of the global population, they are only responsible for a small fraction of total carbon emissions, as per UN statistics. The slow progress of development in India plays a role in this, with approximately 500 million individuals, primarily in rural areas, lacking access to electricity and resorting to burning cow dung, wood, and kerosene for energy. Despite this, many believe that India can advance economically while also reducing emissions by investing in more efficient and sustainable energy sources rather than relying heavily on coal. Indian scientist Rajendra Pachauri, a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize as head of the UN climate panel, is among those advocating for this approach. He warns against India replicating the carbon-intensive development patterns of wealthier nations, describing it as potentially catastrophic. | 1 |
Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, stated that the relationship between Washington and India requires improvement in various areas such as security, trade, and other issues. She emphasized the need for closer cooperation between the two nations to address global challenges like climate change and security in Afghanistan. Clinton, who is scheduled to visit India next month, expressed the importance of upgrading the official ties between the two governments to align with the existing strong people-to-people and economic relations. She highlighted the significant civil nuclear deal signed between India and the US last year, which ended a 30-year ban on global nuclear commerce with India. The agreement will allow India to purchase nuclear technology and fuel for its reactors from the global market. In order to strengthen relations, it is necessary for Washington and New Delhi to build trust and address any remaining uncertainties in the relationship. Concerns exist among some Americans that increased economic cooperation with India may lead to job losses and lower wages, while Indians worry that a closer partnership may go against their country's history of independence. Additionally, there are plans for closer economic and trade connections, with negotiations set to begin soon on a bilateral investment treaty to facilitate more trade opportunities between the two countries. President Obama has emphasized that the United States has taken heed of past mistakes. "We will not use the global financial crisis as a reason to resort to protectionism," stated Clinton. She emphasized the need for increased cooperation between the two countries in combatting terrorism and improving intelligence-sharing, without going into specifics. Clinton expressed her commitment to helping India enhance its security capabilities, referencing the six Americans who died in the Mumbai attacks. She also welcomed the recent meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan, their first since the Mumbai attacks, which were attributed to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group by New Delhi. Clinton expressed confidence that India and the United States would support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism within its borders. | 1 |
In the time since Iraqis last proudly displayed their purple-stained fingers as a symbol of voting in a free election, their country has experienced a brutal sectarian war followed by slow progress towards recovery. As the next elections approach at the end of the month, Iraq's leaders, citizens, and US officials with troops stationed there are eagerly anticipating the outcome. Despite the challenges, there remains a strong enthusiasm for democracy nearly six years after the US-led invasion. Over 400 parties and groups have submitted candidates for the 440 provincial council seats, leading to a flurry of campaign activity and colorful posters adorning the concrete blast walls that have become a common sight in Iraq. According to Western diplomats, the most significant accomplishment of the election might be simply the act of conducting it. They believe that a second round of elections, like the one recently held, can be a more difficult milestone for a new democracy to achieve compared to the first. U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker stated that a single election is not enough to establish a democracy; it is a series of elections that truly demonstrate a country's democratic progress. The election in Iraq is seen as a significant indicator of the country's recovery from the violence that plagued it following the 2003 invasion and worsened after the 2005 election. Just 18 months ago, it may have been impossible to hold a vote due to the high death tolls from violence. Many Iraqis are hopeful that the upcoming election will bring about change and reform regional governments that are perceived as corrupt, unaccountable, and influenced by feuding sectarian groups. A senior Western diplomat noted that there is a widespread belief that current leaders have not performed well. However, the high stakes of the election also raise concerns about potential violence in a country where political disputes are often settled with guns and bombs. So far, there have been two candidates assassinated and the deputy head of a Sunni Arab party killed in a suicide bombing during a meeting with candidates. The upcoming provincial election will have a significant impact on the national election later this year, where Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki will be fighting to maintain his position as leader of Iraq. This election will shape the future of Iraq after U.S. forces depart by the end of 2011. In the southern region, which is mostly made up of Shi'ite Muslims, Maliki's ruling coalition will be competing against each other, as opposed to running as a unified bloc. The Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (ISCI) currently holds control over most southern provincial governments and is the strongest group in the ruling coalition. However, Maliki is aiming to gain independent support for his Dawa Party by promising improved services from the central government. Supporters of Moqtada al-Sadr, a Shi'ite cleric who has clashed with the US and whose militia once controlled many southern towns, are now keeping a low profile and backing independent candidates in the upcoming election. In Sunni Arab regions in western and central Iraq, groups known as "Awakening Councils" are entering the election for the first time, aiming to take control from traditional Sunni religious parties. Much of the violence leading up to the election has been concentrated in the north, particularly in Nineveh province near Mosul, where US forces are still engaged in combat with Sunni militants. The previous election saw many Sunni Arabs abstain from voting, leading to Kurds winning control of the provincial government. This imbalance has exacerbated unrest, according to Western diplomats. While the election could ultimately reduce violence by engaging Sunnis in politics, the power shift in the province has given militant groups a new source of conflict. In Kirkuk, an oil-producing city claimed as the Kurdish capital, the election has been postponed indefinitely due to disagreements between Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen over voting rules. | 1 |
India has revealed a new national climate plan aimed at addressing the threat of global warming. The plan focuses on using renewable energy for sustainable development while avoiding setting emission targets that could hinder economic growth. The National Action Plan highlights the importance of utilizing renewable energy sources like solar power and improving energy efficiency in the fight against global warming. Additionally, a climate change fund will be established to research environmentally friendly technologies. Experts believe that India's stance on climate change, which does not align with the demands of wealthy western nations, is reflected in this national policy. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed the goal of making India's economic development more energy efficient and emphasized the importance of eradicating widespread poverty while pursuing economic and social progress. Despite its commitment to clean technology, coal continues to be the main source of power in India, making up around 60 percent of generation. The government plans to add 70,000 megawatts in the next five years. A recent report by Goldman Sachs warned that climate change could have negative effects on India's land, productivity, labor, and environment. While India argues that it needs to increase energy use to reduce poverty, it also points out that its per-capita emissions are much lower than those of developed nations like the United States. India's economy has been growing at a rate of 8-9 percent annually, contributing about 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this growth, Prime Minister Singh stated that India's per capita emissions will not exceed those of developed countries. As a developing nation, India is not currently required to reduce its emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, although pressure to do so is increasing. Singh emphasized that India is open to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources gradually. "It is intended to adapt and adjust in response to changing conditions." Currently, the focal points of India's climate change strategy include improving energy efficiency, utilizing solar energy, preserving water resources, promoting sustainable agriculture, protecting the Himalayan ecosystem, and creating sustainable habitats to establish a environmentally-friendly India. Singh emphasized that while citizens desire improved living standards, they also prioritize access to clean water, fresh air, and a clean environment. | 1 |
The increasing demand for olive oil worldwide is revitalizing rural North Africa, where the product has been a traditional staple for centuries. However, local producers are struggling with challenges such as drought, outdated production methods, and ineffective marketing as they face competition from other countries entering the olive oil market. Tunisia and Morocco, lacking significant energy resources like their OPEC-member neighbors Algeria and Libya, are looking to olive oil as a promising alternative export due to their dry, hot climates. The majority of the world's olive trees are found around the Mediterranean, with Spain leading the industry followed by Italy and Greece. After making significant investments in modern machinery, the quality of Tunisian olive oil has greatly improved, with industry officials in Spain noting that it now commands prices comparable to their own. Efforts by North Africa to close this gap have been well-received by European producers who are struggling to keep up with the global demand for olive oil, driven by the increasing affluence of middle-class consumers in countries like Brazil and Russia who are developing a taste for it. Despite being more expensive than other cooking oils, olive oil is valued for its higher levels of healthier mono-unsaturated fat and polyphenols. Tunisians, regardless of their economic status, have developed a deep expertise in olive oil production over generations, incorporating it into their cuisine, traditional medicine, beauty products, and daily skincare routines. "I have maintained my health by consuming a glass of olive oil every morning, and my wife uses it in every meal," shared 90-year-old Hamed, a lively retired night security guard from Tunis. More than half a million families in a country with a population of 10 million depend on the olive oil industry, with 56 million olive trees covering 1.6 million hectares. The olive harvest, which takes place from November to February, dictates the rural calendar, with many Tunisians returning to their hometowns to assist with gathering the crop. Women engage in traditional songs and jokes while collecting olives dropped by the men. A farmer named Haj Smida from the eastern Tunisian town of el-Jem expressed optimism about his family's financial situation due to a successful olive harvest. Salem Rhaim, a 68-year-old olive oil producer, had to delay his son's wedding last year due to a poor crop. Rhaim expressed optimism about the upcoming harvest, mentioning that if it is successful, he will be prepared for the costly wedding arrangements. Tunisian producers believe that despite their expertise, a significant amount of high-quality olive oil is undersold locally due to a lack of exporting technology. Some are concerned that businessmen entering the industry solely for tax incentives are producing subpar products, which could damage the reputation of the olive oil sector. Abdelmajid Mahjoub, a proprietor of an old olive press in Tbourba, added that inadequate packaging is also hindering export opportunities. He stated that more effort is needed to make their products competitive with those from Spain, Greece, and Italy. In Morocco, the government is providing financial incentives to expand olive cultivation to 1 million hectares by 2010, up from 1,000 hectares in 1999. Some of the production will be used to meet local demand in a country that imports 300,000 tonnes of vegetable oils annually. Mohamed, a 42-year-old farmer in Ain Balidan, is currently growing olives for his family and has recently planted additional trees provided by the government. "I would like to have more land to plant olive trees, as prices have been increasing," he stated. The grey-green olive trees have become a symbol of hope for many Moroccans facing drought or desertification, and could be a viable alternative to the profitable but illegal cannabis industry. "The climate in Morocco has shifted in the past decade, prompting us to consider planting species that can help preserve nature and adapt to the changing conditions," explained Mohamed Badraoui, who leads Morocco's efforts to combat desertification. Both Morocco and Algeria have a long way to go in updating their technology, which has remained largely unchanged since ancient times. Some olive oil presses still rely on a traditional method involving a donkey walking in circles to operate a stone or wooden mortar. Jose Ramon Diez, an olive expert at the Spanish farm union ASAJA in Madrid, stated that the world market has the potential to grow significantly as olive oil currently only accounts for 2.8 percent of the fat consumed. Last year, Spain's olive harvest declined, leading some farmers in northern Morocco to report that Spanish traders were approaching them to purchase olives. Italy, the second-largest olive oil producer, sometimes buys oil for re-export labeled as "Imported From Italy" and has been assisting the Tunisian industry in upgrading their machinery. Italian oil buyers are seeking more consistent quality standards from North African producers and express frustration at the lack of direct communication, often having to go through intermediaries. Mauro Miloni, the head of the economic observatory for the Italian olive oil industry group Unaprol, stated that the growth of exports from North Africa would assist in stabilizing a market that is currently controlled by Spain. Miloni emphasized the importance of being able to purchase olive oil from various sources and expressed his belief that in the future, with the increase in trade liberalization, closer relationships can be established with North African producers. | 1 |
Gray, a senior Labor party figure in Western Australia, is being urged to support the resources industry as investment in the sector slows down. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced that the Climate Change Department will be merged with the Industry Department and overseen by Climate Change Minister Greg Combet. Despite the reshuffle, no changes were made to the Treasury or Finance Ministry, which are held by Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan and Penny Wong. The reshuffle was prompted by a failed leadership coup by supporters of former leader Kevin Rudd, resulting in the resignation of several ministers. Gillard has called for elections on September 14, which polls suggest she is likely to lose, limiting the impact of the reshuffle. Former Resources Minister Martin Ferguson, known for his support of the mining industry, was among those who resigned from Gillard's cabinet. Australia has seen significant investments in resources projects in the past decade, with a slowdown now apparent. The mining employer group AMMA believes that new appointee Gray's industry experience will help attract investment. Gray, who joined the Labor party in 1974, left in 2000 to work for Wesfarmers and later as a public relations adviser for Woodside Petroleum. Shell decided to retract its bid after Treasurer Peter Costello determined it was not in the national interest, which was influenced by Gray's efforts to rally public opinion against Shell. The exchange rate was $1 to 0.9572 Australian dollars. | 1 |
The finance minister emphasized the importance of the United Nations taking action on climate change and food security in order to alleviate poverty in the world today. He stated that addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring peace, as many countries, including Bangladesh, are suffering from natural disasters due to climate change, which in turn affects food production and poverty reduction efforts. The finance minister urged the UN to prioritize these issues, as discussed at a seminar marking United Nations Day. | 1 |
Leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, known as "the three amigos," have gathered in Mexico for a summit to discuss trade issues and the threat of drug gangs. President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Mexican President Felipe Calderon will have dinner on Sunday night followed by talks on Monday. The main topics of discussion include how to boost their economies, ensure smooth trade, and address the issue of Mexican drug gangs dominating the drug trade along the U.S. border and into Canada. It is unlikely that major agreements will be announced during the summit, with Obama's national security adviser, Jim Jones, expecting it to be a step in an ongoing dialogue that will eventually lead to agreements. Calderon is expected to pressure Obama to resolve a cross-border trucking dispute. According to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican trucks should be allowed to enter the United States, but American trucking companies argue that Mexican trucks are unsafe. This issue has been ongoing for years and led to Mexico imposing retaliatory tariffs of $2.4 billion on U.S. goods in response to a bill signed by Obama that canceled a program allowing Mexican trucks to operate outside the U.S. border zone. U.S. business groups have been urging the White House to resolve the dispute, as they believe the ban could result in the loss of thousands of American jobs. Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan, expressed the desire for a final resolution to the trucking issue. He expressed his desire to reach an agreement by the end of the year. Michael Froman, a top White House official, informed reporters that the Obama administration is actively addressing the issue and working with Congress to address safety concerns. Canadian officials are concerned about the "Buy American" components of a $787 billion economic stimulus package that could potentially exclude Canadian companies from U.S. construction contracts funded by the stimulus. Canada, being the largest trading partner of the United States, is expected to discuss these concerns. Froman mentioned that the administration is in talks with Canada and other countries to implement the "Buy American" provision in a manner that complies with the law and international obligations, while minimizing trade disruptions. Obama addressed concerns about potentially reopening the NAFTA treaty unilaterally, stating that now is not the time to add enforceable labor and environmental protections due to the weakened economies of the three nations involved. He expressed interest in improving the treaty but emphasized that the focus should be on the current economic situation. Another key issue at the summit is addressing the violence caused by Mexican drug gangs, despite President Calderon's efforts to combat them over the past three years. The death rate from this violence has increased significantly since 2008, with Mexican traffickers being blamed for crime as far north as Vancouver. Obama is supporting Calderon's actions, stating that he is doing the right thing by targeting drug cartels with courage. Obama assured Calderon of full support during a visit in April, but Mexico is concerned about the delay in receiving anti-drug equipment and training. The leaders plan to discuss H1N1 swine flu and climate change at the summit in preparation for international talks in Copenhagen in December. | 1 |
EU countries have taken weeks to reach an agreement on the details of a new measure, with discussions continuing intensively over the weekend. The European Commission will present a finalized proposal for approval by EU ambassadors, who are expected to meet on Wednesday and give their final approval by the end of the week, according to several EU officials and diplomats involved in the process. The oil embargo will be a significant part of the EU's sixth package of sanctions against Russia since the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, including sanctions on Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, and additional measures targeting prominent Russians. Officials and diplomats spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing talks. Unless Hungary makes a last-minute request, the process should be completed without the need for an EU leaders' meeting, which would be time-consuming. The embargo is expected to impact Russian oil transported by tankers more quickly than oil coming by pipeline, although it may still take months. The EU is likely to allow its members to gradually end existing contracts with Russian oil companies, similar to the approach taken with the coal ban, which had a four-month implementation period. Germany's role has been crucial in finalizing the new measure, as the country was importing a significant amount of oil from Russia at the time of the Ukraine invasion. Germany's energy minister, Robert Habeck, stated that Germany has been able to reduce its reliance on Russian oil to just 12% in recent weeks, making a full embargo on Russian oil "manageable." Habeck mentioned during a visit to Warsaw that what was once a significant problem for Germany has now become much smaller, bringing the country close to independence from Russian oil imports. However, Habeck did not elaborate on how this was achieved so rapidly. Russia is Europe's main oil supplier, meeting about one-quarter of the bloc's annual needs. With the embargo being gradually implemented, the EU plans to compensate for the shortfall by increasing imports from other sources like Persian Gulf countries, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. Despite a phased approach to the embargo, it is expected to impact global oil prices and exacerbate already high energy costs worldwide. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen proposed a suggestion to reduce the impact, which was to place tariffs or a price limit on Russia's oil rather than implementing a complete embargo. However, European officials stated that this idea did not receive much support. | 1 |
The world's longest reigning monarch has chosen Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to represent him in receiving new ambassadors' letters of credence. The Bangladeshi mission in Bangkok confirmed that Ambassador Tasneem presented the credentials and goodwill messages from President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the King at Ambara Villa. Tasneem pledged to enhance bilateral relations during her term, as she also serves as the non-resident ambassador to Cambodia and Permanent Representative to the UNESCAP. Upon her arrival in Bangkok last November, she presented her letter of introduction as Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UNESCAP. In June of this year, she officially introduced herself as the non-resident ambassador of Cambodia. In Thailand, it is customary for ambassadors to submit their credentials in Bangkok, which can take some time. However, ambassadors are able to begin their duties shortly after joining the mission. During discussions, the Crown Prince commended the people of Bangladesh for their hard work and resilience in overcoming various challenges, such as climate change. He pointed out that both Bangladesh and Thailand face similar challenges, particularly in regards to climate change and disaster risk reduction. The Crown Prince mentioned his sister Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's visits to Bangladesh in 2010 and 2011 and showed interest in continuing Thai Royal development projects in the country. Ambassador Tasneem emphasized the need to strengthen connectivity between Buddhist followers in both nations and expand Buddhist circuit tourism to enhance their shared heritage. | 1 |
WASHINGTON, Sun Nov 2,(bdnews24.com/Reuters) - The Bush administration is rushing to implement environmental policy changes before the end of their term, including removing wolves from the Endangered Species List, allowing power plants near national parks, easing regulations for factory farms, and facilitating mountaintop coal-mining operations. These proposals have faced criticism from environmental groups, who are pushing for mandatory measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is unlikely that any significant action will be taken on climate change during this administration. Both presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, have pledged to address this issue if elected. Some organizations are calling for a halt to last-minute regulations proposed by government agencies like the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency. Eli Lehrer of the Competitive Enterprise Institute stated that the Bush administration, in its eight years in office, has implemented more regulations than any other administration in history. Lehrer warned against rushing through new regulations in the final days of the administration, especially given the current economic climate. John Kostyack of the National Wildlife Federation, who joined Lehrer's group in calling for a ban on last-minute rules, expressed concern that citizens are not adequately involved in the process, leading to changes in U.S. law that the public may oppose, such as weakening protections under the Endangered Species Act. The Bush administration has requested that these regulations be finalized by Saturday to ensure they are in place before President George W. Bush leaves office on January 20. Matt Madia of OMB Watch, an organization that monitors the White House Office of Management and Budget, stated that if these regulations are put into effect, it will be difficult for the next administration to reverse them. He also mentioned that this may not be a top priority for a new president. Madia described the administration's last-minute rules as a common response to being close to the end of their term. He believes that industries such as electricity, mining, and agriculture will benefit from these rules, as they will have fewer government restrictions on their activities, leading to increased pollution that could harm the public. The quick progression of some environmental measures is unusual. An Interior Department rule that could impact endangered species received over 300,000 public comments, which officials promised to review within a week. This pace was criticized as being unreasonable. The rush is due to the fact that rules become effective 30 to 60 days after being finalized, and if they are not in effect when a new president takes office, they can choose not to implement them. The White House denied that the Bush administration was trying to quickly push through these regulations. Fratto dismissed claims that the administration is attempting to loosen regulations in favor of business interests, stating to White House reporters last week that the objective is to prevent a surge of last-minute rules from the previous administration. One environmental proposal by the Bush administration that has garnered support from conservation groups is the plan to establish the world's largest marine wildlife sanctuary in the Pacific Ocean, which may come into effect on January 20. | 1 |
Malaysia's ruling coalition brought 41 lawmakers to Taiwan for a study tour as opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim attempts to persuade MPs to defect in his bid to overthrow the government. The opposition leaders are strategizing to remove the government by September 16, while Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is calling for a meeting with his coalition to prevent any defections that could end their 50-year rule. Anwar's efforts to change the political landscape since independence in 1957 have increased Malaysia's political risks and unsettled foreign investors. The country's growing fiscal deficit, partly due to spending to regain popularity after a poor election result last March, has also negatively impacted the ringgit, stock market, and bond prices. Anwar is set to appear in court on Wednesday to face a new sodomy charge which he believes has been fabricated by the government to thwart his political aspirations, further adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty. Barisan MPs denied any connection to the Anwar case before departing for Taiwan on an eight-day "study mission" focused on agriculture. He departed on Monday along with 40 other MPs, and an additional eight will leave on Tuesday. Barisan has 140 MPs, while the opposition has 82. Lim Kit Siang, a long-time opposition leader, suggested that government MPs fled Malaysia to avoid being involved in potential political changes on September 16. He mentioned that the MPs may face constant surveillance and have their mobile phones confiscated while in Taiwan. A political analyst suggested that Anwar's Taiwan trip could serve as a convenient excuse if he did not meet his September 16 deadline. Columnist Suhaini Aznam wrote in the Star newspaper on Monday that Barisan was falling into Anwar's psychological warfare strategy. Anwar held a meeting with leaders of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance on Monday to discuss the takeover plan, according to his aides. Anwar was expected to release a statement following the meeting. Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, was dismissed in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis and later imprisoned for six years on charges of sodomy and corruption. He was victorious in a special election last month that enabled him to return to parliament, positioning him to potentially become the prime minister if the opposition alliance is successful in gaining power. | 1 |
During a summit in Tokyo, Japan and the European Union discussed plans to increase collaboration in assisting Afghanistan and combating piracy off Somalia. They also announced their intention to begin negotiations to enhance their trade relations. EU president Herman Van Rompuy emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between Asia's largest economy and the 27-nation bloc to become influential global economic and political players. Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama confirmed that they will work together on peace building efforts in Afghanistan and Somalia, and establish a team of experts to explore economic ties for the next six to twelve months. Tokyo is interested in forming a free-trade agreement similar to the one the EU made with South Korea last year, but Brussels has raised concerns about trade barriers in Japan. Van Rompuy has also called for closer cooperation on various issues such as climate change, poverty, terrorism, economic stability, nuclear non-proliferation, and human rights. He emphasized the importance of working together to address global challenges, stating that the EU and Japan, with their combined strengths, can make a significant impact in a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected. He also highlighted the importance of international network security and the threat of attacks on the free movement of goods, people, and information. The networks are at risk of cyber-attacks, which are a real threat that can cause harm on a daily basis. It is important for Japan and Europe, both deeply integrated into global networks, to work together to improve their resilience against these attacks. Van Rompuy also mentioned the potential for a free-trade agreement to enhance economic ties between the two blocs, but pointed out that there are still barriers to trade in place that need to be addressed. He suggested that taking more time to establish common objectives between both parties could be beneficial. The EU has requested Japan to address non-tariff barriers, such as product safety and government procurement rules, before moving forward. Toshiro Tanaka, a professor at Keio University, noted that although the EU claims Japan's market is restricted by non-tariff barriers, they are hesitant to agree to a free-trade deal. In contrast, Japan is eager to pursue a deal with the EU, influenced by its business community. Tanaka mentioned that the free-trade agreement between the EU and South Korea last year has piqued Japan's interest in a similar arrangement. At the moment, the European Union enforces tariffs of 10 percent on vehicle imports and 14 percent on electronics. However, South Korean companies like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai Motor will eventually be exempt from these tariffs. This exemption puts Japanese manufacturers at a significant disadvantage when selling their products in the European market, according to Tanaka. The EU delegation will soon visit China for a similar summit in Shanghai, coinciding with the start of the World Expo on Saturday. | 1 |
