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Her statement was made during a high-level meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York, where she emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of refugees and migrants regardless of their status. She praised UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for organizing the first-ever Summit on Refugees and Migrants and called for mutual trust and respect, shared responsibility, and inclusiveness to address the refugee crisis. She also urged countries to reach a general agreement on universal principles. Additionally, delegations from around the world adopted the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants at the summit. It includes strong commitments to address current issues and prepare for future challenges, such as initiating negotiations for an international conference and adopting a global compact for safe migration in 2018. The commitments also include protecting the human rights of all refugees and migrants, ensuring education for refugee and migrant children, preventing sexual violence, supporting countries hosting refugees, ending the detention of children for migration status, finding new homes for refugees needing resettlement, and strengthening global migration governance by including the International Organization for Migration in the UN system. Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity to create a robust blueprint for dealing with refugee movements within a development context. She proposed a Global Compact on Migration to address gaps in migration governance and align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The suggested compact on migration would include ambitious and enforceable elements and modalities, while also being balanced and flexible, according to her. She emphasized the importance of promoting tolerance and understanding to effectively accommodate migrants and refugees. Hasina pointed out that the compact must consider the protection needs of the millions displaced by climate change. As the current Chair of the Global Forum on Migration and Development, Bangladesh is willing to assist in the creation of the agreement. Prior to participating in and addressing the plenary session, the prime minister met with State Counsellor and Foreign Minister of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi. Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Janet Scotland also paid a visit to her at the UN headquarters. | 1 |
Australian Prime Minister John Howard faces the risk of losing his own seat in the upcoming election, which would make him the first prime minister in 78 years to suffer such a defeat. Changes to electoral boundaries in his safe Sydney seat of Bennelong have made it more competitive, with a swing of around 4 percent needed to unseat him. The increasing number of Asian migrants in the area, particularly Chinese and Koreans who now make up 20 percent of voters, is also seen as a challenge for Howard as he seeks a fifth term in office in the national election on Nov. 24. Some voters, including editor Jason Koh of the local Korean newspaper Hoju Donja, believe Howard has used divisive tactics like playing the "race card" in previous elections, which they do not support. In contrast to past elections, the opposition Labor party has selected a well-known candidate, Maxine McKew, a former television and news magazine journalist, to challenge Howard in the seat he has represented since 1974. Despite McKew being new to the electorate, she is currently leading in opinion polls and with betting agencies. Howard, recognizing the threat to his political career, has been actively campaigning in Bennelong, where he has been emphasizing to voters that their support is not guaranteed. Local residents have noted Howard's increased presence in the area, as he has been engaging with constituents on weekends and participating in community events. The Granny Smith Apple Festival last Saturday saw a lively atmosphere as both Howard and McKew made appearances, turning the typically calm event into a spirited election rally. Displaying signs and balloons, numerous supporters of both candidates engaged in a spirited debate. John Booth, the editor of The Weekly Times, noted that Howard's appearance at the festival after 21 years signifies the intensity of the upcoming election. Booth predicts that Howard will be defeated in the election, as even previous supporters are now calling for a change. Bennelong, named after a prominent Aboriginal figure in Australian history, encompasses some of Sydney's affluent northern suburbs. Initially a conservative, middle-class electorate, it has evolved over time to include more working-class Labor suburbs to the west. The key issues in Bennelong mirror those of the national campaign, such as economic management, the Iraq war, climate change, and new workplace laws. However, the electorate stands out due to its significant Asian-Australian population, including 12,000 Chinese and 5,000 Koreans. Immigration and Australia-Asia relations are important topics in Bennelong, where half of the residents either were born overseas or have immigrant parents. Koh stated that Asian voters in Bennelong have not forgotten Howard's anti-immigration comments in 1988 and his government's efforts to gain support from Pauline Hanson's anti-immigration followers in the 2001 election. Koh believes that Howard has a history of using divide and rule tactics, causing suspicion among many people. In contrast, Booth mentioned that Labor has emphasized its Asian connections by showcasing a former state politician and his Asian wife, as well as leader Kevin Rudd who speaks Mandarin. Rudd's ability to converse fluently with Chinese President Hu Jintao during a recent summit in Sydney has gained him support from many Asian communities in the city. Koh added that the Korean and Chinese vote could potentially determine the outcome of the election between John Howard and Maxine McKew. | 1 |
The shifts in his campaign positions have pleased critics but upset some supporters. Trump has a history of modifying his positions during the campaign, so it is possible that he could change his stances again before or after his inauguration on Jan 20. One example of this is his stance on prosecuting Hillary Clinton. Initially, he vowed to prosecute her for her use of a private email server and alleged abuses of her position. However, in a New York Times interview on Nov 22, he indicated that he no longer wanted to pursue legal action against her, stating, "I want to move forward, I don’t want to move back." I do not wish to harm the Clintons. I truly do not want to hurt them. However, he declined to definitively rule out the idea of investigating Clinton. Trump has labeled climate change as a hoax, and during his campaign, he expressed a desire to withdraw the US from the 2015 Paris Agreement involving nearly 200 nations. Instead, he intends to focus on developing affordable coal, shale, and oil resources. According to a source from his transition team on November 12, Trump's advisers were exploring options to circumvent the standard four-year process for withdrawing from the climate agreement. During an interview with the Times on November 22, Trump expressed willingness to consider America's role in addressing climate change, stating, "I am open to it. We will carefully examine the issue." When asked about his views on human activity causing climate change, he acknowledged some connection, saying, "I believe there is some link." The amount of change will vary. Trump promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act during his campaign, calling it a disaster. He proposed replacing it with a plan that would give more control to states over Medicaid and allow insurers to sell plans nationwide. However, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Nov 11, Trump mentioned the possibility of keeping some parts of the law, such as the provision allowing parents to keep adult children on their insurance until age 26 and preventing insurers from denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions. Trump stated that Obamacare will either be amended or completely replaced. During his campaign, Trump promised to build a wall along the US-Mexican border to reduce illegal immigration, have Mexico pay for it, and deport millions of illegal immigrants. He also proposed a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country to combat terrorism. Although he never retracted these statements, he later modified his proposal to temporarily suspend immigration from regions known for exporting terrorism and lacking safe vetting. In an interview with "60 Minutes," Trump confirmed his plans to build a wall, suggesting it could be a combination of wall and fence. He stated that he would use a fence for certain areas and a wall for others as he is skilled in construction. When questioned about deporting illegal immigrants, he mentioned focusing on those with criminal records, estimating the number to be around 2 to 3 million. Trump also expressed support for reviving waterboarding and other harsh interrogation methods for terrorism suspects, despite it being considered torture and banned under the Obama administration. During an interview with the New York Times on November 22nd, Trump mentioned that he was struck by Marine General James Mattis' response when asked about waterboarding. Mattis expressed that he found he performed better with cigarettes and beer than with torture. Trump noted that although this did not change his stance on the issue, he was impressed by the idea that waterboarding may not be as effective as some believe. | 1 |
Modi did not go into detail about these concerns during his speech at the Sydney Dialogue, a conference dedicated to discussing emerging, critical, and cyber technologies. However, authorities in India and other countries have expressed worries about cryptocurrencies potentially being used by terrorist organizations and organized crime, as well as the destabilizing effect they could have on national economies. Despite highlighting the opportunities brought about by technological advancements, Modi cautioned against the use of digital currencies like cryptocurrency or Bitcoin, emphasizing the need for collaboration among democratic nations to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands and negatively impacting the younger generation. Indian officials who are currently working on regulations are expected to suggest a ban on all cryptocurrency transactions and payments, but may allow investors to hold them as assets similar to gold, bonds, and stocks, as reported by the Economic Times newspaper. Prime Minister Modi led a meeting to discuss India's stance on cryptocurrencies on Saturday, with the draft regulations potentially being presented to his cabinet for review within the next two to three weeks. In September, Chinese regulators prohibited all cryptocurrency transactions and mining activities. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency globally, is currently trading around $60,000, having more than doubled in value since the beginning of the year. India's digital currency market was valued at $6.6 billion in May 2021, up from $923 million in April 2020, according to data from blockchain platform Chainalysis. | 1 |
Asia Correspondent Paul Eckert reports that the assassination of Benazir Bhutto has put the United States in a difficult position as it seeks a stable, democratic partner in the fight against Islamic extremism in Pakistan. Analysts warn of potential consequences such as widespread riots and the risk of Pakistan becoming a nuclear-armed, unstable Islamic state. Financial investors are concerned about the increased political risk in the region. Stephen Cohen of the Brookings Institution believes Bhutto's death is a setback for the idea of a liberal, moderate Pakistan and fears for the country's future and its impact on neighboring countries, Europe, and the United States. Cohen stated that it is likely too late for the United States to take any significant action as they had previously focused all their support on President Musharraf, disregarding Benazir's requests for recognition until recently. The United States had heavily invested resources and political influence in facilitating the return of Benazir Bhutto to Pakistan and negotiating a power-sharing agreement with Musharraf. However, according to South Asia expert Frederic Grare, Washington now faces multiple challenges, including a setback in the prospects for a democratic transition and an increased risk of terrorist attacks. Additionally, there have been instances of assassination of leaders from mainstream political parties. He stated that this weakens the political parties and does not bode well for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. President George W. Bush urged Pakistanis to honor Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process she fought for. U.S. officials hope that Pakistan will proceed with the planned elections on January 8. Security analyst Anthony Cordesman noted that Bhutto's death has exacerbated an already unstable political situation, as there is currently no leader who can effectively work towards political stability, legitimate elections, rule of law, and bridging the gap between Musharraf and the Pakistani people. Analysts cautioned that in a country known for conspiracy theories and intense politics, blame would be placed on various parties following the assassination, leading to possible violence fueled by grief and anger. Lisa Curtis from the Heritage Foundation emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in Pakistan, advising against imposing emergency rule as a solution. Some analysts also questioned Musharraf's ability to effectively combat terrorism, highlighting the failure to protect a prominent politician in a relatively safe city as evidence of potential challenges in dealing with militant groups in remote tribal regions. Win Thin, a senior currency strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co, inquired about the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal during crises. U.S. officials maintained that the weapons were secure, despite recent turmoil. Cordesman of CSIS mentioned that Pakistan had received U.S. assistance and studied other countries' policies to enhance safety at its nuclear facilities. However, he questioned whether there was enough transparency for outsiders to confidently assess the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons without discrediting themselves. | 1 |
The rise in wheat and rice prices has led to a newfound appreciation for the humble potato, which was previously criticized for being bland and fattening. Native to Peru, potatoes can be grown in various climates and elevations, require little water, mature quickly, and have a high yield compared to wheat and rice. Pamela Anderson, director of the International Potato Center in Lima, believes that potatoes could help address the global food supply challenges. The potato is being considered as a solution to hunger caused by rising food prices, a growing population, increased costs for fertilizer and diesel, and more land being used for biofuel production. In recognition of this, the United Nations declared 2008 the International Year of the Potato, referring to it as a "hidden treasure". Governments, including Peru's, are promoting the use of potato flour to make bread as a way to combat high wheat prices. Potato bread is being distributed to school children, prisoners, and the military in the hopes of popularizing the trend. Supporters argue that potato flour tastes just as good as wheat bread, but there are not enough mills producing it. Ismael Benavides, Peru's agriculture minister, believes that people's eating habits need to change as they became addicted to wheat when it was cheap. Despite the potato being originated in Peru 8,000 years ago, Peruvians consume fewer potatoes than Europeans. Belarus is the world leader in potato consumption, with each person devouring an average of 376 pounds (171 kg) a year. India aims to double potato production in the next five to 10 years, according to food experts. China, a country with a long history of famines due to rice shortages, is now the leading producer of potatoes worldwide. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the potato is experiencing the most growth compared to other crops. Some consumers are even opting for potatoes over traditional staples. In Latvia, rising bread prices have caused a 10-15% decrease in sales, while potato purchases have increased by 20%. The developing world is seeing the most growth in potato crops, providing opportunities for low-income farmers to increase their earnings through higher consumption. Anderson stated that countries are considering potatoes as a beneficial option for ensuring food security and generating income. The potato is ranked as the third most crucial food crop globally, following wheat and rice. While corn is commonly grown, it is primarily utilized for animal feed. Despite the common association of potatoes with the plain Idaho variety in America, there are actually 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, in preparation for potential global disasters. Potatoes come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, offering creative chefs the opportunity to create visually appealing dishes. Juan Carlos Mescco, a 17-year-old potato farmer in Peru, enjoys eating potatoes in various forms 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. Boiled potatoes have more protein and calcium than corn and contain vitamin C, iron, potassium, and zinc. Speculators are not interested in investing in potatoes because they are not a global commodity like wheat. Wheat production is much higher than potato production, and a smaller percentage of potatoes are traded internationally. Prices for potatoes are influenced more by local preferences than international demand. Additionally, the transportation of raw potatoes is difficult due to their weight and perishability, which has hindered global trade in this commodity. They are also vulnerable to becoming infected with pathogens, which hinders their ability to be exported in order to prevent the spread of plant diseases. The drawback of this is that the prices for these crops in certain countries are not enticing enough to convince farmers to cultivate them. Individuals in Peruvian markets suggest that the government should intervene to boost demand. Juana Villavicencio, who has been planting potatoes for 15 years and now sells them for very little money in a market in Cusco, in Peru's southern Andes, expressed, "Prices are low. It is not profitable to work with potatoes." Science is progressing rapidly, with German chemicals group BASF developing genetically modified potatoes that can resist "late blight." This disease, which caused famine in Ireland in the 19th century and still results in approximately 20 percent of potato harvest losses globally, can be combatted by using clean, virus-free seeds, according to scientists. By doing so, farmers could increase their yields by 30 percent and gain approval for exporting their crops. This would not only lead to higher income for farmers but also incentivize more production as companies would be able to sell specialty potatoes internationally, rather than just as frozen french fries or potato chips. | 1 |
German Chancellor Angela Merkel successfully persuaded her fellow leaders to support a unified communique covering various topics such as trade, finance, energy, and Africa during a meeting in Hamburg, showcasing her mediation skills ahead of the upcoming German election. However, there was a clear division between President Trump, who advocates for "America First", and the other 19 members of the group, which includes countries like Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. Trump's recent decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord further highlighted this divide, with Merkel noting that negotiations on climate issues were particularly contentious due to the US's stance. She also mentioned that trade negotiations were challenging because of the specific positions taken by the US. The summit in Hamburg was marked by violent protests resulting in burning cars and broken shop windows, bringing together a mix of leaders during a period of significant change in global politics. Trump's shift towards a more unilateral and transactional approach to diplomacy has created uncertainty among traditional allies in Europe and allowed countries like China to step into a bigger role. Tensions between the US and China were a focal point leading up to the summit, with Trump pressuring President Xi Jinping on North Korea and threatening trade measures on steel. Trump's first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hamburg was highly anticipated, following promises of improved relations during his campaign that were overshadowed by accusations of Russian interference in the election and investigations into Trump associates' ties to Russia. Putin stated that Trump questioned him about the alleged meddling during a two-hour meeting, but appeared to accept Putin's denials of involvement in the meddling. Trump had previously accused Russia of engaging in destabilizing actions in Ukraine and Syria, but at the summit in Hamburg, he took a more conciliatory approach. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with Putin and indicated, through Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, that he preferred to focus on future relations rather than dwell on past conflicts. Tillerson described the meeting as extremely important, noting a strong positive connection between Trump and Putin. The final communique acknowledged the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement as irreversible, while the US stated its commitment to collaborating with other countries to improve the use of fossil fuels. French President Emmanuel Macron took the lead in trying to tone down the language used by the United States. Thomas Bernes, a respected fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, pointed out the challenge of reaching a consensus without the involvement of the US, the world's largest economy. Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace, commended the G19 for standing firm against President Trump's controversial choice to pull out of the Paris Agreement. The leaders agreed to oppose protectionism and unfair trade practices, while also acknowledging the importance of legitimate trade defense instruments. They also committed to collaborating on economic development in Africa, a key initiative for Merkel. Merkel deliberately chose to hold the summit in her birth city of Hamburg as a show of Germany's openness to the world and acceptance of peaceful protests. The summit took place near a well-known symbol of left-wing resistance, the "Rote Flora" theater, which was taken over by anti-capitalist squatters 30 years ago. Throughout the summit, violent protests occurred, including looting and arson. Over 200 police officers were harmed, 143 individuals were arrested, and 122 were detained. The most severe destruction occurred during a concert and extravagant dinner hosted by Merkel at the Elbphilharmonie, a contemporary glass concert hall with views of the Elbe River. After the summit, Merkel expressed gratitude to the police and security forces and criticized the excessive violence displayed by some protesters. However, she faced difficult inquiries regarding the decision to hold the summit in Hamburg during her concluding press conference. | 1 |
The government proposal, which is controversial, comes after large pro-democracy protests last year, posing a significant challenge to Beijing's Communist Party rule since the handover of the former British colony in 1997. Analysts believe the blueprint, set for a vote in the summer, could reignite political tensions following a period of calm. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying stated that the city's political climate may become less welcoming in the future, emphasizing the difficulty of initiating any political reform process. Leung stated that if the proposal is rejected, it may take several years before another opportunity arises. Outside the Legislative Council, hundreds of protesters were seen waving flags in support of the proposal, advocating for progress in Hong Kong. Another group held yellow umbrellas, symbolizing the democracy movement, and demanded genuine universal suffrage while also calling for Leung's resignation. Democratic lawmakers, adorned with yellow crosses on their black shirts and some carrying yellow umbrellas, exited the chamber following the government's presentation. Last year, tens of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators blocked major roads in four key districts of the city, calling for Beijing to allow a truly democratic vote and open nominations for Hong Kong's next chief executive in 2017. Despite their efforts, their demands were disregarded, and police forcibly removed the remaining protest encampments in mid-December. The proposal, which suggests the public vote on two or three candidates pre-selected by a 1,200 member pro-Beijing nominating committee, was first introduced by China's parliament, the National People's Congress, in August. The Hong Kong government has maintained its support for this proposal, refusing to make any concessions to gain the approval of democratic lawmakers who have promised to veto it when the government seeks formal approval. The opposition group has a veto bloc of one-third, but Leung, supported by Beijing, is optimistic that he can convince four or five democrats to change their stance. Those who led the "Occupy" movement last year view a vote without open nominations as a form of "fake democracy". Hong Kong, although part of China, operates as a special administrative region with its own legal system and freedoms that are not allowed in mainland China. | 1 |
Critics of the Bush administration's environmental policies are increasingly pointing to loose regulation as a major factor in a range of problems, including the financial crisis and imports of unsafe Chinese goods. As President George W. Bush's time in office comes to a close, there is growing concern about the reliance on regulation rather than legislation to shape environmental policy. This issue has become more prominent in the lead-up to the presidential election on November 4, with both John McCain and Barack Obama taking positions on the environment that differ from the current administration. While the environment is important to American voters, it is not their top priority - the economy and jobs are of greater concern, according to PollingReport.com. A CNN poll in July found that 66 percent of respondents considered the environment important or very important in choosing a president, compared to 93 percent who felt the same way about the economy. A variety of environmental issues, such as carbon emissions, endangered species protection, and pollution cleanup, have been criticized by opponents for the White House's failure to strengthen some regulations and relax others. Senator Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat, has been leading the charge against the Bush administration's efforts to weaken environmental rules for the benefit of specific interests, highlighting the negative consequences on public health. Frank O'Donnell from Clean Air Watch also criticized the administration for its lack of regulation in environmental policy. A Capitol Hill staffer who is knowledgeable about global warming legislation accused the Bush administration of actively working against efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The staffer claimed that they were the main hindrance to progress and did everything they could to prevent any action from being taken. However, James Connaughton, who leads the White House Council on Environmental Quality, strongly disagreed. He argued that the Bush administration has achieved as much or more in terms of environmental accomplishments compared to previous administrations, sometimes through regulation and other times by offering incentives. Connaughton criticized states, particularly California, for setting high environmental standards but failing to meet them. He specifically criticized Congress for not reinstating the Clean Air Interstate Rule, which would have reduced power plant pollution, after it was rejected by a federal appeals court in July. Bush had promised to regulate carbon emissions when he first ran for president in 2000, but changed his stance once in office, arguing that mandatory caps on greenhouse gases would harm U.S. jobs and benefit countries like China and India. In April 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA had the authority to regulate greenhouse gases if they posed a threat to human health. The EPA postponed a decision on this finding, leaving it likely that regulatory action will be up to either Obama or McCain. The Bush administration's handling of endangered species has been heavily criticized by conservation groups. Up to now, 58 species have been included in the Endangered Species Act during the current president's term. This is significantly lower compared to the 522 species listed under President Bill Clinton and 231 under President George H.W. Bush, who only served one term. The Bush administration waited until May 14, just one day before a court-ordered deadline, to list the polar bear as threatened by climate change. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne stated that this listing would not directly address climate change and that he was implementing administrative and regulatory measures to prevent the decision from being misused for global warming policy. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce expressed approval for the decision, describing it as a reasonable compromise between business interests and environmental considerations. During a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on September 24, Boxer criticized the Bush administration for allegedly attempting to weaken the EPA and Interior Department's efforts to safeguard public health and the environment. | 1 |
As the 50th anniversary of the treaty approached, the strong alliance between France and Germany has expanded beyond the European Union to Bangladesh. The world's first combined Franco-German embassy is currently being built in Dhaka. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka together on Monday for a daylong visit aimed at strengthening relations. This visit comes prior to the November climate conference in Paris, and they will also participate in the significant topping-off ceremony of the joint embassy being constructed in Baridhara. The first embassy to be jointly built and operated by France and Germany worldwide is being constructed, according to German Ambassador in Dhaka Thomas Prinz. The building's external structure will feature differently colored facade elements to symbolize the close ties between the two countries. Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali described the upcoming visit by his counterparts as "historic" and would be accompanying them to the southern Patuakhali district to observe projects addressing climate change. The foreign ministry officials announced their plans to attend a working lunch hosted by Ali at the state guest house Padma, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban. They would depart from Dhaka in the evening after participating in the topping-off ceremony at the new joint embassy. The German ambassador explained that the idea for the joint embassy project originated from the 'joint declaration' made during the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Elysée Treaty in January 2004. The declaration emphasized the decision to construct a joint embassy in order to enhance the diplomatic and consular services of both countries. The foundation stone for the embassy was laid in 2013 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty. The Elysée Treaty, serving as a symbol of reconciliation, set the stage for a strong Franco-German partnership based on friendship and cooperation. Ambassador Prinz emphasized Germany's commitment to the European Union and highlighted the importance of shared values and unity in diversity. He also stressed the significance of the Franco-German friendship in maintaining a successful European Union. Both France and Germany showed support for Bangladesh during its 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. Germany stands as Bangladesh's largest single-country trading partner in the EU, providing duty-free market access for all products. France and Germany are collaborating with Bangladesh on a range of international issues such as sustainable development, climate change preparedness, culture, and human rights. The visit is also important on a global scale, as the German envoy emphasized that many challenges are becoming increasingly complex and international in nature. He highlighted the need for global unity in order to successfully combat climate change, stating that only through a united international community can we hope to address this major challenge by negotiating a ambitious, comprehensive, and legally binding agreement at the climate conference in Paris in December. | 1 |
The leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada pledged to work together to combat the spread of the H1N1 swine flu and address climate change during their "three amigos" summit. However, they disagreed on trade disputes. US President Barack Obama, Mexican President Felipe Calderon, and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper met amidst economic challenges in their countries, with a US recovery being crucial for regional progress. Obama and Harper announced plans to exchange information to prepare for a potential increase in H1N1 cases in the coming months. Calderon emphasized the importance of being ready for the virus's return and minimizing its impact on the population. All three leaders pledged to uphold the North American Free Trade Agreement that connects their nations through trade, although they had differing views on certain issues. Harper brought up Canada's concerns to Obama regarding the "Buy American" rules in the U.S. economic stimulus plan, which Canada worries could exclude Canadian businesses. Canada is the largest trading partner of the United States. Obama emphasized the importance of recognizing that no widespread protectionist measures have been enforced and that the "Buy American" rules only apply to the stimulus package and do not jeopardize the billions of dollars in trade between the two countries. Calderon, who is working to convince Obama to resolve a dispute over cross-border trucking to allow Mexican trucks into the U.S., stated that all three leaders agree on the importance of adhering to NAFTA and addressing unresolved issues that hinder regional competitiveness. Obama informed Calderon that he was collaborating with the US Congress to address safety concerns regarding Mexican trucks. He emphasized the importance of avoiding protectionism and expanding trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The leaders also released a statement expressing their commitment to combating climate change and preparing for a global summit on the issue in Copenhagen in November. | 1 |
In the current economic downturn, California is facing a $42 billion deficit, leading Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to express concern that the state is on the verge of insolvency. Over the past year, more people have moved out of California than any other US state, citing issues such as traffic congestion, lack of job opportunities, and high taxes. Despite the possibility of increased taxes and reduced public services, residents of California are finding little reason to be optimistic. However, experts believe that the most populous US state and the eighth-largest economy in the world has the potential to recover from this crisis and that it may even lead to significant long-term economic changes. Economists and historians believe that California's abundant natural resources, large ports, access to the Pacific Rim, young workforce, entrepreneurial appeal, and focus on technology industries bode well for its future. Despite some government-created challenges, experts like Jerry Nickelsburg of UCLA Anderson Forecast remain optimistic about the state's prospects. Governor Schwarzenegger's recent somber assessment of California's economy made headlines, but overall, there is confidence in the state's potential for success. "The former actor and bodybuilder, whose second term as governor of California is ending next year, declared that the state is currently in a state of emergency. He emphasized that addressing this emergency is the top priority and the most important thing to do for the people. The $42 billion deficit is likened to a heavy burden on the state, making it difficult to function properly. Controller John Chiang announced that he would be postponing the distribution of $3.7 billion in tax refunds and other payments due to the state running out of money. The current dire situation of California is starkly different from the prosperous post-World War Two era, characterized by increasing incomes, ample land, affordable housing, and expansive freeways." The prosperous times abruptly ended during the 1973 OPEC recession, according to Dowell Myers, a professor at the University of Southern California specializing in urban planning and demography, and they have not fully returned since. Economists point out that California's main issue is its heavy dependence on personal income taxes, resulting in drastic fluctuations in revenue as funds overflow during prosperous times and dwindle during economic downturns. California, known for its innovative spirit, faces challenges as entrepreneurs who may thrive during prosperous times could face financial ruin during a recession. Proposition 13, a voter-approved amendment to the state Constitution, plays a significant role in the state's reliance on income taxes by limiting property tax increases and requiring a two-thirds majority approval from the legislature for any tax increase proposals. The 1978 measure is believed to have sparked anti-tax sentiment in other states and helped Ronald Reagan win the U.S. presidency two years later. Legislators have responded by imposing some of the highest income and sales taxes on state residents. Economists believe that the state has needed to address its volatile revenue situation for a long time and hope that the current crisis will compel leaders to take action. They are not overly concerned about the number of people leaving the state, pointing out that California's large population makes direct comparisons with other states misleading. California's population continues to grow due to immigration and births, and its relatively young workforce may give it a competitive advantage as baby boomers retire. According to some projections, California's population could reach 60 million by 2050, which is six times the population in 1950 and 60 percent more than the current 38 million. The mortgage crisis and foreclosures in 2008 caused home prices in Southern California to drop by 35 percent, making home ownership a possibility for young families for the first time in almost ten years. Despite a rise in unemployment to a 14-year high of 9.3 percent in December, California remains a leader in industries such as green energy, biotechnology, and aerospace, which are expected to thrive in the global economy and create new job opportunities. "What some individuals may believe is that the issues in California cannot be resolved without completely disrupting the current system," Myers stated. "There needs to be a shake-up to bring about awareness and change. The current crisis is leading to a much-needed reevaluation, offering a hopeful outlook for the future." Jessica Gould, a 25-year-old graduate student at USC who relocated from Atlanta and was drawn to California's pleasant climate, beautiful surroundings, health-conscious way of life, and open-minded culture, remains positive. "I am looking forward to seeing some positive changes being made," said Gould. I am worried about the budget situation, honestly. However, challenges are inevitable no matter where you go, and there are many other benefits to living here. I suppose it's a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things. | 1 |
Former UN chief Kofi Annan announced on Thursday that he will lead a new green organization funded by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates. The goal of this initiative is to improve Africa's food production, with a focus on small-scale farmers. Annan expressed his honor in taking on this important role and emphasized the need to address the challenges faced by millions of farmers in Africa. The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, established with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, aims to help farmers in Africa increase productivity and income sustainably. The organization, based in Nairobi, Kenya, will work towards fighting poverty and hunger in the region. Annan stated that the organization plans to collaborate with governments and farmers to enhance local and regional agricultural markets, improve irrigation, soil health, and farmer training, as well as support the development of new seed systems that can withstand the harsh African climate. He emphasized that the group will not promote the use of genetically modified seeds, which have been a contentious issue in some African countries, but will focus on enhancing disease resistance in existing seeds on the continent. Annan expressed optimism that by relying on African varieties rather than genetically modified seeds, it may be possible to double or even triple agricultural productivity within the next 10-20 years. He made these remarks at the World Economic Forum for Africa in Cape Town, emphasizing that this vision is not just a dream but one that will be supported by concrete actions. The Alliance expressed its support for the goals outlined in the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which aims for a 6 percent annual increase in food production by 2015. The group plans to implement agricultural reforms similar to those that successfully increased productivity in Asia and Latin America. Throughout his time at the United Nations, Annan frequently highlighted the connection between Africa's struggling agriculture systems and its ongoing issues with hunger and poverty. Within the last five years, the percentage of underweight children in Africa has grown by approximately 12 percent, he noted. Annan, who is from Ghana, concluded his 10-year term as UN secretary-general last year. | 1 |
The UK government is preparing to announce measures to improve recycling rates and reduce reliance on landfill sites, according to Environment Minister Ben Bradshaw. The government is considering various incentive schemes for residents, including financial rewards. The Waste Strategy, to be presented by Environment Secretary David Miliband, aims to comply with EU regulations on reducing landfill waste in England. A government report from last year suggested increasing household recycling and composting rates from 27% to 40% by 2010 and 50% by 2020. Britain currently ranks low in Europe for recycling, with only Greece and Portugal recycling less, based on data from the Institute for Public Policy Research and the Green Alliance. Campaigners are urging the government to implement increasing charges for rubbish collection in order to encourage more recycling among householders. A recent consultation showed strong public support for variable charging, but there are concerns about potential rise in fly-tipping due to extra costs. According to Bradshaw, it is crucial for the government to boost recycling rates and reduce reliance on landfills, which are harmful to the environment. He emphasized the importance of recycling materials and using them to generate energy, rather than letting them go to waste and produce harmful methane gas. Despite this, he believes that the responsibility of collection times should still lie with local authorities. Some councils have angered residents by changing to fortnightly waste collections. Friends of the Earth called for mandatory recycling goals for businesses and criticized government plans to build more incinerators, stating that this would increase carbon dioxide emissions. | 1 |
The UN set a series of anti-poverty goals in 2000, and the secretary-general stated that while progress has been mixed, the Millennium Goals are still achievable with efforts to help the most vulnerable nations. He emphasized the importance of the UN Human Rights Council fulfilling its role in promoting human rights globally. Ban also expressed strong support for multilateralism in addressing global challenges. He stated that they can only be addressed through the UN. This year's general debate is anticipated to have participation from 193 speakers, with over 70 heads of State and nearly 30 heads of government. The debate will run until October 3rd. The start of the general debate follows discussions on climate change, the Darfur conflict, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. Ban is set to have one-on-one meetings with more than 100 heads of State or government or ministers in the coming two weeks. | 1 |
Japan's prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama, began three days of talks in India aiming to strengthen relations and increase trade between the two countries. Hatoyama, who took office in September after the long rule of the conservative Liberal Democratic Party, has seen a decline in his popularity to 50 percent. Japan and India have been working on improving their ties since Japan imposed sanctions on India following its nuclear tests in 1998. Hatoyama started his visit by meeting with Indian industrialists, including Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani, in Mumbai, where a terrorist attack took place in 2008. He is scheduled to have discussions with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh later on. India, which has been a major recipient of Japanese aid for a long time, is interested in learning more about Hatoyama's foreign policy. This includes Tokyo's efforts to have a more independent foreign policy from the United States and to strengthen relations with China, a historical rival of India. New Delhi is curious about where India fits into Hatoyama's proposed East Asian community with a single currency, similar to the European Union. According to Siddharth Varadarajan, a senior editor at The Hindu newspaper, Hatoyama is different from previous Japanese leaders that India has interacted with in the past decade. Varadarajan believes that Hatoyama's vision for an East Asian Community and his willingness to collaborate with China present an opportunity for India and Japan to enhance their bilateral relations in a more stable manner compared to relying solely on the 'balance of power' strategy, which sees Japan as a counterbalance to a growing China. Analysts believe that boosting trade is a key method of strengthening the partnership between Japan and India, which has been emphasized by their recent military cooperation and Japan's support for the U.S.-India civilian nuclear deal. India's foreign ministry spokesman, Vishnu Prakash, stated that the two countries are currently in discussions about a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with twelve rounds of talks already completed. Japan is the sixth largest investor in India, and bilateral trade, which reached over $12 billion in 2008-09, is expected to increase to $20 billion by the following year. Hatoyama's discussions in India may also address climate change policies, as both countries have differing views on expanding Japanese support for renewable energy projects in India. Indian officials mentioned that talks will also cover Japan's proposal to provide training for former Taliban members as part of a $5 billion aid package for Afghanistan. India is hesitant about involving the Taliban in Kabul's power structures. Hatoyama's administration will aim to portray the visit as successful amid growing domestic criticism. Recently, he approved a record trillion-dollar budget, adding to Japan's already substantial debt as the government grapples with a sluggish economy. Japanese voters are increasingly questioning Hatoyama's capability to make difficult foreign policy choices, and the recent arrest of two former aides has led to demands for further clarification regarding a scandal involving inaccurate political funding records. | 1 |
European leaders have long avoided taking sides between the US and China, hoping for a stable relationship between the two superpowers. However, the Trump administration's actions against China and the recent alliance announced by the Biden administration with Australia have disrupted this balance. Thomas Gomart, director of the French Institute of International Relations, said that Europeans are reluctant to choose between the United States and China. The Biden administration, like the Trump administration, is forcing them to make a decision. France was upset by this, but it may have a positive aspect as it aligns with French President Emmanuel Macron's goal of advocating for Europe's "strategic autonomy" in balancing relations with the US and China. Josep Borrell Fontelles, the EU's foreign policy chief, also emphasized the need for Europe to be self-sufficient like other countries. The French were embarrassed by the American announcement of the submarine deal, which came after the chaotic events in Afghanistan. European allies were angry with the Biden administration for not consulting them, further supporting French President Macron's argument that the United States is no longer a completely reliable security partner. Some analysts believe that France may try to use this situation to promote strategic autonomy, but others think that many Europeans will see it as a way for France to advance its own interests. However, it is clear that Europe's delicate balancing act is becoming increasingly challenging. According to Rosa Balfour, director of Carnegie Europe, Europe must carefully consider its position and actions. While it is important for Europe to increase defense spending, it also needs allies such as Britain and the United States. Balfour also believes that enhancing Europe's security capacity is crucial for gaining more influence with its partners. The formation of the new alliance AUKUS aims to incorporate Australia and Britain into the larger American strategy to counter China's security threats. Analysts agree that the partnership between America and Britain offers Australia a stronger deterrent against China in the Indo-Pacific compared to the deal with France, as it sends a significant signal to Beijing. Ian Lesser, from the German Marshall Fund, emphasized the importance of the partners involved in sending this signal. He also argued against interpreting American moves in the Pacific as diminishing Europe's importance, as he believes there is no decrease in American commitment to European security. The EU's main challenge may be finding the political will for strategic autonomy, as highlighted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her recent address. France is moving towards autonomy, but it is unclear if the rest of Europe is interested in distancing itself from the United States. There are concerns that France may end up isolating itself, as the US remains a critical partner in many regions where France has security interests. There are also doubts about the US's reliability as a security partner, especially if conflicts with China escalate. In Poland, a strong US ally, the response to the new alliance was more positive, focusing on the US's stance against China. However, there are criticisms that the Biden administration is not consulting with European allies. "He claimed that this time it was the French, but in the past it was Nord Stream 2 when we were abandoned for the benefit of Germany," he stated. This was in reference to Biden's choice to allow the completion of a Russian natural gas pipeline to Germany, bypassing Ukraine and Poland, which was a priority for Berlin. Baranowski remarked, "The US will once again claim that they are strengthening alliances with Germany and Australia. But who ultimately bears the consequences? Other allies." In terms of relations with China, Balfour of Carnegie Europe noted that Europeans would rather not anger Beijing. European allies are uneasy with aggressive stances on China but recognize the importance of discussing climate and trade with them. It would be beneficial if Europe could continue dialogue with China without being seen as forming a security alliance against them. The hope is that the European Union can handle this diplomatically and not align the world in a binary way against China, as Beijing is promoting. | 1 |
On Tuesday, US technology and other companies submitted roughly 200,000 visa applications for skilled foreign workers, competing for just 65,000 H-1B visas. These visas allow US companies to hire foreign workers for specialized jobs for up to six years. Last year, the government received 120,000 applications on the first day, leaving many like Sven, a German civil engineer in San Diego, without luck. Sven, who requested to keep his last name confidential for privacy reasons, will once again participate in the H-1B visa lottery this year, despite being aware of the slim chances of success. The 33-year-old, who spent eight years studying civil engineering at a German university, likened winning the visa lottery to hitting the jackpot. He was surprised by the high number of applicants last year. Sven's employer has been supportive, covering legal fees and assisting with paperwork. However, Sven is disappointed that his future in America hinges on luck. This year, it is expected that the chances of receiving an H-1B visa will be even lower. Experts predict that around 200,000 applications will be submitted on the first day that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) begins accepting visa petitions for the fiscal year starting on October 1, 2008. According to Jack Krumholtz, managing director of federal government affairs for Microsoft Corp, individuals offered jobs are at the mercy of a lottery system. Last year, USCIS closed the application window after two days and selected visa recipients through a computerized lottery system, giving all applicants an equal chance of being chosen. However, technology companies argue that the high demand for visas highlights the necessity for the industry to utilize foreign talent. Heather Dickinson, a spokesperson for Cisco Systems Inc., stated that without access to the best and brightest workers, U.S. companies like Cisco are at a disadvantage. Companies specializing in science, technology, engineering, and technology sectors believe that the current system is a dilemma: there is a lack of qualified domestic job candidates, yet companies are unable to bring in foreign workers. It is crucial for the U.S. to address this issue in order to remain competitive and ensure economic prosperity. Immigration lawyer Jacob Sapochnick is handling approximately 150 visa applications this year for employers and workers in various industries, emphasizing the challenges faced by businesses in hiring skilled professionals from overseas. Last year, Sapochnick filed approximately 200 applications for visas and about half were approved. This year, the situation is even more uncertain as the USCIS has announced that they will not be closing the application window for five business days. Sapochnick anticipates that around 300,000 applications will be submitted during this time period. He described the situation as almost comical. The National Association of Manufacturers has urged for a permanent solution to address the demand for highly skilled workers in manufacturing and other industries. There used to be a balance between supply and demand for H-1B visas, but this changed in 2000 when the quota was raised to 195,000 per year. However, as the tech industry declined, the quota was reduced to 65,000. Tech companies are pushing for an increase in the quota, but labor groups are against it, saying it would negatively impact job opportunities for American workers. Around one-third of Microsoft's U.S. employees have needed visa assistance, with the company submitting 1,200 H-1B visa applications last year and receiving 900 approvals. This year, Microsoft is aiming to increase its likelihood of success in the lottery by submitting around 1,600 applications. According to Krumholtz, the company has 3,000 to 4,000 core job openings that they are looking to fill. However, only about 40 percent, or 640 visas, are expected to be approved by the company's internal immigration staff. Boston-based attorney Bob Gaynor, who specializes in immigration law, shared that his clients applying for H-1B visas this year are concerned about their chances in the selection process. Gaynor represents professionals from various countries such as India, Australia, and Germany, and estimates that there will be about 200,000 applications flooding the system on Tuesday. Gaynor expressed sadness and stated that the individuals in question make a significant contribution to the economic environment of the country. | 1 |
A group of key emerging economies, including China and India, have come together to exert pressure on developed countries at the upcoming climate change talks in Copenhagen. Through talks held in Beijing, these countries have agreed on various issues, such as the importance of financial and technological support from the West to help developing nations combat global warming. The meeting included officials from China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Sudan, the current chair of the Group of 77 developing countries. China, India, and Brazil are among the top greenhouse gas emitters in the world, and have announced plans to reduce their carbon emissions. They claim that the efforts made by wealthy nations to combat climate change are not sufficient. A statement released after a recent meeting in Copenhagen stated that the purpose was to work towards a positive, ambitious, and fair outcome. The meeting aimed to create a stronger legally binding climate agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, but negotiations have been unsuccessful in addressing the differences between rich and poor countries on emission reduction efforts, measurement, reporting, and funding. The host country Denmark and several wealthy nations support a plan to reach a comprehensive political agreement at Copenhagen and finalize the legally binding details in 2010, while some developing countries are pushing for a stronger outcome. Developing nations are concerned about attempts to replace the Kyoto Protocol with a new agreement or incorporating its provisions into another agreement. The European Union believes Kyoto has not successfully reduced emissions from wealthy countries and advocates for a new agreement. The Beijing statement emphasizes the importance of keeping the Kyoto Protocol in effect and urges rich countries to reduce emissions in line with the protocol's second commitment period starting in 2013. Developing countries have agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in exchange for support. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh and other participants, following a strategy outlined by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, are working towards a negotiation plan. Beijing's top climate negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, will present the strategy in Copenhagen. The WWF believes that this move by emerging economies is a challenge to developed countries and a rejection of Denmark's proposal for a political agreement in Copenhagen. WWF's Kim Carstensen expressed that they are not surprised by this challenge. The Danish proposal is very weak, to be honest, and the governments of the developing world are not foolish. | 1 |
The Commonwealth expressed concerns about the threat of climate change to small island nations due to rising sea levels, but did not support enforceable goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The statement issued during a summit of the organization highlighted the urgent need to address global warming, emphasizing that the cost of inaction would be higher than implementing early measures. However, the declaration lacked specific targets for reducing emissions, leading Greenpeace Executive Director John Sauvan to criticize it as insufficient and lacking urgency, especially considering the disproportionate impact of climate change on the poorest Commonwealth countries. The agreement reached at the Commonwealth summit in Kampala was seen as a significant step forward by the secretary-general, Don McKinnon, although it did not meet the strong statement that many countries had hoped for. Prior to the summit, Britain had called for a clear message and urged developed nations to make binding commitments before the upcoming environment conference in Bali. The Kampala declaration fell short of these expectations, but did emphasize that developed countries should take the lead in reducing emissions without hindering the sustainable economic development of developing nations. The Bali summit will focus on establishing a new agreement to replace the expiring Kyoto protocol, which aims to reduce emissions of gases that contribute to global warming. Kyoto does not require developing nations like India and China to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Canada's conservative government refused to sign an agreement in Kampala unless all countries were required to reduce emissions. The Commonwealth reached a consensus on a vague declaration on Saturday, likely due to the need to compromise between Canada's stance and the demands of developing nations. The Commonwealth Climate Change Action Plan called for a post-Kyoto agreement on emissions reduction, but only mentioned a long-term global goal for all countries to contribute to. Environmentalists criticized similar non-binding language used in recent summits by the G8 and APEC groups. A British official stated that the statement achieved their goal of building momentum before the Bali summit. However, he questioned whether CHOGM was the appropriate platform to commit to binding targets with Bali approaching. Some participants believed Bali was the right place for these discussions. Australia, previously hesitant to address climate change, announced its intention to sign the Kyoto Protocol after Kevin Rudd of the Labor Party won the general election. The previous government's decision not to ratify Kyoto had upset Pacific island nations, including Commonwealth members at risk of being submerged by rising sea levels. | 1 |
The upcoming U.S. president will be faced with a challenging array of foreign policy issues, including wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the global financial crisis, and the need to improve the country's international reputation. Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain have primarily focused on domestic issues like taxes and healthcare leading up to the November 4 election, putting topics such as the Iranian nuclear crisis and Middle East peace on the back burner. However, the winner of the election will inherit numerous national security challenges when President George W Bush steps down. James Lindsay, a former foreign policy advisor to President Bill Clinton who now works at the University of Texas, Austin, emphasized the importance of being cautious in dealing with these complex issues. Lindsay, who is currently affiliated with the University of Texas in Austin, stated that the incoming president-elect will face a challenging foreign policy agenda with significant implications for American security. Bush plans to host a summit in Washington shortly after the election to address the global economic crisis and initiate discussions on financial reforms with world leaders. The next president will inherit ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the task of combating al Qaeda militants near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Additionally, preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensuring North Korea fulfills its promise to dismantle its nuclear weapons program are urgent priorities. Both candidates have pledged to prioritize Middle East peace efforts and show unwavering support for Israel. Mark Lippert, an adviser on foreign policy to Obama, emphasized that combating terrorism, addressing militants along the Afghan-Pakistan border, and apprehending Osama bin Laden are key national security priorities. Obama has promised to bring an end to the Iraq war and increase the number of US troops in Afghanistan. Lippert stated that the capacity to address the worsening security situation in Afghanistan and pursue militants is closely tied to progress in political reconciliation in Iraq and reducing troop presence there. McCain also supports the idea of deploying more troops in Afghanistan and opposes setting a specific timetable for withdrawing troops from Iraq, believing they should stay as long as necessary. Obama's willingness to engage in direct talks with US adversaries like Iran and Syria is a significant point of disagreement. Obama believes that the Bush administration's reluctance to engage with enemies has restricted diplomatic options, while McCain criticizes Obama's call for high-level dialogue as naive. McCain has also called for Russia to be expelled from the Group of Eight in response to their conflict with Georgia, a move that Obama opposes. Both candidates condemned Russia's invasion of Georgia, with McCain using stronger language. One common foreign policy goal shared by Obama and McCain is the need to mend relationships with traditional allies, particularly European countries, which were strained during the Bush administration. Some experts believe that Obama's popularity overseas could give him an initial advantage, although it will not solve all challenges, such as convincing Europe to provide more troops in Afghanistan. Strengthening European alliances could also help in dealing with Russia, according to Lippert. Obama has emphasized the importance of the transatlantic relationship in advancing US interests in various areas such as nonproliferation, terrorism, climate change, energy, and democracy promotion. While McCain has been tougher on Russia and made jokes about bombing Iran, he has pledged to move away from the current administration's aggressive diplomacy tactics. Randy Scheunemann, a key foreign policy adviser to McCain, dismissed the notion that McCain would be more prone to using force than previous US presidents. Scheunemann emphasized that McCain, a former prisoner of war and Arizona senator, understands the gravity of sending military personnel into dangerous situations. The upcoming economic summit on November 15, led by President Bush, will gather leaders from the G20, including major industrialized nations and prominent emerging economies like China, Brazil, and India. While the president-elect will have some influence, it remains uncertain if he will attend the summit. Both McCain and Obama have highlighted the significance of the US economy in shaping the country's global standing. Obama is more careful in his approach to trade, but both candidates have pledged to act swiftly to enhance the financial regulatory system. | 1 |
The severe weather continued to cause flooding in more cities and destroy crops as it moved northwards. The official Xinhua news agency reported economic losses of 1.22 billion yuan ($189 million) so far. The storm alert for four cities in the north of Henan - Xinxiang, Anyang, Hebi, and Jiaozuo - was raised to red by the provincial weather bureau on Thursday, which is the highest level of a four-step colour-coded weather warning system. Fatalities included 12 people who died in the flooded subway in the provincial capital of Zhengzhou, about 650 km (400 miles) southwest of Beijing, earlier this week. Eight people are still missing in the province. More than 73,000 people were evacuated from the city of Anyang, on Henan's border with Hebei province, after experiencing over 600 mm of rainfall since Monday, according to the official Xinhua news agency. Xinhua reported that Xinxiang, a small city located north of Zhengzhou, received a total of 812 mm of rainfall between Tuesday and Thursday, breaking local meteorological records. The excessive rain caused seven medium-sized reservoirs in the city to overflow, impacting numerous nearby villages and towns. By late Wednesday, more than 470,000 individuals and over 55,000 hectares of crops had been affected by the heavy rain in Xinxiang. The local government responded by deploying a search and rescue team consisting of over 76,000 members. In the neighboring province of Hebei, two individuals lost their lives due to a tornado in the city of Baoding. Following the tragic flooding of the Zhengzhou subway, the government mandated that local authorities immediately enhance urban transit flood controls and emergency responses. Media images depicted commuters stranded in flooded subway cars up to their chests in water with no light. An underground station was transformed into a swirling pool due to heavy rainfall. The Ministry of Transport urged local authorities to address and fix all potential risks on rail transit immediately. The ministry emphasized the need for emergency actions, like suspending trains, evacuating passengers, and closing stations during unusually intense storms. Zhengzhou received 617.1 mm (24.3 inches) of rainfall from Saturday to Tuesday, almost matching the city's average annual rainfall of 640.8 mm (25.2 inches). The local meteorological services have come under public scrutiny for the timeliness of their weather bulletins. The provincial weather bureau stated that they had issued a report two days before the torrential rains. From Monday evening onwards, meteorological departments at various levels have sent out 120 million text messages to mobile phone users to warn them about the storms, as reported by the Henan weather bureau. | 1 |