The government has designated ministry focal points to address climate change. Finance minister AMA Muhith stated in parliament that the establishment of the climate cell is advancing smoothly, with one focal point identified in each ministry. Muhith also mentioned that the Climate Change Trust Fund and policy have been developed, and various programs are being implemented in accordance with the policy. The government has allocated Tk 7 billion for the climate change fund. | 1 |
Russia is planning to increase its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020, as announced by President Dmitry Medvedev. This plan aims to decrease emissions by 10-15 percent from 1990 levels when Russia was part of the Soviet Union. Environmentalists are upset by this target, as it falls short of expectations from developing countries. The announcement is seen as a move in United Nations negotiations for a new climate treaty in December to replace the Kyoto Protocol. During the ongoing discussions, wealthy countries are expected to propose midterm emissions targets. Russia, being the final major country to do so, is facing pressure from environmental organizations and developing nations to reduce emissions by 25-40 percent compared to 1990 levels, as recommended by a U.N. panel of climate experts. Medvedev, in a statement provided by the Kremlin, stated that based on the current situation, Russia could potentially reduce emissions by 10-15 percent by 2020. Dvorkovich, the Kremlin's top economic adviser, later clarified that the reduction would be measured against 1990 levels, prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's heavy industry. Since then, Russia's carbon emissions have increased due to its industrial revival, maintaining its position as the world's third largest polluter after China and the United States. President Medvedev stated on Friday that the target involves reducing 30 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases from 1990 to 2020, resulting in Russia emitting around 3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2020 compared to 2.2 billion tonnes in 2007. President Medvedev emphasized that Russia will not sacrifice its development potential. According to the Kyoto Protocol, Russia is required to bring its emissions back to 1990 levels by 2008-12. Green groups and developing countries were disappointed by Japan's proposals for a 2020 target, which was only slightly more ambitious than its Kyoto Protocol goal. They were also discouraged by Russia's announcement on Friday. Medvedev emphasized the importance of all countries taking action on greenhouse gas emissions, while Dvorkovich highlighted the need to find a balance between addressing climate change and achieving economic growth in Russia. Experts believe that the goal set on Friday marks the beginning of six months of intense negotiations aimed at reaching a new climate agreement in Copenhagen this year. Nina Korobova, who heads the Russian operations of Global Carbon, a clean energy project developer, views this as a positive initial step but anticipates that other countries will demand larger emissions reductions from Russia. She believes that Russia could easily achieve a 20 percent reduction by 2020, even in worst-case scenarios. Under Vladimir Putin's previous presidency, Russian officials were reluctant to commit to mandatory emissions cuts, expressing concerns about the impact on the country's middle class and industrial development. | 1 |
Finance leaders from the world's top industrialized nations met in Tokyo and expressed solidarity in response to an economic slowdown, acknowledging that the situation could worsen due to the decline in the U.S. housing market. The Group of Seven released a statement noting that economic growth prospects had deteriorated since their last meeting in October, although they believed that the fundamentals were still strong and the U.S. economy was not likely to enter a recession. Italian Economy Minister Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa remarked that there was a greater sense of pessimism and concern compared to the previous meeting. The finance ministers and central bankers from Japan, the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Italy and France stated that economic growth in their respective countries was expected to slow to varying degrees in the near future. They highlighted the risks posed by the U.S. property market downturn and the resulting tightening of credit conditions, which has led to a decrease in funding for consumers and businesses that drive the global economy. Banks with high levels of debt have reduced lending due to increasing losses, particularly from failing U.S. home loans exceeding $100 billion. This has led to concerns of a negative cycle as consumer spending decreases, causing businesses to cut back and lay off employees. Glenn Maguire, the Asia Pacific chief economist at Societe Generale in Hong Kong, pointed out that the G7 did not provide much detail on how they plan to support the economy through coordinated action. He believes that the current economic shock and downturn are mainly caused by issues within the U.S. and cannot be solved through a global action plan. U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson warned that global markets may experience a prolonged period of instability. In prepared remarks after the meeting, Paulson stated that the current financial crisis is significant and ongoing. He mentioned that as the financial markets recover, there will be continued volatility as risk is reassessed. The G7 leaders called on banks to be transparent about their losses and strengthen their balance sheets to help markets function normally. German finance minister Peer Steinbrueck warned that writeoffs could amount to $400 billion. The communique emphasized the importance of closely monitoring developments and taking necessary actions to ensure stability and growth in the economies. Promises to collaborate in fixing the financial system were overshadowed by disagreements on fiscal and monetary policies leading up to the G7 meeting. Concerns arose in Europe about the U.S. Federal Reserve's rapid interest rate cuts and fiscal stimulus package, which threatened to create tensions among allies. However, tensions eased after the European Central Bank indicated it may follow suit in cutting rates, aligning with other central banks. French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde welcomed the ECB's move but called for further action, likening it to the beginning of a symphony where anticipation builds for what comes next. European leaders were concerned about the euro's strength against the dollar, which reached a record high after the Fed began cutting rates in September. However, the currency retreated following the ECB's change of heart. Currency matters were not a priority at Saturday's meeting due to more urgent economic issues. The communique echoed the October statement, emphasizing the need for China to let its yuan appreciate faster. Many G7 leaders believe that China's undervalued yuan gives them an unfair advantage in trade, and have urged Beijing to increase domestic investment to help rebalance the global economy. The declaration also encouraged oil-producing countries to increase their production levels following a temporary rise in oil prices to over $100 per barrel. However, prices have since decreased, but saw a sudden increase of 4 percent to $91.77 on Friday, the largest jump in almost two months, due to supply disruptions and an upcoming cold weather in the United States. | 1 |
The foreign ministry stated that she visited the new Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen at his office for a courtesy call on Sunday. She expressed the UK's commitment to supporting Bangladesh in achieving its goal of becoming an Upper Middle Income Country by 2021 and meeting the SDGs by 2030. High Commissioner Blake reaffirmed her government's readiness to collaborate in strengthening bilateral relations. Momen urged the UK to continue its overall support for Bangladesh in the event of a Brexit deal separating the UK from the EU. Both parties agreed to collaborate on trade and investment, good governance, enhancing economic partnership, addressing the Rohingya crisis, migration issues, and combating climate change. The British investors are eager to engage in various sectors in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on infrastructure, according to a statement. The speaker commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government for its significant contributions to women empowerment, poverty reduction, and overall economic and social development. The UK was appreciated for its assistance in the Rohingya crisis, but there was a call for further support to ensure the safe return of those displaced by violence in Rakhine to their homes in Myanmar. Bangladesh was praised for hosting the largest number of Rohingya refugees and assured of continued support from the British government and people in resolving the crisis. The new foreign minister also mentioned the support extended by the British people and government during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. | 1 |
The meeting took place at the office of Jhalakathi Deputy Commissioner Md Johor Ali on Monday, with the attendance of additional secretaries from the ministry of environment, forest, and climate change, Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik and Md Mizanul Haque Chowdhury, as stated by the UNDP. During the presentation, Malik Fida A Khan, executive director of CEGIS, emphasized the importance of the NAP, highlighting its participatory and country-driven nature. He emphasized that NAP would address Bangladesh's medium to long-term adaptation needs, making it a climate-resilient country in the future. Khan also mentioned that NAP would focus on the climate vulnerability of coastal regions, bridge capacity gaps, and establish a knowledge management system for climate change adaptation. The consultation focused on the significant climatic risks faced by various coastal districts, the adaptation strategies employed by farmers, and the factors influencing the selection of these strategies. Jhalakathi and other coastal districts are particularly at risk due to rising salinity levels in both groundwater and surface water resources, especially along the coast, caused by sea level rise as a result of global warming. Participants acknowledged that smallholder farmers' livelihoods are impacted by climatic risks like cyclones, soil and water salinity increases, storm surges, heavy rainfall, and subsequent flooding and waterlogging. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive master plan to tackle these challenges. AKM Azad Rahman, a programme officer at UNDP focusing on climate change, stated that UNDP will offer full support to Bangladesh in addressing climate change issues. "We are collaborating closely with the government to develop sustainable projects in coastal areas," stated Sanjay Bhowmik. He added that the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) will serve as the main policy guiding their adaptation efforts and will complement national-level planning. Bhowmik emphasized the importance of partnership at both national and local levels for the successful implementation of the NAP. Mizanul, the national project director of the NAP Formulation Project, highlighted the need for NAP to align with national planning processes and supplement existing plans like the Annual Development Programme and Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about climate change, environmental protection, and mainstreaming adaptation efforts. Additionally, Johor Ali suggested that rainwater harvesting could be an effective adaptation strategy for coastal regions. The event was jointly organized by the ministry, Economic Relations Division, and the UNDP with assistance from the Green Climate Fund. | 1 |
Leaders of 16 Asian countries, including China and Japan, came to a general agreement on climate change on Wednesday, setting aside disagreements over Myanmar's democracy protests. In a declaration signed in Singapore, leaders of the East Asia Summit (EAS) pledged to stabilize greenhouse gas levels in the long term. However, the agreement does not include specific targets for reducing emissions or capping their growth by a certain date. It will serve as a framework for climate change discussions at a UN meeting in Bali next month. The EAS, consisting of 10 Southeast Asian nations plus China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, also agreed that all countries should contribute to addressing climate change based on the principles of shared but varied responsibilities and capabilities. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong explained that the declaration is a statement of intent rather than a formal treaty with specific restrictions. Australia believes that the agreement will facilitate negotiations for a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations is optimistic that the Bali meeting will initiate discussions over the next two years to reach a new global framework to combat climate change. Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer noted a shift in China and India's stance, acknowledging the need to address emissions. China and India, major carbon dioxide emitters, have been resistant to setting specific targets and are calling for developed nations to lead in emission reductions and finance cleaner energy technologies. Despite the challenges, Australia remains hopeful for progress. According to Emmanuel Fages, a carbon analyst at French bank Societe Generale, it is unrealistic to expect countries like China and India to be as proactive as Japan in addressing climate change. Fages also noted that there is no uniformity in Asia. The only specific target in the climate agreement pertained to increasing forest cover by 15 million hectares by 2020. The focus on climate change and trade at the East Asian leaders' meeting was overshadowed by concerns about Myanmar's lack of commitment to democracy during ASEAN's 40th anniversary celebrations. The Philippines separated itself from other members of the Association of South East Asian Nations by demanding the immediate release of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed strong disapproval of Suu Kyi's treatment and insisted on her release. Arroyo also stated that the Philippine Congress may not approve the charter unless Myanmar shows a commitment to democracy and frees Suu Kyi. The charter, which establishes ASEAN's legal identity and upholds principles of democracy and human rights, must be approved within 12 months after being signed on Tuesday. Singapore's Lee emphasized that all countries must ratify it for it to take effect. He criticized the ineffectiveness of the sanctions imposed by Western countries on Myanmar, stating that the regime's decision to isolate itself has rendered the sanctions futile. Lee pointed out that choosing not to do business in Myanmar has no impact on the regime. | 1 |
Delegates at U.N. talks in Ghana stated that a planned U.N. treaty to combat global warming may include capping new greenhouse gases emitted during the production of flat-screen televisions or refrigerants. These recently developed industrial gases, such as nitrogen trifluoride and fluorinated ethers, account for only 0.3 percent of emissions of conventional greenhouse gases by wealthy nations, but their emissions are increasing. Yvo de Boer, head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, expressed support for adding these new gases to the group of six already capped by the U.N.'s Kyoto Protocol to reduce global warming. "It is logical to consider all gases that contribute to climate change," he stated during the sidelines of the talks in Ghana from August 21-27, which were aimed at finalizing the details of a new treaty to combat global warming set to be approved by the end of 2009. He explained that including more gases in the agreement would give countries more options to determine the most effective ways to reduce emissions. Ultimately, he emphasized that the decision rested with governments. Over 190 countries have agreed to negotiate a comprehensive new agreement to replace Kyoto in an effort to prevent the predicted consequences of increasing temperatures, such as heatwaves, floods, desertification, and rising sea levels. De Boer noted that in earlier negotiations for the Kyoto Protocol, the European Union had advocated for only carbon dioxide to be included, which is released from burning fossil fuels in various industries. Livestock emissions are not limited to carbon dioxide, as five other gases including nitrous oxide and methane from livestock and landfills have contributed to the Kyoto Protocol. Carbon dioxide makes up 80 percent of emissions, while nitrogen trifluoride is used in semiconductor production and fluorinated ethers are used as refrigerant replacements. Additionally, gases like iodotrifluoromethane and methyl chloroform are used in electronics or are by-products of industry. According to a technical report presented to delegates, there is limited knowledge about the sources, current and future emissions, and atmospheric levels of these gases. The report stated that emissions were close to zero in 1990 but are now increasing exponentially. It was estimated that current annual emissions were less than 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to 0.3 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from wealthy nations. The report also mentioned that the impact of adding new gases on carbon markets was uncertain, but it could potentially increase the demand for tradable units under the Kyoto Protocol. However, setting up new monitoring systems could be costly and divert attention from more critical gases. "I am pressing this matter in order to gain a better understanding," Harald Dovland, a Norwegian official leading a group in Accra studying new commitments from supporters of Kyoto, stated. Kyoto requires 37 wealthy nations to reduce emissions by 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-12. "Currently, there are not significant amounts of these new gases being emitted. However, many parties are keen to guarantee that there are no rises," he explained. | 1 |
In March, South Africa's business confidence slightly decreased, staying just above a four-year low seen in January, according to the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The organization reported that the business confidence index (BCI) was at 93.9 in March, down from 94.0 in February, and dropped to 93.8 in January, the lowest level since October 2003. SACCI attributed the decline in confidence to factors such as a weaker exchange rate and high inflation, but noted that strong share prices and lower real financing costs helped prevent a larger decrease in the index. The organization stated that due to the uncertain global economic climate and lower economic growth prospects locally and globally, the BCI remained unchanged. However, the conditions were challenging and confidence was low. The chamber noted that despite strong inflation still being an issue, the easing of money supply and credit growth indicated that the central bank's tightening of monetary policy may be successfully curbing consumer spending. The Reserve Bank faces a tough decision on interest rates next week, as it had kept the repo rate at 11 percent in January after a series of increases since June 2006. Although the rate hikes were paused due to concerns about economic growth, inflation has continued to rise, with the targeted CPIX reaching a five-year high of 9.4 percent year-on-year in February. SACCI stated that monetary policy is already dealing with the challenges of balancing the risks of rising inflation and price instability against limited economic activity. In the near future, decreased international oil and food prices may provide some respite, but a devalued rand and South Africa's tendency to import could contribute to inflation concerns. The statement also noted that business confidence is currently in a delicate state, and economic policy decisions should be made carefully. | 1 |
Described as a critical moment by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, the summit aims to move past four tense years under Biden's predecessor Donald Trump, who criticized the Western alliance as "obsolete." The 30 allies meeting in Brussels reject this characterization, relying on the alliance founded in 1949 to address threats such as extreme weather exacerbating conflicts and Russian efforts to undermine Western democracies. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasized the need for NATO to continuously adapt to new challenges to protect the billion people it safeguards daily. Discussions at the summit are expected to address Russia's attempts to divide the West, ahead of a meeting between Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva. Despite NATO's efforts to modernize defenses since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, vulnerabilities to cyber attacks and disinformation remain, although Moscow denies any involvement in destabilizing NATO allies. The European Leadership Network (ELN) research group stated in a paper released for the summit that cyber threats can arise at any time during a crisis and lead to misunderstandings and unintended signals that may result in war. Diplomats emphasize the importance of President Biden reaffirming the United States' commitment to NATO's collective defense following the confrontational approach taken by Trump towards allies from 2017 to 2019. China's increasing military and economic presence in the Atlantic, as well as joint military exercises with Russia, will provoke a strong reaction from leaders. Additionally, there is an anticipation for a commitment to ensure NATO militaries become carbon-neutral by 2050. The leaders of the G7 countries have decided to increase their contributions in order to fulfill a commitment to provide $100 billion annually in funding from wealthy nations to assist developing countries in reducing carbon emissions and addressing the effects of climate change. | 1 |
President George W Bush will host German Chancellor Angela Merkel at his Texas ranch to discuss unity on Iran, despite Tehran's defiance over its nuclear program. Bush invited Merkel to Crawford, Texas, as a symbol of their special relationship, where they will spend two days at the ranch engaging in talks on global issues and possibly going hiking. White House spokeswoman Dana Perino stated that the Western White House is a great setting for both social visits and in-depth discussions. Merkel is the second European leader to receive special treatment from Bush this week, following French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to Mount Vernon. As his time in office winds down, Bush remains focused on pressuring Iran regarding its nuclear activities. Iran has rejected the UN's request to stop its nuclear activities, which could be used for civilian or military purposes. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stated that Iran's nuclear program cannot be reversed and has revealed that there are 3,000 centrifuges in the Natanz plant. While German companies continue to trade with Iran, the United States has adopted a tougher stance towards Tehran. The spokesman for the White House National Security Council, Gordon Johndroe, has mentioned that strategically they agree, but there are some tactical differences. Earlier this week, Merkel stated that Germany would back tougher UN sanctions against Iran if they do not address concerns about their nuclear program. Bush has also criticized Iran, warning of the possibility of World War Three if they acquire a nuclear weapon, which has concerned some European allies. The Bush administration maintains that they are committed to diplomacy but are keeping all options open. Perino mentioned that the two leaders will discuss Iran and the importance of working together diplomatically to stop Iran's uranium activities. They will also cover topics such as Afghanistan, the Middle East, Iraq, climate change, and economic issues like the Doha trade round. A high-ranking German official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that Merkel and Sarkozy have decided to present a unified stance on Iran, the Middle East peace process, and climate change when discussing with Bush. It is anticipated that Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States will convene this month to review reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding Iran's adherence to international requirements. Analyst Daniel Benjamin from the Brookings Institution noted that relations between the U.S. and Germany have seen improvement following Merkel's succession of Gerhard Schroeder. | 1 |
The oldest adornments ever found, perforated shells, were discovered in a limestone cave in eastern Morocco. These shells, some dyed with red ochre, were likely used as necklaces or bracelets 82,000 years ago. This discovery predates similar findings in Algeria, South Africa, and Palestine, showing that symbols were used in Africa long before Europe. The Moroccan government believes this find is significant in understanding cultural innovations and their impact on human history. Despite yielding important prehistoric discoveries, little is known about the humans who lived in Morocco before Berber farmers settled there over 2,000 years ago. A group of scientists from Morocco, Britain, France, and Germany discovered and dated the shells to investigate the impact of climate and landscape changes on human behavior from 130,000 to 13,000 years ago. Their research is part of a larger study on whether the Strait of Gibraltar served as a pathway or obstacle for early humans traveling between Africa and Europe. | 1 |
Trump, utilizing the "America First" message that helped him win the presidency, stated that the Paris accord would harm the US economy, lead to job losses, diminish American sovereignty, and put the country at a lasting disadvantage compared to other nations. Trump made the announcement during a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden on a sunny June day, fulfilling a key promise from his campaign. He emphasized that he did not want other countries to mock the US, and he criticized the nations urging the US to remain in the agreement for their trade practices and insufficient contributions to the military alliance. Republican US congressional leaders have expressed their support for Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Trump for his actions, stating that it was a significant blow to the Obama administration's efforts to restrict domestic energy production. On the other hand, supporters of the agreement, including prominent US business figures, criticized Trump's move as hindering global efforts to address the threats of climate change. Former President Barack Obama, who played a key role in negotiating the deal, expressed disappointment over the US withdrawal. Despite this setback, Obama expressed confidence in the ability of states, cities, and businesses to take the lead in protecting the planet for future generations. Trump, who has previously dismissed climate change as a hoax, announced that his administration would start discussions to rejoin the Paris agreement or negotiate a new deal that is favorable to the United States. He expressed concerns about China's terms in the agreement. Global leaders responded with disappointment and frustration, with one leader expressing disappointment in Trump's decision. Japanese Environment Minister Koichi Yamamoto expressed his anger during a news conference, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni issued a joint statement emphasizing that the Paris agreement cannot be renegotiated and urging allies to accelerate efforts to combat climate change. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the global momentum to address climate change despite the US decision, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang affirmed China's commitment to fighting climate change during a summit with European Union officials in Brussels. This summit resulted in the first ever joint statement between China and the EU, committing both parties to fully implementing the Paris accord. Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich stated that the decision to join would not be changed. India, a rapidly growing economy and significant contributor to pollution, has expressed intentions to transition to renewable energy sources despite the Paris accord. Arvind Panagariya, a top advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, confirmed the prime minister's strong interest in this transition. With Trump's decision, the United States will be isolated from nearly every other country on a major global issue of the 21st century. Only Syria and Nicaragua are the other countries not participating in the Paris accord, which was signed by 195 nations in 2015. Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who will soon lead the UN Climate Change Conferences that finalized the 2015 pact, expressed disappointment over Trump's decision. Many small island nations, including Fiji, are at high risk from global warming and potential sea level rise due to melting polar ice. US business leaders, such as Goldman Sachs Group Inc Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein, criticized the Trump administration's decision, calling it a setback for the environment and US leadership globally. Following Trump's move, Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk and Walt Disney CEO Robert Iger announced they would be leaving White House advisory councils. The Paris accord, a long-awaited agreement between rich and poor countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, was dismissed by President Trump who preferred to represent Pittsburgh over Paris. However, Pittsburgh's mayor, Bill Peduto, pointed out that the city has actually supported the accord despite its industrial background. The UN Secretary-General's spokesman expressed disappointment at the decision, and the UN body responsible for climate negotiations stated that the accord could not be renegotiated at the request of one nation. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull expressed disappointment but not surprise at the US decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord during a speech in Singapore on Friday. He reiterated Australia's commitment to upholding their Paris commitments. South Korea's foreign ministry also expressed regret over the US withdrawal, stating that it would undermine international efforts to address climate change. Trump announced that the US would cease payments to the UN Green Climate Fund, which helps developing nations cope with the effects of climate change. The White House confirmed that they would adhere to UN rules, which require a three-year waiting period before formally leaving the pact. The nation will need to wait another year as a result. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, shared his disappointment, mentioning in an email to employees that he had talked with Trump on Tuesday in an attempt to convince him to remain in the Paris agreement. Cook stated that his efforts were not successful. Various other corporate leaders cautioned that the American economy would lose its technological edge. Jeff Immelt, the CEO of General Electric, expressed disappointment as well, emphasizing that climate change is a genuine issue. The industry needs to take the lead instead of relying on the government. Democrats criticized Trump's decision, with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer calling it one of the worst policy decisions of the 21st century due to its negative impact on the economy, environment, and geopolitical standing. The US had previously committed to reducing emissions by 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025, as it is responsible for over 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, second only to China. Prominent climate scientists have stated that greenhouse gas emissions are responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warmer planet, rising sea levels, increased droughts, and more frequent violent storms. A recent report titled "Global Trends" from the US Director of National Intelligence's office highlighted the security risks posed by climate change, including extreme weather events, water and food scarcity, and global tensions over managing these changes. Last year marked the warmest on record since the 19th Century, with global temperatures continuing to rise due to greenhouse gases. There are concerns that international funding for climate change mitigation efforts may decrease, as seen with a $1 billion reduction in US funding for the Green Climate Fund in South Korea. Economists also warn of potential job losses in the US as a result of the country's withdrawal from climate change initiatives. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), both China and the EU have more workers in the renewable energy sector than the United States. Peter Kiernan of the Economist Intelligence Unit believes that if the US scales back its climate agenda, it will fall behind countries like Europe and China in the transition to clean energy and job creation to combat climate change. | 1 |
Europe reached a significant agreement on Friday to combat climate change by offering financial incentives to eastern European countries to accept changes that will penalize their heavily polluting power sectors and increase electricity prices. Despite criticism from environmental groups for allowing exemptions for industry, the deal aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2020. While some view the policy as lacking leadership and having flaws, French President Nicolas Sarkozy described it as historic and emphasized the binding nature of the rules adopted by Europe. The agreement was reached at the end of a year-long dispute between eastern and western Europe regarding the expenses involved. The nine eastern European countries were the main obstacle to reaching an agreement on measures to address climate change, as these measures would increase costs for their coal-fired power industries. A portion of the revenues from the EU's emissions trading scheme will be allocated to these countries to provide funding. This funding is considered a reward for the significant reduction in emissions that occurred when their industries collapsed after the fall of communism. Additionally, their power sectors will gradually start paying for emissions permits from the ETS, beginning with 30 percent in 2013 and increasing to 100 percent by 2020. Hungary and Italy both faced challenges during negotiations for more money, with Italy being particularly concerned about protecting its industries such as glass, ceramics, paper, and cast iron. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi expressed reluctance to veto the deal on climate issues, as he did not want to be perceived as the bad guy by the opposition. Measures were put in place to minimize the impact of carbon restrictions on European industry, particularly in sectors like steel, aluminum, cement, and chemicals. European industries facing global competition will receive free emissions permits if their costs increase by 5 percent or more, a move that is expected to benefit over 90 percent of EU industry. A British diplomat stated that Britain was successful in obtaining increased funding for cutting-edge technology to capture and store emissions from power plants underground in exhausted North Sea gas fields. This initiative was a priority for Gordon Brown, as it not only benefits the environment but also positions Europe as a leader in job creation and economic growth. | 1 |
Leaders from the world's largest wealthy and developing nations are meeting on Thursday in an effort to support the economic recovery and establish safeguards against future crises. US President Barack Obama, hosting his first Group of 20 summit, has set an agenda that includes addressing the significant imbalances between major exporting countries like China and the heavily indebted United States. Initial expectations for the summit were modest, with some agreement on principles such as creating a more balanced global economy and regulating risky lending practices to prevent another financial crisis, but little consensus on how to achieve these goals. The two-day summit in Pittsburgh, a city that has experienced economic struggles due to the decline of its steel industry, will begin with bilateral talks on Thursday. Obama is hosting a reception and working dinner in the evening, marking the third gathering of the G20 leaders since the meeting that took place shortly after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. This event signaled the start of a severe global recession, affecting even countries that were not directly impacted by the banking crisis due to a significant decrease in global trade. As the recession seems to be coming to an end in many countries, the G20 must maintain the same level of urgency that was present in April when they agreed to collaborate on rescuing the world economy and committed to providing substantial funding to support the International Monetary Fund's efforts in combating crises. Despite the current distractions, it is crucial for the G20 to stay focused on their goals. Obama is dealing with difficulties in domestic policy, particularly with his efforts to reform healthcare. Angela Merkel is preparing for an upcoming election. US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is suggesting that countries should not rely on US consumption for their own growth, as the US needs to increase its savings. This message will be conveyed to G20 officials during a meeting on Thursday. However, some countries were hesitant to impose strict limits on trading imbalances and were opposed to the G20 or the International Monetary Fund interfering with their domestic economic policies. Geithner clarified that this was not the goal, but due to these concerns, it was unlikely that the G20 would agree on anything more than basic ideas for rebalancing. To illustrate the problem, China's private consumption is only about a third of its economy, while in the US and UK, consumption made up nearly three-quarters of the economy during prosperous times. In contrast, Chinese and Indian households saved around 40% and 32% of their disposable incomes last year, whereas the US savings rate was just 3.2%. Numerous European leaders advocated for the G20 to focus more on regulating excessive pay and bonuses for bankers who made risky investments that went wrong. They also hoped for the United States to make more progress on addressing climate change, although it was unlikely to happen at this meeting. The United States was urged to implement concrete policies before an upcoming international meeting on reducing global warming in Copenhagen in December. Emerging economies like Brazil, which were affected by the financial crisis despite limited exposure to bad assets, were eager to reach an agreement on stricter regulatory rules at the G20. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized economic models that lacked regulation, calling them outdated and ineffective. | 1 |
When foreign ministers from Japan and China meet in Beijing this weekend, Japan will urge for a prompt resolution to their dispute over gas fields in the East China Sea, as stated by a Japanese ministry official. Despite improving relations between the two countries, particularly highlighted by a recent port call by a Chinese missile destroyer in Tokyo, the disagreement regarding natural gas development remains unresolved. The Japanese official expressed hope that China will make a political decision to reach a final agreement on the matter, emphasizing the importance of finding a solution. Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura is expected to address this issue during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Beijing on Saturday. The upcoming talks will cover topics such as macro-economic policies, Beijing's currency reforms, climate change, and trade and investment. Despite the lack of progress in the recent 11th round of talks regarding natural gas development in the East China Sea, Japan's Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's visit to China may still proceed as planned. Japan has stated that resolving the gas dispute is not a requirement for the visit, which is expected to take place later this year or early in 2008. However, both countries had agreed in April to report on a compromise to their leaders in the autumn. "This is the right time for us to increase our efforts," he mentioned. "It is not just about the economic consequences, but also about Japanese public perception." Both parties are keen on obtaining new oil and gas resources, but there is disagreement regarding the location of the maritime boundary that separates their exclusive economic zones. China's state-owned CNOOC Ltd announced in April that they had started gas production from Tianwaitian field and were prepared to start production from the larger Chunxiao field in the region, causing concerns in resource-poor Japan that this production could divert gas from what Tokyo considers to be its portion of the zone. | 1 |
President Barack Obama expressed his disapproval of WikiLeaks' actions to Turkish and Mexican leaders on Saturday, as the US administration worked to mitigate the fallout from the release of secret US cables. In separate phone calls with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Obama and the leaders agreed that WikiLeaks' actions would not negatively impact their countries' relationships with the United States. The leaked documents, which cover US relations globally, have raised concerns about strained alliances, prompting US officials to try to prevent foreign partners from pulling back on sensitive issues. Among the leaked documents were ones that showed US diplomats questioning the reliability of Turkey as a NATO ally and portraying its leadership as divided. During his call with Erdogan, Obama emphasized the importance of the US-Turkish partnership and their commitment to collaborating on a range of issues. The president expressed his regrets for the regrettable actions taken by WikiLeaks, and both leaders agreed that it will not affect the strong cooperation between the United States and Turkey. Obama also praised Calderon for his efforts at an international climate change conference in Cancun. The importance of the US-Mexico partnership across various issues was emphasized by both presidents. They also discussed the irresponsible actions by WikiLeaks and agreed that it should not detract from their important cooperation. According to State Department documents released by WikiLeaks, a high-ranking Mexican official expressed concerns about the government potentially losing control of parts of the country to powerful drug cartels. | 1 |
Italy is one of Bangladesh's biggest trading partners, with over 200,000 Bangladeshis living there, making it the second largest European country after the UK. Despite having diplomatic ties for over 40 years, the two countries have never held a bilateral meeting. However, the Italian foreign ministry has announced that Vedova will be visiting Bangladesh for a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Md Shahriar Alam. This visit is being seen as a new beginning in the relationship between the two countries, which is described as smooth, growing, and expanding. Additionally, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit New Zealand for a bilateral meeting, and Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali will be visiting Portugal for the first time for a similar meeting. These efforts are part of Bangladesh's attempts to strengthen its relations with friendly countries like Italy. "We are now focusing on increasing bilateral talks, which have received a positive response," said a senior official from the foreign ministry who spoke anonymously to bdnews24.com. The official mentioned that a wide range of bilateral issues will be discussed during the meeting. Bangladesh's exports to Italy have exceeded $1.3 billion in the last fiscal year, which is a 30% increase from the previous year. Dhaka and Rome have similar perspectives on various international matters such as counter terrorism and climate change. The Prime Minister participated in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Italy last October. Her Italian counterpart has invited her to attend the upcoming 'Expo Milano' from May 1 to Oct 31, which is expected to be the largest show in the world. The official also mentioned that the Prime Minister has extended an invitation to her Italian counterpart, indicating that the relationship between the two countries is moving in a positive direction. | 1 |
World leaders stayed up late into the night in an effort to meet a Friday deadline for reaching an agreement on reducing emissions and assisting developing countries in dealing with the costly effects of global warming. The United States broke a deadlock in the 193-nation talks by pledging $100 billion to help poorer nations adapt their economies to climate change. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen reported that a group of influential leaders had productive discussions overnight on overcoming obstacles in the negotiations. Despite concerns about potential failure, leaders began a final push after a gala dinner hosted by Denmark's Queen Margrethe at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed urgency in the talks by stating that time is not on our side and it is time to stop pretending. He emphasized that a failure in Copenhagen would have disastrous consequences for all. During the talks, 28 people were detained by the police in connection with a Greenpeace protest near the palace, with three managing to slip inside despite security measures. Activists carrying signs calling for action from leaders interrupted the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to arrive on Friday and is likely to face pressure to commit to deeper emissions cuts as the world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his anticipation for a more significant announcement from them. He stated that President Obama's visit was not just to repeat what is already in their draft legislation, specifically referring to a climate bill awaiting approval from the U.S. Senate. Barroso mentioned that Obama would have a meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during the Dec 7-18 climate summit, which is the largest ever held. Although progress was being made on outstanding issues between the United States and China, officials could not confirm if a deal would be reached after Obama's arrival. One U.S. official noted advancements in monitoring, reporting, and verification requirements by China and other major developing countries related to their emissions reductions. China has opposed these demands. The United States has boosted morale by committing to support a $100 billion per year fund for poor nations starting in 2020. This funding would exceed all current aid being provided to poor nations, according to a U.N. official, and align with the requests made by African nations. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the U.S. pledge as very encouraging. A U.S. official stated that President Obama was not expected to provide more detailed information regarding U.S. funding commitments. An agreement on finance is just one piece of a larger puzzle that includes various measures like protecting rainforests, enhancing carbon markets, and strengthening global carbon emission regulations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes that if everyone contributes a little more, progress can be made. While the European Union is willing to take further action, they will not do so independently. However, any agreement must be reached unanimously. Some small island nations and African countries, which are most at risk from climate change, have stated they will not accept a weak agreement. "We are discussing the importance of our country's survival," stated Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia of Tuvalu regarding the ongoing talks that started in Bali, Indonesia two years ago. The proposed objectives in the negotiation drafts include ambitious targets like reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2050 or requiring developed countries to decrease their emissions by 25 to 40 percent by 2020. Kim Carstensen, the leader of the WWF environmental group's global climate initiative, mentioned, "We are making progress towards reaching a compromise, especially with the financial assistance offered by the U.S." The possibility of a robust U.N. climate agreement seemed unlikely earlier in the week, with countries pointing fingers at China and the U.S. for the impasse on carbon reduction efforts. Ministers and leaders stressed the need for increased urgency, emphasizing the crucial significance of the Copenhagen conference. China's climate change ambassador Yu Qingtai stated that the success of the conference is paramount. | 1 |
Researchers have observed a concerning trend in Australia where the mining boom is contributing to a rise in HIV infections among wealthy heterosexual miners and businessmen who travel to Asia for holidays. According to a recent national HIV-AIDS report, HIV infection rates in Australia have increased by almost 50 percent in the last eight years. The report from the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research revealed that in 2007, Australia had 27,331 cases of HIV infection and 10,230 cases of AIDS. While homosexual men still make up the majority of new infections, a significant number of new cases are now being seen among heterosexual men in resource-rich states like Western Australia and Queensland. Many miners work long shifts away from home, working for several weeks straight followed by a few weeks off. Some researchers have found that during their time off, some miners are traveling to Asia and engaging in risky behavior, leading to an increase in new infections among heterosexual men from wealthy resource states. Don Baxter, executive director of the Australian Federation of AIDS, noted that men from Western Australia are likely visiting Southeast Asia, while those from Queensland are visiting Papua New Guinea, where experts fear an HIV-AIDS epidemic is imminent. Baxter also highlighted a 68 percent increase in infections among heterosexual males in Western Australia over the last three years, which is equivalent to the number of gay men infected in the state in 2007. Baxter stated that the government of Western Australia and the AIDS council are collaborating with mining companies to introduce safe sex education programs for miners. Health officials reported on Wednesday that a group of men in Cairns, Queensland had contracted HIV after having unprotected sex with women in Papua New Guinea. The Cairns Sexual Health Service disclosed that six men, aged between 47 and 66, tested positive for HIV in the last 10 months. Dr. Darren Russell, director of the Cairns Sexual Health Service, expressed concern that this cluster may be the beginning of a larger outbreak, as the HIV epidemic in Papua New Guinea is spreading more widely. This places these men at higher risk, with a likelihood of increasing numbers in the future. Australia's AIDS federation has urged the government to raise funding for AIDS prevention efforts in order to curb the increasing rate of infections. The state of New South Wales, which has a large homosexual population in Sydney, saw minimal changes in infection rates over the past ten years due to continued funding for safe sex programs. On the other hand, infection rates have significantly risen in states that have cut back on funding, such as Victoria and Queensland. Baxter stated that there is strong evidence that investing in these programs can help stabilize the rate of HIV infections. | 1 |
This week, Barack Obama will embark on his first trip to Asia as president, acknowledging the region's economic and diplomatic significance to the United States amidst various domestic challenges. The journey will commence with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Singapore before proceeding to China, where Obama will need to navigate a complex relationship with the country, which holds the largest amount of U.S. foreign debt and is the second-largest trading partner. In an interview prior to the trip, Obama emphasized the importance of viewing China as both a crucial partner and a competitor, stressing the need for friendly competition within the confines of established international rules to promote responsible behavior globally. He will be traveling to Japan and South Korea as well. Ben Rhodes, a deputy national security adviser, stated that the main focus of the trip is America's recognition of its role as a Pacific nation and its commitment to engaging with Asia in a comprehensive manner to address various important issues. Topics such as North Korea, Iran, the global economy, trade, climate change, energy, human rights, Afghanistan, and Pakistan will be given priority. During his visit to Tokyo, Obama will discuss his perspective on U.S. involvement in Asia. In China, Obama will visit Shanghai and Beijing, meet with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao for the third time. The purpose of the trip is to show that the United States is heavily involved in Asia, moving away from its focus on Islamic militancy. However, Obama's attention is still on domestic issues such as healthcare reform, unemployment, and troop deployment in Afghanistan. These concerns may hinder progress on climate change and trade agreements, as Obama faces opposition from groups whose support he needs on other issues. Businesses are concerned about the costs of new climate change regulations, while labor unions fear job losses from free trade agreements. As a result, Obama is unlikely to aggressively pursue deals like a free trade pact with South Korea. Despite this, the administration has hinted that they will revisit trade agreements in the future. He expressed uncertainty about whether Asian leaders hold that belief. Despite President Obama's widespread popularity in the countries he is currently visiting, tangible outcomes may not be the primary focus. Analysts and administration officials highlight that Obama has only been in office for a short time and view this trip as mainly establishing a foundation for future collaboration. It is noted that President Obama is highly esteemed in all the nations he is visiting. Jeffrey Bader, senior director for East Asian affairs at the National Security Council, stated that he has not viewed the most recent polls, but he finds the numbers he has seen to be extremely impressive. He believes that a person who is highly respected and admired is more likely to have a message that resonates compared to someone with a five percent approval rating. | 1 |
In Atlantic, Iowa, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama defended his foreign policy experience on Thursday, arguing that Sen. Hillary Clinton and other opponents were trying to portray old-fashioned Washington practices as valuable experience. Despite facing criticism for his lack of experience, Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, has been praised for offering fresh ideas. However, Clinton maintains a 20-point lead in polls due to the perception that she has the necessary experience to be president. Clinton has criticized Obama for his willingness to engage in dialogue with hostile leaders, advocating strikes against al Qaeda targets in Pakistan, and rejecting the use of nuclear weapons in such attacks. Obama countered by stating that Clinton and other candidates are simply adhering to traditional expectations rather than offering innovative solutions. During a five-day tour of Iowa, Obama criticized not only Senator Clinton but also many of his opponents for valuing the ability to repeat the conventional wisdom in Washington as a mark of experience. He argued that this approach to foreign policy was responsible for leading the country into the Iraq War and emphasized the need for a more comprehensive change. The Clinton campaign responded by defending her track record of fighting for change and asserting that she is the candidate with the necessary strength and experience to bring about change in 2009, according to Clinton spokesman Phil Singer. Obama emphasized the importance of breaking away from traditional thinking that fosters a culture of fear in a new administration. He criticized the current administration for clouding issues, diverting attention, and manipulating the fears of the American public in foreign policy. Obama highlighted his commitment to not using nuclear weapons in strikes against al Qaeda in Pakistan. In contrast, Clinton has expressed the belief that nuclear deterrence is essential for maintaining peace. Obama stated that numerous military experts have advised him that nuclear weapons would not be deployed in a possible attack on a terrorist cell in Pakistan. He asserted to his supporters in Council Bluffs that in such a scenario, conventional weapons would be used instead of nuclear weapons. Obama received applause from hundreds of supporters in Council Bluffs and Atlantic for his messages advocating for change, despite being called inexperienced. He mentioned that when individuals talk about experience, they are actually referring to the possession of good judgment. Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney may have had extensive experience, but they lacked good judgment in terms of foreign policy. One of his strengths is his ability to provide sound judgment. | 1 |
Their initial confrontation in Cleveland was not characterized by any of those words. Trump, who had been criticized by Republicans for being overly aggressive in his previous debate, arrived in a more restrained manner in an attempt to rejuvenate his struggling campaign. However, his relatively subdued performance did not seem to have the potential to change the course of a race that has remained unaffected by significant global events. Here are six key points from the last 2020 presidential debate. It was an actual debate! Following the chaos of the first debate, a mute feature was implemented by the debate commission for the opening statements of both candidates in each segment, which proved to be helpful. Trump restrained himself from interrupting as much, refraining from discussing Hunter Biden's military departure. He even complimented moderator Kristen Welker for maintaining control. The absence of interruptions enabled viewers to distinguish the differences between the candidates on various important issues such as the pandemic, climate change, systemic racism, economic recovery, federal spending, and healthcare. Trump's advisors believe he needs the election to be a clear choice between him and Biden, but the contrasts between the two candidates only came late in the final debate after the cancellation of the second one due to Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis. Despite being behind in the polls and with over 48 million Americans already voting, Trump still lacks a convincing response to the pandemic. Biden, who wore a mask on stage, made his case against Trump's handling of COVID-19 from the beginning. The virus has claimed more than 220,000 lives in the United States. Biden stated that anyone responsible for a large number of deaths should not continue as president of the United States. This echoes a similar sentiment expressed by Senator Kamala Harris during the vice presidential debate, to which Trump and Vice President Mike Pence had no response. Trump mentioned that models had predicted up to 2.2 million deaths if no action was taken, pointing out that it is a global pandemic and acknowledging that mortality rates have decreased. He also claimed that the situation is improving and that the pandemic is on the decline. Hospitalizations and cases are increasing. Trump used his own experience with the virus to explain why the second debate was canceled. He mentioned that he learned a lot from his hospitalization. However, before the debate, he criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top infectious disease specialist in the country. Biden confidently asserted that he will put an end to the virus and ensure that there is a well-thought-out plan in place. Despite previous concerns that Trump was untouchable, it is actually Biden who has maintained a strong lead in the polls and approval ratings. Throughout the race, Biden has often responded to Trump's accusations by simply shrugging them off and questioning whether he looks like a radical socialist. At the first debate, he proclaimed, "I am the party." On Thursday, Trump tried to connect Biden to Harris' views on health care, label him as being influenced by "AOC plus three," and tie him to Bernie Sanders on health care. In response, Biden used his "Come on, man!" approach and called Trump a confused individual who believes he is running against someone else. He is competing against Joe Biden in the election. The Democratic candidate is appealing to the audience, asking them to trust their own judgment based on their knowledge of both candidates' characters. Biden is confident in himself and believes in the unlikelihood of Trump's criticisms against him, a strategy that has proven successful so far. Trump finally delivered the blow that many Republicans had been anticipating, criticizing Biden for being all talk and no action during his nearly half-century in Washington. Trump repeatedly questioned why Biden had not implemented the changes he promised to make, calling him out for his lack of accomplishments. Biden struggled to respond effectively to Trump's attack during the debate. He even went so far as to distance himself from President Barack Obama due to their failure to pass an immigration overhaul. He admitted that they had made a mistake and it took too long to get it right, emphasizing that he aims to be president, not vice president. Republican strategist Dave Kochel noted that the criticism of why the immigration overhaul wasn't achieved was strong. Following a disastrous first debate, Trump demonstrated his ability to stand next to Biden and present his case effectively. However, Trump has not consistently prosecuted this case and his image as an outsider has diminished now that he is a politician and an incumbent with unfulfilled promises. Trump criticized Biden for his failures by saying, "I ran because of you." However, Trump also struggled to connect with viewers as he made references to obscure internet controversies and made statements that lacked context, such as attacking the Biden family's business dealings or mentioning events like the takeover of a submarine port. Trump seemed to assume that viewers were as familiar with these topics as he was. Biden did not seem to respond to Trump's allegations, which included noncontextualized references, particularly regarding Hunter Biden. Trump continued to mention emails and money, claiming that the situation had worsened. However, the segment concluded without any significant confrontation. It served as a reminder of the contrast between running against Biden and Clinton for Trump. Unlike Clinton, Biden has not faced years of attacks that have deeply influenced voters. Trump focused on right-wing theories that appealed to his base but did not sway other voters, according to Democratic strategist Meredith Kelly. Despite this, the candidates had meaningful disagreements, particularly regarding the extent to which the economy and schools should be closed to control the virus. Trump strongly pushed for reopening businesses and activities as soon as possible, while Biden emphasized that this should only occur when it is truly safe to do so. Trump mentioned his own experience with COVID-19, stating that we need to learn to adapt and live with the virus. Biden expressed skepticism at this approach, questioning Trump's stance. "We are dying because of it." Trump criticized Biden for mostly campaigning from home this spring and summer, saying that they can't isolate themselves like Biden does. He made fun of the Plexiglas dividers in restaurants, calling them cubicles wrapped in plastic. He emphasized the importance of keeping the nation open, while Biden focused on prioritizing public health to avoid a dark winter. Biden's message was to shut down the virus, not the country. The candidates had civil disagreements on health care and the environment. Biden stated his intention to move away from the oil industry and eliminate federal subsidies, prompting a response from Trump urging voters in energy-heavy states to remember Biden's statement. The declaration was well-received by progressives but criticized by Democrats in states reliant on energy production. Republican strategist Colin Reed viewed the debate as a draw. He stated that both candidates were well-prepared in terms of their attitude and content. A victory for Biden would be any advancement at this point, while Trump needed a decisive victory. | 1 |