All times are local (GMT). At 8:15 p.m., the talks concluded with a global agreement that aimed to preserve hopes of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and preventing catastrophic climate change. Reviews of the deal were mixed, with Kaveh Guilanpour of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions stating that the success of COP26 will only be evident in the future, depending on whether promises lead to real action in transitioning to a more sustainable future. At 7:40 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma appeared on the verge of tears as India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav disrupted the adoption process of the Glasgow pact by suggesting new language that would involve governments "phasing down" coal use instead of phasing it out. Despite some countries expressing disappointment, they still pledged to support the deal to prevent the negotiations from failing. Sharma apologized to the plenary for the handling of the process and became emotional. At 7:23 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma officially began the formal plenary by declaring, "It is now decision time." At 7:04 p.m., it was confirmed that a deal had been reached according to China. Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua indicated approval when asked at the plenary floor about the passage of the Glasgow pact, stating "we have a deal" through his translator. However, he did offer a critique as well. "The voice of developing nations hasn't received adequate attention," he stated via his interpreter. Samuel Adeoye Adejuwon, a technical adviser for Nigeria's delegation, mentioned that his country supported India in opposing strong language against fossil fuels in the Glasgow agreement. He argued that special circumstances must be considered and that developing countries should not be asked to cease their development process. Adejuwon also noted that the US discussions with China and India regarding coal were aimed at reaching a mutual understanding. At 6:42 p.m., there was tension among observers at the UN climate talks as representatives from the United States and the EU met with counterparts from China and India to discuss the wording of the agreement regarding the phase-out of coal. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes before the participants emerged. A member of the Indian delegation confirmed to Reuters that the meeting had taken place, indicating that last-minute negotiations were happening as the UK conference hosts pushed for a resolution. Just prior to the meeting, US special envoy John Kerry was overheard by Reuters reminding his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua of their agreement to phase out coal over the next 20 years. At 5:36 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma announces that the meeting will resume shortly after country delegations have completed their speeches. A vote on the deal is expected once they reconvene. Earlier at 4:40 p.m., US special climate envoy John Kerry noted that not everyone was pleased with the draft deal at the UN talks in Glasgow, stating that discomfort among all parties is a sign of a successful negotiation. After several poor and island nations expressed their disappointment that the draft did not provide sufficient support, the speaker stated that in his opinion, the negotiation had been successful. Maldives Environment Minister Aminath Shauna was more direct in her criticism, stating that it may already be too late for the Maldives. India's environment and climate minister, Bhupender Yadav, also disapproved of the draft deal, particularly the language calling for countries to reduce fossil fuel subsidies, arguing that developing countries are still focused on their development goals and poverty eradication. At 4:08 p.m., Swiss Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga expressed her country's dissatisfaction with the deal due to its handling of global carbon market rules, but stated that they would accept it. She emphasized the concern that everyone was leaving the COP feeling unhappy. Gabon's Minister of Water, Forests, Sea and Environment, Lee White, also mentioned having unfinished business and needing reassurance from developed countries before departing from the Glasgow COP. At 3:58 p.m., he remarked that the deal was not perfect. The poor and small island nations in attendance at the plenary expressed a common sentiment regarding the draft climate deal, stating that it did not go far enough in providing the necessary support they needed. Despite this, they all agreed to support it. These countries, particularly the low-lying island nations and small economy blocs, had been advocating for more financial assistance from wealthier nations to help them transition to clean energy and recover from climate-related disasters. Marshall Islands climate envoy Tina Stege acknowledged that while the current deal was not sufficient, it did represent progress, and she would support it as she could not return to her island empty-handed. Tuvalu's climate envoy Seve Paeniu, holding a photo of his grandchildren, emphasized the importance of the promise made in Glasgow to secure their future upon his return to the low-lying island nation. "At 3:44 p.m., EU climate chief Frans Timmermans received enthusiastic applause for his plea to countries to come together for the sake of our future generations. He emphasized the importance of reaching a deal for our children and grandchildren, stating that they will not forgive us if we do not act today. Timmermans warned that the conference could face setbacks if countries insisted on making new changes to the texts just before the finish line." At 3:30 p.m. At a recent meeting, China negotiator Zhao Yingmin mentioned that the current draft of the deal is not perfect, but his team does not plan on making any changes to it. Representatives from Tanzania and Guinea expressed disappointment that the draft did not provide enough financial assistance for poor, climate-vulnerable countries like theirs. COP26 President Alok Sharma initiated an informal plenary to review the latest proposals, emphasizing that the conference was at a crucial point for the planet and future generations. Despite differences in opinions on the final agreement, Sharma indicated that negotiations needed to come to a close and a consensus needed to be reached. Minutes before the official plenary was scheduled to begin, US special envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, were seen reviewing a document together. In a surprise move days earlier, the two men had presented a joint declaration at the summit in which China committed to increasing its efforts to combat climate change by reducing coal usage, limiting methane emissions, and preserving forests. Delegates from three countries expressed confusion and frustration as negotiations took place behind closed doors to address final obstacles to reaching an agreement. One negotiator described the situation as chaotic, highlighting the last-minute tensions over a deal. China's representative was not mentioned in the original text. Upon entering his country's offices, negotiator Zhao Yingmin stated that he had no new information to share. Meanwhile, representatives from Brazil were observed attending a meeting of the G77 group of developing nations. At 1:45 p.m., after an hour and 45 minutes, Sharma returned to the microphone to inform everyone that they could leave but must return at 2:30 p.m. for the official plenary session. He explained that the delay was necessary to allow parties to conclude their negotiations and emphasized that a deal would be reached later in the afternoon. At 1:06 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma attempted twice to get delegates from other countries to sit down in the plenary room, where he had arrived promptly at noon. Despite his efforts, an hour later, delegates were still engaged in discussions in large groups on one side of the stage. US climate envoy John Kerry was seen moving between different groups in the room. By 12:30 p.m., delegates were eagerly awaiting updates on the negotiations but were handling the delays calmly. Axel Michaelowa, an advisor to the Honduras delegation, commented that it is typical for the COP to go over time, so the delays were not surprising. Opinions were divided in the cafeteria on what the delays meant for the final deal - whether they indicated a strong agreement that would help keep the temperature rise below 1.5C, or a weaker one. Emily Wright from Save the Children International believed that the fact that negotiations did not end early showed a commitment to reaching a deal that benefits everyone, while Naja Moretro from the Norwegian Church Aid Youth Organisation felt that the language in the texts was becoming less clear. Danish Climate Minister Dan Jorgensen expressed his support for language in the final deal that calls for a phase-out of coal. He stated that it is important to recognize that the issue is not about shaming countries reliant on fossil fuels, but rather acknowledging that some countries require assistance to transition away from coal. He suggested that the text should now also include a reference to 'just transition'. At 11:35 a.m., Nellie Dokie, 37, has been commuting two hours each way to work as a chef at the conference center. She has been cooking meals for VIPs and delegates and finally took a break to explore the main conference area. Dokie resides in Glasgow, but her roots are in Liberia. She expressed her desire to contribute to history, mentioning that she played a minor role in doing so. At 11:20 a.m., US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry seemed to be in a cheerful state. He mentioned that the weather was nice in Scotland as he walked with his top negotiators Sue Biniaz, Jonathan Pershing, and Trigg Talley, with reporters following them. It was not clear if his positive outlook was due to the progress of negotiations or the sunny weather in Glasgow. The focus of the conference moved to bilateral meetings in various rooms around the site in the past day, with delegates meeting in secure, windowless rooms. They were examining the preliminary text in preparation for the noon stocktaking session. At 8:53 a.m., a group of Greenpeace employees were gathered in the COP26 conference halls, working on laptops and drafting a new statement regarding the latest revisions. Spanish Energy and Environment Minister Teresa Ribera was observed hurrying from her delegation's office as the UK COP26 Presidency released what many hope is the final draft of the Glasgow agreement. Crews were dismantling equipment and removing flat-screen displays from meeting rooms as they continued to break down parts of the venue. At 8:21 a.m., following intense deliberations overnight, delegates were anticipating the release of another draft agreement. The delegation pavilions, where countries had displayed their environmentally friendly projects, had been taken down, however, coffee stands were still open. Civil society organizations, who had been closely monitoring the discussions, were examining documents released in the early morning for hints on what would be included in the final agreement. On Friday at 9:30 p.m., the UK conference hosts announced that there would not be a deal that night. "I expect formal plenary meetings in the afternoon to approve decisions and conclude the session on Saturday," said Alok Sharma, the UK summit president, in a statement. Delegations and the media were seen heading back to their hotels for some rest before what is expected to be a busy day tomorrow. The COP26 conference halls became quiet at 8:40 p.m. as small groups of negotiators, including some EU delegates, moved around for meetings. According to Felipe De Leon Denegri, Costa Rica's carbon markets negotiator, most of the work during the final hours of climate negotiations is done through "shuttle diplomacy" where diplomats move between rooms. However, this year, much of this shuttle diplomacy is now conducted over the messaging app WhatsApp, making the process quieter than usual. De Leon mentioned that an interesting aspect of COP in the 21st century is the occurrence of shuttle diplomacy through WhatsApp. He noted that due to the pandemic and the rise of virtual work, more interactions are taking place on the app. Tuvalu's Finance Minister Seve Paeniu, leading the delegation, stayed up late negotiating a draft agreement on "loss and damage", with vulnerable countries like Tuvalu pushing for wealthy nations to compensate for climate change impacts. He mentioned that his team is striving to urge the United States and Australia to back a separate fund for loss and damage. He also emphasized that he will not be content with leaving Glasgow without a robust collective agreement that can uphold the aim of limiting global warming to 1.5C. He expressed concerns over the lack of commitment from countries to reduce emissions to meet the 1.5 degree target and the insufficient focus on securing additional financing for adaptation. Former UK Labour Party leader Ed Miliband paused in the hallway to praise Paeniu for a speech he delivered earlier. At 7:38 p.m., the delegation offices at the summit complex were mostly quiet. Two prominent Chinese negotiators were spotted in their office, while nearby, two American negotiators were seen walking down the hall with sandwiches. It was anticipated that the night would be very long, as there were significant disagreements regarding increasing emissions cuts pledges, handling carbon markets, and providing funding for developing countries. | 1 |
The Maldives, a popular tourist destination, saw a change in leadership as the man responsible for bringing democracy to the islands stepped down amid military pressure following a police mutiny. His party labeled it as a bloodless coup. Despite recent political unrest, the capital island of Male appeared calm on Wednesday, with people going about their usual routines. This turmoil did not impact the tourists who come to the Maldives for luxury resorts and sandy beaches. Former President Mohamed Nasheed resigned on Tuesday and was released from military custody. The speaker of the People's Majlis swore in Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik as his deputy. The United Nations Secretary-General expressed hope that the transfer of power would help resolve the political crisis in the country. Former President Nasheed's decision to have a judge arrested led to weeks of protests, culminating in a police revolt. Ultimately, Nasheed was marched into his office by the military and forced to resign. Nasheed was taken to his office where he met with his cabinet before announcing his resignation on television, according to Roberts who spoke from an undisclosed location. Roberts, a 32-year old British citizen, stated that Nasheed was pressured to resign by the military. Despite having the option to resist, Nasheed chose not to resort to violence to avoid bloodshed. Amnesty International has called on the new government to refrain from persecuting individuals based on their political beliefs, as there are concerns about potential prosecution of Nasheed and restrictions on his senior allies from leaving the country. The new president, Waheed, was expected to lead a coalition national unity government until the presidential election in October 2013. He stated that it was inaccurate to label the change of leadership as a coup and assured that tourists were not in danger. Tourism makes up a significant portion of the Maldives' economy, accounting for about two-thirds of its GDP of approximately $1 billion. Despite some travel advisories, such as from Britain, warning against travel to Male, most of the Maldives' nearly 1 million annual visitors do not actually visit the capital. Instead, they are transported directly from the airport island to their resorts by speedboat or seaplane. Wednesday's flights were arriving on schedule. Opposition parties, who have different ideologies, have united in their criticism of Nasheed during the constitutional crisis. They are now using harsh language to question his Islamic beliefs in the predominantly Sunni Muslim country. Analyst N. Sathiya Moorthy, in an article in The Hindu newspaper, praised Nasheed for being the Maldives' first democratically elected president but also criticized him for creating unnecessary political and constitutional conflicts. Despite this, Moorthy commended Nasheed for his commitment to democratic values by gracefully stepping down from office, preventing a potential political or military confrontation. In a signal that the time period before Nasheed had returned, the state broadcaster MNBC was renamed TV Maldives and it broadcasted one interview after another with opposition figures. It had this name during the 30-year rule of former president Gayoom, who was known for his authoritarian leadership style and was Nasheed's rival. Nasheed spent a total of six years in prison, with 27 arrests, while fighting for democracy against Gayoom. Nasheed defeated his rival in a 2008 election, the first multi-party democratic election in the history of the former British protectorate, which is home to approximately 330,000 people and was a sultanate for many centuries. He received praise for his passionate activism regarding climate change and the threat of rising sea levels to the low-lying nation. | 1 |
President Emmanuel Macron, who is 44 years old, is a popular choice and has decided to delay announcing his candidacy until close to the March deadline. This is just one way he enjoys keeping his opponents guessing. Macron is comfortable in his central position and has observed the right and extreme-right parties attacking each other. The focus on immigration and security has pushed other issues, such as climate change and France's increasing debt due to the coronavirus crisis, to the background. Éric Zemmour, a far-right candidate, believes that naming a child "Mohammed" is a form of colonization in France. He presents himself as the only one who can protect French civilization from being taken over by Islam and American political correctness. Similar to former President Donald Trump, Zemmour maintains his position in the news by constantly provoking, as evidenced by his recent conversation with Trump. Despite this, Macron is currently leading in polls with approximately 25% of the vote in the upcoming election on April 10th. Zemmour and two other right-wing candidates are polling in the 12%-18% range. On the other hand, left-wing parties are lagging behind and appear to be mere spectators for the first time since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958. While France typically leans right, this time the political landscape has shifted. Pascal Bruckner, an author and political philosopher, stated that the left lost the support of the popular classes due to its lack of response on immigration and Islam, causing many to shift to the far right. As a result, Macron is now facing off against the right as an unpredictable figure. Macron's perceived success in handling the coronavirus pandemic and navigating economic challenges has strengthened his position. With the economy growing by 7% in the last quarter and unemployment at a low 7.4%, Macron appears to be in a strong position. It is likely that COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandates in public places, will be lifted before the election, serving as a significant symbolic gesture. The difficulty of attacking Macron lies in his ability to embody elements of both social democracy and right-wing policies in France. He has been praised for his flexibility by some, while others criticize him for shifting his convictions. The upcoming election will see a fierce battle on the right for a chance to face Macron in the runoff. Marine Le Pen has become a strong critic of rival Zemmour, accusing him of having Nazi supporters and seeking to destroy her political party. Zemmour, known for his extreme belief that Islam is not compatible with France, has mocked Macron for attempting to differentiate between extremist Islamism and the religion itself. Zemmour has criticized Macron for not accepting the idea of the "great replacement" theory, which suggests that white Christian populations are intentionally being replaced by nonwhite immigrants, leading to what Zemmour describes as the "Creolization" of societies. The president is confident in his chances against both Le Pen and Zemmour, despite Zemmour's ability to challenge taboos and appeal to conservative voters. France is facing challenges such as rising energy costs and fatigue from the pandemic, but a disruptive choice like the election of Trump in the US or Brexit in the UK would be unexpected. A retiree named Paulette Brémond, who voted for Macron in 2017, is torn between supporting the president and Zemmour. She mentioned that the issue of immigration is serious and she is eager to hear what Mr. Macron has to say about it. She believes he may not take as extreme a stance as Zemmour, but if his approach is effective, she may vote for him again. She feels that the campaign has not truly begun until Macron officially announces his candidacy, which is a common feeling in a country where political maneuvering can feel like a mere simulation. Despite this, the president is focused on important state matters such as his role in diplomatic efforts to prevent a war in Ukraine and his involvement in ending the French anti-terrorist campaign in Mali. If Mali's failure has been noticeable, although it is unlikely to affect many voters, the Ukraine crisis, as long as it doesn't escalate to war, has allowed Macron to be seen as Europe's leader in efforts to engage constructively with Russia. Zemmour and Le Pen, who together make up approximately 30% of the vote, openly admire Putin. A member of Macron's potential reelection team, speaking anonymously as per government protocol, expressed more concern about a potential runoff against centre-right Republican candidate Valérie Pécresse than facing Le Pen or Zemmour in the second round. Pécresse, a graduate of the same prestigious school as Macron, a competent two-term president of France's most populous region, and a centrist by nature, may attract centre-left and left-wing voters who see Macron as a betrayer in the second round. However, Pécresse's chances appear to have been damaged by a poor performance in her first major campaign speech in Paris this month, although not necessarily beyond repair. One recent poll showed that Pécresse's voter support has decreased from 19% in December to 12%. Pécresse has shifted towards right-wing views due to the prevalent atmosphere in France, which has been heavily impacted by Islamist terrorism. She referenced "the great replacement" in her campaign speech, leading to criticism. She stated in a TV interview that she will not participate in a Macron-Zemmour rivalry, as she believes voting for Le Pen or Zemmour ultimately supports Macron. Macron's initial presidency focused on reforming the French state-centric model by making it easier to hire and fire, eliminating the wealth tax, and implementing policies to attract foreign investment and boost the economy. Revolt came next, in the form of the Yellow Vest movement which protested against increasing inequality and wealthy financiers like Macron, who was once part of that group and was seen as indifferent to widespread social suffering. Shortly after the protest subsided, the coronavirus pandemic hit, causing Macron to shift from a free-market reformer to a proponent of state intervention, declaring in 2020 that "We have nationalised salaries" without hesitation. The consequences of such actions will eventually need to be faced, but for now, Macron, known for constantly changing his stance on issues, appears to be enjoying the success of his handling of the pandemic. "He was fortunate," stated a member of his campaign team. The COVID pandemic prevented him from having to implement more unpopular reforms. Although there are still potential threats such as a European war, a new virus variant, a major terrorist attack, or a resurgence of social unrest, Macron's strategy of staying detached from the chaos seems to be effective for now. "Unless a disaster occurs, it is difficult to see how Mr. Macron will not be reelected," Bruckner commented. However, the true campaign will only begin once the current leader enters the tumultuous arena. ©2022 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
Last year, a change occurred in the job market that caught Haner's attention. He noticed signs advertising job openings at various establishments as he drove to work. McDonald's, Walgreens, and Taco Bell were all looking to hire new employees. It appeared that there was a high demand for workers in Midland, Michigan. Haner started to question why work couldn't be centered around individuals like himself. He found it absurd and decided to leave his job at Applebee's to take on a remote sales position at a tech company. Despite the risks, Haner was confident he could find another job if needed. Last year, over 40 million people left their jobs, particularly in retail and hospitality, sparking what was dubbed the Great Resignation, followed by various other terms like the Great Renegotiation, the Great Reshuffle, and the Great Rethink. However, these individuals were not completely abandoning the workforce. They were still required to earn money. A large portion of the pandemic financial assistance ended by the autumn, causing savings rates to decrease to 6.4%, the lowest in nine years, by January. However, workers discovered that they could discover more profitable ways to make a living, such as higher pay and stable hours. Flexibility was a key factor for employees, who were demanding more from their employers and seemed to be receiving it. Applebee's emphasized that the safety of its workers and guests was a top priority, with the chief operations officer, Kevin Carroll, stating that aggressive behavior was not allowed. Workers across the country were enjoying a wealth of opportunities and were able to reject things they had previously been required to endure, such as strict bosses or customer mistreatment. Bosses had to start paying attention in order to keep businesses running. Nick Bunker, director of economic research for North America at Indeed’s hiring lab, viewed the increase in job opportunities as workers taking advantage of the situation to meet their financial needs. As vaccines and stimulus money became available, businesses struggled to find workers. Workers used this opportunity to reevaluate their expectations from their employers, but this did not mean that they were quitting their jobs en masse. It meant that low-wage workers would leave their current jobs and go to another business that was hiring. It also meant that white-collar workers, taking advantage of the tight labor market, were able to dictate how and where they wanted to work. Tim Ryan, the US chair of PwC, stated that their employees had the power, as the company was undergoing a three-year transition to allow for more flexible work, including permanently remote options. This transition, which is estimated to be a $2.4 billion investment, was so significant that the executive had to liken it to a 2003 Disney movie, specifically quoting a line from "Pirates of the Caribbean." Ryan continued by stating that we are currently experiencing a significant transformation in the workplace, but many people are not aware of it because they are living in it every day. Data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics and the census indicates that many of last year's job quitters are actually job swappers, with a nearly 1-to-1 correlation between quitting and swapping. The majority of job switchers have been in industries such as leisure, hospitality, and retail, with the rate of workers quitting in leisure and hospitality increasing from 4% to nearly 6% since the start of the pandemic. In the retail sector, the resignation rate increased to almost 5% from 3.5%. While white-collar employers continued to have difficulty hiring, they experienced a decrease in resignations. In finance, the resignation rate dropped at the beginning of the pandemic and is now slightly below 2%, while in media and technology it remained consistent at below 2%. Job switchers often received higher pay, with wages rising by almost 10% in leisure and hospitality and over 7% in retail over the past year. Workers were able to extend their shift hours and reduce the number of part-time workers. Few individuals left the workforce completely, mainly older men retiring early, some of whom are returning to work. The retirement of baby boomers and fewer young people entering the workforce have led to a tighter labor supply. Overall, people are continuing to work due to financial necessity. Last year saw fewer people giving up on work and more transitioning to new jobs with higher pay and more hours. Workers have not changed their feelings towards work, but rather their expectations have changed. According to Rebecca Givan, an associate professor of labour studies at Rutgers, most people work out of necessity to live. However, workers are now demanding more accountability from their bosses. Porsha Sharon, 28, still remembers the confrontations she witnessed from customers at Buddy's Pizza in Troy, Michigan, last year. One incident involved a customer who became upset when asked which kind of pizza she wanted, despite the extensive menu. Sharon was ridiculed by other customers for wearing a mask and experienced pain in her feet after long shifts at the pizzeria. In March, she received an offer to work as an administrative assistant at a law firm, a job she had done temporarily in college. Last month, she decided to leave the pizzeria. Sharon believes that the younger generation is not willing to stay in miserable jobs like the previous generation did, and she appreciates this change. Katy Dean, the chief operating officer of Buddy's Pizza in Michigan, expressed how some employees feel overworked and unwell due to abusive customers. She stated that their restaurant empowers managers to ask disrespectful guests to leave. This situation has been labeled as anti-ambition, but it has led many workers to demand better job conditions, such as promotions, stable hours, sick leave, and retirement plans. A viral TikTok featured a sign outside a McDonald's saying "No one wants to work anymore," reflecting the frustration felt by many workers. Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich responded by stating that nobody wants to be taken advantage of anymore. Last year, when millions of people decided to quit their jobs, the impact extended beyond just the companies and industries involved. While white-collar workers were not leaving their jobs as rapidly as those in hospitality and retail, they still made strong demands of their employers, aware that unemployment is low and there is fierce competition for talent. Many employees are now threatening to quit rather than actually quitting, as they realize they have bargaining power and are using it, especially when it comes to flexibility. The closure of offices resulted in employees feeling a sense of independence that they were not ready to give up. Even high-ranking executives on Wall Street realized that traditional practices were no longer sustainable. Companies like Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and BNY Mellon announced a hybrid return to the office, allowing employees to work from home instead of commuting five days a week. Only 8% of Manhattan office workers are currently back in the office full-time. One employee, Lyssa Walker White, 38, decided to switch jobs earlier this year because her old employer expected her to return to the office, leading to a significant improvement in her quality of life. Some employers encountered resistance when they asked their employees to return to the office for at least part of the week. For example, Apple faced opposition from workers who wrote an open letter expressing their strong disapproval of in-person work requirements. The employees asked the company to stop trying to dictate their office attendance, stating that a one-size-fits-all solution does not work for everyone. Despite the pushback, Apple has not commented on the situation and continues to enforce its hybrid return-to-office policy. In other professional settings, newly established unions have taken on the issue of remote work. The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union, for instance, has seen significant growth in membership from 12 organizations and 300 workers in 2018 to approximately 50 organizations and 1,300 workers in the current year. One member organization successfully negotiated for managers to cover travel expenses for employees who must commute. Another organization convinced management to provide written justification for any employee mandated to return to the office. Jessica Kriegel, head of people and culture at Experience.com, a technology company, recently discussed various challenges and successes with colleagues in human resources at an industry conference. Stories circulated about individuals requesting raises that were four times the amount of their current salaries. There were also stories about company strategy meetings that used to take place in private retreats in Napa, California, but now included junior staff in town hall meetings. Kriegel mentioned that she had given a significant raise to a top performer and had witnessed another individual climb through three promotions in just one year, going from a contributor to a director to a vice president. Kriegel noted that some employees were requesting title changes even if they were not associated with financial promotions, simply to update their LinkedIn profiles. She observed that even entry-level employees were being given director-level titles. Therefore, the human resources director is skeptical when hearing colleagues complain about people working too much, as she sees her staff actively seeking out the type of work they desire. She mentioned that people are beginning to feel more secure and not as fearful. It's not about being against ambition, but rather about having great ambition. Haner, who used to work at Applebee's, recently received a 16% raise at his new job, which has significantly increased his hourly pay compared to what he made at Applebee's. When asked about his new job, he talks about the meaningful conversations he has with his manager. When he needed time off for his grandfather's funeral, something that may have been frowned upon at Applebee's, he was informed that his company provides bereavement leave. Even though work is still work, the feeling of dread that used to accompany his morning alarm has been replaced by a new feeling: "They treat us with respect." | 1 |
Zou Ji, a climate policy expert at the People's University of China in Beijing, mentioned that China is in the process of developing its first strategy to combat climate change. This plan, which is expected to be released this year after extensive preparation and negotiations, will establish broad objectives for reducing emissions and adapting to changing weather patterns. Zou emphasized that the plan reflects China's growing concern about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on global warming and the potential catastrophic consequences for the world's climate. He also noted that the Chinese government is increasingly prioritizing this issue. China is set to release its first official and comprehensive document on climate change, which comes after a recent warning from a U.N. panel of scientists about the impact of human activity on global warming. The experts predict a rise in temperatures by 1.8 to 4.0 Celsius in the 21st century, leading to more droughts, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. Despite its rapid economic growth, China is also projected to become the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases by 2009, surpassing the United States. Zou, a member of the Chinese delegation to international climate talks since 2000, stated that while Beijing's public response to the panel's findings has been subdued, the government is closely considering the numerous warnings. Pan Yue, a vice minister of China's State Environmental Protection Administration, acknowledged that wealthy nations bear the most responsibility for reducing emissions, but emphasized that China will also make contributions. He reassured that China, as a responsible major power, will not shirk its obligations, despite the immense pressure to reduce emissions. Zou mentioned that the proposed program is currently awaiting approval from China's State Council after being reviewed by multiple ministries and agencies, but its release may be delayed due to preparations for an upcoming Communist Party congress. Alan Dupont, an expert on climate change and security at the University of Sydney, explained that President Hu Jintao is confronted with the challenge of turning concern into effective policies that promote economic growth and job creation while also reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Dupont emphasized the importance of sustaining China's economic growth rates of 8 to 9 percent for the stability of the regime and the country's future. Despite China's traditionally secretive government, there are indications that Beijing is increasingly recognizing the threat of climate change to its goals of prosperity, stability, and global influence. Zou said that climate experts are getting ready to give a presentation on global warming to China's top leaders. This will be the first time that a regular study session will focus on climate change, indicating that the issue is gaining importance in the political realm. | 1 |