However, their diplomatic efforts during a scaled-down UN General Assembly were overshadowed and complicated by the influence of former President Donald J. Trump. Biden worked to mend strained relations with France in a call with President Emmanuel Macron, while Blinken met with his French counterpart in New York. French officials criticized the Biden administration for not informing them of a strategic deal with Britain and Australia that impacted a submarine contract. President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran suggested during his speech to the global body that there was little difference between Biden and Trump, referencing their respective foreign policy slogans. The Beijing-based Global Times newspaper questioned the feasibility of Biden's ambitious carbon emissions targets, warning that they could be easily reversed by a future Republican administration. The Iranians also expressed concerns about a possible return to the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump had exited. During a news conference at the end of a week of diplomacy, Blinken provided a favorable evaluation. He mentioned that US officials had engaged with representatives from over 60 countries and highlighted American leadership in addressing climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. When questioned about recent criticisms of US foreign policy, such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan, stalled nuclear negotiations with Iran, and diplomatic tensions in Paris, Blinken stated that he had not personally heard these complaints during his time in New York. He noted that the feedback he had received following the president's speech and the direction of the country was overwhelmingly positive and supportive of the United States. Blinken made these remarks before leaving a weeklong diplomatic gathering that had cautiously resumed in-person meetings following the virtual UN event last year due to the pandemic. Numerous international leaders did not attend this year's meeting, such as the presidents of Russia, China, and Iran. Their absence eliminated the potential for any unexpected encounters between the United States president and a foreign adversary, as seen in previous sessions. President Biden made a short appearance before leaving a few hours after delivering his speech on Tuesday. During his address, he described how America's withdrawal from Afghanistan marked the end of a 20-year war following the September 11, 2001, attacks. He stated that the United States was now entering a new phase of collaborative diplomacy to address global issues such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise of authoritarianism. The speech paid tribute to internationalism on a large scale and was a clear difference from Trump's unprofessional behavior. However, there have been increasing criticisms that some of Biden's key policy decisions resemble those made by Trump. French officials expressed surprise over the US submarine agreement with Australia, a concern that Biden's team struggled to address. The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, compared the decision to Trump's actions, calling it "brutal, unilateral, and unpredictable," leaving him feeling angry and resentful. This was not behavior expected from allies, but the situation improved after Biden spoke with Macron and Blinken met with Le Drian. However, the French diplomat's comments indicated that the issue was not entirely resolved. Resolving the current crisis will be a lengthy process, requiring action. The incident with France reminded some of previous complaints from NATO allies about Biden's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan without proper consultation or notification. Trump had a history of surprising allies with sudden, unilateral actions. Blinken argued that he met with NATO officials in the spring to hear their opinions on Afghanistan, but officials from Germany, Britain, and other countries claimed that their recommendation for a slower withdrawal was disregarded. Biden supporters believe that the comparisons are exaggerated, but some acknowledge that there are legitimate global concerns about the possibility of Trump, or someone similar, following Biden and undoing his efforts. Loren DeJonge Schulman, who served in the National Security Council and the Pentagon during the Obama administration, stated that it is ridiculous to think that there is any similarity between Trump and Biden in terms of their views on allies, international negotiations, and national security. However, Schulman also recognized that other countries have valid concerns about how the Biden administration can maintain sustainable international agreements and garner more public support for foreign alliances in the aftermath of the Trump presidency. DeJonge Schulman, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, stated that trust cannot be the basis for this situation. Not only have frustrated allies recognized similarities between Biden and Trump, but adversaries have also used this comparison to criticize Biden. The Global Times, a publication reflecting the views of the Chinese Communist Party, has claimed that Biden's China policies closely resemble those of Trump, including the continuation of trade tariffs that Democrats initially criticized but now view as a negotiating tool. Iranian officials have also expressed disappointment that Biden has not lifted the economic sanctions imposed by Trump after withdrawing from the nuclear deal. At the beginning of Biden's presidency, some European allies suggested lifting certain restrictions to revive nuclear talks, but Biden officials rejected the idea. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recently criticized the Biden administration for demanding similar things on the nuclear issue as Trump. With a pause in negotiations and the election of a hard-line government in Tehran, Biden officials are now warning Iran that time is running out to return to the nuclear agreement. Criticism of Biden's team is increasing, especially after a US drone strike in Kabul killed 10 civilians, including seven children and an aid worker. Some officials in the Biden administration acknowledge that diplomacy has been challenging due to the retirement of many experienced Foreign Service officers during the Trump administration. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has also hindered the confirmation of numerous Biden nominees for key State Department positions and ambassadorships. Biden is facing comparisons to Trump, particularly on immigration, with questions being raised about how he differs from his predecessor. Marisa Franco, the executive director of Mijente, a Latino civil rights organization, highlighted this issue in an interview with The New York Times. | 1 |
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A group of rapidly growing carbon emitters, crucial for a global climate change agreement, is now open to discussing the future of the Kyoto Protocol in order to bring the United States on board. The Kyoto Protocol currently requires about 40 wealthy nations to reduce emissions by 2008-2012, and developing countries are pushing for a stricter second commitment period. However, many developed nations are against this demand and want to replace Kyoto with a new agreement that includes countries like India and China. The upcoming meeting of environment ministers from Brazil, South Africa, India, and China - known as the BASIC nations - will focus on building trust with wealthy nations, as indicated by the meeting agenda obtained by Reuters. The question of how long the Kyoto Protocol will last is also a key concern. The agenda for the upcoming meeting in South Africa on April 25-26 includes a discussion about the possibility of a shorter second commitment period focused on securing carbon markets. Another topic of discussion is what would replace the Kyoto Protocol if there is no second commitment period. The ongoing negotiations for a global climate change deal have been hindered by a lack of trust between wealthy and developing nations regarding their respective responsibilities. Officials are becoming less optimistic about reaching a comprehensive agreement in Mexico in November. Softening their stance on the Kyoto Protocol by the BASIC nations could help move negotiations forward and possibly bring the United States, which never ratified the protocol, on board. An Indian negotiator described the agenda as "realistic" and focused on exploring all possibilities to reach a beneficial agreement for all parties involved. The BASIC meeting agenda also mentioned considering how elements of the Copenhagen Accord, a political agreement from last year, could be integrated into the current negotiation process. The Copenhagen Accord aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and provide $100 billion in aid starting in 2020. The text outlines the steps taken by numerous countries, including major greenhouse gas emitters, to reduce their emissions by 2020. Originally intended to establish a global agreement to follow the Kyoto Protocol, the Copenhagen conference will also discuss the potential expansion of the BASIC bloc and the usefulness of groups like the G20 and Major Economies Forum for negotiations. Developing nations are pushing for simultaneous negotiations on both a successor to Kyoto starting in 2013 and long-term strategies for all countries to combat climate change. | 1 |
The European Union's unity, solidarity, and international reputation are in danger due to various factors such as Greece's debt, Russia's involvement in Ukraine, Britain's desire to alter its relationship with the EU, and migration in the Mediterranean. Failing to address any of these issues adequately would exacerbate the others, increasing the risks facing the European project. The most immediate threat comes from Greece's potential default and the possibility of a "Grexit" from the euro currency, challenging the idea of closer integration among European countries. According to Fabian Zuleeg and Janis Emmanouilidis, a Grexit would have long-term consequences for the EU and could set a negative precedent, undermining the EU's fundamental purpose. Even though Greece only makes up a small portion of the euro zone's economy and population, its recent state bankruptcy following substantial bailouts has dealt a significant blow to the EU's reputation. Before the results of the Greek referendum were revealed, tensions were high in Brussels with blame being placed on various parties. Despite the uncertain future for Greece, it has already proven that the belief in the euro being unbreakable was misguided. Now, efforts may be made to strengthen the remaining members of the euro zone and address flaws in the monetary union, although resistance from Germany could hinder progress. The Greek situation will serve as a cautionary tale for future economic challenges within the euro zone. Destabilizing Greece's economy could worsen Europe's other crises and potentially unsettle the fragile southern Balkans. With existing tensions in the eastern Mediterranean due to conflicts in Syria and unresolved issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and disputes over gas fields, a collapsed Greece might turn to Russia for assistance. This could lead to Greece blocking EU sanctions against Moscow or providing access to naval facilities once used by the US. Additionally, Greece is already struggling with an influx of refugees from Syria and Iraq who are trying to reach Germany or Sweden for asylum. Imagining a scenario where a government expelled from the euro zone uses migrants to exert pressure on EU countries is not difficult. The refugee crisis has caused tensions within the EU, with Italy and other countries on the front lines criticizing their northern and eastern counterparts for not showing solidarity by refusing to share the burden of refugees. Britain has also declined to accept any refugees. The failure to resolve Greece's debt crisis after five years has made the EU appear weak and divided in the eyes of leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Brussels officials admit that the euro zone crisis has led to a return to national decision-making on certain policies and weakened Europe's model of rules-based supranational governance. The EU's position in global trade and climate change talks has been weakened by Britain's push to renegotiate its membership terms and hold a referendum by 2017. This raises the possibility of the EU losing a major economy, financial hub, and military power. Despite polls showing support for staying in the EU, there is anxiety in Brussels due to past inaccuracies in UK polling. Ever since winning, Cameron has faced challenges from Eurosceptic rebels within his Conservative party. The ongoing Greek economic crisis, whether within or outside the euro zone, could bolster the argument that the UK economy is closely tied to a failing system. Russia, with its Cold War animosity towards Britain, would likely welcome the UK leaving the EU, as it would weaken the EU's stance against Russian actions in Ukraine and Georgia and could potentially strain its relationship with the US. Despite this, Britain would still remain a member of NATO. This shift could potentially give Putin an advantage in negotiations with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has been leading European efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. Rem Korteweg from the Centre for European Reform likens the interconnected crises to the four horsemen of the apocalypse in the New Testament Book of Revelation, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death. In an essay, Korteweg stated that EU leaders will struggle to control these threats, and without a unified European response, chaos and instability will persist in the EU. | 1 |
The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, announced that he has spoken to the leader of the opposition, Anthony Albanese, and congratulated him on his election victory. Morrison also stated that he will be stepping down as the leader of his party. Albanese expressed his intention to bring the nation together and lead that effort. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg acknowledged the difficulty of winning in Kooyong, but it is still mathematically possible. Albanese, the incoming Prime Minister, is a pragmatic leader from a working-class background who has promised to unite the country and end divisions. The Parliament consists of 151 seats in the House of Representatives, with 76 needed for a majority government. With 55% of the vote counted, Labor had 72 seats, the coalition had 52, and independents and the Greens had 11. The Australian Broadcasting Corp projected that 16 seats were still undecided. In the Senate, there are 76 seats - 12 for each state and two each for two territories. There are 40 Senate seats up for election, with six from each state and four from the territories. The winner of the economy faces challenges such as high inflation, increasing interest rates, and looming budget deficits due to pandemic spending. Unemployment is at its lowest in almost 50 years, and global prices for Australian commodities are high. In terms of climate, the major parties must navigate a tricky path as people want action but may not want to pay for it. Retail power prices also play a role in the election. Foreign policy unexpectedly became a focus during the election when Morrison emphasized his national security expertise and criticized Labor, only for his credibility to be undermined by the Solomon Islands forming a security agreement with China. Morrison acknowledged his need to change his approach to governing, admitting that his assertive personality had been a drawback in the election. In contrast, Albanese has presented himself as a candidate with a working-class background and a more practical approach. | 1 |
The head of the UN climate change organization called on governments to take concrete steps towards a new treaty to combat global warming, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize negotiations. In Tianjin, negotiators are gathering to discuss the future of the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. The talks have been hindered by distrust between rich and poor nations regarding climate funds, calls for transparency on emissions reductions, and dissatisfaction with the proposed cuts by wealthy countries. Any delay in reaching an agreement would leave less time to address greenhouse gas emissions and create uncertainty for companies unsure about future climate policies and carbon markets post-2012. Figueres emphasized the importance of finding common ground during the Tianjin talks. The discussions taking place now are the final major round of talks before the main climate meeting in Cancun, Mexico on November 29th. Last year, negotiators from almost 200 governments were unable to reach an agreement on a new legally binding climate pact. The meeting in Copenhagen in 2009 resulted in disagreements between wealthy and developing nations, leading to a non-binding accord with unresolved issues. Governments are working to build trust and transform a complex draft treaty into a binding text, possibly by late 2011. A successful outcome in Cancun is crucial to restore confidence and progress in the process of addressing climate change. Recent catastrophic floods in Pakistan and severe drought in Russia are examples of extreme weather events that could be exacerbated by rising temperatures if countries do not significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Wendel Trio, the climate policy coordinator for Greenpeace. Trio emphasized the importance of developed countries demonstrating commitment to their pledges made in Copenhagen in order to build trust among nations. At the Tianjin talks, Figueres expressed hope that important details of a future climate agreement, such as managing adaptation funds, promoting green technology in poorer countries, and supporting carbon-absorbing forests, could be agreed upon. Although there is optimism for the creation of a climate fund to assist developing nations in transitioning to green economies, determining the sources of the fund may take more time to negotiate. Figueres stated that even if negotiations progress, the current commitments by governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will not be sufficient to prevent the world from experiencing dangerous global warming, defined as a temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. She emphasized that these commitments are not enough to ensure a two-degree temperature rise, which is still insufficient for the survival of the most vulnerable countries. Figueres advised governments to prioritize securing formal pledges for emissions reductions that have already been proposed, acknowledging that this is a crucial but insufficient initial step. | 1 |
Several women disrupted Philip Hammond's speech at an annual banquet in London's Mansion House by shouting slogans through loudspeakers, causing a brief interruption. Video footage captured foreign office minister Mark Field physically removing one of the women from the room by holding her by the back of her neck. Field later apologized for his actions, but Prime Minister Theresa May's spokeswoman announced his suspension pending an investigation. Field explained to ITV that his response was driven by concerns for security. "In the present circumstances, I believed it was necessary to take decisive action to eliminate the threat to the safety of those in attendance," he stated. No response was given by his office to a request for comment from Reuters. Tory MP for Cities of London & Westminster, @MarkFieldUK, can be seen grabbing a Greenpeace protester who disrupted a speech by Philip Hammond in London. The Labour Party's spokeswoman for women and equalities, Dawn Butler, called for Field to be suspended or fired immediately, describing the incident as "horrific." Greenpeace, an environmental organization, stated that they had orchestrated the protest in the financial district of the capital, accusing the finance industry of financing climate change and criticizing the finance ministry for attempting to weaken government efforts to address it. Field's reaction towards the demonstrator was condemned by Rebecca Newsom, the Head of Politics at Greenpeace UK, who expressed shock and concern over the violent behavior displayed. The City of London Corporation is reevaluating its security procedures following the incident at Mansion House on Thursday night. A spokesperson stated that they are investigating the breach and will make changes for future events. | 1 |
Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore is calling on governments to speed up the development of a new treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting that it be completed by 2009 instead of waiting until the Kyoto pact expires in 2012. Gore, who will collect the Nobel prize in Oslo on Monday, emphasized the importance of not delaying action on a stronger treaty to combat climate change. The United States rejected the 1997 Kyoto protocol, which is the main UN climate pact that binds 36 nations to reduce emissions. They argued that it would be too costly and unfairly did not include developing nations in the emission cuts. Former Vice President Gore stated that the US should be leading in this challenge, and that many are working hard to change US policies. He mentioned a shift in attitude in the US, with over 700 cities and many states adopting Kyoto provisions, as well as 150 US business leaders calling for carbon emissions cuts. Gore expressed optimism about progress being made, and highlighted the importance of making environmentally friendly choices, such as taking the train, like he did in Oslo. Gore faced criticism in 2006 for being mocked for taking a limousine to a screening of his award-winning film "An Inconvenient Truth" at the Cannes film festival. The film emphasizes the need for immediate action to combat climate change. | 1 |
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Danny Russel stated to Reuters on Tuesday that like a regimen of medicine, the dosage of sanctions can be increased if the desired effects are not achieved. Russel mentioned the possibility of imposing new sanctions by the UN Security Council, the United States, or a coalition of nations from the European Union and Southeast Asia. North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch led to expanded UN sanctions in an effort to cut off funding for its nuclear weapons program. There are concerns that North Korea may conduct a fifth nuclear test soon, potentially before a ruling party congress in early May. Estimates suggest that there are up to 150,000 North Korean workers abroad, primarily in China and Russia, who send back around $900 million annually. North Koreans are known for working abroad in various industries, including restaurants, construction sites, and as doctors. The success of current or potential future sanctions against North Korea relies heavily on China's full implementation of them, as China is North Korea's neighbor, closest ally, and biggest trading partner, according to US officials and analysts. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying emphasized the importance of all parties avoiding actions or statements that could escalate tensions, remaining calm, and showing restraint to facilitate a return to talks. When asked about the possibility of China supporting tougher sanctions in response to another nuclear test by North Korea, Hua Chunying declined to answer, calling it a hypothetical question. If North Korea were to conduct a fifth nuclear test, the United States, South Korea, and Japan could also consider taking unspecified "defense-related measures," as stated by Russel. He mentioned that as the threat increases, our defensive capabilities need to adapt. He also highlighted the possibility of diplomatic negotiations for North Korea to curb its nuclear program. South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee emphasized the importance of imposing sanctions rather than engaging in dialogue, especially as North Korea talks about more provocation. Russel discussed potential responses to a fifth nuclear test by North Korea, acknowledging the failure of sanctions to deter them since their first nuclear test in 2006. He mentioned that no decisions have been made yet regarding a response to an event that has not taken place. US General Vincent Brooks, who has been nominated by President Barack Obama to lead American forces in South Korea, stated that China is frustrated with North Korea's actions, particularly its nuclear advancements. However, China is hesitant to apply pressure that could jeopardize Kim Jong Un's government. Brooks also noted that Kim Jong Un appears to be more daring, arrogant, and impulsive than his father, Kim Jong Il, as he continues to ignore international concerns and advance North Korea's nuclear program. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel mentioned that it will take time to assess the effectiveness of the latest sanctions, but China has shifted from encouraging and persuading North Korea to applying pressure. Russel also pointed out that there is an argument for the need for serious and sustained pressure on North Korea, which has not been done before. The North Korean economy relies heavily on China, and China's recent statements may indicate a change in their approach towards North Korea. However, Frank Jannuzi, a former Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer, doubts that China will actually increase pressure on North Korea due to concerns about potential consequences such as conflict or refugee crises. | 1 |
Sweden criticized the Copenhagen climate change summit as a "disaster" and a "great failure" on Tuesday. European Union environment ministers are meeting to discuss how to salvage the process after the summit failed to produce firm goals, including a 20-percent cut in carbon emissions by 2020. Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren, who chairs the talks as Sweden holds the EU presidency, expressed the need to learn from the failure and explore alternative ways to work towards combating climate change. The U.N.-led conference concluded after two weeks with an agreement to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, but did not provide a plan for achieving this goal. Despite extensive preparation and international diplomacy, the main issue was the inability of the United States and China to agree on fixed targets. The European Union entered the talks with a united front and a plan to finance emissions cuts in developing countries, pledging around 7 billion euros over the next three years. However, the talks did not result in the hoped-for breakthrough agreement, with other countries, particularly the U.S. and China, being unwilling to commit. Carlgren stated that Europe remained committed to the goals, but other countries were the main hindrance to reaching a comprehensive agreement. Britain accused China and a few other countries of impeding progress by blocking a legally binding treaty at Copenhagen, intensifying the blame game that has been ongoing since the conclusion of the talks. Prime Minister Gordon Brown criticized the summit as being flawed or chaotic, and called for urgent reforms in order to reach a legal treaty when negotiations resume in Germany in June. Despite the criticism, Danish Climate Minister Connie Hedegaard, who resigned as president of the Copenhagen talks, urged for optimism and emphasized the need to build on the progress made during the summit. She dismissed the idea of Copenhagen being a failure, stating that it would have been a failure if no progress had been made at all. We were able to accomplish something significant, a milestone. It was the initial instance in which we conducted a process with the participation of all countries, including major polluters. | 1 |
Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of regional and global cooperation in addressing climate change and food security at an international symposium in Dhaka. The symposium concluded with the signing of the Dhaka Symposium Declaration, with the chief adviser stressing the need for neighboring countries to work together to reduce the impact of natural disasters and adapt to changes caused by climate change. Iceland's visiting president Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson also highlighted the global perspective on climate change and called for international dialogue on its security implications. The symposium was jointly organized by Dhaka University, Ohio State University, the World Meteorological Organisation, UNESCAP, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. The chief adviser emphasized that Bangladesh, due to its geographical location as a low lying mega-delta with heavy rainfall and three large river systems, is highly susceptible to climate change, resulting in annual floods. He called on the global community, especially major greenhouse gas emitters, to work together to address the impact of climate change in order to support the most affected countries in maintaining food security. He highlighted the main challenge facing Bangladesh as the need to uplift 50 million people out of poverty by providing essential necessities such as food, shelter, clean water, and healthcare. Additionally, he mentioned the consecutive floods and Cyclone Sidr last year, which posed a threat to the country's agricultural sector and the availability of food and nutrition for its people. The chief adviser mentioned that Bangladesh is facing a significant challenge due to the impact of global warming on food production, leading to food deficits in the past two decades. He also expressed concern about the melting of Himalayan glaciers and the sediment carried by rivers exacerbating the situation. Iceland's president emphasized the importance of all states participating in a global dialogue on the security implications of climate change, suggesting collaborative efforts beyond South Asia to address the impending disappearance of glaciers in the Himalaya region. Grimsson noted that Iceland, home to Europe's largest glaciers, was also experiencing concerning effects of climate change. He mentioned that his country could be seen as a model for addressing and preventing negative climate change impacts by completely revamping energy systems. Iceland has shifted from relying heavily on fossil fuels to leading in the production and use of clean energy. Grimsson emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientific communities, governments, businesses, and civic associations to achieve significant success. He called for a joint effort among bright minds and encouraged all concerned citizens to participate and have their voices heard. The key recommendations from the Dhaka Symposium Declaration include establishing a Climate Change and Food Security Network in South Asia, reinforcing current regional and policy tools, and finding diverse approaches and creative financial measures for adaptation strategies. The closing ceremony took place at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on Saturday and was led by Dhaka University vice chancellor SMA Faiz. Other speakers at the event included FAO's Asia and the Pacific regional representative Changchui He, FAO country representative Ad Spijkers, commerce adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, and the chief adviser's special assistant in charge of environment and forests Raja Devashish Roy. | 1 |
Koichi Mizushima, a spokesperson for the Japan Foreign Ministry, briefed journalists on Saturday about the minister's visit to Bangladesh. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen cooperation with a country that has traditionally been friendly towards Japan. This visit by Kishida marked the first foreign minister visit to Dhaka since the controversial Jan 5 parliamentary election, which saw opposition parties boycotting. The spokesperson stated that the timing of the visit was suitable for enhancing bilateral relations, especially with the formation of a new government. The minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive partnership during discussions with his Bangladeshi counterpart. The visit also included meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before departing for Myanmar. Japan has expressed concerns about political unrest in Bangladesh in the past but is hopeful for further promotion of democracy in the country. The relationship between the two countries will focus on economic cooperation and people-to-people contacts, with Japanese investment in Bangladesh steadily increasing over the years. Japan is a major development partner for Bangladesh, providing assistance in various forms including grants, aid, technical assistance, and soft loans. The two countries are currently in negotiations for a new loan package, with Japan promising a substantial loan for projects in energy and city development sectors. Both sides are working towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the possibility of an Economic Partnership Agreement. Bangladesh is looking forward to further collaboration with Japan on regional and international issues, as well as disaster management and climate change initiatives. | 1 |
Speaking on RTL television at a pre-election town hall event, Merkel urged German carmakers who have been caught cheating nitrogen emissions tests to rebuild public trust in diesel. She emphasized the importance of diesel in achieving climate protection goals, noting that while diesel cars emit less carbon dioxide, they emit more nitrogen dioxide which can be harmful in high concentrations. Merkel acknowledged the differences in legal systems between Germany and the US regarding compensation for affected car owners but stressed the need for German carmakers to compensate owners as best as possible to protect the reputation of the industry. The auto industry's future, which is Germany's largest exporter and employs 800,000 people, has become a prominent topic in the upcoming elections. Politicians are pointing fingers at executives and each other for the industry's tarnished reputation following Volkswagen's admission of cheating on US emissions tests nearly two years ago. | 1 |
Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged US leadership on climate change during a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Jakarta on Thursday. Clinton's visit aimed to strengthen US ties with Southeast Asia and the Muslim world, before she headed to South Korea to discuss the North's military threat. Yudhoyono and Clinton met at the presidential palace and discussed economic cooperation, Palestine, and efforts to reach a new global agreement on climate change. According to a presidential spokesman, Yudhoyono emphasized the importance of US leadership in achieving a global consensus on climate change. In a previously recorded TV interview on a local youth music show, Clinton confirmed her attendance at a conference in Cairo on March 2 to discuss rebuilding Gaza when asked about the new administration's efforts to improve relations with the Islamic world. She mentioned that President Obama and herself expressed the United States' commitment to assist in the Middle East immediately upon taking office. The damage in Gaza after Israel's offensive, which resulted in the deaths of 1,300 Palestinians, is estimated to be around $2 billion. Clinton's visit to Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country, underscores President Obama's goal of strengthening the U.S. relationship with the Muslim world, especially considering the unpopularity of many of the policies of former President George W. Bush's administration in that region. While most Indonesians practice a moderate form of Islam, there is a minority group of radical individuals who have expressed opposition to Clinton's visit through small protests. Indonesia is home to the headquarters of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and boasts the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Discussions during Clinton's visit have touched on the financial crisis, with Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda mentioning talks about potential U.S. assistance through a currency swap agreement and contingency funding to support the region's leading economy. Indonesia is already in negotiations to extend currency swap agreements with Japan, China, and South Korea. President Yudhoyono, seeking reelection, aims to highlight Indonesia's stability since transitioning from autocracy to democracy after former President Suharto's resignation in 1998. Clinton, like previous U.S. officials, has pointed to Indonesia as an example of the coexistence of modernity and Islam, particularly during her visit to the country where Obama spent part of his childhood. During her appearance on the "Dahsyat" music show, Clinton received applause when she mentioned her appreciation for classical music as well as her love for the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Before heading to South Korea, she was scheduled to visit a USAID sanitation project in Jakarta. North Korea has been making threats of war against the South in recent weeks, with Pyongyang believed to be preparing to launch its longest-range missile in an attempt to gain the attention of the new US administration and pressure Seoul to soften its stance. Clinton has stated that such a missile launch would not improve relations. After visiting South Korea, Clinton will travel to China, the final destination on her Asian tour which also included Japan. This trip marks her first international visit since assuming office in the United States. | 1 |
President Barack Obama emphasized the importance of a strong government commitment to scientific research in response to the flu virus outbreak that has resulted in a US public health emergency. He stated the need to allocate 3 percent of gross domestic product to scientific research during a speech to the National Academy of Sciences, highlighting the crucial role of the scientific and medical community in addressing public health challenges.Obama stressed the significance of not allowing the nation to fall behind in scientific advancements. Obama reassured the public that US cases of swine flu were not a reason to panic, but his administration was closely monitoring the situation. The declaration of a public health emergency was a precautionary measure, as the flu had already claimed 149 lives in Mexico and had spread to North America and Europe. While no deaths had occurred outside of Mexico, concerns about a potential pandemic were rising. Obama referenced the space race between the US and the Soviet Union in the 1950s and 1960s to emphasize the importance of investing in research, noting that science spending as a percentage of GDP had decreased since then. Obama stated that by aiming to spend more than 3 percent of GDP on science, the United States will surpass the level reached during the space race. This goal encompasses both public and private expenditures. Currently, the US spends 2.66 percent of GDP on research and development. Some of the additional funding is part of the economic stimulus package signed by Obama in February. In his proposed fiscal 2010 budget, Obama advocated for permanent tax credits to encourage business investment in research and development. The White House is emphasizing Obama's achievements as he nears the 100-day mark of his presidency. He highlighted his efforts to address global climate change, calling it a crucial challenge for this generation to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A two-day meeting of major world economies on climate change was also initiated by the administration on Monday. Obama aims to decrease US emissions by around 15% by 2020, primarily through a cap-and-trade system that regulates greenhouse gas emissions from large factories. This proposal is the focal point of a bill currently being reviewed in Congress. Republicans have been critical of the cap-and-trade system, referring to it as an indirect energy tax. Additionally, some moderate Democrats are concerned about the plan's potential impact on jobs and the economy. | 1 |
Chinese President Hu Jintao was welcomed warmly in Tokyo by Japanese officials and Chinese well-wishers as he began his state visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Despite disagreements over energy resources and security, Hu emphasized the importance of building trust between China and Japan. Increased security measures were in place to prevent protests by right-wing activists who view China as a threat. China is working to improve its image as a friendly neighbor and move past historical conflicts with Japan. Hu's visit includes ceremonial events, speeches, and potential agreements, as well as activities like table tennis and the possibility of receiving pandas. This visit comes as China works to ease tensions related to Tibetan unrest ahead of the Olympic Games in Beijing. Hu emphasized the importance of strong ties between China and Japan for the prosperity of both countries, stating that cooperation has brought real benefits to their people and has contributed to their growth and development. He expressed his hope for lasting friendship between the people of both nations and highlighted the significance of the Beijing Games as not only Asia's Olympics but also the world's Olympics. There is a lot at stake in the relationship between Asia's two largest economies. China has surpassed the United States as Japan's top trade partner, with trade between the two countries reaching $236.6 billion last year, an increase of 12 percent from 2006. While China's rapid growth presents opportunities, Japan is also concerned about Beijing's growing diplomatic and military influence, particularly in relation to disputed energy resources, military strength, and the safety of Chinese exports. There is a sense that although progress has been made in the relationship between China and Japan, more efforts are needed from both sides to fully improve relations. The highlight of Hu's visit is expected to be a summit with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, during which they aim to establish a joint plan for managing their relationship in the future. However, it was uncertain whether the declarations of friendship would resolve disagreements or simply cover them with positive words. According to Japanese media reports, sensitive topics such as Taiwan, human rights, and Japan's desire for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council were still being discussed. Additionally, the two countries are in dispute over the rights to gas reserves in the East China Sea, and a recent incident involving Chinese-made dumplings contaminated with pesticide has been seen as a symbol of Japan's concerns about China's growing influence. Both countries had hoped for progress in the gas dispute before Chinese President Hu's visit, but a quick resolution seems unlikely. Japan is also seeking more transparency regarding China's increasing defense budget, which stood at 418 billion yuan ($60 billion) in 2008, a 17.6 percent rise from the previous year and surpassing Japan's own defense budget. Foreign analysts believe that China's actual military budget exceeds what is officially reported. Tokyo is seeking China's support for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a contentious issue that sparked anti-Japanese demonstrations in China in 2005 due to lingering resentment over Japan's occupation from 1931 to 1945. The Chinese-controlled Hong Kong newspaper Ta Kung Pao suggested that Chinese President Hu Jintao was unlikely to meet Japanese expectations during his visit. The paper mentioned several sensitive issues, including the gas dispute and the Security Council matter, that may be difficult to resolve at this time. However, it's possible that some general agreements could be reached. China has been urging Japan to clarify its position on Taiwan, urging the self-governing island to accept reunification with Beijing. Japan has expressed its support for "one China" which includes Taiwan, despite Taiwan's historical ties to Japan. Both countries are focusing on promoting goodwill and will release a joint document on combating climate change, a significant issue for Japan as the host of the upcoming G8 summit. During his visit, Hu may speak to university students, play table tennis with Fukuda, and potentially offer Japan a panda to replace one that recently passed away in a Tokyo zoo. | 1 |
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed his optimism on Tuesday that a climate change agreement could be reached with the support of the US administration under Barack Obama. Addressing the Global Humanitarian Forum, Annan emphasized the urgency for the world to take action in order to prevent worsening extreme weather events due to global warming. He stressed the need for immediate action to avoid further damage and human suffering, warning about the consequences of delaying necessary measures. The forum, attended by UN agency heads, government officials, and experts, focused on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. Annan, 71, hoped that the discussions at the meeting would lay the groundwork for a new agreement in Copenhagen in December to succeed the Kyoto accord. The new president and administration of the United States have shown seriousness in their efforts to combat climate change, according to Annan. With the US being the largest source of emissions, there is optimism for the upcoming Copenhagen meeting and beyond. Over 190 countries will gather in Copenhagen to discuss a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which regulates greenhouse gas emissions. Economic stimulus measures in various countries, including Washington and Brussels, have led to increased investment in low-carbon energy and alternative technologies, which could create jobs and support sustainable projects. However, climate experts have expressed concerns that the pledges made by industrialized nations to reduce emissions by 2020 are not sufficient to prevent dangerous climate change. According to calculations by Reuters, industrialized nations have pledged to cut their overall emissions by an average of 10 to 14 percent below 1990 levels before December's meeting. The UN Climate Panel states that emissions cuts must be in the range of 25-40 percent below 1990 levels in order to prevent the most severe impacts of climate change. | 1 |
A Biman Bangladesh flight carrying the prime minister and her delegation departed from Dhaka at 12:10pm on Tuesday. The flight is expected to reach London on Tuesday night Bangladesh time. Hasina will have a one-day stopover in London to visit family, including her niece Tulip Siddiq, who was re-elected as MP in the British elections on Jun 8. The prime minister is set to arrive in Stockholm on Wednesday night local time, as stated by her Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim. The Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali announced at a press briefing on Sunday that the Swedish prime minister had extended an invitation to her Bangladeshi counterpart for a visit. This visit is expected to enhance and broaden the cooperation between the two countries and improve Bangladesh's reputation in Europe. In addition, two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) regarding the Sweden-Bangladesh Business Council and Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industries are anticipated to be signed during the visit. A joint statement will also be released following the visit, and a 47-member business delegation will accompany the prime minister. While in Sweden on June 15 and 16, she will have a bilateral meeting with her counterpart and also meet with the deputy prime minister, acting speaker, and minister for justice and migration. Additionally, she will meet with the chief executives of several Swedish companies. Sweden was among the first European countries to support Bangladesh in 1971, and February 4, 2017, marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Bangladesh annually exports clothing valued at $5 billion to Sweden, primarily to the well-known brand H&M. The foreign minister stated that the visit will enhance bilateral cooperation, attract investment, and strengthen ties in various areas such as migration, climate change, UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and extremism. All of Bangladesh's products enter Sweden with duty-free market access. The prime minister is scheduled to depart for Dhaka on June 16 and arrive on Saturday. | 1 |
The European Union's executive leader urged the United States to increase their efforts towards a global climate change agreement during an upcoming meeting of major industrialized countries in Japan. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized the importance of the U.S. showing more ambition in addressing emissions of greenhouse gases to combat rising global temperatures. While there has been some progress in aligning views between Brussels and Washington on the issue, significant differences remain on how to approach the issue. Without a more proactive stance from U.S. President George W. Bush, little progress is expected until late next year when countries will convene to negotiate a new U.N. climate change agreement. The next round of U.N. climate talks is scheduled for December in Poland, but the United States will be in transition due to the inauguration of its next president in January. Barroso stated that the world has higher expectations for a powerful economy like the United States. He believes that the U.S. should aim for a more ambitious outcome at the upcoming G8 summit than the one reached last year. While the leaders agreed to consider halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the previous summit, the EU is now pushing for a concrete target and a commitment to reducing emissions by 2020. However, EU officials acknowledge that the Bush administration is unlikely to support a short-term goal. Barroso emphasized that a 2050 target would lack credibility without a more immediate goal as well. He mentioned that he anticipated the upcoming U.S. president to further support the change in Washington's stance towards measures already approved by the EU. The EU, consisting of 27 nations, has agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 20 percent from 1990 levels by 2020 and is currently developing regulations on emissions from industries, vehicles, aircraft, and other laws to achieve that goal. The United States has stated its dedication to combating climate change but is unwilling to agree to mandatory emissions reductions until major developing countries like China and India also commit to enforceable limits. | 1 |
During her address at the Bangladesh Development Forum 2018 in Dhaka, Hasina emphasized the importance of developed countries providing financial and technical assistance to help achieve development goals. She also highlighted the need for global focus on the world trade system to combat climate change and contribute to overall development. Hasina spoke about Bangladesh's progress on socio-economic issues and the country's aim to become a developed and prosperous nation by 2041 through the implementation of Vision 2021 and sustainable development goals. She expressed hope that the forum would help in devising strategies for a poverty-free and prosperous Bangladesh. Bangladesh has immense potential as a country and is confident in its ability to showcase itself as a vibrant economy to the world. Currently ranked as the 44th largest economy in terms of GDP and 32nd in purchasing power parity, the prime minister stated that international financial analysts predict Bangladesh will rise to the 28th and 23rd largest economy by 2030 and 2050, respectively. The country is on track to graduate from the LDC category at the United Nations Committee for Development Policy’s upcoming review meeting in March. However, after graduation, Bangladesh will lose certain benefits enjoyed as an LDC, which can be offset by increasing economic mobility and preparedness for work. Hasina stated that Bangladesh has made strategic preparations to address the impact of various challenges. She emphasized that the country's economic activities prioritize regional communication and infrastructure, efficiency and employment, technology and institutional strengthening, economic and social equality, women's empowerment, and equal opportunities for all. Hasina highlighted the importance of private partnerships, including with international partner countries and organizations, in the ongoing progress and mentioned the government's initiative to establish 100 economic zones nationwide. She stressed the significance of rapid growth investment and expressed that a significant increase in productivity could help overcome investment limitations in Bangladesh. Hasina also mentioned the Bangladesh Development Forum, which brings together 700 delegations from the government and development partners to discuss financing issues related to sustainable development goals and help Bangladesh transition from the least developed countries' group. The event at Sonargaon Hotel will last for two days and feature discussions on agriculture, extreme climate conditions, creating a welcoming environment for foreign direct investment, tackling inequality, promoting quality education and ICT. The final day will focus on sessions about addressing violence against women, empowering women, and enhancing urban service delivery. | 1 |
On Thursday, the Obama administration introduced a new national security strategy that combines diplomatic engagement, economic discipline, and military power to enhance America's global position. President Barack Obama's approach breaks away from the previous administration's unilateral tactics, emphasizing the importance of forming partnerships with not only traditional allies but also emerging powers like China and India to share the responsibilities of global leadership. The administration recognizes the need to prioritize economic growth and fiscal responsibility as crucial components of national security. The policy statement highlighted the importance of strengthening the economy as the foundation of American power. Obama's official national security objectives, set to be fully disclosed later on Thursday, do not include the pre-emptive war policy of his predecessor, which had strained relations with some US allies. The document outlined Obama's plan to prioritize multilateral diplomacy over military force in order to keep America safe while engaging with hostile nations. It emphasized the importance of adhering to international norms and warned Iran and North Korea of isolation if they did not comply. The National Security Strategy, a required document for every president, can influence budgets and legislation and is closely watched internationally. Obama stressed the connection between America's economic health and its global standing, calling for a fiscally sustainable path and reduced dependence on foreign oil sources. The report did not address the growing concern in foreign policy circles about the national security implications of heavy US indebtedness to countries like China. However, it did acknowledge the complex relationship between Washington and Beijing, commending China for taking a more active role in global affairs while emphasizing the need for responsible behavior. The report also expressed apprehension about China's military expansion and stated that the United States would take necessary steps to protect its interests and allies. In 2002, President Bush asserted the right to unilateral and pre-emptive military action against perceived threats, following the September 11, 2001 attacks. In contrast, Obama's approach distanced his administration from the Bush Doctrine, which had justified the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The doctrine outlined on Thursday affirmed President Obama's commitment to maintain US conventional military superiority while departing from the "cowboy diplomacy" of Bush's presidency. The document emphasized the importance of strengthening international institutions and promoting collective action to address common interests such as combating violent extremism, preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting economic growth, and finding cooperative solutions to climate change. Obama's message also urged emerging powers to take on their fair share of global responsibilities. Obama is often praised for improving the US foreign policy's tone and was even awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for this achievement. However, he is still facing challenges such as unfinished wars, nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea, and slow progress in Middle East peace efforts. Critics argue that some of his diplomatic efforts may appear weak and question whether he is jeopardizing American interests by relying too heavily on "soft power." Despite these criticisms, Obama has maintained his goal to combat al Qaeda while upholding human rights and rejecting torture as a tool of national security. He has also made efforts to improve relations with the Muslim world, which suffered during the Bush administration due to the Iraq war, the Abu Ghraib scandal, and controversial language used by Bush such as "war on terror" and "Islamo-fascism." Preventing the danger of domestic terrorism was also identified as a major focus. This decision was made following the unsuccessful Christmas Day attack on a US plane and the failed Times Square car bombing attempt that occurred earlier in the month. | 1 |
Jill Biden is known for being hesitant to focus on her fashion choices, unlike Michelle Obama and Melania Trump who used their wardrobe strategically. Despite this, during her solo trip to the Tokyo Olympics, she successfully represented American fashion by wearing outfits from local designers. She also embodied the theme of the Olympics, which focused on sustainability, with the motto “Be better, together — For the planet and the people.” Biden only wore a new outfit once during her trip to Japan, choosing to recycle clothes from her closet for public events, including the official US Olympic Team uniform. The outfit was worn during a visit to a Florida vaccination site with Anthony Fauci in June. The floral Tom Ford outfit was worn to dinner with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan and his wife Mariko. It was also worn at the G-7 summit in Britain in July. The polka-dot Brandon Maxwell outfit was worn at the opening ceremony, as well as the one under the highly debated "Love" jacket. The white Michael Kors dress was worn in Tokyo under a Team USA jacket, and had previously been worn under a navy jacket during a G-7 appearance in Britain by President Joe Biden and the first lady. Jill Biden's lilac dress worn in Honolulu had also been worn before. Recycling wardrobes may not seem significant, but it has been uncommon since the 21st century when it comes to celebrities and influential figures. The constant need for new content has usually been associated with new outfits for events like red carpets or premieres. It has been entertaining to observe and try to guess the designer of the outfits. However, it has also unexpectedly reinforced the disposable culture surrounding fashion, contributing to the overabundance of items that everyone now laments. The idea that every outing requires a new outfit has been perpetuated. Biden's decision to break this cycle is a significant departure from recent norms, just like her choice to continue working as a professor while in the White House. This refusal to conform may be just as important, and potentially influential if people take notice. Biden is not rejecting fashion altogether - each outfit she wears is part of the ongoing New York Fashion Week narrative, featuring American brands, both established and emerging. By showcasing these looks, she is playing a role in promoting local businesses on a global scale. Instead of discarding her clothes, she is emphasizing their worth by wearing them again. The message is that when you discover a piece of clothing that makes you feel confident and empowered, you should hold onto it. If it boosted your self-esteem before, it will likely do so again. This kind of garment is worth investing in for the future, serving not only the wearer but also those who see it. It is not meant to be disposable. It is possible for anyone to do what she did, regardless of their awareness of sustainability. It is possible that her decision to rewear clothing was simply a coincidence, as she was extremely busy leading up to the Olympics and did not have time to carefully choose her outfits. However, considering that it was her first solo trip and there was increased attention on her, it seems unlikely that her decision was not intentional. The pandemic restrictions resulted in a lack of audience members in the arena, making Biden aware that she would easily stand out. Although her words may not be heard, her outfit would certainly be noticed. Her consistent use of recycled styles during various events in the first 100 days of her husband's administration, which aligns with the climate-focused aspect of the Biden agenda, may have peaked with this trip. This indicates that this will become a key element of Biden's time in the East Wing and how she advances her role. If this is the case, it will benefit everyone involved. Copyright 2021 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
President Barack Obama reassured Canada, his country's biggest trading partner, that he would not pursue protectionist policies. During his first trip abroad as president, Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed to cooperate on cleaner energy technology. Obama emphasized the importance of avoiding signals of protectionism and highlighted the benefits of trade for all countries. He assured Harper that the United States would meet its international trade obligations and expressed a desire to expand trade rather than restrict it. "I am confident that the United States will honor its obligations and continue to lead in advocating for globalized trade," Harper stated. He expressed willingness to enhance the environmental and labor aspects of the North American Free Trade Agreement, a goal also supported by Obama. However, Harper clarified that he opposed reopening negotiations on the agreement, which has increased trade between Canada and the US. The two countries agreed to work together on developing environmentally friendly technologies for a clean energy grid and reducing pollution from fossil fuel resources, despite the current lack of cost-effectiveness for the technology. Obama emphasized the importance of the way we generate and use energy not only for economic recovery but also for security and environmental sustainability. He acknowledged the interconnected nature of these issues and highlighted the lack of a simple solution. Environmentalists are urging Obama to pressure Canada to address the environmental impact of its oil sands in Alberta, which produce high levels of greenhouse gases. Despite concerns about the environmental impact, Obama underscored the significance of Canada as a key energy supplier to the United States, especially during the current economic crisis. The majority of the oil sands production is intended for American markets. Despite the agreement to promote the growth of renewable energy, Harper stated that it was premature for the two countries to discuss a shared plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Obama, who recently assumed office, ran on a promise to lower U.S. emissions to 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. Unlike his predecessor, George W. Bush, who took a passive approach, Obama is dedicated to addressing global warming, but he emphasized the need to balance climate change efforts with economic concerns during a global economic downturn. A White House official mentioned that the joint U.S.-Canadian green energy initiative would focus on areas like carbon capture and sequestration, as well as the smart grid. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for Earth's warming, according to scientists. Carbon sequestration, a process of capturing and storing the gas underground to prevent its release into the atmosphere, is not yet economically feasible. In Afghanistan, where Canada has 2,700 troops as part of a NATO-led force combatting a growing insurgency, President Obama stated that he has not requested additional military assistance. However, this week Obama ordered 17,000 new U.S. troops to join the fight against the insurgency. Prime Minister Harper announced that Ottawa, which plans to withdraw its troops by 2011, will increase economic aid to Afghanistan, currently the largest recipient of Canadian foreign aid. | 1 |