According to a group of small island states, more than half of the countries at the 192-nation UN climate talks in Copenhagen are in favor of stricter goals for limiting global warming compared to those supported by wealthy nations. The group, led by Dessima Williams of the alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), expressed concern that certain island states were not represented on a globe at the conference center. Williams stated that over 100 nations have now signed up to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, an increase from 86 nations in August. She emphasized that a significant portion of the United Nations is advocating for ambitious and specific targets, with the least developed nations and small island states backing the 1.5 degree Celsius goal, which would necessitate wealthy nations reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. Any agreement reached in Copenhagen will require unanimous approval. The main challenges to reaching a deal in Copenhagen include determining the extent of greenhouse gas reductions by wealthy countries and the level of financial assistance provided to developing nations. The majority of developed nations and key emerging economies, such as China and India, support the goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Current temperatures have already increased by 0.7 degrees Celsius and are expected to continue rising. AOSIS emphasized the urgent need for a legally binding treaty from Copenhagen, rather than a non-binding political agreement preferred by some developed countries. She stated that despite the current warming, numerous islands were experiencing substantial damage, with some sinking underwater and losing their freshwater supply. Rising temperatures were also causing damage to coral reefs. She downplayed talks of divisions within the developing nations' group over a proposal by Tuvalu for strong, legally binding agreements at Copenhagen. While AOSIS members generally supported Tuvalu's proposal, they were still figuring out a unified stance. China and India supported legally binding cuts in greenhouse gases for wealthy nations under the Kyoto Protocol, but advocated for less strict regulations for poorer nations. Barry Coates, a representative for Oxfam, compared a political declaration from Copenhagen that lacks legal binding to a toothless shark. Antonio Lima from Cape Verde, vice chair of AOSIS, likened climate change to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii, stating that now we are aware of the impending disaster facing the poor. | 1 |
During a recent climate protest event in Dhaka, Khalidi discussed the impact of people power in protests around the world. He noted that both Gandhi and Bangabandhu led non-violent movements against oppressive forces, facing violent opposition in the process. Gandhi's actions indirectly led to violence in post-1947 India, while Bangabandhu's peaceful protests were met with brutal force from the Pakistani army. The resistance that occurred in both cases took different forms, but ultimately both of our heroes emerged victorious. Khalidi believes that the influence of pioneering leaders like Gandhi and Bangabandhu can be seen in the ongoing climate protests organized by young activists worldwide. Recently, the #ShutdownDC protests brought thousands to the US capital, disrupting traffic without violence. Khalidi notes the urgent need for action against the environmental destruction caused by human activity, and highlights the protesters' call for a more equitable and safe society, similar to the visions of Gandhi and Bangabandhu. Khalidi noted that these climate protesters share a common goal. He made these remarks during a seminar on the founding fathers of India and Bangladesh, which was organized by the Gandhi Ashram Trust to honor their 150th and 100th birth anniversaries. The event, held at the National Museum in Shahbagh, was attended by various dignitaries including Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammed Abdur Razzaque, former fisheries and livestock minister Narayon Chandra Chanda, Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Riva Ganguly Das, and Gandhi Ashram Trust’s Chairman Swadesh Roy. Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque also spoke at a discussion at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum, where he highlighted the impact Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had on their respective eras. Photo by Mostafigur Rahman
According to the agriculture minister, religion had a significant impact on politics during the times of Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu. However, neither of them engaged in politics that were based on religion. The minister emphasized that Bangabandhu understood early on that religion should not be used in politics, a belief that Gandhi also held. Bangabandhu's conviction in this belief was strong, as demonstrated by the founding of the Awami Muslim League, which later removed the word "Muslim" from its name after breaking away from the Muslim League. Razzaque, a member of the Awami League's presidium, stated that at the time, the Muslim League was seen as equivalent to religion, and speaking against it was like speaking against religion. He mentioned that Bangabandhu took steps to go against the Muslim League. The minister also mentioned that Gandhi's words and strategy are still relevant today, as he demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolence and non-cooperation movements in his struggle against the powerful British forces. High Commissioner Riva Das emphasized the importance of participation and inspiration in nonviolent resistance, stating that it is more effective. She highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's belief that true strength comes from righteousness, power from truth, and victory from moral courage. Das also pointed to leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr as examples of the power of nonviolent movements. She encouraged everyone to incorporate the ideals of Gandhi and Bangabandhu into their daily lives, rather than confining them to specific events. Narayon Chandra Chanda, a former minister and member of parliament, emphasized the importance of upholding the spirit of the Liberation War among the youth of Bangladesh as they pursue development. He urged them to honor the sacrifices of Bangabandhu and the freedom fighters by working towards building a multicultural nation. Speaking at a discussion organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust, Narayon highlighted the uncompromising commitment of both Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu in advocating for the rights of the people through nonviolent means, even in their personal lives. Despite facing allegations of corruption, Bangabandhu's integrity remained unblemished, as he never strayed from his principles. During a discussion organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum, Dhaka University's Professor Muntasir Mamun highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on separating politics from religion. He also mentioned the upcoming publication of intelligence reports on Bangabandhu, stating that there is no evidence of him using religion in politics. Professor Mamun criticized the Awami League, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for incorporating religion into their policies after Bangabandhu's death. The journalist Swadesh Roy emphasized that only Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not want to use religion for political gain, and encouraged youth to follow the examples of Gandhi and Bangabandhu in addressing global issues. The seminar was moderated by the Trust's Director Raha Naba Kumar. Khalidi highlighted how both Gandhi and Bangabandhu used their networking skills and ability to inspire people to lead their countries to freedom, and stated that their stories are still relevant for overcoming modern injustices. He also pointed out that the wealthy and powerful are often the main contributors to climate issues. The primary contributors to pollution are the advanced economies, which are highly industrialized societies capable of causing destruction on a massive scale. In their lifetimes, both Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman fought against powerful forces and taught the world how to overcome them. It is believed that even in the afterlife, they continue to make a positive impact. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, spoke at a discussion hosted by Gandhi Ashram Trust at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum on Thursday in honor of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. During the discussion, Khalidi highlighted that Bangladeshi households are spending nearly Tk 158 billion taka annually on repairing damages caused by climate change and taking preventive measures. He noted that this amount is significantly higher than what international donors provide to Bangladesh and double the government's expenditure on the issue. As a result, rural families are being forced to reallocate their resources to combat the effects of climate change, often resorting to borrowing from informal sources at high-interest rates, which further plunges them into poverty. This information comes from the International Institute for Environment and Development. According to Khalidi, both Gandhi and Bangabandhu would have spoken out to help these families. Even though they are no longer here, their influence still affects the world. For example, Bangabandhu's leadership while absent garnered global support for Bangladesh in 1971, even in the face of opposition from powerful nations. | 1 |
A new set of UN climate negotiations is starting in Mexico with nearly 200 countries gathering to try to reach an agreement on key issues dividing wealthy and developing nations. The conference in Cancun will focus on securing funds and strategies to protect rain forests and prepare for a warmer planet, as well as formalizing existing goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This event lacks the excitement of last year's Copenhagen summit, which aimed to reach a new climate agreement but ultimately produced a non-binding deal rejected by some developing countries. The ongoing UN talks have highlighted the tensions between the top two polluters, the United States and China, with the US pushing for China to do more to reduce emissions, similar to the pressure on trade and human rights. Mexican President Felipe Calderon highlighted the economic benefits of addressing climate change on the eve of the talks, seeking to overcome distrust from previous summits. He emphasized that the choice between protecting the environment and fighting poverty, or between addressing climate change and promoting economic growth, is not a real dilemma. Calderon pointed to renewable energy as a solution, showcasing a wind turbine that would power the conference hotel. He stated that the focus of the talks would be on preparing for a warmer world, particularly important for poorer nations, with a primary emphasis on adaptation. However, this perspective clashed with EU negotiators, who stressed the need for stronger commitments to existing emissions targets, especially from developing countries. "We will seek a limited number of decisions in Cancun. We are hopeful that we will establish a clear path forward," stated Artur Runge-Metzger, a senior EU negotiator, on Sunday. Peter Wittoeck, a senior negotiator with Belgium, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, also mentioned, "We can see the beginnings of a compromise." The primary goal of the discussions is to reach an agreement for a more stringent climate deal to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, in order to increase efforts to combat global warming. Studies released on Sunday indicated that in the worst-case scenario of climate change, global temperatures could rise by 4 degrees Celsius (7.2F) by the 2060s, requiring an annual investment of $270 billion just to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels. | 1 |
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will bring unique qualities to her leadership, according to Mahuta, the first woman representing foreign affairs in New Zealand. Mahuta expressed excitement about the potential for collaboration between their respective countries and hopes for shared interests. This enthusiasm reflects a global desire for a shift away from right-wing populism. New Zealand, with its recent election success led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, is seen as a promising alternative to the divisive politics seen in other countries like Brazil and Hungary. The country is now viewed as a beacon of hope for those seeking inclusive and competent government led by charismatic women. With a victory over COVID enhancing her reputation, Ardern and her team are now confronted with heightened expectations. After three years of leading a coalition government that did not achieve significant policy successes on major issues like inequality, Labour now has the votes to pass its agenda and boasts a diverse representation that progressives have long desired. The majority of Labour's newly elected members are women, including the first African-descended member, Ibrahim Omer, a former refugee from Eritrea. The 120-member Parliament also includes 11 LGBTQ lawmakers, a dozen individuals of Pacific island descent, and 16 Maori members. The current Parliament in New Zealand is the most diverse in the country's history, representing the demographics of New Zealand as well as its connections to the Pacific islands. According to Richard Shaw, a politics professor at Massey University in New Zealand, this diversity is a significant development. Prime Minister Ardern's recent executive council includes a mix of familiar supporters, with Grant Robertson, the finance minister, being appointed as the first openly gay lawmaker to serve as deputy prime minister. Additionally, Ardern has appointed several members of Maori and Pacific island descent to her council. Mahuta, age 50, was the biggest surprise at the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan on September 27, 2018. New Zealand's new foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta is known as an honest broker and brings diversity to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's cabinet. Mahuta entered Parliament at 26 with a master's degree in social anthropology after working as a researcher for her Tainui tribe during a historic treaty settlement with the government. Her father was the lead negotiator and her aunt was the Maori queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan on September 27, 2018. The country's new foreign minister, Nanaia Mahuta, is known for being an honest mediator and has joined Ardern's diverse cabinet. Rather than seeking attention, Mahuta focused on studying briefing papers, displaying a no-nonsense and measured approach. The word "honest" followed her as she transitioned through different positions. In her role as associate environment minister, she handled difficult negotiations concerning water rights between her tribe and the government. As local government minister, she was frequently called upon to resolve conflicts on matters such as doctor shortages and dog control. During her time as customs minister, she collaborated with exporters and played a key role in reaching agreements with Japan and other nations to simplify trade processes. In her new position, she is expected to focus on coordinating safe tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic in the region, as well as strengthening economic ties with other Pacific Island nations and Australia. David Cunliffe, a former Labour Party leader who has worked closely with Mahuta for almost twenty years, praised her appointment to foreign affairs as an inspired decision. He described her as someone who works towards progress without seeking personal fame and noted that her hard work has finally been acknowledged. In a recent interview, Mahuta revealed that she had not actively pursued the foreign affairs role, although it was a consideration. She expressed surprise at the offer but eagerly accepted the opportunity to enhance New Zealand's global standing and collaborate with Pacific Island nations. The region has garnered increased attention in recent years due to China's growing influence and investments. US officials believe that Mahuta and her team, including the Maori defence minister Peeni Henare, will be well-received in the region as cultural equals and a strong counterbalance to Beijing. Mahuta's promotion is also being praised in the Maori community, despite some backlash over her traditional facial tattoo. This event is seen as a significant moment in history and politics by many, not just a win for diversity. Mahuta, a prominent figure in the Maori King Movement, has been appointed to the New Zealand government's foreign ministry, which signifies the progress the country has made. However, appointments are just the beginning for any government. Like in the United States, Ardern's administration is facing significant domestic and international challenges, including climate change and economic struggles worsened by COVID-19. To address these issues, Oliver Hartwich of the New Zealand Institute suggests bold actions such as reforming education for equality and changing the tax system to encourage new housing construction. Cunliffe expressed that there is a lack of willingness to take necessary action and make significant changes in government. He emphasized the importance of following through on announcements and being transformative in order to overcome populism. Cunliffe and Mahuta both believe that addressing the root causes of issues is crucial in preventing them from resurfacing in the future. She expressed her desire for ideas on redefining the concept of prosperity to be adopted from the Indigenous community, which emphasizes values such as caring for people and protecting the environment. She acknowledged that addressing economic inequality is a major obstacle for numerous nations and called for a departure from traditional approaches. | 1 |
Most polls indicate that Scott Morrison's conservative coalition is likely to lose the May 21 election, so they are emphasizing their national security credentials, particularly their tough stance on China. Morrison expressed concern about Chinese government influence in Australia and referenced past instances of foreign interference. These comments were made in response to a statement by Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews suggesting that China's timing of revealing their Solomons deal was an attempt to interfere in Australia's election. China has denied targeting any third party and has called on Australia to respect their sovereignty and choices. The news of the security agreement with a Pacific nation raised concerns about the possibility of a Chinese military presence being close to Australian shores, which reflected poorly on the national security efforts of Morrison's coalition. After the opposition Labor party criticized the agreement as a failure in national security by Canberra, Morrison's government has responded by emphasizing measures such as banning foreign political donations and registering foreign representatives. Morrison stated that the legislation was implemented for a reason, implying that the Chinese government seeks to interfere in Australia. In the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated that the country would not engage in militarization in the Pacific and signed the deal with China as they believed the security pact with Australia was insufficient. | 1 |
While Ukraine successfully conducted a peaceful presidential election recently, the situation in the eastern region near the Russian border remains unstable, with armed groups attacking Ukrainian government forces and taking over state buildings. The G7 stated that they were prepared to increase targeted sanctions and consider additional restrictive measures against Russia if necessary. German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the importance of ensuring Russia's efforts to stabilize the situation in Ukraine, which has been tense since March when Russia annexed Crimea. Merkel warned of the possibility of heavy sanctions if progress is not made in resolving the issues in Ukraine. Despite minor sanctions imposed on Russian officials in response to the Crimea crisis, further actions were threatened if the May 25 elections were disrupted. However, the elections proceeded smoothly, and President Petro Poroshenko will be inaugurated on Saturday, signaling a potential decrease in the need for additional sanctions. However, the statement released on Wednesday indicates that the West is still not convinced that President Vladimir Putin is taking enough action to ease tensions. Russia denies involvement in the uprising in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Moscow militias have taken control of buildings, attacked Ukrainian forces, and declared independence. Putin has defended his right to protect Russian-speaking individuals. Although Putin has been excluded from the G7 summit for the first time since Russia joined in 1997, he will meet with Merkel, Hollande, and Cameron at a D-Day event in France. When asked about these meetings and whether they concern President Obama, a U.S. official stated that the content of the discussions is more important than who Putin meets with. The G7 summit will also cover economics, trade, climate, and energy policy, with a focus on energy security in Europe, which heavily relies on Russia for oil and gas. The leaders will release a separate statement emphasizing the need to prioritize energy security and condemning the use of energy supplies as a tool for political coercion. The crisis in Ukraine highlights the importance of prioritizing energy security in our collective agenda, which calls for a significant change in how we diversify energy supplies. The upcoming economic discussion among the G7 members, including the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Britain, Japan, and Italy, is not expected to introduce new ideas but to emphasize the need to sustain economic recovery and implement stricter regulations to avoid future banking sector issues. The leaders will also reaffirm their dedication to finalizing financial reforms this year, such as addressing the issue of "too-big-to-fail" banks. | 1 |
A positive German business sentiment report boosted the euro and European stocks on Wednesday, while concerns about the US economy continued to weigh on the dollar. The weakening dollar led to increased interest in commodities like oil and gold, which had recently experienced a decline in prices. Despite the softer US outlook, global demand for commodities is expected to remain strong, particularly due to growing economies such as China. The Ifo institute's report showed an improvement in German corporate sentiment in March, with firms taking a more positive view of the economic situation. This has helped to alleviate some of the pessimism surrounding the global economy, with the Ifo report exceeding expectations for the third month in a row, according to Audrey Childe Freeman, a European economist at CIBC World Markets. She mentioned that the recent data supports the idea that Germany is becoming more independent from the euro zone, and it suggests that the European Central Bank will not be lowering interest rates in the near future. The Ifo economic research institute reported an increase in its business climate index, which resulted in a decrease in investors' interest in safe-haven euro zone government bonds. This news comes after a decline in US consumer confidence and a significant drop in home values, indicating that Americans may be cutting back on spending. Despite early losses, the FTSEurofirst 300 index briefly turned positive before ultimately falling 0.2 percent. Germany's DAX remained steady, while London's FTSE 100 index dropped 0.3 percent. Swiss mining company Xtrata experienced a significant drop of approximately 9 percent after takeover discussions with Vale, the world's largest iron ore miner, fell through. Just the day before, European stocks had increased by around 3 percent, driven by banks, following JPMorgan's announcement of a five-fold increase in their offer to acquire Bear Stearns, which helped alleviate concerns about the impact of the credit crunch on the sector. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei index closed 0.3 percent lower, while MSCI's measurement of other Asian stock markets rose by 0.6 percent. The MSCI world equity index saw a slight increase of 0.2 percent. The dollar weakened against a range of major currencies, reflecting ongoing worries about the state of the US economy. The dollar index decreased by 0.6 percent, causing the euro to increase by half a US cent to approximately $1.5646 following the Ifo report. The 10-year Bund yield remained relatively stable at 3.872 percent, while the 10-year yield for US Treasuries decreased by 2.4 basis points to 3.517 percent. US light crude for May delivery rose by 73 cents to $101.94, and gold slightly increased to $940.50 per ounce from around $934.60 per ounce late in New York on Tuesday. | 1 |
European Union leaders have made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable fuels. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that the EU's decisions, which include a goal for renewable sources to account for 20% of energy use by 2020, position it as a leader in the fight against climate change. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized that Europe is setting an example for the rest of the world in combatting global warming. The EU package established goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and utilizing biofuels. Leaders are pushing for energy-saving lighting to be mandatory in all buildings and streets by the end of the decade, affecting the entire population of 490 million citizens. Barroso believes that Europe can gain an economic advantage by investing in green technology early on, while businesses are worried about potential costs and losing competitiveness to cheaper foreign competitors. The agreement includes Europe-wide targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and expanding renewable energy sources, but individual countries will need to agree to specific national goals, leading to potential conflicts between Brussels and member states. Merkel successfully negotiated for a legally binding target for renewable fuels like solar, wind, and hydro-electric power, which was a highly debated issue. Leaders agreed to the 20 percent target for renewable sources while allowing flexibility on individual country contributions. The United Nations praised the plan as ambitious in the fight against climate change, with deputy spokeswoman Marie Okabe emphasizing the importance of ambition and leadership in addressing this critical issue. British Prime Minister Tony Blair described the targets set by the European Union as groundbreaking, bold, and ambitious. He informed reporters that a significant amount of effort is needed for Europe to achieve this goal, but it will result in Europe having a strong leadership position on the critical issue. The summit statement, by promising to respect each country's energy sources and capabilities, was satisfactory to countries like France, Poland, Cyprus, and Malta. The leaders agreed to a goal of reducing EU greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020, with the possibility of increasing to 30 percent if other major nations also commit. Additionally, there was a target of 10 percent for biofuels in transportation by 2020, to be implemented in a cost-effective manner. However, they did not support the European Commission's proposal to require large utility companies to sell or separate their generation and distribution businesses. They agreed that there needs to be an "effective separation of supply and production activities from network operations," but did not mention breaking up energy giants like E.ON, RWE, Gaz de France, and EDF. Renewables currently make up less than 7 percent of the EU energy mix, and the bloc is not meeting its targets for renewable energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. French President Jacques Chirac argued that nuclear power, which accounts for 70 percent of France's electricity, should also be considered in Europe's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, some EU countries are against nuclear power, such as Germany, which is phasing it out. Poland secured a commitment to "a spirit of solidarity amongst member states," which implies that western Europe will support former Soviet bloc states if Russia cuts off energy supplies. Many new ex-communist member states in central Europe were hesitant to support the renewables target due to concerns about the costs of the green energy revolution. Angela Merkel, as chair of the Group of Eight industrialized powers, aims to push the EU to lead the way in environmental initiatives. The summit's decisions will influence the EU's stance in global discussions to replace the UN Kyoto Protocol when it ends in 2012. Environmentalists, who have been critical of the EU in the past, praised the agreement as a significant step forward. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina departed for Switzerland on Tuesday to participate in the World Climate Conference-3. She took a regular flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines to London at 8:45am, accompanied by Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, State Minister for Environment Hassan Mahmud, her press secretary Abul Kalam Azad, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul. The delegation was seen off at Zia International Airport by cabinet ministers, three military chiefs, and other high officials. Mahmud stated in the VIP Lounge that Bangladesh would request compensation from countries accountable for climate change. The World Meteorological Organisation is hosting a five-day summit with the theme 'Better Climate Information for Better Future', starting on Monday and running until September 4. Bangladesh is leading the 50-member LDC Group, consisting of countries most at risk from the effects of climate change due to emissions by developed nations. | 1 |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his shock and condemnation of the recent car bombing in Algiers that killed 17 UN staff. He emphasized that terrorism is never justified and must be condemned in the name of humanity and the international community. Ban was deeply affected by the attack, which was one of two bombings that day resulting in the deaths of at least 37 people in Algiers. These attacks were a significant setback for the OPEC member country, which is working towards rebuilding after a devastating civil war in the 1990s. "I want to offer my heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Algeria, as well as the families of the victims and my colleagues at the United Nations." Ban was seen being driven in a heavily guarded convoy to the Hydra district, where he inspected the damaged offices of the UN's refugee agency and the UN Development Programme. Reporters were not allowed to accompany him. A second suicide car bombing on Dec. 11 caused damage to the Constitutional Court building in the Ben Aknoun district. Al Qaeda's North African branch claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that they were targeting those they referred to as "the slaves of America and France." Ban met with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Algeria to discuss their collaboration in fighting terrorism, as well as topics such as climate change, illegal migration, and the issue of Western Sahara. The United Nations confirmed the identities of the deceased UN employees, including 14 Algerians and one individual each from Denmark, Senegal, and the Philippines. Ban condemned the bombings as an attack on those working towards noble causes under the UN banner, stating that it was an assault on all of humanity. The UN Development Programme Administrator, Kemal Dervis, mentioned during a recent visit to Algiers that the United Nations was enhancing security measures at its offices worldwide following the attacks, but noted that additional funding would be necessary. | 1 |
However, the exact date when this large giant will start providing electricity to France's grid is uncertain. The construction is significantly delayed by ten years and costs have exceeded the budget by 12 billion euros. The initial plans to begin operations this year have been postponed once more, now set for 2024. The issues faced at Flamanville are not isolated incidents, as Finland's latest nuclear power plant, which recently began operating, was originally scheduled to be finished in 2009. As President Vladimir Putin's conflict in Ukraine prompts Europe to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas and oil, nuclear power is becoming more prominent as a source of domestic energy and stable electricity. Advocates believe that nuclear energy could help address Europe's impending energy shortage, especially as the continent shifts towards renewable technologies like solar and wind power to meet ambitious climate targets. The invasion by Putin has reshaped Europe's energy security considerations, according to Fatih Birol, the head of the International Energy Agency, who predicts that nuclear energy may become more prevalent in response to energy insecurity. However, there are obstacles to realizing a nuclear resurgence, as the search for alternatives to Russian fuel has intensified a political divide in Europe over nuclear power. While pro-nuclear countries like France advocate for expanding nuclear power, others like Germany fear the risks associated with radioactive waste. The recent European Commission plan to decrease reliance on Russia did not include nuclear power as one of the energy sources to be considered. The challenges faced by the Flamanville-3 project, including delays and cost overruns, are representative of the broader technical, logistical, and cost issues in expanding nuclear power. Nuclear power currently accounts for a quarter of all electricity in the EU, with France producing over half from its aging fleet. Plans for up to 13 new-generation nuclear reactors in France, using a different design, will not be completed until at least 2035, too late to address the current energy crisis. Britain has plans for eight new nuclear plants, but the reality is not as optimistic. Five of the current six reactors are set to be retired in the next ten years due to age. Only one new nuclear station, being built in Hinkley Point, is currently under construction. Other projects in Eastern Europe are not expected to be completed before 2030. According to Jonathan Stern from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, nuclear projects take at least 10 years to complete. He said the main issue is finding a way to stop using Russian gas, and this needs to be done now, rather than waiting for a decade until more nuclear reactors are built. Supporters of nuclear power believe it can be a solution if there is enough political support. Belgium's government, along with the Green party, decided to extend the life of two reactors for another ten years instead of phasing out nuclear energy by 2025, in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. This decision will help Belgium reduce its reliance on Russian gas by expanding renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to meet European climate targets by 2035. Belgium's energy minister, Tinne Van der Straeten, said the invasion of Ukraine changed their perspective and led to this policy reversal. "We aimed to decrease our imports from Russia." However, in Germany, which relies heavily on Russian gas and coal, the suggestion of using nuclear power to address an energy shortage does not seem to be gaining traction. Germany is set to shut down its last three nuclear plants by the end of the year as part of a plan to phase out all 17 reactors following the Fukushima disaster in 2011. Some major energy companies in Germany are willing to delay the closure of nuclear plants to reduce reliance on Russia, but the Green party, part of the governing coalition, opposes this idea. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Germany is committed to phasing out nuclear power and delaying the process is not a viable solution. Additionally, other countries that view nuclear power as a valuable option face numerous challenges. Mark Hibbs, a nuclear expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, emphasized that President Emmanuel Macron's ambitious plans for a nuclear power resurgence in France will not happen quickly. The estimated cost of implementing new-generation atomic reactors is 50 billion euros, a price tag that other European countries may not be able to afford. The industry also faces the challenge of training a new generation of nuclear power engineers, which will further delay the process. Meanwhile, France's aging reactors, originally built to ensure energy independence in the aftermath of the 1970s oil crisis, are currently undergoing safety inspections, hindering their ability to alleviate a Russian energy shortage. She stated that nuclear production in France will decrease this year unless a magical solution is found, but there is no such solution. However, Moscow's aggression may help reverse the industry's gradual decline. Recently, there have been positive declarations, such as Britain's plan to expand its nuclear capacity and the Netherlands' intention to build two additional reactors to complement other forms of energy. In Eastern Europe, countries near Russia have been planning to construct multiple nuclear reactors, a decision that now seems wise following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. NuScale Power, an Oregon-based company, is promoting a new reactor design that they believe will be more cost-effective and faster to build because key components will be manufactured in factories. The company has made initial agreements in Romania and Poland, with Russia's invasion leading to an increased interest in nuclear energy as part of the overall energy mix for customers. Nuclearelectrica, the Romanian power company, is moving forward with plans for a NuScale plant and two Canadian reactors, in response to the need to enhance energy security following the Ukraine crisis. Meike Becker, a utilities analyst at Bernstein, predicts that in the long term, Russia's war will likely support the European goal of achieving greater energy independence. Text = Copyright 2022 by The New York Times Company. | 1 |
China, a member of the group, was initially expected to back the deal. However, during discussions between Premier Wen Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the East Asia Summit, Chinese officials expressed their support. | 1 |
US President Barack Obama faces political risks with his decision on a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan as his Democratic Party prepares for challenging midterm congressional elections. Obama will announce the strategy at West Point military academy, which includes increasing US troop levels and possibly detailing an exit plan. Republicans are pushing for decisive action, while Democrats have concerns, creating a difficult situation for a president trying to fulfill his promises. The outcome of this decision is crucial. Obama is faced with a decision to either grant General McChrystal's request for 40,000 more troops in Afghanistan or to listen to advisers who suggest a smaller deployment of 10,000 to 20,000 troops with a greater role for Afghan forces. Influential figures in Obama's Cabinet and military chiefs are in favor of a troop increase of 30,000 or more, potentially reaching up to 35,000 with the addition of US trainers. The outcome of this decision is crucial for the US-led war in Afghanistan, where there are already 68,000 US soldiers among a multinational force of about 110,000 troops fighting against resurgent Taliban militants. This conflict, which is part of a broader campaign against al Qaeda, poses risks for neighboring countries like Pakistan and US allies like Britain, where support for the war is declining. Additionally, the decision could impact Obama's domestic agenda, including healthcare and climate change, as politicians and voters question the wisdom of a costly US campaign in a historically challenging region. Opinion polls indicate that Americans are split on the issue of Afghanistan, with many feeling worn out from the Iraq war and economic problems. A recent poll by the Washington Post-ABC News showed that 46 percent of Americans supported sending a large number of troops to Afghanistan, while 45 percent preferred a smaller deployment. Additionally, 48 percent of Americans disapproved of President Obama's handling of the situation in Afghanistan, compared to 45 percent who approved. Of concern to Democrats is the fact that approval among independents, a key voting bloc that helped Obama win in 2008, dropped to 39 percent. There are concerns in America about various issues such as high unemployment, government bailout programs, federal budget deficit, and healthcare reform, which is coinciding with doubts about the situation in Afghanistan. The upcoming elections in November 2010 could be affected by an anti-incumbent mood, potentially impacting Democrats' legislative majorities. Some liberal Democrats are against increasing U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who criticized Afghan President Hamid Karzai for corruption and questioned the need for more U.S. aid. Other prominent Democrats have advised Obama to clarify the U.S. "exit strategy" for Afghanistan. General McChrystal, during a briefing with a group of U.S. lawmakers recently, indicated that the number of U.S. troops could start to decrease after reaching a peak following the surge by 2013. Additionally, an international conference in London in January will focus on establishing conditions for a gradual transfer of security responsibility to Afghan authorities. Some experienced Democratic lawmakers have suggested implementing a "war tax" on the wealthiest Americans to fund the conflict, a move that is typically avoided during election years. Democrats are aiming to distance themselves from an unpopular war with an uncertain outcome by urging Obama to scale back U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. They also seek to demonstrate their fiscal responsibility by curbing the escalating war expenditures, which could reach $30 billion to $40 billion annually. What are the Republicans saying? Republicans see Obama's dilemma in Afghanistan as a chance to demonstrate their firm stance on national security and criticize what they view as indecisiveness on the part of the Democratic president. Former Vice President Dick Cheney expressed concern about the lengthy three-month review of options in Afghanistan, stating that the delay is not without consequences and could lead to doubts among allies and troops. Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate leader, advised Obama to continue pressuring the Taliban, and 14 House Republicans wrote a letter supporting General McChrystal's call for 40,000 additional troops. Republicans aim to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the United States and regain support from voters in swing districts who have become disenchanted with Obama. Democrats argue that Republicans are attempting to divert attention from the inability to defeat the Taliban after seven years of military efforts during George W. Bush's presidency, who deployed significantly more troops to the war in Iraq. | 1 |
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree stating that foreign buyers must pay for Russian gas in roubles starting Friday or risk having their supplies cut. European capitals have rejected this move, with Berlin describing it as "blackmail". This decision could potentially result in Europe losing more than a third of its gas supply, with Germany, the country most dependent on Russian gas, already implementing emergency plans that could lead to rationing. Putin is using energy exports as a powerful tool to retaliate against Western sanctions imposed on Russian entities in response to the invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow refers to as a "special military operation". In his televised speech, Putin stated that those purchasing Russian gas must establish rouble accounts in Russian banks for payment starting on April 1. Failure to do so would be considered a default, resulting in contract termination. It is uncertain if there are alternative payment methods for foreign firms, as the EU and G7 have rejected the use of roubles. His choice to mandate payments in roubles has led to an increase in the value of the Russian currency, which had plummeted to record lows following the invasion on February 24th. The rouble has since regained a significant portion of its lost value. Companies and governments in the West have refused to alter their gas supply contracts to accommodate the change in payment currency, as most European buyers currently use euros. Business leaders have indicated that renegotiating terms would be a time-consuming process, potentially taking months or more to complete. Paying in roubles would help lessen the impact of Western restrictions on Moscow's access to foreign exchange reserves. European countries are scrambling to find alternative energy sources, but the global market is limited, giving them few choices. The United States has offered more liquefied natural gas (LNG), but it is not sufficient to replace Russian imports. Germany's Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, stated that Russia has been unsuccessful in dividing Europe and emphasized that Western allies are committed to not being pressured by Russia. Berlin has announced that it will continue to pay for Russian energy in euros. France's economy minister Bruno Le Maire stated that both France and Germany are preparing for the possibility of Russian gas flows being stopped. Le Maire chose not to discuss the technical specifics related to Russia's recent demands for payment in roubles. Putin has signed an order that allows for payments to be made through special foreign currency and rouble accounts at Gazprombank, with foreign currency being converted into roubles through currency auctions on a Moscow exchange. Putin believes that this change will enhance Russia's independence, as he believes Western countries are using the financial system as a weapon against Russia. Putin argues that it is illogical for Russia to trade in dollars and euros when assets in these currencies are being frozen. We have provided European consumers with our resources, specifically gas, and they paid us in euros which they then stored. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that we supplied some of the gas to Europe practically at no cost," stated Putin. However, he also acknowledged that this situation cannot persist and emphasized that Russia still values its business reputation. "We will adhere to our obligations in all contracts, including gas contracts, by supplying gas in the agreed-upon volumes and at the prices specified in our existing long-term contracts," he stated. Following Putin's announcement, several European companies with Russian contracts either had no immediate response or declined to comment, causing further concern in the market. The escalating tension with Russia has led to a significant increase in European gas prices in recent months, raising concerns about a potential recession. The surge in energy costs has already resulted in production cuts for companies in industries such as steel and chemicals. Poland's PGNiG, which has a long-term contract with Russia's Gazprom that expires at the end of this year, did not provide an immediate response to the situation. The Climate Ministry in Poland did not provide an immediate response. Poland has a contract with Gazprom for 10.2 billion cubic metres of gas annually, which is in dollars. Eni, an Italian energy company and another significant buyer of Russian gas in Europe, also had no comment. Eni purchased approximately 22.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas in 2020, and their contracts with Gazprom will end in 2035. Buyers in Germany of Russian gas, including Uniper, RWE, EnBW, and VNG, did not provide a prompt response to comment requests. | 1 |
Water is a crucial factor in Bangladesh, where it can mean the difference between life and death. The country is rich in rivers, coastlines, and strong-willed inhabitants. However, the year 2020 has posed unique challenges for us. Cyclone Amphan caused widespread destruction in the south-western regions in May, followed by monsoon rains that flooded one-third of the nation, displacing many and ruining crops. Dealing with the aftermath of water invading homes, destroying belongings, and spreading pollution and disease is extremely difficult. It is especially challenging this year with the impact of Covid-19, which has made it harder to obtain clean water necessary for sanitation and preventing the spread of the virus. In Dhaka, where I am writing from, the water levels in the Brahmaputra and Padma basins are decreasing. Despite the ongoing threat of the coronavirus, my community is slowly returning to normalcy. We are evaluating our flood protection measures and offering assistance to those impacted. As always, we are developing strategies to improve our readiness for future challenges, as in Bangladesh, there is always another crisis on the horizon. The climate crisis is always present. I want to caution countries that believe they are unaffected by the climate crisis, as well as bankers and financiers who think they can avoid it: this is not possible. The Covid-19 pandemic has proven that no nation or company can thrive in isolation. We must work together to address worldwide challenges. The pandemic has also highlighted that it is simpler to prevent problems than to fix them. This means that in 2020, it is crucial for us to prioritize listening to scientists. We are currently experiencing a global crisis involving climate change, health, and biodiversity. The loss of biodiversity is being sped up by climate change, making the situation worse. Bangladesh is not the only country facing the consequences of nature's anger, as fires have also devastated regions such as the Amazon, Australia, California, and Siberia this year. Cyclones and hurricanes have caused destruction in the US, Caribbean, and parts of Asia. The UK, where the COP26 climate summit will take place next year, has also been affected by floods. The root cause of climate change is the unsustainable nature of human activities. In recent years, we have seen an increase in extreme weather events such as floods, rainfalls, cyclones, heatwaves, landslides, and droughts, which pose a threat to food security. It is important to acknowledge the seriousness of these issues. An increase of one meter in sea level will submerge many small islands and coastal nations, while melting glaciers will cause devastating floods in mountainous countries. This will result in millions of people becoming climate refugees, with the world lacking the resources to accommodate such a large population. The G20 countries are accountable for 80% of emissions, whereas the bottom 100 countries only contribute 3.5%. The emitters bear a significant burden and must contribute more to the efforts required to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5C. Bangladesh, as the current president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, is reaching out to the international community and the G20 for additional financial assistance and technology access to accelerate adaptation for the most vulnerable countries. Among these nations, Bangladesh stands out for its readiness to tackle extreme weather events by constructing sea walls, planting mangrove forests, and integrating resilience into all government activities. However, we cannot face these challenges alone. The Pledge for Nature was signed by sixty-four countries and the EU this week in response to the planetary emergency. These countries collectively represent around 1.4 billion people and a quarter of the global gross domestic product. Building a common political will at both domestic and global levels is now necessary. As hosts of the upcoming COP, G7, and G20 meetings, the UK and Italy must take the lead in driving this agenda forward, including providing comprehensive support for the nations most severely affected. Business leaders, CEOs, CFOs, and investors of all levels have a crucial role to play in this effort. You might think that the most important thing for you is your quarterly results, but what truly matters is our collective well-being. If the environment is harmed to the point where it cannot sustain us, everyone will be impacted. Events in one part of the world can have repercussions globally. Rising sea levels will affect us all. The only solution is a fundamental change in government and business practices, transitioning from high carbon emissions and exploitation of the Earth to a more sustainable and caring approach. A recent study conducted by Vivid Economics on the response to Covid-19 indicates that its effect on climate change has been varied. I commend the EU for focusing on a sustainable recovery. We intend to follow suit in Bangladesh, and I strongly urge other government and business leaders to do the same. While job creation is important, we must also prioritize creating opportunities for the future and laying strong foundations for the years ahead. Climate change, pandemics, and the loss of biodiversity are shared challenges. They ought to bring us together to strive for a shared goal: creating a more environmentally friendly and secure world. In the words of Bangla: "Bhabia korio kaj, koria bhabio na" (think before you act, not after you have acted), we must avoid irreversible actions. | 1 |
Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd impressed China with his fluent Mandarin, but his complex, jargon-filled English often confuses his fellow Australians. Australian newspapers criticized Rudd for being overly focused on policy and using too much diplomatic language and acronyms. Some even accused him of creating his own language. Despite this, Rudd received praise for delivering a speech in Mandarin at a Chinese university, where he discussed human rights and Tibet. According to Australian newspapers, the message delivered by Rudd in Beijing was quite different from his usual use of English language. The papers highlighted a climate change comment made by Rudd after a meeting with Britain's prime minister as an example of his complex language, which they referred to as "geek talk". Some journalists were left puzzled by Rudd's statement about the need for better coordination between policy leadership and quick delivery of outcomes. The Sydney Morning Herald commented on Rudd's tendency to use acronyms like EWS, RTP, and CCS, stating that he still had a bureaucratic way of speaking despite leaving his government role. | 1 |
The desire for change in the 2008 presidential campaign is also evident in U.S. House and Senate races as Democrats are likely to increase their control of Congress. Polls indicate that voters are leaning towards Democrats on various issues such as the Iraq war, the economy, and energy, and feel that the country is on the wrong path as President George W. Bush's term comes to an end. However, Democrats are also facing challenges as surveys show that only one in five Americans approve of the divided Congress, which Democrats took over from Republicans in January 2007. Despite their defeat, Republicans have been able to block Democrats on several issues, including attempts to withdraw from Iraq. Stu Rothenberg, from the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report, stated that the public desires change, with a focus on the president rather than Congress. He mentioned that voters tend to express their dissatisfaction with the president's party when they are angry. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois gained momentum in the Democratic presidential race by promoting the message of "hope and change" in Washington, despite facing challenges from political conflicts. Obama's message of "change" was so well-received that both his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, and Republican nominee, John McCain, have adopted it. In the upcoming election in November, voters will not only choose a new president to succeed Bush, but also a third of the Senate and the entire House of Representatives. Democrats currently have a slight majority in both chambers and are expected to make some gains, with a possibility of reaching the 60 seats needed in the Senate to overcome Republican filibusters. The most recent time one of the parties had a Senate majority that could not be filibustered was in 1977-78 when the Democrats were in control. According to Jennifer Duffy from the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, there is a possibility that Democrats could reach 60 seats if everything goes well, but the chances are low due to the challenging political climate. Out of the 23 Senate seats up for election, many are currently held by Republicans, with five of them choosing not to run for reelection and others facing strong competition. All 12 Senate Democrats who are up for re-election are expected to win, according to Sen. John Ensign of Nevada, who is the chairman of the Senate Republican campaign committee. Ensign acknowledged that it will be a challenging election cycle for Republicans, and he hopes to hold on to at least 47 or 48 seats in the Senate. However, he does not believe that Democrats will reach the 60 seats needed for a filibuster-proof majority. On the other hand, Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, who is the chairman of the Senate Democratic campaign committee, is optimistic about the direction of the election. Democrats have outperformed Republicans in fundraising, had fewer congressional retirements, and found it easier to recruit challengers. Despite this, they are worried about the potential negative effects of the intense competition between Obama and Clinton in the Democratic primaries for the presidential nomination. Rep. Chris Van Hollen expressed concern that the wounds created during the primary could linger until the general election in November. While he does not believe this will cost Democrats control of Congress, it could impact their efforts to gain more seats. Andrew Kohut of the Pew Research Center suggested that a strong performance by McCain in the presidential race could help Republicans in Congress. Kohut emphasized the importance of the top of the ticket, stating that McCain's strength lies in his support among independents who have a significant impact on election outcomes. Democrats aim to counter any notion that McCain and other Republicans represent change by linking them to Bush, who has low approval ratings. Van Hollen noted that although Bush is not running this year, his influence is still felt in the elections. House Republicans must justify their support for failed Iraq and economic policies over the past seven years. Rep. Tom Cole, chairman of the House Republican campaign committee, dismissed concerns about their prospects, pointing out that Democrats also won control of Congress in 2006 by blaming Republicans for issues such as the Iraq war and a struggling economy. Cole emphasized that now that Democrats are in control, they too are responsible for the negative perception of Washington. | 1 |
European Union leaders have agreed to deploy administrators and police to Kosovo before it declares independence from Serbia. In an effort to ease tensions in the Balkans, they have also offered Serbia a fast-track path to EU membership if it meets certain conditions. However, Serbia has rejected the idea that this offer is meant to compensate for the loss of Kosovo. The EU leaders stated that negotiations on Kosovo's future have reached a standstill and it is time to work towards a resolution. They did not fully support independence, but they made a political decision to send an ESDP mission to Kosovo. This decision was seen as a strong signal that the EU is committed to taking a leadership role in Kosovo and the surrounding region. The ESDP mission will consist of 1,800 individuals, including police, justice officials, and civilian administrators. When questioned about the European Union's stance on recognizing Kosovo's independence, Socrates mentioned ongoing discussions at the United Nations. He emphasized that the EU is actively addressing the issue and not ignoring it. French President Nicolas Sarkozy also acknowledged the EU's struggles with Kosovo's impending independence. Diplomats noted that Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia, and Romania are hesitant to recognize Kosovo's sovereignty without a UN Security Council resolution. "ON A PLANE"? EU leaders, after resolving a longstanding institutional deadlock, shifted their attention to addressing challenges from the Balkans, as well as globalisation and immigration. The EU expressed confidence in Serbia's progress towards joining the bloc, with hopes of accelerating the process. Pro-EU individuals in Belgrade aim for candidate status by the following year, a timeline deemed ambitious but achievable by EU Enlargement Commission Olli Rehn. Typically, it takes around two years for Brussels to grant candidate status to an aspiring country after signing a Stabilisation and Accession Agreement (SAA). The delay in signing an SAA with Belgrade is due to their failure to hand over Bosnian Serb wartime general Ratko Mladic to a UN war crimes tribunal in the Hague. Outgoing chief war crimes prosecutor Carla Del Ponte is urging EU leaders to maintain pressure on Belgrade and not be lenient, expressing surprise at France, Germany, and Italy's attempts to soften their stance. The agreement requires unanimous approval within the EU, and Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen has stated that Mladic must be sent to the Hague before he will sign the SAA. EU leaders have appointed former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez to head a new "reflection group" to discuss the long-term future of the EU, covering issues like enlargement, climate change, and regional stability. Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Jorma Ollila were named as vice-chairs of the panel, which is expected to report in June 2010. The leaders also addressed public concerns about European job markets, immigration, and cheap imports following the signing of the Lisbon Treaty, which replaced the failed constitution in 2005. The treaty aims to streamline the EU's structures to accommodate enlargement after the addition of 12 ex-communist states in 2004 and 2007. Critics argue that it will limit the authority of national governments and give more control to Brussels. | 1 |
This country could potentially be the first to approve the vaccine from the British drugmaker, as the British regulatory agency continues to review trial data. India, known as the world's largest vaccine producer, aims to begin vaccinating its population next month and is considering emergency use authorization for vaccines from Pfizer Inc and Bharat Biotech. Distributing the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine in India, a country with high infection rates, would be a significant step in combating the pandemic. This particular vaccine is seen as crucial for lower-income countries and those in warm climates due to its affordability, ease of transportation, and ability to be stored at regular refrigerator temperatures for extended periods. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization in India initially evaluated the applications on December 9th and requested additional information from all companies, including the Serum Institute of India, which is producing the AstraZeneca vaccine. The world's largest vaccine manufacturer, SII, has submitted all the necessary data according to two sources. Indian health officials are still waiting for more information from Pfizer and Bharat Biotech, as stated by a government health adviser during a news briefing on Tuesday. There are ongoing discussions between Indian and British health authorities regarding the AstraZeneca shot, with signs pointing towards an approval expected by next week. Recent data from AstraZeneca's trials in the UK and Brazil showed varying efficacy rates, with the Indian regulator currently only considering the two full-dose regimen despite lower success rates. One of the sources announced that the serum is prepared and there could be an initial supply of 50 million to 60 million doses. The sources preferred to remain anonymous due to ongoing discussions and the possibility of timeline changes. CDSCO chief V.G. Somani did not provide a comment when asked. Bharat Biotech and Pfizer chose not to comment, while SII did not respond immediately to an email requesting a comment. India has not finalized an agreement for vaccine supply with any company, however, Serum Institute of India (SII) has already accumulated over 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and aims to produce a total of 400 million doses by July. | 1 |
bdnews24.com senior correspondent Abdur Rahim Harmachhi reported that the government is planning to announce a budget of around Tk 100,000 crore for the upcoming fiscal year. The finance adviser stated that up to 15 percent of this amount will be used to subsidize essential commodities. This budget proposal will be the first time in history that a caretaker government has presented a complete budget for two consecutive fiscal years. Finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam, who will deliver his second budget speech on Monday, mentioned that up to Tk 15,000 crore will be allocated for fuel, food, and fertiliser subsidies, which is three times higher than the previous fiscal year. The total spending on non-development sectors is expected to exceed Tk 70,000 crore, but the finance adviser assured that the overall budget deficit will not exceed five percent. Mirza Aziz stated that the government has no plans to raise tax rates in the upcoming fiscal year, but there may be an increase in import duty on certain goods to support local industry. He explained that challenges such as fuel price hikes, the global food crisis, and natural disasters caused by climate change have made it difficult to prepare the budget for Bangladesh. Despite the rising oil prices internationally, the government has not yet decided to raise fuel prices. Mirza Aziz emphasized that even though oil prices have surged to $139 a barrel, the government chose not to increase fuel prices given the current economic situation. The adviser mentioned that a barrel of fuel was priced at $62 on the global market when the government last raised fuel prices in the country in 2007. The overall deficit in the budget for fiscal 2007-08 was projected at 4.2 percent. The adviser stated that the budget deficit was expected to slightly increase in the next year due to higher subsidies for sectors like fuel, fertiliser, and food. However, he reassured that it would not exceed 5 percent. The finance adviser also mentioned plans to widen the tax net significantly to boost revenue income. The expected revenue increase for the upcoming fiscal year is 17 percent. In the 2008-09 budget, Tk 43,850 crore was allocated from NBR-controlled sources. The adviser mentioned that the tax system in the budget would be favorable for businesses. He also stated that the discretionary authority of tax officials would be limited and the tax collection process would be simplified. The target growth rate for GDP is set at 6.5 percent, and the projected annual inflation rate is around 9 percent. The GDP growth target for the fiscal year 2007-08 was set at 7 percent, while the average inflation rate was projected to be 6 percent. The finance adviser admitted that achieving 7 percent growth in the fiscal year was not possible due to natural disasters. Initial estimates suggested growth would be below 6 percent, but the latest data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics revealed a growth rate of 6.21 percent. In the previous fiscal year (2006-07), GDP growth was 6.5 percent. Mirza Aziz stated that a significant issue for Bangladesh's economy was inflation, noting that the point-to-point inflation rate decreased by three percentage points to 7.7 percent in April compared to 10.06 percent in March, according to data from the Bureau of Statistics. He also emphasized that agriculture will be the top priority in the upcoming budget, with the highest allocation being made for the sector in the development budget. Mirza Aziz announced that the government has devised plans to create job opportunities for impoverished individuals in the upcoming fiscal year. As part of the scheme, one member of each family will be compensated with a set amount of money in exchange for 100 days of labor. Additionally, the number of recipients of various government assistance programs within the social safety net will be expanded. The adviser also mentioned that measures will be taken to boost the purchasing power of individuals belonging to fixed income brackets. Furthermore, a dearness allowance will be introduced for government employees to alleviate the hardships brought about by rising prices. The finance adviser's budget speech will be shown live on TV and radio channels, both government-owned and private, at 3pm on Monday. Just like last year, the government is encouraging the public to review the proposed budget by sharing the budget speech, summary, and financial statement on www.mof.gov.bd. Printed copies will also be available starting at 3pm on Monday. Anyone can access these documents, download information, and provide feedback by filling out forms until 5pm on June 16. Written comments, recommendations, and criticisms can also be submitted and will be taken into account when finalizing the budget, ensuring public involvement in the process. The government has identified specific websites where the public can access the proposed budget, including www.bangladesh.gov.bd, www.nbr-bd.org, www.plancomm.gov.bd, www.imed.gov.bd, www.bdpressinform.org, and www.cao.gov.bd. Additionally, links to the budget documents will be provided on other government websites within the finance ministry and bdnews24.com. | 1 |