Currently, he has returned from a summit in Hanoi with North Korea that failed and the situation has become more difficult. The meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un ended due to disagreements about sanctions related to North Korea's nuclear weapons program, while Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen's testimony accusing him of illegal activities while in office posed a potential threat to the president domestically. Trump is also facing challenges in negotiations with China for a trade deal, ongoing issues in Venezuela, tensions between India and Pakistan, and efforts in Congress to block his emergency declaration for funding a border wall with Mexico. Additionally, U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller may soon conclude his investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, keeping Trump's involvement in the headlines. Before leaving for Vietnam, Trump expressed frustration that Democrats would proceed with the Cohen testimony, breaking an unwritten rule against criticizing the president while he is abroad. He also wanted the Mueller report to be finished and was disappointed that hearings were held while he was overseas. He was upset that the Mueller investigation had not been completed before his departure, feeling there was a cloud of suspicion lingering over him. During the summit, Trump ended discussions about North Korea's denuclearization abruptly, leading to conflicting reports and uncertainty about the future of one of his key initiatives. The White House had scheduled a signing ceremony for a deal in Hanoi, but it was suddenly canceled. Trump’s Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, criticized reporters for focusing too much on what he called "process" and accused them of being "radically uninformed." He advised reporters to not dwell on such details. Meanwhile, Trump stayed updated on Michael Cohen's testimony in Hanoi, despite the time difference. Trump's inner circle believed that Trump handled the situation well, as there were no major surprises in Cohen's testimony and Trump was praised for walking away from a potentially unfavorable deal with North Korea. Christopher Ruddy, a friend of Trump and conservative media mogul, stated that they were prepared for the challenges posed by North Korea and Cohen's negative comments. At the conclusion of the day, Ruddy informed Reuters that he does not believe the political environment for President Trump will change. However, Trump allies were left questioning the ability of his re-election campaign to effectively respond following Cohen's testimony. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a friend of Trump, expressed concern on ABC's "This Week" program about the lack of defense for the president. Trump is expected to receive a warm reception on Saturday at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland, where he will be speaking. During the CPAC event on Thursday, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel was swift to support Trump's handling of the Vietnam summit. "He left for the right reasons, as he made it clear that the sanctions would only be lifted if there was progress on denuclearization," she explained, prompting applause. | 1 |
The Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation, organized a rally in the city to celebrate World Food Day on Friday. This year's theme is 'Achieving Food Security in Times of Crisis'. Agriculture minister Matia Chowdhury kicked off the day's events with the rally, which was followed by a procession starting from Khamar Bari. The participants included agriculturists, scientists, officials, and members of the public. Hundreds of school children also took part in the rally, carrying colorful banners and festoons. The event was supported by Telefood, a FAO project focused on ending hunger, as well as bdnews24.com and Channel i. A seminar is taking place at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council to commemorate the day, with the presence of agricultural minister Matia Chowdhury, food and disaster management minister Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, and minister of fisheries and livestock Abdul Latif Biswas. FAO Bangladesh representative, AD Spijkers, is the guest of honour at the seminar. Additionally, a children's painting competition will be held at 3pm at Bangladesh Shishu Academy. A three-day fair on 'Agriculture and Food' will be inaugurated at the Krishibid Institution premise at 12pm, and a similar fair will also take place at Depasai village in Somobhat union under Dhamrai upazila. Channel i will broadcast the program live. In the afternoon, prime minister Sheikh Hasina will unveil postage stamps and envelopes to mark the occasion. Additionally, district and upazila administrations nationwide are marking the day with discussion meetings and rallies. President Zillur Rahman emphasized the importance of taking proper measures to ensure food security in a changing climate on the eve of World Food Day. Rahman stated in his message that he believes research and technological innovation can play a significant role in increasing food production. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized that agriculture is the sector most impacted and at risk from climate change. She stressed the importance of ensuring food security in light of this challenge. Hasina noted that Bangladesh achieved self-sufficiency in food production during the previous Awami League government from 1996-2001, but subsequent governments were unable to maintain that success. The current government is committed to ensuring food security for all by once again becoming self-sufficient, the prime minister stated. In his statement, the UN chief Ban Ki-moon emphasized the importance of food and nutritional security as essential for a good quality of life, education, and the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals. He highlighted how various factors such as volatile food prices, the economic crisis, climate change, and conflict have caused a significant increase in the number of people experiencing food insecurity. Ban Ki-moon stressed that for the first time in history, more than one billion people are suffering from hunger. He called on all nations to work together to implement effective strategies for agricultural development and social protection to ensure that vulnerable populations, especially women and children, have access to the food they need for their well-being. The FAO representative in Bangladesh, AD Spijkers, expressed concern that the progress towards achieving MDG 1, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, is at risk of facing serious setbacks. He stated that the economic crisis and sudden price increases have caused a decrease in income and food accessibility for the poor, especially those in the most impoverished regions of the world. Spijkers mentioned that the government is committed to achieving self-sufficiency in food by 2012 and maintaining it, and he believes that Bangladeshi farmers can successfully reach this goal. | 1 |
Unemployment is at a low rate, inflation is minimal, and economic growth has been consistent for almost a decade. As a college professor who often assigns letter grades, I would rate the US economy as an A-, but with the potential for a higher grade if economic gains were more evenly distributed. However, it is important to consider that Trump influences economic policy, not the economy itself, so a fair assessment would also evaluate his specific policies. To provide an impartial evaluation, I have examined surveys conducted by the University of Chicago involving around 50 prominent economists from various political backgrounds. Surprisingly, these economists overwhelmingly agree that Trump's policies are harmful. This is why many economists are concerned about his presidency, despite the economy performing well. In terms of trade policy, Trump's protectionist tendencies go against the accepted economic belief that tariffs are detrimental. By imposing tariffs on products like aluminum and steel, Trump's trade policies have harmed the competitiveness of American manufacturers. Economists participating in surveys do not believe that these tariffs will benefit Americans, and they also note that global supply chains have made these tariffs more expensive than in previous times. The United States initiated a trade war with China, leading to China retaliating by increasing tariffs on American goods. Trump caused unnecessary uncertainty by threatening to terminate the North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This threat resulted in a new trade deal that many economists believe will not differ significantly from the previous agreement, and it is uncertain whether Congress will approve it. Criticism of Trump's protectionist tendencies is widespread, evidenced by the negative reaction of financial markets when he referred to himself as "Tariff Man" on Twitter. According to a report from the president's Council of Economic Advisers, his tariffs are projected to hinder economic growth. Even according to Trump's own measure of success, the trade deficit has increased to its highest level in a decade, indicating that his policy has not been effective. In terms of fiscal policy, the idea is that the government should save money in good times so that it can spend more and tax less during economic downturns. Trump's fiscal policy, however, has been a failure as his major accomplishment, a $1.5 trillion tax cut, came at a time when it was not necessary. Due to the unusually high budget deficit in a strong economy, increasing government debt will hinder the ability of fiscal policy to stimulate the economy during the next downturn. Although Trump may argue that the tax cut was intended to promote long-term economic growth rather than provide immediate stimulus, economists believe it will not achieve that goal. Prior to the passing of the bill, almost all experts agreed that the tax cut would not significantly increase the gross domestic product a decade from now. While one expert disagreed and believed it would boost growth, concerns about the fairness of the tax plan remain. The simplification of the tax code may have some benefits, but they are likely outweighed by its regressive nature. Recent data suggests that the anticipated investment boom from the tax cut has not materialized. Despite bipartisan support, Trump's promise of infrastructure spending has not been fulfilled. Monetary policy should be straightforward for a president: appoint competent individuals and allow the Federal Reserve to carry out its duties. President Trump has succeeded in selecting Jerome Powell as Fed chairman, who has been highly rated by economists. Trump's other Fed appointments have also been conventional, resulting in a board of policymakers that Jeb Bush could have chosen if he had been elected president. Trump's interference has negatively affected his rating in this area by making the Federal Reserve's job more complicated. Most developed countries, including the US, typically keep monetary policy insulated from political influence to ensure low and stable inflation. However, Trump has publicly criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates and has even considered firing him. This behavior is counterproductive because it undermines Powell's ability to set rates independently without appearing to give in to Trump's pressure. Trump's actions go against established economic principles. The author argues that the economic policies proposed by President Trump diverge significantly from those typically supported by both Democratic and Republican economists. Despite this, the economy has been performing well. This discrepancy raises the question of whether the economy's success is more a result of luck rather than sound decision-making. Trump may have benefitted from inheriting an economy that had been steadily improving since around 2010, as evidenced by various economic indicators. Even if Trump is not responsible for the current positive economic trajectory, he should be acknowledged for not derailing it. The alternative explanation could be that the president has minimal impact on economic outcomes. A more concerning possibility is that the negative effects of Trump's policies have not yet materialized. The uncertainty caused by the chaotic policy process of his administration may have deterred some investors, although their absence is hard to quantify. Furthermore, Trump's tax cuts without proper funding are leading to a debt that future generations will need to address. By eroding the Federal Reserve's autonomy, he could have reduced its effectiveness in combatting inflation. Additionally, deregulating the financial industry may benefit large banks in the short term but could heighten the risk of future economic downturns. The removal of environmental regulations likely boosted profits for certain companies but also accelerated climate change. Limiting immigration may have initially decreased job competition, but economists fear it could stifle innovation and hinder growth in the long term. Admittedly, there is a chance that Trump's approach is correct and economists are mistaken. As an economist with credentials, I personally do not agree with this, but it appears that Trump also does not trust the opinions of economists. This information was reported in 2019 by the New York Times News Service. | 1 |
According to officials in London and Washington, the British government was involved in brokering the early three-way alliance with the United States and Australia to deploy nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific. The agreement was announced after Australia canceled a $66 billion deal for diesel-electric submarines with France, causing anger in Paris and satisfaction in London. This victory marks a significant milestone for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is set to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House and address the United Nations next week. Since Brexit, Britain has been searching for a new role in the global stage, with the phrase "Global Britain" being seen more as a marketing slogan than a coherent foreign policy. The agreement made on Wednesday, in which the US and UK would provide submarines to Australia, solidified Britain's position as a military power with nuclear capabilities and a reliable ally of the US. It also supported Johnson's efforts to establish a British presence in Asia, a strategy that initially seemed like a nod to its colonial history. However, Britain has since negotiated trade agreements with Australia, Japan, and South Korea, and sent an aircraft carrier to assist the US in monitoring China's activities in the South China Sea. Former British ambassador to Washington, Kim Darroch, noted that this marks the beginning of establishing a more substantial presence in the defense and economic sectors in that region, although the economic benefits of the deal are still being determined in terms of job creation and revenue for British industries. Joining a distant security alliance also comes with costs and expectations for Britain, which is reducing its military size and facing financial challenges due to the pandemic. Despite this, being included in the alliance was seen as a positive return to importance for a country that felt overlooked by Biden during the Afghanistan withdrawal. British officials saw the agreement as a demonstration of their ability to navigate a post-Brexit world, even if it meant leaving a European neighbor behind. Australia initially approached Britain for assistance in deploying nuclear-powered submarines, believing that diesel models from a French deal would not be sufficient amid increasing threats from China. Britain and the United States have a longstanding relationship in nuclear technology dating back to a 1958 defense agreement. It was expected that the two allies would work together, as the United States will be providing the highly enriched uranium for the submarines' reactors. British and Australian officials made a strong sales pitch to Washington, including a discussion between Johnson and Biden at the Group of 7 meeting in Cornwall in June. Britain had to defend its decision to sell submarines to Australia rather than having Australia buy directly from the United States, citing that their military protocols are more closely aligned and it would be easier for Australia to operate vessels equipped with British technology. A Biden administration official clarified that cutting Britain out of the alliance was never considered by the White House. Bates Gill, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in Sydney, explained that the decision was mainly technical but may have also involved considerations of trustworthiness. The submarine deal was seen as compensation by Johnson, who values the "special relationship" with the United States. Despite feeling ignored by Biden on Afghanistan, Johnson has expressed support for Biden's policies. One main focus is competing with China, as mentioned by Thomas Wright from the Brookings Institution. The British approach has been praised, but some worry about the potential consequences. Former prime minister Theresa May cautioned about the possibility of being drawn into a conflict with China over Taiwan. Johnson has previously suggested that leaving the EU would enable Britain to have more autonomy in engaging with China. Before Beijing implemented strict measures in Hong Kong, which was previously under British rule, Britain's stance on China is now almost identical to that of the United States. Prime Minister Johnson aims to enhance Britain's reputation by organizing a successful United Nations climate-change conference in November in Glasgow, Scotland. However, it remains uncertain how much support he will receive from President Biden. Britain is urging the United States to increase its contribution to a $100 billion yearly fund designed to assist countries in addressing the effects of climate change. Analysts suggested that Britain may benefit from having a new foreign secretary, Liz Truss, who was praised for her work negotiating trade deals in Asia. Johnson replaced her predecessor, Dominic Raab, after criticism for staying on vacation during the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. Despite some detractors, Truss is seen as capable of adding substance to the concept of Global Britain. However, Britain still faces significant geopolitical challenges. The submarine agreement is expected to further strain relations with France, which are already tense due to disagreements following Brexit regarding fishing rights and migrant crossings in the English Channel. The French government's response to the alliance indicated their disapproval of Britain, as they recalled ambassadors to the US and Australia but kept the envoy to Britain in place, suggesting that they see Britain as a minor player in geopolitics. Some analysts believe France is upset because they feel the US is rewarding Britain instead of punishing them for leaving the EU. However, Prime Minister Johnson may also face challenges with the US, particularly regarding Northern Ireland and post-Brexit trade agreements. During her visit to London on Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reiterated a warning that Congress would not approve a trade agreement between Britain and the United States if Britain endangered peace in Northern Ireland. Analysts noted that President Biden's casual treatment of Britain regarding Afghanistan, as well as the short notice given to France before announcing a security alliance, demonstrated that the United States would prioritize its interests over trans-Atlantic relationships. Leslie Vinjamuri, director of the US and the Americas program at Chatham House, a British research institution, pointed out the disparity in how much the Americans versus the Brits are discussing these issues, highlighting the unequal nature of the "special relationship." | 1 |
The World Economic Forum's report highlights the concern that increasing government debt could lead to full-blown debt crises in 2010. Major economies have taken measures such as stimulus packages and supporting private debt, causing deficits to rise. While these steps may have prevented a more severe recession, the growing levels of debt are now worrying financial markets. Developed nations are particularly at risk, as many emerging economies have already taken steps to address their fiscal challenges. The WEF report emphasizes the rising risk of sovereign defaults due to unprecedented levels of government debt incurred in response to the recession. He warned that increased unemployment rates could result, leading to potential social and political risks. The report identified unsustainable debt levels, the looming threat of a financial crisis, underinvestment in infrastructure, and the rise of chronic diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes as key risks. Other potential threats mentioned included the possibility of asset price collapse, risks associated with Afghanistan, and a potential slowdown in Chinese growth which could impact employment and exports. The report also emphasized the danger of developed nations accumulating unsustainable levels of debt, stating that full-blown debt crises could have significant social and political consequences, including higher unemployment rates. Daniel Hofmann, group chief economist at Zurich Financial Services, highlighted the unsustainability of government debt levels exceeding 100 percent of GDP, particularly in the United States and the UK. Investors may become concerned about the sustainability of high debt levels, leading to sovereign debt crises and defaults. Early warnings from Dubai and Greece should be taken seriously, as worries about these countries, as well as Ukraine, have affected global markets. Both the United States and the United Kingdom are facing tough decisions regarding the timing of withdrawing fiscal stimulus to ensure a sustained recovery without risking sovereign debt deterioration. The report also noted a "governance gap" between short-term pressures and the need for long-term decisions on issues like health and pension reform and climate change. According to the report, not enough is being done to tackle the problem of underinvestment in infrastructure, which could negatively impact food and energy security. The World Bank estimates that $35 trillion will be needed for global infrastructure investment over the next two decades. The rising cost of chronic diseases due to increased life expectancy and unhealthy lifestyles must be addressed through prevention campaigns promoting healthier living by both developing and developed countries. The report warns that the biggest risks facing the world today may come from slow failures or creeping risks, as the impact and long-term consequences of these risks can be significantly underestimated due to their gradual emergence over time. | 1 |
Officials in New York City have decided to postpone the scheduled clean-up of Zuccotti Park, where anti-Wall Street protesters have been camping for a month. The private owner of the park, Brookfield Office Properties, made the decision to delay the cleaning without providing a reason. Despite the postponement, several protesters were arrested when a group marched through the financial district. A representative from the New York Police Department confirmed that there were arrests, but did not disclose the number or any specific information. Many demonstrators had concerns that the cleaning operation would be an effort to suppress the movement that has inspired solidarity protests in over 1,400 cities. Occupy Together and United for Global Change reported plans for worldwide demonstrations on Saturday in 71 countries. Protesters are angered by the fact that U.S. banks received billions in bailouts during the economic downturn, allowing them to make substantial profits again, while ordinary Americans continue to struggle with high unemployment and job insecurity. They also argue that the top 1 percent of wealthy Americans do not contribute their fair share in taxes. Approximately 1,000 protesters gathered at the New York park early on Friday, where some had stayed up all night to clean up. Buckets filled with brooms and mops were placed throughout the park, and many protesters had already packed up their belongings in anticipation of the clean-up. Bailey Bryant, a 28-year-old bank employee who frequents the camp after work and on weekends, mentioned that they take responsibility for cleaning up after themselves to prevent the presence of rats and roaches in the park. Some people at the park were worried that the delayed clean-up might be a tactic to force them to leave. Sofia Johnson, a 17-year-old high school student from Brooklyn, expressed skepticism about the situation, saying it seemed too good to be true. She believed that there was still a possibility of eviction, especially in the current climate. Brookfield, the company that owns the park, claimed that the conditions were unsanitary and unsafe due to a lack of toilets and garbage cans. They also received complaints from neighbors about lewd behavior, drug use, harassment, and offensive odors from the protesters. On Friday morning, Brookfield did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Representatives of Brookfield, accompanied by police, distributed notices to protesters on Thursday informing them that the park would be cleaned in three stages and would reopen to the public in accordance with park regulations. These regulations prohibit camping, tents, lying down on the ground, placing tarps or sleeping bags on the ground, and storing personal belongings - all of which the protesters have been doing since they arrived on September 17. The deputy mayor announced that Brookfield was postponing the cleaning of the park and withdrawing their request for police assistance. Brookfield is confident they can reach an agreement with the protesters to ensure the park remains clean, safe, and available for public use while being respectful of residents and businesses downtown. The situation will continue to be monitored. Hundreds of individuals have been detained at protests in New York, with dozens more arrested recently in cities such as Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, Austin, and San Francisco. Additionally, solidarity demonstrations have emerged at over 140 college campuses across 25 states, as reported by Occupy Colleges. | 1 |
When Hillary Clinton first traveled abroad as secretary of state, she stated that the United States must prioritize working with China on global challenges over human rights disputes. Now, with Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng reportedly under US protection in Beijing, the US will see if China holds the same view. Chen's escape and request for US protection come at a sensitive time for both countries, with economic and security talks approaching and China dealing with a political scandal. US officials believe it is unlikely that Chen would be handed over to China against his will, leaving China to decide whether to risk damaging the overall relationship with the US or seek a compromise. This outcome is seen as likely, but not guaranteed. A senior official from the Obama administration, who requested anonymity, expressed doubt that the relationship between the US and China would be severely damaged. He noted that the current situation is not comparable to past incidents such as a spy plane collision or the Tiananmen Square massacre. The official believes that both countries will attempt to handle the situation carefully. In 2001, tensions between Beijing and Washington escalated after a collision between a Chinese fighter jet and a US surveillance plane. The relationship between the two countries had also reached a low point following the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, when Chinese troops violently suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations. The United States has not yet confirmed reports that Chen fled from house arrest in China into the US embassy. China has also not directly commented on Chen's reported escape. According to Texas-based ChinaAid, Chen is currently under US protection and talks between US and Chinese officials are ongoing. This incident comes at an inconvenient time as US secretaries of state and treasury are set to visit Beijing for a dialogue. This situation is reminiscent of when Chinese official Wang Lijun sought refuge in the US consulate, leading to the Bo Xilai scandal. According to former CIA China analyst Chris Johnson, the current situation between the United States and China is very tense due to recent events such as the Bo Xilai case, Chen's escape, and the potential sale of new F-16s to Taiwan. Johnson believes that some in Beijing view these events as part of a US strategy to contain China's growth. How China's leadership handles these issues will depend on balancing nationalist sentiments with a desire to avoid disruptions to the communist party leadership succession. Shi Yinhong, an expert in US-China relations, believes that China will try to resolve the situation quickly and quietly to avoid negative impacts on foreign relations and domestic politics. The upcoming meetings between the two countries are crucial as they have too much at stake to cancel them. I believe the United States will not use this tactic to shame China. They are more interested in exerting their influence over China regarding issues in North Korea and Syria. They aim to minimize the repercussions of this situation as they are aware of the embarrassment it has caused China. Both countries have successfully resolved complex issues in the past, such as the incident on April 1, 2001, when a collision between a US Navy EP-3 signals intelligence plane and a Chinese fighter resulted in the death of a Chinese pilot and the emergency landing of the US aircraft on Hainan island. The 24 US crew-members were held captive until April 11, when they were released following a letter from the United States expressing regret for the death of the Chinese pilot and acknowledging that the EP-3 had entered China's airspace without permission. In February 2009, Clinton stated that while the US would continue to address issues with China such as Taiwan, Tibet, and human rights, these concerns could not take precedence over the global economic crisis, climate change, and security challenges. Despite the suggestion that human rights may be less of a priority, analysts believed it would be unacceptable for the US to hand over Chen against his will, citing both moral and political reasons. Tom Malinowski, a former White House staffer under President Bill Clinton and current Washington director for Human Rights Watch, emphasized that most people in the administration would view such a decision as completely unjust. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has accused Obama of being weak on China, which would worsen if Obama were to abandon Chen. Analysts and rights activists have outlined two potential outcomes for Chen's case: he could be released in China with guarantees of safety, or he could go into exile despite his reluctance to leave. Kenneth Lieberthal, director of the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution in Washington, stated that they would not make him leave without being extremely confident that he would not face repercussions for his actions. Lieberthal believes that it is difficult to have confidence in his safety if he remains in China, as anything could happen there. However, Lieberthal predicts that eventually he will be taken to the airport with promises of being able to leave the country. Lieberthal also believes that he will not be allowed back into China, likely never or at least not for a long time. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on weather-vulnerable countries to unite and express their concerns at the upcoming UN climate conference in South Africa. She emphasized the economic cost of climate change, which is currently $130 billion and will rise without prompt action. The Climate Vulnerable Forum, established after the Copenhagen summit in 2009, is a significant voice on climate change. Prime Minister Hasina stated that climate change is an injustice that must be recognized by the global community, as countries like Bangladesh are disproportionately affected despite making minimal contributions to the problem. The inaugural Climate Vulnerable Forum took place in Malé, Maldives in 2009, followed by the second forum in Kiribati the following year. This forum includes small island nations, countries with extensive low-lying coastlines like Vietnam and Bangladesh, and arid nations in East Africa. Hasina expressed disappointment that there has been little support for the adaptation initiatives of vulnerable countries. She noted the lack of direct access to funding and technology, as well as uncertainty about how global funds will be raised for the Green Climate Fund between 2012 and 2020. The prime minister called for vulnerable countries to unite and voice their concerns before the COP17 conference in Durban. She stated that in response to climate change, it is crucial to collaborate with global partners and establish a strong partnership. Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations secretary-general, who visited Dhaka for three days, emphasized the importance of launching the Green Climate Fund in Durban. He stressed the need for Durban to fulfill the commitments made in Cancún the previous year, stating that an empty fund would not be adequate. Cancún, Mexico had agreed to launch the fund. He stated that Durban needs to develop a plan of action for addressing loss and damage caused by extreme climatic events, particularly in countries like Bangladesh. The UN Secretary-General emphasized the importance of not burdening the poorest and most vulnerable with the costs of such events. He expressed hope that governments would reach a compromise on the Kyoto protocol to pave the way for a more comprehensive climate agreement in the future. He gave the example of a cyclone in Bangladesh in 1991 that killed 140,000 people, contrasting it with a cyclone in 2007 that claimed 4,000 lives. He highlighted the success of the Bangladesh Cyclone Preparedness programme, which involved volunteers using bullhorns and bicycles to evacuate over three million people. Bangladesh is known as one of the most at-risk countries in the world when it comes to climate change. If the sea level rises by two meters, approximately 30 million people in Bangladesh could be forced to leave their homes. The Dhaka declaration of the climate forum will be ratified at 4:30pm. | 1 |