Australia, previously criticized for not fully participating in the Kyoto Protocol, has now called for the agreement to be abandoned. Australia's Environment Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, stated that although Australia would meet its targets under the protocol, Greenhouse Gas emissions were expected to increase. Turnbull suggested that Kyoto should be replaced with a new global agreement that includes major players like India, China, and the United States. Turnbull expressed doubt that the United States would ever fully ratify the protocol in its current form, and stated that the protocol's first commitment period is becoming outdated in terms of addressing climate change. The Kyoto Protocol, an agreement that establishes emissions limits for wealthier countries but not for poorer ones like China, is set to expire in 2012. Australia, a major coal exporter, has chosen not to ratify the treaty or impose mandatory cuts on carbon emissions, citing potential negative impacts on the economy. Instead, Prime Minister Turnbull announced a plan to invest $15.2 million in China to reduce emissions by capturing methane from underground mines for electricity generation. China, a member of a separate Kyoto pact with the US, Australia, Japan, India, and South Korea, has rejected emissions limits, expressing concerns about hindering economic growth. Turnbull believes in implementing practical solutions to combat climate change, criticizing Kyoto for neglecting the importance of addressing deforestation in countries like Indonesia and Brazil. "He stated that it is not surprising that Kyoto's outcomes have been lackluster. The Climate Institute recently announced that Australia, which is the top polluter per person in the world, is expected to exceed its limit of 108 percent of 1990 greenhouse gas emissions. Turnbull disputed this claim with the most recent 2005 data on Wednesday. Senator Christine Milne of the Australian Greens accused Turnbull of trying to hide the fact that energy and transportation emissions have increased in the past two years due to the country's mining and export boom. Prime Minister John Howard, a conservative, argues that solutions to climate change should be globally agreed upon rather than being restricted to industrialized nations like those under the 'Old Kyoto' agreement. However, with the government facing re-election later in the year and polls showing that 80 percent of voters see climate change as a major issue, Howard has introduced a variety of environmental measures to enhance his environmental reputation." Australia is anticipated to prioritize taking actions to address climate change in the upcoming May 8 Budget. The government has indicated that they will allocate A$10 billion towards reforming water usage in response to a ten-year period of severe drought. | 1 |
France's president-elect Nicolas Sarkozy will make his first foray into international diplomacy by meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is about to leave office after ten years in power. Despite being in their 50s, the two leaders have a good relationship and share similar views on various issues, including proposing a revised version of the European constitutional treaty that French voters had rejected in 2005. They will focus on upcoming important European Union and G8 meetings during their discussions, which will begin after Blair visits outgoing President Jacques Chirac. Blair's spokesperson mentioned that talks with Sarkozy will likely cover topics such as the EU treaty and climate change at the G8 summit. Blair, who is set to resign on June 27, publicly praised Sarkozy's election in a video message in French on YouTube. He mentioned that the success of the right-winger offers a great opportunity for Britain and France to collaborate in the future. Sarkozy is pushing for a less ambitious treaty to update the EU's institutions to be approved by parliament and has rejected the idea of another referendum on the constitution. Blair's spokesperson stated that he does not represent Nicolas Sarkozy and that they will discuss the matter. The prime minister is in favor of a revised treaty rather than a complete constitution. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who will meet with Sarkozy next week after officially becoming president, has made reviving the charter a key goal of her EU presidency. Sarkozy has emphasized his goal of addressing the remaining doubts stemming from France's strong opposition to the U.S.- and British-led Iraq war, and has made enhancing relations with Washington and London a key focus. He will demonstrate the significance of the traditional alliance with Germany by visiting Berlin on Wednesday, the day he assumes office. German government spokesman Thomas Steg described this as a powerful symbol of Franco-German friendship. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has suggested that her country and the Maldives collaborate in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, as both nations are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels. The proposal was made during a meeting with the Maldives ambassador in Dhaka, Ahmed Fareer. Hasina urged leaders of the island nation to work together with Bangladesh to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events and sea level rise. Additionally, she requested the Maldives government to consider importing goods such as medicines, clothing, and ceramic products from Bangladesh, as well as hiring Bangladeshi physicians and teachers. The envoy was assured by the prime minister that Bangladesh would provide full support for the establishment of the 'Bangladesh-Maldives University' in the Maldives, Islam noted. Also in attendance were PM's principal secretary MA Karim, PMO secretary Mollah Wahiduzzman, and ambassador at large Ziauddin Ahmed. | 1 |
He entered office pledging careful reforms, but midway through his term, critics suggest that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's true agenda may be to act as a placeholder for Vladimir Putin's return to power. Despite nearly two years in office, analysts see little evidence of Medvedev fulfilling his promises to liberalize Russia's political system, modernize its oil-driven economy, combat corruption, and uphold the rule of law. Opposition leaders labeled the recent local elections in October as the most corrupt in Russia's history. NGOs and business leaders report that corruption remains rampant, if not worse. Regional leaders with ties to the Kremlin, accused of misconduct, have been re-appointed. Reports of police and court power abuses are frequent. According to Vladimir Ryzhkov, former independent deputy in the Russian parliament, President Medvedev has shown little interest in true reform, instead opting for minor changes to give the appearance of progress. The Kremlin has stated that detailed information on Medvedev's achievements will be released in May, but is not available at this time. Medvedev's spokeswoman, Natalya Timakova, has mentioned that the president's focus for the year includes political system reforms, improving the investment climate, addressing issues in the North Caucasus, and negotiating a nuclear arms pact with the United States. An analysis by the Interfax news agency noted that state-run media has been trying to enhance the president's image, with more references to Medvedev than to Putin in Russian media last year. However, pollsters argue that Putin's popularity among ordinary people has been boosted by the economic growth and stability during his presidency from 2000 to 2008. This popularity has continued during Putin's current role as prime minister. Additionally, Russia's elite also holds Putin in higher regard, as evidenced by Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov's recent interview with Reuters where he praised Putin as a "very strong leader of world stature". He did not mention Medvedev. Western powers had hoped that Medvedev would be more cooperative than Putin, but those hopes were dashed when Medvedev led Russia into a conflict with Georgia in 2008. Despite expectations that Russia would join the World Trade Organisation, sign a nuclear arms reduction agreement with the US, and support sanctions against Iran, Putin, not Medvedev, had the final say in each decision. This demonstrates the true power dynamics within Russia's ruling "tandem". Officials from the Kremlin and the White House (Putin's prime ministerial offices) publicly state that the "tandem" is a productive working relationship between two equals who respect each other's areas of expertise as outlined in the constitution. For example, Medvedev recently called a meeting to discuss reforms to Russia's political system, which critics compare to the Soviet-era Communist Party due to the dominance of the Kremlin's United Russia bloc. However, Putin had the final say, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration and caution in making changes to the political system to avoid instability. According to a senior diplomat, Putin's message was straightforward: there will be no significant political changes in Russia. Investors are also aware of where the power lies. When asked about the potential reaction of Russian markets to Medvedev leaving, a chief strategist at a Moscow bank stated that it would not have much impact. However, when asked about Putin leaving, the response was that it would cause chaos. However, the frequent discrepancies in public demeanor between Putin and Medvedev have caused some observers of Russia to speculate about conflicts between them, or even to propose that a power struggle may be unfolding within the ruling class. Supporters of Medvedev are particularly eager to propagate this idea in order to enhance his image as a reformer, according to diplomats. According to this narrative, Medvedev's apparent lack of progress in implementing reforms is attributed to his cautious approach so as not to antagonize Putin. Supporters of the president argue that Medvedev will eventually take more assertive actions, although many insiders refute this notion. Opposition journalist Yulia Latynina has argued that a power struggle between Putin, who holds all the power, and Medvedev, who has none, is impossible. Sceptics also believe that Medvedev, who has worked closely with Putin for 19 years, is unlikely to have a hidden reform agenda from his boss, a former KGB spy. Many informed commentators predict that Putin will likely return to the presidency in 2012, taking advantage of a constitutional reform that extends the next Kremlin chief's term to six years, which is the most significant political reform enacted by Medvedev. If re-elected, Putin could remain in office until 2024. Olga Kryshtanovskaya, an expert on the Russian elite and member of United Russia, stated that Putin is more popular and trusted than Medvedev. "I recently returned from a journey to the provinces, where the prevailing belief is that Putin will return in 2012. I also hold this belief, as Putin has greater resources and support." | 1 |
The Netherlands, known for its advanced irrigation methods, has shown interest in assisting Bangladesh in modernizing its irrigation system. Foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury held meetings with the Dutch foreign minister and development cooperation minister in Amsterdam to discuss potential cooperation in areas such as modern irrigation systems, livestock and dairy, food processing, and agro-business development. They also discussed the importance of channelling Dutch assistance through the government rather than NGOs and multilateral agencies. Additionally, Chowdhury met with his Dutch counterpart Maxime Verhagen during his visit. Bangladesh described the Netherlands as a reliable partner for development during a recent meeting, as stated by the foreign ministry. Iftekhar encouraged the Dutch foreign minister to expand imports from Bangladesh beyond just the ready-made garments industry, including areas such as small and medium-sized ships. They also agreed to collaborate on issues like climate change. Verhagen pledged support for the electoral process and received updates on preparations for the Jatiya Sangsad polls from the adviser. Iftekhar highlighted the importance of having a European Union Observer Mission during the upcoming elections while briefing the Dutch minister on the current government's reform programs. Bangladeshi Ambassador to the Netherlands Mizanur Rahman, Director General of the Foreign Ministry M Zulfiqur Rahman, and the Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Bea Ten Touscher were also in attendance at the meetings. | 1 |
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stated that the growth outlook and business climate have weakened, while also cautioning about potential inflation risks, just a day before the expected decision to maintain interest rates. The RBI has not shown any indication of reducing the cash reserve ratio (CRR), which could disappoint market expectations. The RBI had kept interest rates stable in December after increasing them numerous times between March 2010 and October 2011. The RBI emphasized that future rate decisions will be influenced by core inflation and exchange rate pass-through in its quarterly macroeconomic and monetary review on Monday. Core inflation, which tracks price changes in non-food manufactured products, has remained at or above 7 percent for 11 consecutive months, well above its usual trend of around 4 percent, according to the RBI. Contributing to inflationary pressures, the rupee depreciated by 16 percent against the dollar in 2011, leading to increased costs for essential imports like oil. Headline inflation, as indicated by the wholesale price index, decreased to a two-year low of 7.47 percent in December due to a significant drop in food prices. However, inflation for manufactured goods rose slightly compared to the previous month. The RBI warned of potential risks to inflation from inadequate supply responses, exchange rate fluctuations, suppressed inflation, and an expansionary fiscal policy. They anticipated that inflation would gradually decrease to their target of 7 percent by the end of the fiscal year in March. Investment in expanding industrial capacity to alleviate supply constraints in India's third-largest economy has been hindered by slow decision-making in New Delhi, while initiatives aimed at boosting the purchasing power of rural Indians have driven up demand for products like protein-rich foods. Hopes for a CRR cut in India were dashed as government bond yields and overnight indexed swap rates eased on Monday. Expectations for a CRR cut were growing before the release of the RBI's report, with 7 out of 20 economists polled by Reuters last week anticipating a cut. None of the 22 economists expected a cut in interest rates. The 10-year benchmark bond yield closed 1 basis point lower at 8.17 percent, the one-year swap rate settled 8 bps lower at 7.93 percent, and the five-year rate dropped 3 bps to 7.23 percent. Some market analysts believe that the central bank's review on Monday may have decreased the likelihood of a CRR cut on Tuesday. The RBI acknowledged the liquidity tightening since November but mentioned that liquidity stress was managed through OMOs. This suggests that the RBI may prefer to continue using OMOs to inject rupee liquidity rather than immediately reducing the CRR due to inflation risks. A senior trader from a foreign bank suggested that Monday's statement indicated no CRR cut, which could be negative for bonds on Tuesday. However, some still believe that a CRR cut on Tuesday is possible. The central bank stated that although open market operations have been its preferred method for dealing with tight market liquidity, it is willing to consider other measures if necessary. Ensuring that the liquidity deficit stays within acceptable limits to support the smooth operation of other markets is also a priority. The RBI anticipated an improvement in growth in the upcoming fiscal year, but noted that sluggish investment and external demand could hinder a speedy recovery. It acknowledged that the growth prospects have been affected by negative global and domestic factors. | 1 |
He made the statement during an event in Dhaka on Sunday following the recent murders of two foreigners in the country, which were claimed by the radical group Islamic State. The president was speaking at the opening of the 44th national council of Bangladesh Scouts and encouraged the scouts to instill patriotism and awareness of Bangladesh's tradition of communal harmony in young people. He emphasized the importance of rejecting zealotry, fundamentalism, extremism, and militancy in the country. The chief scout, Hamid, praised the organisation's efforts in responding to natural disasters and urged them to educate the public about maintaining ecological balance to address the effects of climate change. He also called for a social movement against drug addiction. The president presented awards to nine scouts with the Silver Tiger, 17 scouts with the Silver Hilsa, two scouts with the President's Rover Scout, and 122 scouts with the President's Scout. The event was led by Bangladesh Scouts President Abul Kalam Azad, who is also the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office. Home Secretary Md Mozammel Haque Khan, the organization’s chief national commissioner, also addressed the gathering. | 1 |
Six months following the US invasion, Esam Pasha, a 30-year-old Iraqi artist and writer, proudly created a mural titled "Resilience" over a large portrait of Saddam Hussein on a government building wall. Pasha now resides in the United States, along with many other Iraqis who have left their country since the war, including professionals like doctors, businessmen, and academics. Pasha fondly reminisces about spending time in a gallery in Baghdad, enjoying tea and conversation. His mural depicted a vibrant representation of Baghdad life and what he referred to as "the ever-shining sun of Iraq". Pasha mentioned in a phone interview from Connecticut that he did not use any black paint in his mural, as he believed Baghdad already had enough black in its memories. The mural, located on a wall of the Ministry of Labour, is currently inaccessible to the public due to security measures. Pasha expressed hope that one day Baghdad would be safe enough for public artworks that people could safely appreciate as they walked by. He envisioned a city where other artists followed his lead, making Baghdad beautiful and pristine once again. Abu Mina, a ceramic artist and university professor, continues to visit the gallery that Pasha remembers, but he notes that there is no security and therefore no sales of art. Due to not being paid for a month by the university and the dangerous conditions that deter students from attending class, Abu Mina is contemplating leaving. He expressed concern that only three students may graduate this year, as the majority of his students have not been attending class. The Higher Education Ministry reports that 185 university teachers have been killed, 52 kidnapped, and 41 wounded since April 2003. A recent double bombing at a Baghdad university resulted in the deaths of at least 70 people, mostly students. Abu Mina's son is studying medicine, but classes are infrequent and many professors have relocated to Damascus for safety. Accessing medical care in Iraq can be challenging, leading some to seek treatment abroad. Hospital emergency rooms dealing with a surge of patients from bombings and shootings often find themselves understaffed and overwhelmed. A recent United Nations report highlighted a concerning rise in attacks on professionals like teachers, doctors, artists, lawyers, ex-military officers, and journalists. The report attributed these attacks to extremists with conformist ideologies and militant/terror groups seeking to spread fear and intimidation. It also noted a growing trend of Islamic extremism being linked to assaults on academics. Asam Rifaat, a 38-year-old criminal lawyer residing in Baghdad's affluent Mansour district, expressed his decision to relocate his family out of Iraq due to the unsafe conditions in the city. He expressed his concern about the city becoming a dangerous place for his family, as armed militias operate above the law, often working with the police to carry out killings. He stated that he cannot work for justice in such an environment, as he fears for the safety of his children growing up as orphans. He emphasized that they are living in a lawless society, where he constantly worries about not returning home when he leaves. His wife, a teacher, has decided to quit her job to take care of their children. Salim al-Taie, a 45-year-old former army officer, lives in Amriya in western Baghdad with his wife and three children aged five to 12. He expresses his concern for his safety every time Asam leaves for work, and he becomes emotional when watching urgent news on television about bombs until Asam returns home. According to Salim, many things have changed in Baghdad in the last four years, and he believes that the lack of respect for the law is a disaster. He described life in Baghdad as similar to being in a city controlled by a criminal organization, where anyone could be murdered without reason. He recounted the deaths of two friends who were pilots, killed by gunmen. Despite trying to remain hopeful, he acknowledged that the escalating violence and killings in the city proved him wrong. He made the difficult decision to stop his children from attending school and relocate to Egypt. Taie shared that when he told his daughters they couldn't go to school anymore, they cried over not being able to see their friends. Their tears were heartbreaking and ultimately led him to leave Iraq permanently. He expressed a desire to spare his children from further pain, even if it meant never returning to Iraq. | 1 |
The initiative was started a decade ago and is set to continue until 2015. Although countries support the objectives of reducing worldwide poverty, affluent nations facing challenges such as high unemployment and increasing debt, prefer to center the discussion on achieving optimal development outcomes through anti-poverty initiatives. | 1 |
German Chancellor Angela Merkel successfully persuaded other world leaders to support a joint declaration covering various topics at a meeting in Hamburg, just before the upcoming German election. However, there was a clear divide between President Trump, who prioritizes "America First", and the other 19 members of the group. Trump recently announced the United States' withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, leading to protests by Greenpeace activists at the G20 summit in Hamburg. Merkel noted the disagreements on climate issues, with all countries except the US opposing its stance. Greenpeace activists protested with a large statue of US President Donald Trump outside the Elbphilharmonie concert hall during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on July 7, 2017. The summit was marked by difficult trade negotiations, with the United States taking specific positions. The summit brought together leaders during a time of significant global political change, with Trump's shift to unilateral diplomacy creating a leadership vacuum and causing tension with traditional allies in Europe. The meeting was overshadowed by violent protests in Hamburg, highlighting the challenges facing the global political landscape. Tensions between the United States and China, particularly regarding North Korea and trade, were a key focus leading up to the summit. Trump-Putin Summit in Hamburg was highly anticipated as it was the first meeting between the two leaders. During the summit, Trump questioned Putin about alleged Russian meddling in the election, but Putin denied any interference. Despite previous accusations of Russian destabilising behavior, Trump took a more conciliatory approach in Hamburg, expressing his honor to meet Putin and indicating a desire to focus on future relations rather than past conflicts. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump had a significant meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on July 7, 2017. Secretary of State Tillerson described the meeting as important with a positive chemistry between Trump and Putin. Trump seemed satisfied with Putin's denials of poll meddling. In the final communique, the 19 other leaders acknowledged the US decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord and declared it irreversible. The US included a controversial statement about working with other countries to access and use fossil fuels more cleanly and efficiently, which was opposed by French President Emmanuel Macron. Thomas Bernes, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, stated that there is a clear consensus without the presence of the United States, but expressed concern about the limitations of progress without the world's largest economy. Jennifer Morgan, executive director at Greenpeace, praised the G19 for standing firm against Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The leaders also agreed to combat protectionism and unfair trade practices while acknowledging the importance of legitimate trade defense mechanisms. The leaders made a commitment to collaborate on promoting economic growth in Africa, a key initiative for Merkel. Despite facing violent protests, Merkel decided to host the summit in her hometown of Hamburg as a way to show Germany's welcoming attitude towards the world and acceptance of peaceful demonstrations. The summit took place near a former theatre known as the "Rote Flora," a symbol of left-wing resistance in Germany. Throughout the three-day summit, radical protesters engaged in looting, setting fires to vehicles, and causing destruction in the city. Over 200 police officers were injured, and approximately 143 individuals were arrested with 122 taken into custody following protests at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on July 8, 2017. A demonstrator threw a bottle at riot police during the event. The most significant damage occurred while Chancellor Merkel was hosting a concert and dinner for other leaders at the Elbphilharmonie, a modern concert hall with a view of the Elbe River. Merkel later met with police and security forces to express gratitude and criticized the "unrestrained brutality" displayed by some protesters. However, she faced challenging inquiries during her concluding press conference regarding the decision to hold the summit in Hamburg. | 1 |
While speaking at a discussion called "Leaders Dialogue: High Level Political Forum-From Vision to Action" at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of world leaders acknowledging and addressing key issues with visionary leadership and commitment in order to achieve common goals for global sustainability. She stressed the need for decisions that prioritize the welfare of all individuals and encompass all living species to create a sustainable world for future generations. Bangladesh, she stated, must focus on the three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social, and environmental - with adaptation and mitigation programs, especially in light of climate change. The country's vulnerability to climate change, particularly global warming, poses significant challenges, such as the potential submergence of a fifth of its land mass and the displacement of millions of "climate migrants." Bangladesh is actively involved in the Open Working Group for Sustainable Development and has submitted nationally agreed targets for the Post-2015 Development Agenda to the UN. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the Forum recognizing the specific needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in achieving sustainable development goals, as these countries have struggled to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Our observation is that both expectations and commitments play a crucial role in sustainable development. According to her, Bangladesh has achieved significant success in certain MDGs due to the effective utilization of resources, local leadership, indigenous capabilities, and innovations. Hasina emphasized the importance of developed nations fulfilling their pledge to provide 0.7 percent of Gross National Product (GNP) as Official Development Assistance (ODA) and 0.2 percent of GNP as ODA for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), as well as transferring technologies to these groups. The Prime Minister highlighted how advancements in science and technology are driving socioeconomic progress and bringing states closer together, while also presenting new challenges. She noted that while there is an abundance of natural and technological resources available, the Forum has the opportunity to make the right decisions in addressing the current challenges. | 1 |
The research will examine the financial benefits that Cambridge may have gained from the slave trade, as well as the role of scholarship in perpetuating race-based thinking from the 18th to the early 20th Century. It is estimated that between 10 million and 28 million Africans were transported across the Atlantic from the 15th to the 19th centuries, with many perishing during the journey and those who survived facing a life of oppression on plantations. While the trans-Atlantic slave trade was abolished in Britain in 1807, slavery itself was not fully abolished until a generation later. Martin Millett, the head of the advisory group overseeing the Cambridge study, mentioned that it was unclear what the investigation might reveal, but it is reasonable to assume that Cambridge had gained advantages from the slave trade. He stated that like many other large British institutions during the colonial era, the University likely benefitted directly or indirectly from, and contributed to, the practices of that time. The benefits could have been financial or through other forms of support. However, the panel is also interested in how scholars at the University influenced public and political opinion, either by supporting, reinforcing, or challenging racial attitudes that are unacceptable in the 21st century. The inquiry will be carried out by two full-time post-doctoral researchers from the Centre of African Studies. The study will investigate specific donations, inheritances, and historical ties to the slave trade. It is uncertain what steps Cambridge University will take if it discovers any benefits or endorsements of slavery. Many prestigious universities in the West are also reviewing their histories and the origins of their wealth. In the United States, universities in the South have faced controversy over the Confederate flag. In response to protests, Yale University renamed its Calhoun College in 2017, removing the honor given to an alumnus who supported U.S. slavery. The college is now known as Grace Hopper College in honor of the computer scientist. Oxford University in Britain is currently debating whether or not to remove a statue of colonialist Cecil Rhodes from one of its colleges. Glasgow University has committed to a reparative justice program after finding it profited from historical slavery. Cambridge University's vice chancellor, Stephen Toope, believes it is important to confront and acknowledge the university's role in dark periods of history. Opponents argue that investigations into historical injustices are being driven by a modern trend, lacking nuance and potentially calling into question many facets of early institutional history. Gill Evans, a retired professor from Cambridge University, believes that universities are now compelled to scrutinize their ties to colonialism due to the current anti-colonial climate. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context and intentions of the people involved before assigning blame, as culpability cannot simply be transferred across different time periods without careful consideration. Cambridge University, one of the oldest universities in the world, can trace its roots back over 800 years to 1209 when scholars from Oxford sought refuge in the city. Oxford University itself has a history dating back to 1096. | 1 |
Democrats are hoping to pass President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan, paid family and medical leave, and potentially expand health care, including Medicare. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders expressed optimism that a ruling from the parliamentarian could open up more opportunities for Democrats to push their priorities through Congress. The parliamentarian's opinion allows for another round of reconciliation in the budget resolution, which could help Democrats pass major budgetary legislation without facing Republican filibusters. The process is full of challenges due to strict rules that limit what can be included, and Democrats would need to gather 50 votes for any proposal, which may be difficult for some of their more ambitious ideas. However, the increased flexibility could make it easier for them to pursue their most ambitious goals. This could involve breaking down some of Biden's proposals, such as his infrastructure plan, into smaller, more manageable pieces. Activists are also pushing for Biden to consider using reconciliation to provide a pathway to citizenship for certain groups of undocumented immigrants, including farmworkers, essential workers, and Dreamers. It is still uncertain when and how Democrats will make use of this opportunity. There is increasing pressure for the ruling party to explore new possibilities with their control of both congressional chambers and the White House. Senator Chuck Schumer sees the recent decision as a significant advancement in their strategy, but is keeping specifics about its impact on their legislative agenda, including Biden's public-works plan, private for now. The parliamentarian's initial guidance suggests that there may be further opportunities to use the reconciliation process before the fiscal year ends on September 30, as well as in the following fiscal year. Lawmakers will need to seek clarification from Elizabeth MacDonough on how to move forward. However, her decision has given hope to activists who have been pushing for Biden and Democrats to take a more assertive approach in using their power to push for significant policy changes. In the coming weeks, they are expected to ramp up pressure on the White House and key Democrats to utilize this new tool. Democrats are optimistic that the ruling could offer more flexibility in passing Biden's ambitious plans for up to $4 trillion in new economic investments, which include initiatives such as rebuilding electric grids, addressing climate change, reducing poverty, and empowering women in the workforce. Since Biden's election victory, his team has been focused on devising strategies to advance his agenda in Congress, which involves significant government spending partially funded by tax hikes on corporations and wealthy individuals. Following the Democrats' success in the Georgia runoff elections that secured Senate control in January, reconciliation has become a central component in many of these plans. It could provide a way to get around anticipated Republican opposition to the amount of pandemic aid needed by Biden's team, as well as serve as a means to push forward his broader economic agenda that includes funding for infrastructure, clean energy, education, and more. However, the administration has learned that not all of its priorities can be achieved through this process: MacDonough recently removed a provision to raise the federal minimum wage from Biden's relief package due to budget rule violations. Activists argue that legalizing some unauthorized immigrants would impact the budget by making them eligible for government benefits and increasing tax revenue, but it is uncertain if the parliamentarian would allow it to be included in a reconciliation measure. Schumer and Sanders have not yet settled on a strategy for using reconciliation. Sanders emphasized that prioritizing and sequencing legislative goals is a challenging issue they face daily. Despite this, White House officials maintain that Biden is committed to seeking a bipartisan agreement with Republicans on his infrastructure plan. Business organizations are also interested in reaching an agreement on the issue, despite their strong opposition to President Biden's proposed tax hikes, along with Republicans. The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, stated on Tuesday that Biden still believes there is a possibility for bipartisan collaboration on the issue. However, she did not rule out the option of moving the bill through a more partisan process, such as reconciliation, which is a means of passing budget-related bills in Congress. Psaki mentioned that the decision on which mechanism to use will be up to congressional leaders. At this moment, shortly after announcing the American Jobs Plan, the focus is on collaborating with both Democrats and Republicans, as well as their staff and committee staff, and inviting members to the White House next week. Lobbyists and congressional staff members anticipate that Biden will give Senate moderates a brief opportunity to work towards a bipartisan agreement on the plan, and will move forward quickly if no deal is reached. Psaki hinted that Biden is eager to see progress on Capitol Hill, hoping for advancements by May and a finalized package by the summer. Some administration officials acknowledge the challenge of passing Biden's agenda without using reconciliation, as it would require at least 10 Republican votes to overcome a Senate filibuster. A group of that size has engaged in negotiations with Biden regarding his proposed $1.9 trillion economic aid package. The Republicans suggested a $600 billion proposal, but Democrats rejected it as inadequate. Biden proceeded with his own plan, bypassing Republican resistance to pass a $1.9 trillion bill through reconciliation. | 1 |
The UN climate talks began in Poland with calls for immediate action to combat global warming, despite concerns about the economic slowdown. There were warnings that failure to act could lead to water shortages for half the world by 2050. US President-elect Barack Obama was praised for his ambitious climate change goals. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of environmental work regardless of economic conditions. The talks in Poznan mark the halfway point in a two-year effort to reach a new climate treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen emphasized the importance of not letting the financial crisis detract from addressing urgent issues like climate change. He will be hosting a meeting in Copenhagen in late 2009 to reach a UN agreement. Rajendra Pachauri, the head of the UN Climate Panel, warned of the potential for irreversible consequences if action is not taken, citing the increasing number of people facing water stress and the possibility of the Greenland icecap melting. He also highlighted the growing risk of extinction for various species of animals and plants. Yvo de Boer, leader of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, emphasized the need for increased efforts to reach a deal by the following year. He stressed that time was running out and work needed to intensify. The WWF distributed walnuts to delegates at the conference and encouraged them to solve the climate crisis. Greenpeace revealed a large sculpture depicting the planet in danger from a massive wave of wood and coal. Rasmussen commended Obama's policies following disagreements with President George W. Bush. He expressed his delight in Obama's ambitious climate and energy policies as a way to address the economic slowdown. De Boer praised Obama's plans to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, noting that current emissions are 14 percent higher than 1990 levels. In contrast, Bush's policies do not anticipate a peak in emissions until 2025. In Europe, the economic downturn has raised concerns about the expenses associated with the EU's objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. Poland, a host of UN talks, heavily reliant on coal for electricity, and Italy are pushing for compromises in a deal that is supposed to be finalized at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on December 11-12. | 1 |
In Brussels on Friday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged an audience to see the opportunity in crises, emphasizing the chance to rebuild economies in a more environmentally friendly and energy efficient way. She also criticized the use of energy as a political tool, particularly in light of Russia's threat to halt gas exports to the EU via Ukraine. Clinton spoke to young Europeans at the European Parliament, urging them to take advantage of the global economic turmoil to make a positive impact on climate change and energy security. Europe views the United States as a key partner in climate talks, especially after President Barack Obama's commitment to addressing climate change. While Europe has plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, Obama has proposed a shift towards renewable energy and a cap and trade system for CO2 emissions. However, with numerous countries facing a severe recession, there are doubts about whether businesses can gather the necessary funds to reduce carbon emissions. Clinton, during her first trip to Europe as secretary of state, criticized the United States for failing to fulfill its obligations, stating that this is an opportune moment to show a commitment to addressing the issue. Many politicians believe that the economic crisis, energy security concerns, and climate change can all be addressed through a "New Green Deal," which would replace high-carbon infrastructure with green alternatives and create jobs. Clinton emphasized the need to address both energy security and climate change simultaneously. She criticized the use of energy as a political weapon, expressing concerns similar to those in Europe following disputes between Russia and Ukraine affecting EU supplies. She stated that using energy as a means of intimidation is not conducive to a more efficient energy system. Clinton is scheduled to have dinner with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva to improve relations following strained ties during Bush's presidency. The recent reduction in Russian gas exports in January resulted in the shutdown of various facilities in Eastern Europe and left many households without heating. A potential conflict between Ukraine and Russia was avoided on Thursday when Gazprom announced that Ukraine had resolved the payment issue. However, European leaders were concerned about the threat of supply cuts by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. | 1 |
On Friday, Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Huawei, returned to China from Canada after coming to an agreement with US prosecutors to resolve the bank fraud case against her. This case had been a source of tension between China and the United States. Shortly after the news of the agreement, the two Canadians who had been arrested following Meng's detention were released from Chinese prisons and were on their way back to Canada. Although Beijing had denied any connection between their arrests, there were questions about whether there had been a "prisoner swap" involving the White House. White House press secretary Jen Psaki dismissed this idea, stating that the agreement with Meng was made independently by the Department of Justice. She stated that it is a matter for law enforcement and emphasized that there is no connection. However, Psaki also confirmed that during a call on September 9, two weeks prior to the announcements, China's President Xi Jinping raised the issue of Meng's case, and US President Joe Biden pushed for the release of the two Canadians - businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig - who had been detained in China for over 1,000 days. Psaki clarified that the two leaders discussed the individuals' cases but there were no negotiations. She mentioned that she did not have details on whether Biden was aware of the progress of the negotiations between Meng's lawyers and the Justice Department. Meng was arrested in Canada on a US warrant at Vancouver International Airport and was charged with bank and wire fraud for allegedly deceiving HSBC in 2013 about the telecommunications company's business dealings in Iran. The prolonged extradition dispute had been a major source of tension in deteriorating relations between Beijing and Washington, with Chinese officials suggesting that resolving the case was necessary to break a diplomatic deadlock. Psaki clarified that the agreement announced on Friday did not mean a shift in US concerns regarding Chinese behavior. She reiterated that the US policy towards China remains unchanged, emphasizing that the relationship is one of competition rather than seeking conflict. Psaki stated that the US will continue to challenge China for its unfair economic practices, coercive actions globally, and human rights violations. In September, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Biden's climate envoy John Kerry that the United States needed to take practical steps to improve relations by responding to a list of demands, which included dropping the case against Meng. Wang stated that the United States now had to make a decision. However, US officials denied that Kerry or other administration officials had negotiated Meng's release with China for other concessions. Earlier in the week, Xi announced at the United Nations that China would not build new coal-fired power projects abroad, a move that Kerry had been pushing for to help meet the goals of the Paris climate agreement. A White House official emphasized that the US was not involved in China's internal decision-making process. According to the official, the main reason for the movement on coal, primarily by China, was due to their own self-interest. It was understood that they would not gain anything from the situation and would not be able to use it as a bargaining chip. Meng received a warm welcome in China, and Chinese media indicated that her release could potentially improve strained US-China relations. Despite some Republican senators expressing disapproval of the Biden administration for yielding to Beijing's requests, analysts believed that their criticism was unfounded. Bonnie Glaser, an expert on Asia at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, believes that the deal made by the PRC to secure Meng's release was already discussed during the Trump administration. She stated that Meng had to admit to wrongdoing, which she eventually did. Glaser does not view this as capitulation. The Justice Department has stated that it is still getting ready for a trial against Huawei. | 1 |
The Edelman Trust Barometer has been surveying thousands of people for twenty years on trust in their governments, media, business, and NGOs. The latest results showed increased trust in autocratic states like China, while business remained highly trusted globally for its contributions to developing vaccines and adapting workplace practices. However, there were concerns about its commitment to social fairness. Richard Edelman, whose communications group conducted the survey of over 36,000 respondents in 28 countries, noted a decline in trust in democracies, largely due to economic concerns such as job losses from the pandemic or automation. In the past year, institutions in Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the United States all experienced a decline in public trust. Conversely, public trust in institutions in China, United Arab Emirates, and Thailand increased. Despite the trillions of dollars spent by wealthy nations to support their economies during the pandemic, the survey indicated that lasting confidence was not achieved. In Japan, only 15% of people were optimistic about their future economic situation, while in China and India, the majority were positive about their economic prospects in the next five years. Edelman stated that increased levels of public trust in China were not only due to economic perceptions but also to a greater sense of predictability in Chinese policy, particularly in relation to the pandemic. He noted that there is consistency between actions and words in China, which has resulted in a better handling of COVID compared to the US. The US currently has the highest daily average number of new deaths reported, while China has consistently reported no new deaths due to its strict "zero-Covid" policies. The latest Edelman survey reflects a trend of growing disillusionment with capitalism, political leadership, and the media in recent years. Concerns about "fake news" have reached all-time highs, with three-quarters of respondents globally worried about its use as a weapon. Climate change is now the second biggest concern for society, just after losing employment. Business leaders are under pressure to meet expectations, with many people saying they make decisions based on their beliefs and values. However, a significant portion of people also believe that businesses are not doing enough to address climate change, economic inequality, and workforce reskilling. | 1 |
Johnson had planned to use the conference this week to move on from over a year and a half of dealing with COVID-19 and focus on his promises from the 2019 election to address regional inequality, crime, and social care. However, instead of this, the prime minister is facing challenges more than nine months after Britain's exit from the European Union. He had claimed that leaving the EU would give the country more control over its economy. Now, he is dealing with issues such as people unable to find petrol, concerns from retailers about Christmas shortages, and gas companies struggling with high wholesale prices. In a statement before the conference in Manchester, Johnson did not mention these ongoing problems but instead emphasized his government's success in addressing the public's concerns. He stated that the country should not return to the way things were before the pandemic. The concept of Build Back Better entails a desire for change and improvement as the country recovers, according to the speaker. This involves making significant decisions on issues such as social care, job support, climate change, crime prevention, and addressing inequalities. The speaker reiterated the government's efforts to support businesses, preserve jobs, and implement a successful vaccination program during the pandemic. However, critics argue that this narrative fails to acknowledge early missteps in handling the crisis, particularly the delay in implementing lockdown measures. The decision to withdraw a state benefit top-up for low-income households and end a COVID jobs support scheme may also face criticism from lawmakers, especially those representing regions in northern and central England that traditionally support the opposition Labour Party. | 1 |
The close relationship between the United States and France was emphasized during US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to Paris, her first since Nicolas Sarkozy became president. Sarkozy is known for being a friend of the US, and Washington hopes that Rice's extended stay in Paris will improve the strained ties between the two countries caused by former French president Jacques Chirac's opposition to the Iraq war in 2003. Rice's visit coincided with a meeting convened by Sarkozy on Darfur, where the US felt that the previous French government had not done enough to stop what the US called genocide. During her visit, Rice engaged in discussions with Sarkozy, as well as the French foreign and defense ministers, on various global issues such as Iran, Iraq, the Middle East, and Kosovo. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner expressed the belief that working together will strengthen the relationship between the two countries. "We had the opportunity to see how closely we align on many current events topics. Sometimes, we had differing opinions, but it's important to speak honestly among friends," he noted. Rice also extended her congratulations to Sarkozy on his election win and commended Kouchner for his work with Medecins Sans Frontieres, which she called one of the best organizations ever established." Analysts pointed out that while there may be a friendly atmosphere between the two countries, there are still significant disagreements on several issues such as French concerns about NATO expansion, U.S. plans for a missile defense system in Europe, and U.S. support for Israel. Dominique Moisi, a senior advisor at the French Institute of International Relations, noted that there is a new sense of confidence in the relationship, but more in terms of tone and style rather than actual content. He also mentioned that while there is a perception in the U.S. of a new France as a strong ally, the view of the Bush administration in France remains unchanged. In order to confirm a change in atmosphere, it is suggested to wait for a new president in Washington, preferably from the Democratic party. Despite this, US and French officials displayed warm interactions in public. Kouchner kissed Rice on both cheeks at the end of their news conference, symbolizing reconciliation between France and the United States after the Iraq war, which began years ago. Rice acknowledged French support for the American revolution, emphasizing the importance of French assistance in the creation of the United States of America. | 1 |
Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine was inaugurated as president on Thursday, promising to tackle corruption and poverty, and restore political stability to regain foreign support for the struggling economy. Despite a disputed election and deep divisions in the country, Yanukovich's swearing-in ceremony marked a comeback from the 2004 Orange Revolution. In his speech to officials, lawmakers, and foreign dignitaries, Yanukovich acknowledged Ukraine's significant challenges, including debt, poverty, corruption, and economic collapse. He emphasized the need for an innovative strategy to move the country forward, which he claimed had already been developed by his team. He discussed the lack of foreign investment in Ukraine, citing the unstable business climate and the need for political stability, the eradication of corruption, and clear regulations for government-business relations. These factors are crucial for building trust with investors and international financial institutions. Ukraine's economy has suffered from the global economic downturn, impacting key exports like steel and chemicals and causing a significant drop in the hryvnia's value against the dollar. The country relies on a $16.4 billion IMF bailout program, which was suspended last year and is expected to resume once stability is restored. The finance ministry announced that an IMF technical mission is scheduled to visit on April 7. This often results in a thorough visit from IMF officials who will later determine whether to resume the program. Yanukovich, a strong former mechanic supported by wealthy industrialists, had a difficult upbringing in eastern Ukraine and was twice convicted of petty crimes, including assault, in his youth. He is expected to improve relations with Russia, Ukraine's former Soviet controller, following five years of separation during Viktor Yushchenko's pro-Western leadership. He has suggested potential compromises with Moscow regarding the future of Russia's Black Sea fleet in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula and has proposed forming a consortium with Russia to manage the country's gas pipelines. However, he has expressed a desire to renegotiate a decade-old agreement on Russian gas supplies to Ukraine that was negotiated by Tymoshenko and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. He has also stated his intention to pursue a well-rounded foreign policy and has promised to work towards strengthening relations with the European Union. During his speech on Thursday, he emphasized the importance of maintaining open options and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with Russia, the EU, and the United States in order to achieve the best outcomes for Ukraine. His website confirmed that he plans to visit Brussels next week, with EU officials scheduling the visit for Monday. Additionally, he is scheduled to visit Moscow within the first 10 days of March, as announced by his Regions Party. Yanukovich narrowly defeated Prime Minister Tymoshenko by 3.5 percentage points, garnering the support of only a third of the 37 million eligible voters. The voting results showed a clear divide between Russian-speaking voters in the eastern and southern industrial regions who supported Yanukovich, and Ukrainian-speaking voters in the western and central areas who voted for Tymoshenko. Tymoshenko withdrew her legal challenge to Yanukovich's election just last Saturday. However, she maintains that he was not rightfully elected, and most of her bloc in parliament boycotted the ceremony on Thursday, making it seem empty. Despite Yanukovich's call for a competent executive power, Tymoshenko is still resisting efforts to remove her as prime minister, indicating ongoing political tension in the near future. She is trying to rally her allies in parliament while his party and its influential supporters are trying to break up her coalition and form a new one. Creating a coalition involves complex negotiations and may take a significant amount of time. If Yanukovich is unable to form a new coalition, he will have no choice but to hold new parliamentary elections, which will only extend the period of uncertainty. | 1 |
German authorities conducted raids in six northern German states on Wednesday in response to concerns that left-wing radicals were planning attacks to disrupt the upcoming G8 summit in Heiligendamm next month, according to prosecutors. The federal prosecutor's office stated that 900 security officials were involved in searches of 40 locations in Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony. The office suspects individuals in the militant extreme-left scene of founding a terrorist organization or being members of such an organization, with plans for arson attacks and other actions to disrupt or prevent the G8 summit. German security officials believe this group may be responsible for several attacks in Hamburg and Berlin over the past two years, including an incident involving the car of deputy finance minister Thomas Mirow being set on fire and his house being vandalized. Earlier this year, Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble issued a warning about the possibility of left-wing extremists carrying out attacks during Germany's presidency of the Group of Eight (G8) club of industrialised nations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to host leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States at the Heiligendamm summit, where discussions are expected to include topics such as climate change and global economic coordination. Despite this warning, Germany has not seen any significant left-wing violence since the disbanding of the Red Army Faction (RAF) in 1998, which was known for its campaign of killings and kidnappings over a period of two decades. | 1 |
Charles will automatically succeed Queen Elizabeth II as Canada's head of state without any changes to the country's Constitution, following the tradition of every British monarch since the nation's inception. Despite the widespread respect for the 96-year-old queen, recent polls indicate a diminishing number of Canadians are willing to pledge allegiance to another British monarch, especially Charles, who is unpopular among many and represents an increasingly irrelevant institution to some. The future of King Charles III's rule in Canada remains uncertain, with both supporters and opponents of the monarchy in a state of uneasy balance. The monarchists maintain their formal legal status, enjoy royal tours, and embrace symbolism. However, the Republicans argue that the monarchy does not play a significant role in Canadian life. Charles and Camilla's visit has an Indigenous focus, with events in Newfoundland, Yellowknife, and Ottawa. Climate change discussions and a visit to an ice road will also be included in their trip. One of the main questions surrounding the visit is whether handshaking, typically a key aspect of Royal Tours, will be replaced by a safer form of greeting due to COVID-19. A recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute showed that 55% of Canadians view the monarchy as irrelevant, with an additional 24% believing it is becoming less relevant. 67% of Canadians surveyed opposed the idea of Charles succeeding his mother. Despite being warmly received during his visits to Canada with Diana, his first wife, Charles' popularity waned after their separation in 1992. His occasionally condescending attitude is not well-received in a country that values equality. The connection between Charles’ brother Andrew and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in a New York jail, has further decreased support for the monarchy in Canada. Their reputation was also tarnished after Meghan Markle, Charles’ daughter-in-law, revealed in an interview that she experienced racist remarks from members of the royal family. Despite this, Charles and Camilla are expected to attract attention, especially in St John’s, Newfoundland, where their visit will be a major topic of conversation. The perception of the royals varies based on geography, with the monarchy historically lacking significant support in Quebec, the second-most populous province, where French is predominantly spoken. Canada's changing demographics have played a role in spreading anti-monarchy sentiment beyond its borders. Immigrants from countries like China may not feel connected to Britain's monarchy, while those from India may see it as a symbol of oppression. According to Shachi Kurl, president of Angus Reid, Canadians may eventually question the presence of the monarch on their money. Despite some support for the monarchy due to respect for the queen, Kurl believes this support will likely decline further after her death. She stated that the lack of motivation to make a change stems from a strong affection for her. Barbados recently transitioned to a republic, with Prince Charles and Rihanna attending the ceremony. Other Caribbean nations may also make the switch. Visits to the Caribbean by Prince Edward and Prince William were met with protests against the monarchy and Britain's history of slavery, leading to the cancellation of some stops. Instead of worrying about potential protests, the organizers of Charles' visit to Canada have focused on ensuring he will have an audience. Apart from a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, there are limited opportunities for large crowds in major cities. Instead, he will be visiting Quidi Vidi, a neighborhood and fishing village in St. John's, a city with a population of 114,000 people, where any appearance by an international celebrity would be a significant event. According to Lagassé and Kurl, the process of amending Canada's Constitution to replace the British monarch as head of state is very challenging, requiring unanimous consent from the federal government and all 10 provinces. In a country where politics are heavily influenced by regionalism, gaining approval for any constitutional change may be extremely difficult. According to Kurl, politicians tend to avoid discussions about constitutional change as it is seen as political poison. Lagassé suggested a potential solution could be to gradually reduce the monarch's role in Canada, as most of the Queen's powers have already been delegated to the governor-general since 1947. Lagassé also mentioned that there are various actions the Canadian government can take without needing to pass new laws or amend the constitution. The queen used to be featured on all of Canada's bank notes, but there is no legal issue with removing her from the last remaining one, the 20 dollar bill, or replacing her image on coins. There is no law that mandates the monarch's portrait to be displayed in government offices or requires royal tours. According to Lagassé, there are many aspects of monarchical symbolism that can be changed, and the current approach in Canada is that the monarchy is present but not essential. "Do not address it, but at the same time, do not let it take up more space than necessary." © 2022 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
Egality, an activist group in London, is encouraging British voters to give up their right to vote and donate it to citizens in developing countries affected by UK policies. Britons can register on www.giveyourvote.org to donate votes to Afghans, Bangladeshis, or Ghanaians. On the eve of the upcoming election, expected on May 6, donors will receive a text message informing them about who wants to vote for which party. Student Fanny Rhodes-James, 23, expressed excitement about the opportunity to make her vote count in a meaningful way and believes that actions in the UK have global implications. Egality has already received commitments from hundreds of Britons and anticipates thousands more to register. Voter turnout in Britain has declined in recent elections, with only 60 percent participating in the last two general elections compared to 77 percent in 1992. Egality pointed out that when we criticize our political parties for being too similar and believe that voting doesn't make a difference, we overlook the perspective of vulnerable people in developing countries. These individuals can be significantly affected by decisions made in British government departments, known as Whitehall. Kwabena Okai Ofosuhene from Ghana believes that having a say in British elections is important because of Britain's influence on international financial institutions like the World Bank, which play a crucial role in Ghana's development. He also highlighted the UK's status as one of the world's leading economies and Ghana's top trading partner. Ofosuhene, who works for an NGO, also emphasized the importance of Britain's political power. He stated that the United States would not have engaged in military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan without the support of the United Kingdom. The UK is a major contributor of development and humanitarian aid, having donated 5.5 billion pounds ($8.34 billion) between 2008 and 2009. Potential voters in the three countries involved can reach out to Egality with questions for British politicians, and British volunteers can relay these questions to their local representatives through various means. The campaign coordinator, May Abdalla, described the initiative as similar to a UK election campaign, with the goal of engaging voters in these countries. An Electoral Commission representative mentioned that as long as votes were not being paid for, the Egality campaign was legal, and he was not aware of a similar campaign in the past. | 1 |
President-elect Barack Obama is now turning his attention to selecting members for the second half of his White House Cabinet, with important decisions to be made in the areas of energy, the environment, trade, and agriculture. While Obama has already appointed his economic and national security team, he has emphasized that other issues, such as climate change policy, will also be top priorities. The names of potential candidates for these positions have not been disclosed by his transition team. Obama is scheduled to hold a news conference on Sunday, the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, to honor those who have served the nation. Additionally, he will be appearing on a television news program where he may discuss future appointments. One significant supporter of Obama's campaign, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, is being considered for a role in the administration, possibly as energy or agriculture secretary. A spokesperson for Sebelius stated that she is honored to be considered and will support the Obama administration in any way she can, but declined to discuss specific job possibilities. The popular Democratic governor, who was a potential vice presidential candidate for Obama earlier in the year, has been a strong advocate for renewable energy in Kansas, aiming for 20 percent of the state's energy to come from wind by 2020. Obama has pledged to increase the use of renewable energy in the U.S. to lessen reliance on foreign oil suppliers. According to industry sources, Dan Reicher, climate director at Google.org and a former Energy Department official under President Bill Clinton, is being considered for the position of energy secretary. Another potential candidate is John Podesta, who served as Clinton's White House chief of staff and currently co-chairs Obama's transition team. Carol Browner, former administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under Clinton, is also a contender for the role of climate chief, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. The vetting process for these positions is still ongoing, with Obama officials determining how a climate official in the White House would impact other policy players. Potential candidates for EPA administrator include Lisa Jackson, who has experience as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection in New Jersey, and Mary Nichols, who previously served as an assistant administrator for the EPA under Clinton. In terms of trade, Obama met with California Democratic Rep. Xavier Becerra to discuss the role of chief trade negotiator. Becerra, known for his cautious approach to international trade agreements, would be the first Hispanic to hold the position. Other top candidates for agriculture secretary include Democrats John Salazar of Colorado, Sanford Bishop of Georgia, and Sebelius, according to two anonymous farm lobbyists. Vice President-elect Joe Biden has selected Jared Bernstein as his chief economist and economic policy adviser. Bernstein held the position of deputy chief economist at the Department of Labor from 1995 to 1996. | 1 |
The head of the UN climate change secretariat expressed confidence that a new global deal on climate change will be reached at a meeting in Copenhagen next year, despite disagreement at talks this week. Yvo de Boer made these remarks during a speech at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris. The European Union and environmentalists have called for action on climate change at recent talks in Bonn, but the United States has expressed reluctance to take substantial steps at this time. The Copenhagen meeting in 2009 aims to establish a new treaty on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. De Boer believes that increasing public awareness of the consequences of inaction on global warming will pressure governments to take action, particularly following the agreement reached at the Bali summit on climate change in the previous year. He stated that there is an expectation for a mutually agreed upon outcome in Copenhagen, similar to how negotiations were launched in Bali. He believes that politicians should not leave Copenhagen without finalizing the deal, which should be concise and centered on key issues that require an international agreement. He emphasized the importance of allowing national governments the freedom to shape and implement their own policies within the pact. He expressed hope that unnecessary elements would not be included in the agreement. Earlier, De Boer spoke to journalists and mentioned that the United States' ability to take concrete action had been limited by the presidential election. However, he expressed his belief that all major candidates in the race understood the urgency for action. De Boer chose not to criticize the U.S. position, stating that Washington had acted responsibly by not making commitments that would bind a future administration. He expressed hope for progress in the coming year. | 1 |