More than 1,000 people protested in the Brazilian capital near the Mané Garrincha National Stadium, the most expensive stadium for the upcoming sports event. Indians in traditional dress also joined the protest, organized by the Homeless Worker's movement. The group believes building stadiums for the World Cup was too costly and led to rising real estate prices, displacing lower-income families. Brazil is hurriedly completing stadiums and transport systems for the World Cup amidst increasing civil disobedience. The event has become a platform for various causes, with bus drivers in Rio de Janeiro planning a strike and professors in Sao Paulo demanding a raise. The protest in Brasilia caused the cancellation of a display of the Fifa World Cup Trophy and the closure of the stadium. Concerns about further protests and potential violence during the month-long event have been raised. The military police were prepared to intervene if the demonstrators reached the stadium. The cost of Brasilia's stadium has nearly tripled from the initial budget. Indigenous groups have protested in Brasilia against changes to Indian reservation boundaries. President Dilma Rousseff has assured the Homeless Worker's movement that squatters near the stadiums will receive affordable government housing. However, her administration has cautioned that military intervention may be necessary to ensure that protests do not interfere with the soccer games. Approximately 600,000 international soccer enthusiasts are anticipated to make the journey to Brazil for the World Cup. | 1 |
Ahead of the upcoming ministerial trade negotiations, officials and diplomats are focused on various issues such as banana imports and protecting product names. Trade experts emphasize that the significance of the talks extends beyond tariff and subsidy cuts, highlighting the international community's ability to address major challenges like the food crisis. World Trade Organisation Chief Economist Patrick Low expressed concern about the implications of a failed trade negotiation on global issues like climate change. WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy has called for a breakthrough in the long-standing Doha round during the Geneva meeting, which is scheduled to start next week. The talks, initiated in 2001 to promote global trade and assist developing countries in overcoming poverty, have faced multiple delays. Negotiators are expressing a new sense of urgency and even some optimism now. Ministers from approximately 30 countries are aiming to finalize the key components of a deal in agriculture and industrial goods next week. This is in order to avoid the talks being overshadowed by the upcoming U.S. elections and change in the White House next year. Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges of finance, food, and fuel in any potential deal. World leaders, including U.S. President George W. Bush and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have also voiced their support for reaching an agreement. A proposed agreement will involve wealthy countries such as the United States, Japan, and members of the EU reducing farm tariffs and subsidies to allow more access to their food markets. In return, countries like India and Brazil will cut tariffs to give these wealthy countries more access to their markets for industrial goods and services. Negotiators will work on finalizing the details of this framework in the coming months, including thousands of tariff lines, as well as addressing other issues such as fisheries subsidies and rules for unfairly priced imports. The main challenge now is whether ministers can resolve the differences between developed and developing countries. France, the largest food producer in the EU and current EU presidency holder, stated that the EU has made all the concessions it can in agriculture. French Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Idrac stated at a news conference in Brussels that the shared goal is to achieve a rebalancing of the concessions already made by the EU. EU trade chief Peter Mandelson mentioned that he felt EU governments had supported him in seeking more concessions from others in the WTO negotiations. In the WTO's consensus-driven system, each of the 152 members (soon to be 153 with Cape Verde joining) has the power to veto. Developing countries, citing the Doha round's development mandate, argue that they should have to open their markets less than wealthy nations. However, they are being requested to expose subsistence farmers and emerging industries to competition while rich countries continue to protect their farmers. Wealthy nations believe they need to show significant benefits in market access in countries like India and China in order to justify making significant sacrifices in farm protection agreements at home. They argue that South-South trade, where developing countries trade with each other, would result in the biggest gains. While the general belief is that free trade leads to increased prosperity, some non-governmental organizations disagree, claiming that the current Doha proposals could lead to greater poverty for farmers and workers in poor countries and perpetuate dependence on wealthier nations. Anuradha Mittal, executive director of the Oakland Institute, criticized the proposal for going against the ideas of communities and social movements, hindering developing countries from implementing necessary measures to address the crisis. On the other hand, Pascal Lamy, a former EU trade chief, believes strongly in the potential of a Doha deal to reduce distortions in the global trading system for the benefit of impoverished nations. He argues that such a deal would ultimately increase food supplies in the long term and boost confidence in the short term. Lamy sees this as a rare opportunity to provide some positive news in the system, as he does not see any other area where this is possible. | 1 |
According to official figures released on Tuesday, India's greenhouse gas emissions increased by 58 percent between 1994 and 2007. This growth was largely driven by the coal-reliant power sector, which nearly doubled its emissions during this time period. In 2007, total emissions reached 1.9 billion tonnes, compared to 1.2 billion tonnes in 1994. The industry and transport sectors also saw an increase in emissions, solidifying India's position as one of the world's top five carbon polluters. Despite this, India's per-capita emissions remain low compared to the United States, at about a tenth of the emissions produced by the US. The power sector was responsible for 719.30 million tonnes of emissions in 2007, up from 355.03 million tonnes in 1994, while the transport sector's emissions increased to 142.04 million tonnes from 80.28 million tonnes during the same period. Industrial emissions increased by slightly more than 30% during the same period, while emissions from the agricultural sector decreased slightly from 1994 to 2007 as its share in the Indian economy declined. The report emphasizes India's increasing importance in U.N.-led climate negotiations to replace the Kyoto Protocol and the necessity of involving major developing nations in global efforts to combat climate change. According to figures in the government report presented by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh in New Delhi, India's greenhouse gas emissions in 2007 were close to Russia's, making it the world's third largest emitter at nearly 2.2 billion tonnes. China remains the top emitter of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. The United States ranks second in terms of emissions. Russia has seen slower emission growth compared to India, which has been experiencing rapid economic expansion in an effort to reduce poverty. This growth has led to increased investment in various industries, including coal-fired power stations, steel mills, cement plants, mining, and renewable energy. It is worth noting that in 2007, the emissions of the United States and China were nearly four times that of India. Additionally, India's energy intensity per GDP decreased by over 30 percent from 1994 to 2007 due to proactive efforts and policies implemented by the country. He stated that they plan to keep up with this trend. Energy intensity measures the energy used per unit of gross domestic product. India has a goal of reducing carbon intensity by 20 to 25 percent by 2020 compared to 2005 levels. The most recent official report to the United Nations on India's emissions was in 1994, as developing countries like India are not required to report annual emissions like wealthier nations. The latest UN emissions data for developed nations is from 2007. Despite India's new climate plan focusing on renewable energy like solar power, coal continues to be the main source of energy in a country where almost half of the 1.1 billion population lacks access to electricity. India holds 10 percent of the world's coal reserves and plans to increase power generation by 78.7 gigawatts by March 2012, with a majority coming from coal. Currently, coal makes up around 60 percent of the country's energy mix. Although developing nations are responsible for more than half of global greenhouse gas emissions, India's per-capita emissions are expected to remain below the global average even as the country's emissions are projected to increase to 4-7.3 billion tonnes by 2031. | 1 |
With the rising prices of wheat and rice, the once overlooked potato is now being recognized as a valuable and nutritious crop that could help feed a growing population. Potatoes, originally from Peru, can be grown in various climates and require minimal water. They mature quickly and have a high yield compared to wheat or rice. The International Potato Center in Lima is researching the potato family to address food security concerns, as the world faces potential food shortages. The potato is seen as a key part of the solution. The potato is being recognized for its potential as a solution to hunger caused by rising food prices, a growing population, increasing costs for fertilizer and fuel, and more land being used for biofuel production. The United Nations designated 2008 as the International Year of the Potato to draw attention to this, calling it a valuable resource. Governments, including Peru's, are promoting the use of potatoes as an alternative to wheat, with programs encouraging the use of potato flour in bread-making for various groups in hopes of starting a trend. Supporters argue that potato flour tastes just as good as wheat bread, but there are not enough mills producing it. Peru's agriculture minister, Ismael Benavides, believes that people's eating habits need to change as they became addicted to wheat when it was cheap. Despite the potato originating in Peru 8,000 years ago, Peruvians consume fewer potatoes compared to Europeans. Belarus is the world leader in potato consumption, with each person consuming an average of 376 pounds (171 kg) per year. India has expressed its desire to double potato production within the next five to 10 years. China, a country with a long history of devastating famines due to its reliance on rice, has now become the leading producer of potatoes in the world. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the potato is experiencing rapid growth compared to other crops. Some consumers are making the switch to potatoes, as seen in Latvia where bread sales dropped due to price increases while potato purchases increased. The majority of new potato crops are being planted in the developing world, offering poor farmers the opportunity to increase their income as demand for potatoes rises. Anderson stated that countries themselves are considering the potato as a viable option for ensuring food security and generating income. Despite being the world's third most important food crop, potatoes are often associated with the plain Idaho variety by Americans, when in reality there are around 5,000 different types of potatoes. Peru is contributing to a gene bank for food crops by sending thousands of seeds to the Doomsday Vault near the Arctic Circle this year. Potatoes come in a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes, allowing chefs to create visually appealing dishes. A young potato farmer in Peru's Andes, Juan Carlos Mescco, enjoys eating potatoes in different ways throughout the day. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates that provide slow-release energy and have a low fat content compared to wheat. They also have fewer calories than bread and are a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin C, iron, potassium, and zinc when boiled. Speculators are not interested in potatoes, which helps to keep them affordable. Unlike wheat, potatoes are not a global commodity, so they have not attracted professional investment from speculators. Wheat production is nearly double that of potatoes, with only about 5 percent of potatoes being traded internationally. Prices for potatoes are mainly influenced by local tastes rather than international demand, as they are heavy and can easily rot during transportation, limiting global trade. They are also prone to getting infected with pathogens, which hinders their export to prevent the spread of plant diseases. However, in certain countries, the prices are not high enough to incentivize farmers to cultivate them. Residents in Peruvian markets suggest that the government should intervene to increase demand. Juana Villavicencio, who has been planting potatoes for 15 years and now sells them at a low price in a market in Cusco, Peru, expressed, "Prices are low. It's not profitable to work with potatoes." Science is progressing quickly, with German chemicals group BASF working on developing genetically modified potatoes that can resist "late blight." This disease was responsible for causing famine in Ireland during the 19th century and still results in approximately 20 percent of potato harvest losses worldwide, according to the company. Researchers suggest that by utilizing clean, virus-free seeds, farmers can increase yields by up to 30 percent and gain approval for export. This could potentially lead to higher incomes for farmers and stimulate more production, allowing companies to sell specialty potatoes internationally rather than just as frozen french fries or potato chips. | 1 |
US President Barack Obama stated that the world economy is showing signs of recovery, but cautioned that failure to address imbalances in the global economic system could lead to more crises. Obama made these remarks while speaking to Asia Pacific leaders in Singapore. Despite disagreements between Washington and Beijing on market-oriented exchange rates, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum endorsed stimulus measures to prevent a global recession and called for progress in the Doha Round of trade talks in 2010. Initially, a draft statement had included a commitment to maintain market-oriented exchange rates, but this was removed from the final communique. A delegate from APEC, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that the debate between China and the United States regarding exchange rates had delayed the conclusion of the talks. This highlighted the tensions that may arise when Obama visits China following the imposition of tariffs on Chinese tires by the US. Beijing is concerned that this could lead to further tariffs on other Chinese products that are becoming more popular in the US market. During the APEC meeting, Obama emphasized the need to avoid the same economic policies that led to the global recession, stating that the world cannot afford to repeat the same cycles of economic booms and busts. Obama warned that if we do not change our current path, we will keep facing crises that will have damaging effects on our citizens, businesses, and governments. He believes that we are at a crucial point in history where we can choose a new direction focused on creating balanced and sustainable growth. Obama's plan involves saving more, spending less, reforming the financial system, and reducing deficits and borrowing. Washington is also interested in having major exporters like China increase their domestic demand. Chinese President Hu Jintao has faced pressure to allow the yuan to appreciate, but during several speeches at APEC, he chose to focus on trade restrictions on developing countries instead. When Obama visits China, one of the main topics of discussion will be the yuan, which has been tied to the dollar since 2008 to protect the economy. The US believes that an undervalued yuan is contributing to imbalances in trade with China. China is seeking recognition as a market economy from the US and concessions on trade disputes that would make it more difficult for Washington to take action against Chinese goods. China's central bank announced last week that it will take into account major currencies when determining the value of the yuan, indicating a shift away from its fixed exchange rate. President Obama arrived in Singapore late on Saturday, missing much of the day's formal discussions where some leaders criticized the US for hindering free trade with policies like "Buy America" campaigns. The APEC summit is the final major meeting of global leaders before the UN climate conference in Copenhagen in three weeks, which aims to strengthen efforts to combat climate change. Negotiations for the conference have hit a standstill, but a US official stated that Obama supports a plan proposed by the Danish prime minister to initially focus on an operational agreement and defer legally binding specifics for later. The APEC statement no longer includes any mention of emissions reductions that were present in earlier drafts. | 1 |
In response to the Arizona shooting spree, the family of the accused gunman expressed sorrow over the "heinous events" on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the congresswoman who was shot in the head is showing signs of improvement. The relatives of Jared Lee Loughner, 22, issued their first public statement, acknowledging the challenging time and requesting privacy. The statement, attributed to "The Loughner Family," conveyed their inability to find words to adequately express their emotions. The eight-sentence statement did not mention the young man charged in the shooting at a Tucson shopping mall that resulted in the deaths of six people, including a federal judge, and the injury of 14 others. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was left in critical condition after being shot, but she was able to breathe on her own a few days later despite a bullet passing through her brain. The family expressed their confusion and sorrow over the tragic events, stating that they wished they could change what happened and expressing deep sympathy for the victims and their families. Giffords, a 40-year-old Democrat, was in critical condition at a Tucson hospital but is "holding her own," responding to simple commands and breathing without the aid of her ventilation tube, according to her doctor. Dr. Michael Lemole, head of neurosurgery at the University Medical Center, expressed hope for her recovery despite the uncertainty, stating "She has no right to look this good. We're hopeful." Lemole emphasized that Giffords will take her recovery at her own pace, with progress being measured on a week to week, month to month basis. President Barack Obama is planning to travel to Arizona on Wednesday to attend a memorial service for the victims of a shooting, including a 9-year-old girl. In Washington, the House of Representatives was set to vote on condemning the violent attack that nearly took the life of one of their colleagues and sparked discussions about the heated political atmosphere of recent campaigns. The parents of the accused gunman, Jared Loughner, are said to be devastated by the events. Loughner is currently in custody and will have a preliminary hearing on January 24 for five federal charges, including the attempted assassination of Representative Giffords. Their son is not Amy and Randy, and it is important for people to realize that. The parents are heartbroken. Wouldn't you feel the same way if it were your child?" Emotional neighbor Wayne Smith expressed to Phoenix's News Channel Three. According to a CBS News poll published on Tuesday, most Americans do not believe that heated political discourse played a role in the recent shootings in Arizona. The survey showed that 57 percent of participants believed that the aggressive political language was not connected to the shooting, while 32 percent thought it was. Republicans were the most likely to reject any link, with 69 percent saying that harsh rhetoric did not play a role in the attack. Although the reason behind the attack was unclear, some politicians and commentators suggested that a climate of strong language and ideological division could have been a factor. Former President Bill Clinton warned that public officials should be cautious with their words, noting the influence of the Internet and the echo-chamber effect it creates. Lawmakers from both parties are urging for more civility in politics, and members of Congress will gather for a bipartisan prayer service. Colleagues of Giffords in Congress paused their work after the shooting, leading them to reconsider their security measures. The House, led by Republicans, delayed a vote to repeal the healthcare system overhaul supported by Giffords and other Democrats. Loughner allegedly used a semi-automatic Glock pistol to open fire on Giffords and constituents in a supermarket parking lot. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer expressed in a speech in Tucson that six loved ones were taken away in a minute, leaving a profound impact on the community's well-being. The memorial service for the shooting victims at St. Odilia Catholic Church in Tucson was attended by over 600 mourners. In response to potential protests at the victims' funerals, Arizona state lawmakers passed a bill to prevent members of a Kansas fundamentalist Christian church from picketing. Governor Brewer promptly signed the bill into law. The small church's members have become known for showing up at military funerals to proclaim that God is punishing the troops because the United States tolerates homosexuality. They also attended the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards. | 1 |
Xi's address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, a first by a Chinese leader, indicated a potential change in the global political landscape as western democracies face challenges with the rise of populist nationalism. Despite being a communist state with strict limitations on foreign investment, China surprisingly advocated for free markets at the event, which is known for global capitalism. With Trump's protectionist stance and Europe dealing with its own issues like Brexit and terror attacks, China sees an opportunity to step in as a leader in global economics. Xi warned against protectionism, comparing it to isolating oneself in a dark room and emphasized that nobody would benefit from a trade war. Real estate magnate and former reality television personality Trump, set to become the U.S. president on Friday, ran his campaign promising to take a tougher stance on trade with China and either renegotiate or abandon international trade agreements. His team has accused China of engaging in economic warfare against the U.S. However, Xi refuted these claims of unfair trade practices, stating that Beijing would not manipulate its currency for competitive advantage, as Trump has alleged in the past. Xi also called on all countries involved in the Paris climate agreement, signed about a year ago, to uphold their commitments, a direct message to Trump, who has criticized the agreement and hinted at withdrawing the U.S. from it. In a show of China's global aspirations, several high-ranking Chinese officials accompanied Xi to the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, a larger and more prestigious delegation than in previous years. A significant number of World Economic Forum panels are focused on Asia, with one titled "Asia Takes the Lead." Klaus Schwab, the founder and chairman of WEF, stated that in a world of uncertainty and volatility, all eyes are on China. Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt commented on Xi's speech on Twitter, noting that Xi Jinping is positioning himself to take on a global economic leadership role. Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, tweeted that the reaction to Xi's speech at Davos was overwhelmingly positive. Xi's appearance is a significant departure from previous Chinese speeches, coming amidst escalating tensions between Beijing and Trump. In response to Trump's recent comments about the "One China" policy, Chinese newspapers warned of potential retaliation if he did not change his stance. Despite Xi's portrayal of China as an open economy, the government has faced criticism for restricting foreign investments while state-run firms pursue acquisitions in Europe. To address these concerns, China's cabinet announced plans to relax limits on investment in financial institutions. However, no additional information was given and there was no set timeline for when these changes would be implemented. Some officials, who chose to remain anonymous, suggested that China may be trying to capitalize on the growing rift between the United States and Europe. Bob Moritz, global chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers, expressed uncertainty about China's future actions and whether they will focus more on regional or global matters in negotiations. He emphasized the need to closely monitor China's actions over the next year. Concerns about a severe economic downturn in China caused turmoil in global markets at last year's WEF meeting. Although these fears have diminished, the International Monetary Fund cautioned on Monday about persistent threats to the Chinese economy, such as its heavy dependence on government expenditures, extensive lending by state-owned banks, and a housing market at risk of overheating. President Xi attempted to reassure by stating that the economy is transitioning to a "new normal" driven by consumer spending. Despite a slow global economy, he projected China's economy to have expanded by 6.7 percent in 2016. However, some economists at Davos remain wary. Kenneth Rogoff, an economist at Harvard University, stated that China remains a significant risk, but it is not at the top of the list due to the high level of uncertainty in the United States. | 1 |
The World Health Organization (WHO) significantly decreased its previous estimate of the number of people who contract malaria each year, attributing the change to rapid urbanization in Asia that has led to the destruction of forest habitats for disease-spreading mosquitoes. According to a report, the WHO stated that 247 million individuals worldwide were infected with malaria in 2006, as opposed to its earlier estimate of 350 million to 500 million annually. The new report also lowered the global death toll from the disease by approximately 10 percent compared to the UN agency's previous report from three years ago, citing improvements in calculation methods as the primary reason for the change. The World Health Organization stated that it is unclear if there was a decrease in cases and deaths from 2004 to 2006. A report revealed that 881,000 people died from malaria in 2006, which was lower than previous estimates of over 1 million deaths annually. Malaria mainly affects infants, children, and pregnant women. Public funding for malaria has been substantial in recent years, with organizations like the WHO, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Clinton Foundation receiving funds. The Roll Back Malaria Partnership of the WHO has called for an increase in funding for malaria to $3.4 billion per year from the current $1.2 billion to improve access to artemisinin-based drugs and insecticide-treated bed nets for prevention. Estimating global disease prevalence is challenging, leading public health experts to make significant revisions to their estimates. Last year, the WHO reduced its estimate of AIDS virus infections to 33 million from 40 million due to new data from India. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also increased its estimate of annual HIV infections by 40 percent through more precise reporting methods. WHO Director-General Margaret Chan stated that less than one-third of member states have reliable disease monitoring systems, emphasizing the importance of accurate information for decision-making. She announced that the malaria report will now be issued yearly to provide current data for reducing the disease burden. Chan highlighted the need for reliable information and analysis given the recent increase in funding and efforts to combat malaria. Novartis AG's Coartem drug is utilized for the treatment of malaria, and various other pharmaceutical companies, such as Austria's Intercell, are also working towards developing malaria vaccines. However, it is anticipated that these vaccines will not be available on the market for several years. Malaria is most common in Africa, with the WHO determining the number of cases based on climate data related to mosquito breeding conditions, as well as sample surveys. In 2006, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania were identified as the countries with the highest number of malaria-related deaths, according to the WHO. Outside of Africa, countries most affected included India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. | 1 |
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd marked his first 100 days in office by releasing a booklet detailing his accomplishments, despite criticism that his government has not made significant changes since taking power. The center-left Labor Party, led by Rudd, won the election 97 days ago, ending almost 12 years of conservative rule. While some newspapers have questioned the government's lack of decisive actions, particularly in setting up numerous committees and reviews, Rudd remains focused on his vision for the country. Rudd's 55-page book highlights his decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, send more troops to East Timor, and plan to withdraw Australian combat forces from Iraq as significant accomplishments. However, Rudd emphasized that the most significant change during his time in office was his government's apology to Aborigines for past mistreatment. He stated that this apology had long-term value for the nation. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that since his election, Rudd had established a new committee or inquiry approximately every four days, with the Herald Sun noting that he had created 47 committees and promised 50 more during his campaign. Rudd defended his actions by pointing out that the previous conservative government had initiated 495 inquiries and reviews in just one year. Rudd stated that it is a responsible approach for a new government to identify areas that require review for future direction. Political analyst Nick Economou praised Rudd for his efforts in seeking national consensus and believed that he was off to a good start in his leadership. Economou also commended Rudd's handling of the apology issue and believed that even if he were to be removed from office, he would still be remembered in Australian political history. He stated that Rudd's interest in committees and reviews, such as his upcoming ideas summit involving 1,000 people in April, are intended to assist the government in implementing its plans. He mentioned that Rudd has a clear agenda for what he wants to accomplish, but he is seeking to involve others in the process. He added that Rudd has a vision of where he wants to go, but he is focused on finding the right process to achieve consensus. | 1 |
The European Union and United States are expected to reach an agreement at a summit on Monday that acknowledges climate change as a significant challenge requiring immediate and continuous global efforts, as stated in a draft document obtained by Reuters. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, making her first visit to Washington since assuming the EU presidency, is urging the Bush administration to implement tangible measures to reduce the greenhouse gases linked to climate change. Merkel is hopeful that the joint statement will pave the way for a more comprehensive agreement on combating global warming at the upcoming June G8 summit she will host in Heiligendamm. She expressed optimism about progress on climate and energy efficiency during a press briefing in Washington prior to her meeting with President George W. Bush, and emphasized the importance of using this as a basis for a broader agreement involving G8 countries, as well as possibly India and China. The declaration regarding energy security, efficiency, and climate change will be introduced alongside a broader "Transatlantic Economic Partnership" aimed at reducing costly non-tariff barriers to trade between the EU and United States. Within this agreement, the partners will commit to aligning regulatory standards and collaborating in areas such as intellectual property, trade security, investment, and financial markets. A council, led by EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen and White House economic adviser Allan Hubbard, will be established to oversee progress in aligning regulations and present yearly reports to EU and US leaders. Apart from the set agenda, Merkel and Bush will engage in discussions on various international issues ranging from Iran's nuclear program to Middle East peace. Relations with Russia have also come to the forefront following a strong speech by President Vladimir Putin criticizing US plans for a missile shield in central Europe and suspending Moscow's commitments under a key arms treaty. Washington believes the shield is necessary to defend against threats from countries like Iran and North Korea, while Moscow views it as a threat to its former sphere of influence. German Chancellor Merkel stated the importance of discussing the issue with Russia through the NATO-Russia council, although she clarified that it would not be the main focus of her talks with President Bush. The joint declaration on climate change has been hailed as a positive step for the Bush administration by German officials, but it lacks specific commitments to action. The draft emphasizes the need to stabilize greenhouse gases and recognizes the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which warned of the impacts of rising temperatures. It calls for the advancement and implementation of technologies to reduce global emissions and pledges cooperation to achieve results at the upcoming G8 summit and the U.N. meeting on climate change in Bali. During her fourth trip to Washington, Merkel has formed a strong bond with Bush, mending the strained relationship that occurred when her predecessor clashed with the US president over the Iraq war. However, with less than six weeks until the Heiligendamm summit, she faces a challenging task of convincing Bush to support more comprehensive international measures to combat climate change. German officials are also worried about the escalating tensions between Washington and Moscow regarding the missile shield and the upcoming conflict over Kosovo independence, potentially overshadowing the summit in June. | 1 |
He mentioned that it was a source of pride for them that she had received an invitation from the G7, a group considered influential in global matters. This statement was made during an Iftar event held for journalists covering foreign affairs in Bangladesh, organized by the ruling Awami League's central sub-committee on international affairs. The event was attended by key figures such as the party's General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Chairman Ambassador Mohammad Zamir, and International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed. The Prime Minister is currently in Canada to participate in the G7 outreach session following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This elite club has invited Prime Minister Hasina of a developing country for the third time, which Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali called "unprecedented." Hasina previously attended meetings in Japan in 2016 and in Italy in 2001. Ali stated that this invitation is a recognition of the prime minister's strong role in global peace and development. It also acknowledges her efforts in addressing climate change, women and children's affairs, and the blue economy. The group's other members include France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US. The prime minister will discuss the importance of enhancing resilience through integrated adaptation planning, emergency preparedness, and recovery during her speech. She will also hold a meeting with Trudeau on Sunday and return to Dhaka on Tuesday. The Awami League's sub-committee on international affairs introduced themselves to journalists during the Iftar event, as the committee was recently formed. Shammi Ahmed encouraged journalists to provide constructive criticism of government actions. | 1 |
A wealthy supermarket magnate is the frontrunner in Panama's upcoming presidential election, with voters seeking assurance that their economy can withstand the global financial crisis. Ricardo Martinelli, a pro-business conservative, has a significant lead in the polls over Balbina Herrera, a leftist with a history of anti-US sentiment and connections to a former military leader. The current ruling party, PRD, has been losing support due to rising prices and crime rates, causing frustration among lower-income voters like teacher Jose Cedeno, who is struggling to afford basic necessities on his modest salary. Panama's strong economy, driven by luxury apartment construction, US-Asia trade through the canal, and a robust banking sector, has led Latin America in double-digit growth for the past two years. However, analysts predict a slowdown to 3 percent or less this year due to decreasing credit availability, a decline in canal traffic, and reduced activity in the Caribbean free-trade zone. Voters, frustrated with high inflation and widespread crime, are concerned about this decline. In the upcoming election, Martinelli holds a 14-point lead over Herrera and only needs to receive more votes than his rival to win, even if he falls short of 50 percent. A Martinelli victory would go against the leftward trend seen in many recent Latin American elections. Martinelli, a US-educated businessman and former minister of Panama Canal affairs, has pledged to invest heavily in infrastructure to create jobs if elected. Martinelli expressed his desire to implement a flat tax ranging from 10 to 20 percent, which would involve increasing tax rates for the banking and insurance industries while reducing them for small-business owners. His well-funded campaign outshone Herrera's, and his efforts to appeal to lower-income voters included images of him working at a banana plantation and handling garbage on a collection route. Additionally, his charity that supports education contributed to his appeal among this demographic. One supporter, a 60-year-old cattle farmer named Ercilia Ramos, expressed confidence in Martinelli's integrity due to his generosity towards the less fortunate despite his wealth. In terms of being supportive of businesses, PRD's Herrera had a disagreement with Washington when she led demonstrations against former U.S. President George H.W. Bush during his visit to Panama following a 1989 U.S. invasion that removed military dictator Gen. Manuel Noriega. Despite her past ties to Noriega, who is currently serving time in a Florida prison for drug trafficking and money laundering, Herrera, now 54, has had difficulty distancing herself. Noriega has claimed that he sought refuge in Herrera's home from U.S. soldiers during the invasion. However, Herrera now asserts that she would prioritize maintaining strong relations with the U.S., and her campaign proposals are similar to those of Martinelli's. Both candidates have stated their intentions to address crime, inflation, and support the poor through education and infrastructure, without causing a significant budget deficit. Foreign investors believe that neither candidate will negatively impact Panama's economy or investment environment, with one developer stating that Panama is a favorable place for business due to minimal government interference. An agricultural engineer who transitioned into politics, Herrera has served as a mayor, lawmaker, and housing minister. She grew up in a tough neighborhood in Panama City with five siblings and a single mother who worked as a house cleaner. Her background resonates with voters like Maria Zuniga, a street pedicurist who sees Herrera as tough on crime and believes she will bring about change. Former President Guillermo Endara, who is 72 years old, lags far behind in polls with only 5 percent support. Panamanians will also be voting for a new legislature on Sunday. | 1 |
The European Union and Southeast Asian nations agreed to increase political and economic cooperation, with the exception of Myanmar preventing a full free trade agreement. Foreign ministers met in Nuremberg, Germany and adopted a declaration on Enhanced Partnership, committing to closer collaboration on security, energy, environment, and development. They also promised to work together on combating terrorism, money laundering, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and addressing climate change. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana praised the progress made in relations between the two sides, not just in economic and trade matters, but also in politics. He expressed his satisfaction with the alignment of thinking between the EU and these important countries, which are neither China nor India. Analysts suggest that ASEAN is interested in strengthening its relationship with Europe in order to counterbalance China's growing power. ASEAN also aims to replicate the success of the European Union by creating its own single market by 2015. The EU is seeking to benefit from the potential of a region with 10 nations and a population of 500 million through a free trade agreement, but ASEAN's demand for Myanmar to be included in the deal has caused delays. The EU has imposed sanctions on Myanmar due to the military regime's refusal to acknowledge the results of a 1990 election won by the main pro-democracy party. EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Walder has expressed the EU's desire for ASEAN countries to advocate for human rights improvements in Myanmar, including the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. "We hope to see positive changes in Burma/Myanmar," she stated. The EU is working towards a full trade deal with ASEAN, but in the meantime, they are focusing on individual cooperation agreements with countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and eventually Vietnam. The EU has expressed interest in a free trade agreement between the two blocs, but acknowledges the need to work with each country separately. While an agreement with Indonesia is close to being finalized, there are still unresolved issues with Singapore and obstacles in Thailand due to a military takeover. The EU also plans to pursue a similar pact with Vietnam, addressing concerns about human rights and trade tensions. EU officials emphasize their rights dialogue with Hanoi, which is not present with Myanmar. | 1 |
Trump, a member of the Republican party, has claimed that there was widespread voter fraud in the November 3 election, but he has not provided any evidence to support this allegation. Despite not acknowledging Joe Biden's victory since the former vice president secured the Electoral College more than two weeks ago, Trump's announcement on Monday was the closest he has come to conceding defeat. The Trump campaign's legal attempts to overturn the election results in key battleground states have largely been unsuccessful, and more and more Republican leaders, business executives, and national security experts are urging the president to start the transition process. Biden won 306 electoral votes from individual states, well exceeding the 270 needed for victory, while Trump earned 232. Additionally, Biden leads by more than 6 million votes in the national popular vote. He has started announcing members of his team before receiving government funding or a concession from Trump, causing Democrats to criticize him for undermining US democracy. The General Services Administration has informed Biden that he can begin the transition process, allowing him access to resources previously withheld due to legal challenges. Michigan's certification of Biden as the winner further reduces the chances of Trump's efforts to overturn the election results. Trump and his team are continuing to pursue legal options, but his recent tweet suggests that they are starting to accept the need to move on. Despite believing strongly in their case, Trump is recommending that his team follow protocol for the good of the country. A Trump adviser compared this to candidates being briefed during a campaign, emphasizing that it is not a concession. The Biden transition team is already planning meetings with federal officials to address the coronavirus pandemic and national security concerns. I express my gratitude to Emily Murphy at GSA for her unwavering dedication and loyalty to our Country. She has faced harassment, threats, and mistreatment, and I hope to prevent this from happening to her, her family, or GSA employees. Our case remains strong, and we will persevere. The decision by the GSA allows Biden's team to access federal funds and an official office for their transition until he takes office on January 20. This also enables Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to receive national security briefings, similar to what Trump receives. Trump administration officials have indicated that the Biden agency review teams may start engaging with Trump agency officials as early as Tuesday. In addition, Biden has announced key members of his foreign policy team, including Antony Blinken as Secretary of State, John Kerry as special climate envoy, Jake Sullivan as national security adviser, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield as US ambassador to the United Nations, all with significant government experience. Biden has expressed his intention to reverse Trump's "America First" policies. The 78-year-old Democrat is currently putting together a team to lead the country during a severe public health crisis. He is considering appointing former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen as the next Treasury secretary, according to two of his allies who requested anonymity. Additionally, Biden has selected Cuban-born lawyer Alejandro Mayorkas to lead the Department of Homeland Security, signaling a potential shift away from Trump's strict immigration policies. | 1 |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on the world to come together to create a new climate treaty by 2009. He believes that specific cuts in greenhouse gas emissions can be determined after the UN talks in Bali. Ban emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus on launching negotiations for a new agreement to replace the current Kyoto Protocol. He described climate change as the most significant challenge of our time and stressed the urgent need to address issues such as rising sea levels, floods, droughts, and extinctions. Ban urged the environment ministers to take action immediately, despite their disagreements over the terms of negotiations for a global treaty to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The United States is resisting any mention of the scientific evidence pointing to the necessity of reducing greenhouse gases by 25 to 40 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. Ban stated that negotiations will have to take place in the future, aligning with the perspective of Washington. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the U.N. climate panel's recommendation of a 25-40 percent reduction to mitigate the effects of climate change. Ban suggested creating a roadmap with a strict timeline to reach an international agreement by 2009, with the goal of adopting a new pact at a meeting in Copenhagen. The United States, along with Japan, Canada, and Australia, argues that mentioning a 25-to-40 percent range could affect the outcome of negotiations, despite it being non-binding. Paula Dobriansky, US Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, emphasized the importance of not pre-determining the results of the process. However, the European Union believes that wealthy nations must lead by example to persuade developing countries like China and India to reduce their emissions from burning fossil fuels. German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel stated that simply meeting again next year in Bali is not enough, emphasizing the need to establish a starting point and clear goals for progress. Ban urged all countries, including the United States, to be open-minded and adaptable. He mentioned that despite the challenges posed by global warming, there is a positive aspect as innovative solutions could lead to job creation and help alleviate poverty in developing countries across Africa and Asia. Australia's new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently presented official documents to Ban to endorse the Kyoto Protocol, distinguishing the United States as the sole wealthy nation not committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the U.N. agreement until 2012. Rudd, whose Labor Party achieved a significant victory in the recent election, emphasized that Australia is already experiencing the effects of climate change, such as water scarcity and damage to the Great Barrier Reef. He warned that current events are a sign of what is to come in the future. The discussions are scheduled to conclude by Friday or possibly early Saturday, and traditional annual U.N. climate meetings involve intense negotiations and overnight sessions. The United Nations aims to have an agreement in place by the end of 2009 to allow parliaments three years to ratify it and assist in directing significant investments in various forms of energy production. It took eight years for enough countries to ratify the Kyoto Protocol for it to be enforced in 2005, with the process being delayed in 2001 by the United States' decision not to participate. If Bali fails to agree on initiating talks, the chances of a successor to the Kyoto Protocol would diminish. In addition to Australia, 36 Kyoto nations have pledged to reduce emissions by an average of 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-12. The United States contends that the Kyoto agreement would negatively impact its economy and unfairly does not include targets for major developing nations in the years 2008-2012. | 1 |
On Thursday, the government announced plans to reduce tax relief on pension savings for approximately 100,000 higher earners, with the aim of generating 4 billion pounds annually and addressing a significant budget deficit. This decision comes after recent cuts to child benefits for high-income individuals, potentially giving the coalition government justification for its upcoming spending review. Additionally, the government revealed intentions to eliminate, combine, or reform 481 semi-independent agencies, a move that could result in job losses. These actions, along with other cost-saving measures such as increasing university fees, are paving the way for substantial cuts to departmental budgets. Even the queen is tightening her belt in response to the challenging economic conditions. A spokesperson announced on Thursday that due to the challenging circumstances facing the country, the Queen has decided to cancel a planned Christmas party at Buckingham Palace. The Treasury has stated on its website that starting in April 2011, the annual allowance for tax-privileged pension savings will be reduced from 255,000 pounds to 50,000 pounds. This change will impact approximately 100,000 individuals, with 80 percent of them earning more than 100,000 pounds. Additionally, the lifetime allowance will be decreased from 1.8 million pounds to 1.5 million pounds as of April 2012, generating a total of 4 billion pounds annually. These pension reforms are likely to anger many higher earners, who traditionally support Osborne's Conservative Party, the leading party in the coalition government that assumed office in May. Numerous newspapers have already started conflicts with the government regarding its decision to eliminate child benefit for individuals making over 44,000 pounds. Treasury officials argue that the measures are just and necessary, and the reasoning behind them will become clear on Oct 20. Osborne is anticipated to make significant cuts to the welfare budget. Business organizations have expressed approval for the alterations to the law, stating that the situation could have been worse. Today's announcement is not as negative as initially anticipated. John Cridland, Deputy Director-General of the CBI, stated that the government had thought about reducing the annual allowance to 30,000 pounds. However, the Labour Party opposed this idea, arguing that it would negatively impact families with lower incomes. David Hanson, a Labour treasury spokesman, explained that their proposal would only affect those earning over 130,000 pounds, unlike the government's plan which would affect everyone. The government's decision to tax based on individuals' desire to save for retirement rather than their income level puts all individuals at risk. | 1 |
Analysts said that the assassination of Benazir Bhutto has set the United States back to square one in its quest for a stable and democratic Pakistan that can be a reliable partner in the fight against Islamic extremism. The potential consequences of her death include widespread riots by her supporters and the fear of Pakistan becoming a nuclear-armed, unstable Islamic state. Financial investors, who are already aware of Pakistan's political risks, believe that ongoing instability will increase the risk even further. Stephen Cohen from the Brookings Institution expressed concern over Bhutto's death, stating that it is a setback for the idea of a liberal and moderate Pakistan. He warned that the deterioration of Pakistan could have unpredictable and negative effects on its neighbors, Europe, and the United States. Cohen stated that the United States may not be able to take significant action at this point, as they had previously focused all their efforts on supporting President Musharraf and disregarded Benazir's requests for contact or recognition until recently. The US put in a lot of effort and resources to facilitate Benazir's return to Pakistan and negotiate a power-sharing arrangement with Musharraf. However, the situation now poses various challenges, including diminished prospects for a democratic transition and increased risk of terrorist attacks, according to South Asia expert Frederic Grare. Mainstream party leaders are also being targeted for assassination. He stated that this weakens the political parties and does not bode well for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. U.S. President George W. Bush called on Pakistanis to honor Bhutto's memory by continuing the democratic process that she supported. Washington officials hope Pakistan will proceed with the planned elections on Jan. 8. Security analyst Anthony Cordesman noted that Bhutto's death has exacerbated an already unstable political situation in Pakistan. He emphasized the need for a unifying figure to promote political stability, rule of law, and reconciliation between Musharraf and the Pakistani people. Analysts cautioned that in a country known for conspiracy theories and intense politics, accusations would be made in all directions following the assassination, leading to potential violence fueled by grief and anger. Lisa Curtis of the Heritage Foundation emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in Pakistan, advising against the implementation of emergency rule by Musharraf. Some analysts also questioned Musharraf's ability to effectively combat terrorism, pointing out that if he couldn't protect a prominent politician in a relatively secure city, how could he handle the challenges posed by al-Qaeda and the Taliban in remote tribal areas. Win Thin, a senior currency strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co, inquired about the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal during times of crisis. US officials maintained that there was no change in their assessment from the previous month, despite the turmoil caused by Musharraf's emergency rule. Cordesman from CSIS mentioned that Islamabad had received assistance from the US and studied other countries' policies to ensure the safety of its nuclear facilities. However, he questioned whether there was enough transparency for outsiders to confidently assess the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons, warning that anyone making definitive statements on the matter risked discrediting themselves. | 1 |
Russia's opposition expressed concerns that Vladimir Putin was planning to use force to suppress their protests following the arrest of hundreds of demonstrators challenging his election victory. Despite three months of peaceful protests, over 500 people, including opposition leaders, were detained by riot police during unsanctioned protests in Moscow and St Petersburg. This crackdown indicates Putin's impatience with those calling for more democracy and political reforms, and a reliance on police force to maintain power. Opposition leaders like Boris Nemtsov and Boris Akunin fear that future protests will also be met with violence. "It is evident that the time for peaceful protests and demonstrations is finished. There is no reason to plan a march on March 10 as it will provoke a forceful response from the authorities," he stated. The police justified their actions as being in compliance with the law, and Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, supported their intervention by stating that the opposition's activities included both legal and illegal components, and that the police responded appropriately and lawfully in both cases. After serving as prime minister for four years, Putin won almost 64 percent of the votes in Sunday's election and returned to the presidency. He had previously been president from 2000 to 2008. Despite some officers forcibly removing protesters, it appeared that Putin was determined not to be seen as a dictator by allowing minimal violence. Reports indicated that police were cautious in handling the main protest on Moscow's Pushkin Square to avoid casualties, though they used harsher tactics against a group at Lubyanka Square. Protesters in St. Petersburg, Putin's hometown, were also forcibly removed. Foreign investors are concerned that clashes between police and protesters could harm the investment climate and hinder potential reforms to reduce Russia's dependence on energy exports. Russian stocks experienced their largest daily decline in three months on Tuesday after Fitch warned of potential confrontations. Both the main dollar-based and rouble-traded stock indexes dropped by over 3 percent. Allegations of fraud have surfaced, suggesting that Putin allows limited protests as a controlled release for dissatisfaction among urban demonstrators after his 12-year rule. He could make some conciliatory gestures to pacify the opposition, such as ordering a review of 32 criminal cases, including the imprisonment of former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and the denial of registration to a liberal opposition group. However, Putin, a former KGB spy, will do everything in his power to stop what he sees as more extreme protesters from challenging his third term as president. Any dissent will be met with strong force. "We observed fear in the dictator's eyes." Ilya Yashin, an opposition leader, expressed at the rally at Pushkin Square that they observed vulnerability and a lack of confidence in Putin after he shed a tear during his victory speech on Sunday. Yashin questioned the presence of troops and riot police in the capital, wondering if war had started. The US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, expressed concern over the arrests and emphasized the importance of freedom of assembly and speech as universal values. This statement was met with criticism from Russia's Foreign Ministry, which claimed that Russian police had shown more restraint than US officers handling similar protests in the United States. The United States and several European countries have called for an independent and credible investigation into the allegations of voting irregularities in the election. International monitors noted some improvements from a previous poll but still found the vote to be unfair and heavily skewed in favor of Putin. Russia's Foreign Ministry responded to the observers' report, acknowledging some criticisms but not specifying them. Many Russians have become disillusioned with the electoral process and Putin's ability to bring about change. Vasilisa Maslova, 35, who works in the fashion trade, mentioned at Pushkin Square that she used to admire Putin for his charisma, like many other women do with charismatic men. However, she now believes he is becoming senile and that no one can remain in power indefinitely. | 1 |
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