US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke are visiting China this week in an effort to encourage the country to collaborate with the United States in addressing global warming. The two cabinet officials, who have Chinese ancestry, will meet with senior Chinese leaders in Beijing to emphasize the benefits of working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This visit is seen as setting the stage for President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to China, with hopes that the focus will be on the importance of joint action between the two countries before the Copenhagen meeting in December to negotiate a global agreement on emissions reduction. Experts believe that cooperation between the largest developed country and the largest developing country is crucial for the success of a new global climate treaty. Kenneth Lieberthal, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institute, stressed the significant potential and urgency for collaboration in addressing climate change. "It's not a situation where one side benefits while the other side pays. China has surpassed the United States as the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases, although its per capita emissions are still lower. Chu, a Nobel physicist with a focus on climate change, is expected to advocate for US and Chinese action to address rising global temperatures in a speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He warned US senators about the unprecedented threat climate change poses to our way of life, comparing it to a climatic shift as significant as the last Ice Age but in the opposite direction. Locke, a former governor from Washington state, is eager to demonstrate opportunities for China to reduce carbon dioxide emissions using US renewable technology such as solar, wind, and water." A Commerce Department official stated that there are significant market opportunities in China due to a high demand, but also acknowledged the challenges present. China heavily relies on coal for its energy needs, while the United States has the largest coal reserves and uses coal for a smaller percentage of its energy needs. Both countries have an incentive to work together on technology to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions underground, rather than releasing them into the air. Assistant energy secretary David Sandalow emphasized the importance of this collaboration in a recent interview with Reuters. "We believe that by working together, we can accomplish more than if we were working separately." The US is paying attention to China's efforts to build new nuclear power plants. President Obama is urging Congress to pass a bill to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions, with pressure to convince China to agree to emissions caps at the upcoming Copenhagen meeting. Without China's commitment, a new climate change treaty is unlikely to be approved by the US Senate, according to Stuart Eizenstat, who led US negotiations for the Kyoto climate treaty in 1997. While Energy Secretary Chu and Commerce Secretary Locke are not traveling to Beijing for climate talks, the US hopes that increased cooperation with China will lead to a positive outcome in Copenhagen, as stated by Sandalow. China, along with 16 other major world economies, recently agreed to strive to limit global temperature rise to no more than 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. However, China has declined to establish a short-term emission reduction target, citing its relatively recent industrialization and the potential hinderance to growth and urbanization efforts in a country where many people live in poorer conditions compared to Western nations. Despite this, China's latest five-year plan aims to reduce energy intensity by 20 percent by the end of 2010, and the country has set a goal of having renewable energy account for 15 percent of total demand by 2020. The initial step for the Obama administration is to urge Beijing to turn these goals into official international obligations, according to Eizenstat. China will likely have to accept emission limits in the future, but this is not expected to happen in Copenhagen this December. | 1 |
Speaking at a seminar titled "Bangladesh in 2017 Davos: Some Reflections", Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali mentioned that Professor Klaus Schwab had written a letter just four days prior. He noted that Prime Minister Hasina was the first elected leader of Bangladesh to be invited to the prestigious forum, which took place from January 17 to January 20. Ali emphasized that this invitation was a recognition of the Prime Minister's visionary leadership and her efforts to lead Bangladesh towards stability, development, and prosperity through her 'Vision 2021'. He stated that this recognition was further validated by Prof Schwab's letter. The annual WEF meeting in Switzerland is known as the primary platform for world leaders to come together and collaborate on shaping global, regional, and industrial agendas at the beginning of each year. Leaders will be discussing their insights and innovations for navigating the future at the Forum, with newly elected UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres set to attend. Hasina has been invited to participate in six sessions focusing on water, climate change, sustainable development, and the digital economy, where she will highlight the progress made in Bangladesh. She will also share her views on future growth, including both opportunities and challenges. The foreign minister noted that Hasina's perspectives have been valuable in helping other panelists understand the complexities of the challenges faced by the developing world. During the seminar organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in a Dhaka hotel, Ali highlighted the importance of discussing the challenges and limitations faced by developing countries in order to find possible solutions. He acknowledged that some may argue that the analyses and discussions at Davos may not directly apply to their situation, but emphasized the value of the insights and pointers provided for the future development of their country. MCCI President Barrister Nihad Kabir was also in attendance at the seminar. | 1 |
Stone told Reuters that he initially did not want to pursue the project and was not seeking trouble. However, after meeting with Snowden in Russia, the 70-year-old director, known for films like "JFK", "Natural Born Killers" and "Wall Street", changed his mind. He was concerned that the film might be boring, but ultimately saw it as a dramatic thriller rather than a documentary. "Snowden", which will be released in theatres on Friday, follows Snowden's transformation from a conservative CIA agent to a disillusioned NSA operative who eventually exposed the government's mass surveillance programmes in 2013. He currently resides in Russia and is being sought by the US government for espionage. Amnesty International and two other organizations have recently started a campaign to seek a pardon for him. Stone and Snowden had multiple meetings in Russia where they both agreed that the film would be a dramatization. However, the film's progress was halted when Stone approached studios for funding, but the director did not disclose which studios were contacted. Stone stated that we currently live in a climate of self-censorship where individuals must either conform or risk being excluded. He believes that the NSA did not directly instruct anyone to avoid certain topics. Eventually, Open Road Films, a collaboration between Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Entertainment, co-financed the film "Snowden" for $40 million. The movie, which features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Snowden and Shailene Woodley as his girlfriend Lindsay Mills, was primarily filmed in Europe, with Germany offering production subsidies and standing in for Maryland, Snowden's home state. Despite the challenges of creating an engaging story about computer coding and programmers without traditional action scenes, director Stone shot important scenes in Washington DC and Hawaii, and even had Gordon-Levitt and Woodley act out a date scene in front of the White House. The director jokingly suggested that if one is going to take a risk in the US, they should go all out. | 1 |
Australia's government may finally reach an agreement on its carbon trade scheme by early next week, following months of deadlock. The government aims to start carbon trading in July 2011, covering 75 percent of emissions, making it the second domestic trading platform after Europe. However, the laws governing the scheme have faced delays due to strong opposition from rival lawmakers. Negotiations have been ongoing with the main opposition bloc to secure the necessary votes to pass the laws, and opposition negotiator Ian Macfarlane is now confident that a deal will be supported by his side. Macfarlane expressed confidence that a favorable outcome would be reached for consideration by the party room. He mentioned that negotiations on the laws, recently presented in the Senate, would persist throughout the week and weekend. The opposition is scheduled to vote on the laws early next week, deciding whether to support or reject them. The government has already agreed to exclude agriculture permanently, as demanded by the opposition, but further concessions are being sought for coal miners. The carbon trade bills were initially defeated in the Senate in August, and if they are rejected a second time this month, it could lead to an early election. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is aiming to have the package of 11 bills passed before attending the global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. The Senate is scheduled to adjourn for the year on Nov. 26, but Rudd is willing to extend the sitting if necessary. The opposition Liberal and National party coalition is divided on climate policy, with opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull assuring his lawmakers that they will have the opportunity to approve or reject any deal with the government. During a closed-door opposition party room meeting on Tuesday, 10 opposition lawmakers expressed their belief that the party should vote against the scheme regardless of any negotiated amendments. However, according to a party spokesman, more than 10 lawmakers expressed support for Turnbull's strategy to negotiate adjustments. Turnbull, who is lagging in polls, is seeking an agreement to prevent the possibility of an early election. The government is seven seats away from having a majority in the Senate. Junior Climate Minister Greg Combet stated on Tuesday that opposition disagreements pose the biggest threat to the carbon trading scheme, a key component of Rudd's plan to combat global warming. Combet informed parliament that the coalition is clearly divided, with the Nationals pursuing their own agenda and the Liberal and National parties in disagreement on the issue of climate change. The carbon debate in Australia is being closely monitored abroad, especially in the United States and New Zealand. To access comprehensive articles on carbon risks and opportunities in Australasia, visit Carbon Central - Australia's Climate Change Hub, which features top climate change experts and solution providers. For more news and analysis on global carbon markets, sign up for the free Carbon Interactive newsletter. | 1 |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed disappointment at the lack of progress during a 190-nation conference in Bali aimed at resolving a deadlock over launching talks on a new UN treaty. Ban made an 11th hour appeal to delegates, emphasizing the importance of compromise in resolving the dispute over developing nations' demands for more assistance from wealthy countries to address climate change. If the issue is resolved, the conference would mark the beginning of two years of negotiations on a comprehensive new global treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol and involve countries like the United States and all developing nations. Ban urged delegates to work towards a successful outcome for the benefit of people around the world. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged delegates to create an effective road map to reach their envisioned destination. He emphasized the importance of finding the right wording to prevent the project from failing, as the world is closely watching and relying on their success. | 1 |
Britain's new Prime Minister Gordon Brown will downplay any speculation about a cooling of US-British relations during his upcoming meeting with President George W Bush. Despite recent speeches by Brown's ministers suggesting a potential shift in foreign policy away from the United States, Brown has denied any such intentions. While Brown and Bush will emphasize the importance of the "special relationship" between London and Washington at their talks at Camp David, it is unlikely that Brown will develop the same close personal bond with Bush as his predecessor Tony Blair did. Instead, they are expected to maintain a professional working relationship rather than a strong personal connection. Brown's spokesperson stated that the agenda will cover various issues such as global trade liberalization talks, climate change, and conflicts in Darfur, Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Russia, and Iran. Brown has affirmed that Britain will fulfill its obligations to the United Nations in Iraq and will not immediately withdraw British troops, despite some pressure from the Labour Party. Nevertheless, the head of the British military has suggested that Britain may be able to transfer control of Basra to Iraqi forces by the end of the year. Regarding Iran, Brown has mentioned that military action is not off the table, but he believes that sanctions could still convince Tehran to abandon its nuclear program. The strong personal relationship between Bush and Blair was established following the September 11 attacks and their joint decision to engage in the Iraq war. The continuous violence in Iraq was a factor in Blair's resignation as prime minister, leading to criticism from voters and his own party. Blair was often ridiculed as Bush's puppet by the British press, a label that Brown is eager to distance himself from. According to Reginald Dale, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Brown does not have the same association with being a puppet as Blair did. Since becoming prime minister, Brown has improved the ruling party's standing in opinion polls, prompting speculation of an early election. Brown's decision to visit Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy before meeting with Bush raised some eyebrows, as he has previously shown skepticism towards the European Union. There was speculation about a change in British foreign policy when Gordon Brown appointed David Miliband as foreign secretary, who was said to have doubts about the Iraq war. Brown also appointed Mark Malloch Brown, a former UN deputy secretary general critical of Britain and the US over the war, to a junior position. Malloch Brown recently predicted that Brown and Bush would not have as close a relationship as Blair and Bush did, and another minister emphasized the importance of alliances over military strength in a speech in Washington. | 1 |
Yvo de Boer, the executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, stated that the Kyoto Protocol is essential and will continue to exist after the climate conference in Copenhagen. De Boer emphasized the importance of the Kyoto Protocol surviving for various reasons, including the possibility of a second period under Kyoto and a new treaty under the convention. He mentioned that this new treaty would come into effect once a sufficient number of countries have ratified it. He stated that it took eight years for the Kyoto Protocol to come into effect, from when countries began signing it in 1997 to 2005. While some countries prefer a single treaty, most involved in the process are seeking a two-track outcome and want additional measures alongside the Kyoto Protocol. De Boer noted that the Kyoto Protocol already includes functioning market-based mechanisms, but there is currently no provision for additional mechanisms under the Convention. If someone is interested in proposing a new treaty, there is a reluctance among people to accept it. The Kyoto Protocol is the sole legally binding agreement related to climate change, and there is no valid reason to discard it, he stated. De Boer noted that there has been considerable advancement on key components of an agreement. "Now is the opportune moment to concentrate on the broader perspective." Bangladesh had previously advocated for a more robust climate agreement by expanding on the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to end in 2012. They also recommended a new phase with fresh targets for the Kyoto protocol. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) has also urged for the creation of a new 'Copenhagen Protocol', which would be rooted in the current legally-binding Kyoto Protocol. | 1 |
The White House confirmed that US President Barack Obama will proceed with his plans to meet with the Dalai Lama, despite warnings from China. China has expressed anger over the meeting, stating that it will further strain relations between the two countries, which are already troubled by other issues. China has urged Obama not to meet with the exiled Tibetan leader, whom they view as a separatist. During a meeting between Hu and Obama in Beijing last November, the Chinese leader expressed China's strong opposition to any government leaders or officials meeting with the Dalai Lama, according to Ma. Ma also urged the U.S. to understand the sensitivity of Tibetan issues and handle related matters carefully to avoid damaging China-U.S. relations. China's anger at the White House's announcement was expected, as was the confirmation of the meeting, which had been previously mentioned. This incident occurred shortly after Beijing criticized Washington for a $6.4 billion U.S. weapons package for Taiwan, a self-governing island that China considers a rebellious province. It also took place during tensions between China and the U.S. over China's currency value, trade barriers, and online freedoms. Beijing has become more forceful in its opposition to meetings between the Dalai Lama and foreign leaders, causing tension among patriotic Chinese who view Western criticism of Chinese policy in Tibet as interference. Demonstrations and protests related to Chinese rule in Tibet have led to backlash against countries like France, with China cancelling summits and calling for boycotts of goods. Chinese officials have warned that any meeting between Obama and the Dalai Lama could damage Sino-U.S. relations. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese forces. He wants genuine autonomy for Tibet within Chinese sovereignty, but Beijing believes he is actually seeking independence. Previous US presidents, such as George W. Bush, have met with the Dalai Lama, causing anger from Beijing but no significant consequences. China's recent statement did not mention any specific retaliation for Obama's upcoming meeting with the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan government-in-exile's spokesman, Thubten Samphel, believes this shows China's nervousness about the Tibet issue and pressure from the international community to address it. Despite earlier warnings from Beijing, the White House is not concerned about the upcoming meeting, which could take place this month. White House spokesman Bill Burton informed the press that the president had informed Chinese leaders during his previous visit that he planned to meet with the Dalai Lama and still intends to do so. The United States believes that their relationship with China is strong enough to address shared concerns such as climate change, the global economy, and non-proliferation, as well as openly discuss areas of disagreement. While the US acknowledges Tibet as part of China and hopes for dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama regarding the region's future, a Chinese foreign policy analyst warned that China's response may be more severe than anticipated as Beijing becomes more assertive on what it views as important issues. Yuan Peng, head of US studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times that China aims to alter the established parameters of engagement. While the US has sold weapons to Taiwan and met with the Dalai Lama in the past, leading to criticism from China, this time there will be stronger backlash and retaliation. | 1 |
On Thursday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that the government plans to establish another nuclear plant in the southern region of the country. She made the announcement while inaugurating six new state-of-the-art scientific research facilities, which included a 3MV Tandem Accelerator. | 1 |
European countries, Canada, Bolivia, and Nepal have shown support for the 2015 Paris Agreement, which has reached the necessary 55 percent backing for implementation according to a United Nations website. The agreement is set to officially begin in 30 days on November 4th, just before the US presidential election. President Obama has hailed the agreement as a historic step in protecting the planet, while China and the US have recently joined forces to support it. Several EU nations have also formally signed up for the agreement. According to the UN website, 73 out of 195 countries have ratified the agreement. European Climate Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete praised this achievement, commenting "Great job!" The European countries submitted formal documents to the United Nations ahead of schedule to prevent other nations from triggering entry into force before them. An EU diplomat explained, "We didn't want to be upstaged." The rapid ratification of an agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from burning fossil fuels, was widely praised for its potential to mitigate floods, droughts, stronger storms, and rising sea levels. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the progress as once unimaginable but now unstoppable. However, many emphasized that more work was still necessary, with Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim stating that time is running out. In contrast, the previous UN climate deal, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, took eight years to gain sufficient support for implementation. The Paris climate agreement only required wealthy nations to reduce their emissions, with the United States choosing not to participate. Opposition to President Obama's climate change policies persists in the Republican-controlled US Congress. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican, warned that the deal would harm the American economy. However, Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever and Chairman of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, believes that ratification of the agreement demonstrates the urgent need for a transition to a low-carbon economy. Despite this, current national commitments to reduce emissions are not enough to meet the Paris goal of limiting global temperature increases to less than two degrees Celsius. According to UN studies, global temperatures are predicted to increase by 3 degrees or more by 2100, if current trends continue. This year is also anticipated to be the hottest on record since the 19th century, surpassing the previous record set in 2015. | 1 |
Diplomats from major greenhouse gas polluting countries such as the United States, China, and India will be participating in a forum at the U.S. State Department on Monday to work towards a U.N. agreement to reduce global warming. This meeting of major economies aims to kick-start climate discussions leading up to the December deadline in Copenhagen to create a new agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will open the meeting, where participants will discuss issues such as technology cooperation. The major economies involved are Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, and the United States. Denmark, the host of the December meeting, was also invited to attend. Environmentalists and others believe that the U.S.'s commitment to combatting climate change is essential for any global agreement. Jake Schmidt of the Natural Resources Defense Council activist group stated that without U.S. leadership, reaching a global warming agreement in Copenhagen would be challenging. President Barack Obama has emphasized the connection between addressing climate change and aiding the struggling economy, and called for the meeting to restart the major economies process initiated by his predecessor, George W. Bush. The efforts of the Bush administration were met with skepticism by many participants and were viewed as a distraction from the main U.N. climate change negotiations. Obama's goal is to reduce U.S. emissions by approximately 15 percent by 2020, bringing them back to 1990 levels. In contrast to Bush, who opposed the Kyoto Protocol and other emissions limits, Obama's administration is advocating for action on climate change. Most recently, they have declared that carbon dioxide emissions pose a threat to human health and welfare, allowing the EPA to regulate them as pollutants. While no regulations have been implemented yet, Obama prefers legislation over regulation for addressing this issue. Legislation is currently being discussed in the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, with former Vice President Al Gore advocating for the passage of a carbon-capping law this year. Todd Stern, the U.S. special envoy for climate change, did not provide specific details on what the United States must present at the Copenhagen conference in December to show U.S. leadership. He did, however, mention that the Obama administration's strategy differs greatly from that of the Bush administration. Stern stated that the Bush team was not primarily interested in reaching an international agreement, whereas the current administration is seeking cooperation on a significant, potentially transformative scale. | 1 |
The agreement, reached in Paris by nearly 200 countries last December, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning away from fossil fuels in order to limit global warming to "well below" two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. However, in order for the agreement to take effect, it must be officially ratified by countries that represent at least 55 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. A spokesman for the UN Secretary-General urged all parties to expedite their internal processes to join the agreement as soon as possible this year. The European Union is expected to complete the joint ratification of the pact next week, which would be a significant milestone as it would push approvals beyond the 55 percent threshold and put the agreement into effect before the next climate talks in Morocco in November. The United States and China, the world's largest emitters, boosted the Paris agreement last month by submitting their approvals to the United Nations. Concerns are present regarding the involvement of the United States in the deal, especially with the upcoming presidential election on Nov 8. If the agreement is solidified before the election, it would be more difficult to challenge if Republican Donald Trump, who is against it, wins over Democrat Hillary Clinton. President Obama praised India's ratification of the agreement, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country are continuing the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and his vision for a better world for future generations. India had emphasized the need for further work on the agreement before ratifying it, stating that while the Paris agreement provides a broad framework, more specific guidelines and rules are necessary for it to be effective. The ministry also expressed disapproval of developed countries, stating that their citizens lead luxurious lives that have a significant impact on the environment. It emphasized the importance of addressing key issues such as finance and technology transfer at the upcoming meeting in Marrakesh. India intends to push developed countries to take more action at the event, insisting on a clear plan of action. | 1 |
The central issue discussed on Sunday was the mutual accountability between the government and donors. This topic was highlighted during a discussion about the Joint Cooperation Strategy (JCS) that was established during a policy-making meeting earlier this year. The Bangladesh Development Forum had previously agreed that this strategy would help coordinate development efforts. The session on Sunday, led by finance minister A M A Muhith, aimed to gather input on the draft framework from members of the civil society such as economists, NGO leaders, and former government officials. However, the focus of the discussion was mainly on the details of mutual accountability. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, the head of the Palli Karma Shahayak Fund and a member of various high-powered committees on education policy and climate change, noted that issues such as unemployment, underemployment, and education were not adequately addressed in the draft Joint Cooperation Strategy (JCS). Ahmad highlighted the discrepancies between growth projections published by various agencies and the government's forecasts, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing these projections in the JCS. He expressed concern about development partners' lack of support for this approach. While the JCS draft emphasizes the importance of improving "mutual accountability" to enhance aid effectiveness, former caretaker government advisor A B Mirza Azizul Islam pointed out that the draft does not specify how this accountability will be measured. He stated that there are no clear criteria to assess the JCS's performance, according to an individual. Others also agreed with this viewpoint. On the topic of aid conditions, Islam mentioned that some conditions set by development partners are not applicable. Regarding the government's challenges, he suggested creating project portfolios for development partners to select specific projects for funding. Mustafizur Rahman, executive director of a research organization in Dhaka, highlighted the commitment of developed nations to provide 0.7 percent of their national income in aid to impoverished countries. "What has happened to the accountability of that commitment?" questioned Senior Awami League leader Suranjit Sengupta during parliament discussions on the JCS draft. The framework is intended for the welfare of the people and the parliament is meant to represent those people, emphasized the chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on law, justice, and parliamentary affairs ministry. To ensure mutual accountability and monitor project outcomes and efficiency, the prime minister's economic advisor Mashiur Rahman suggested the formation of a body with representatives from the government and development partners. Wrapping up the session, the finance minister noted that the draft lacked important areas such as migration, land utilization plans, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). He stated the significance of having a land use plan for the country's planned growth, emphasizing the importance of ICT as a valuable tool for development that promotes transparency and helps prevent corruption. | 1 |
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius confirmed that Bangladesh counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali had completed his four-day official visit to Paris and returned to Dhaka. Ali had requested Fabius to bring a high-level business delegation, including representatives from MEDEF, the leading chamber of commerce and industries in France. Additionally, Fabius and his German counterpart would jointly inaugurate a Franco-German embassy building in Dhaka. Fabius commended Bangladesh for its achievements in poverty alleviation, women's education and empowerment, and reducing child and maternal mortality rates under the current government. The foreign ministry stated that their meeting also addressed the enhancement of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on economic cooperation. They talked about increasing bilateral trade, boosting French investment in Bangladesh, and speeding up cultural exchange programs between the two countries. In addition, they discussed various bilateral and international topics, including their shared commitment to combat climate change, which has a significant impact on Bangladesh. Fabius mentioned that France would take into consideration Bangladesh's concerns at the upcoming climate change conference in Paris in December, as Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. He also expressed a willingness to collaborate with Bangladesh to counter terrorism and extremism in order to promote global peace. Ali told him about Bangladesh's efforts to enhance connectivity and regional cooperation through various initiatives such as the BBIN-MVA, the BCIM economic corridor, and the BIMSTEC. Fabius praised Bangladesh's initiatives and offered full cooperation in promoting regional cooperation and peace. During his visit to Paris, the foreign minister also visited the Bangla section of INALCO, a language and cultural research institute, where he presented them with some Bangla books. He participated in the award ceremony 'Chevalier des arts et des lettres' where renowned Bangladeshi artist Shahabuddin Ahmad was recognized by the French government. Additionally, Ali attended a reception held by expatriate Bangladeshis and engaged in discussions with members of the Bangladeshi community, as reported by the foreign ministry. | 1 |
In an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Robinson expressed concern that if the United States withdraws from the Paris Agreement, it would be a tragedy for both the country and its people. Despite President-elect Donald Trump's intention to leave the global climate accord, which aims to limit warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, Robinson believes that other countries will still support the agreement. She mentioned at the UN climate talks in Marrakesh that if a large and important country decides to withdraw from the process, it could have a significant impact on gathering international finance to help poorer countries develop without increasing emissions. She believes it would be morally wrong for the United States, a major emitter, to abandon the Paris deal given its history of using fossil fuels. Despite this, she understands the struggles of Americans who have lost jobs in polluting industries and supports assistance for them to transition to clean energy jobs. She cautioned against reverting to coal and increasing emissions in the United States, emphasizing the negative impact it would have on poor communities and countries globally. As a UN envoy for El Nino and climate change, she shared her experience in drought-stricken areas of Honduras where women expressed their struggle with water scarcity. The emotional encounter with these women left a lasting impression on her, especially when one woman lamented, "We have no water." "How can you survive without water?" This question is being asked all around the world, she stated. If the United States decides against transitioning to clean energy, it would be allowing China to take the lead in an important new industry, she explained. This is not what many states, businesses, cities, academic communities, and local communities in the United States desire, she added. She encouraged Americans who were unhappy about the suggested alterations in US policy to speak out. She stated, "Individuals in the United States need to stand up and express their opinions, and businesses in the United States need to also speak out about this." | 1 |
The leaders of the Commonwealth, a group primarily consisting of former British colonies, gathered for a three-day summit with the urgent task of addressing human rights abuses among its members in order to maintain its relevance. Queen Elizabeth of Britain, at 85 years old, inaugurated the meeting of leaders from the 54 states of the Commonwealth, which represents 30 percent of the global population and five of the G20 leading economies, yet struggles to have a significant impact on worldwide policies. The summit was overshadowed by the necessity for the group to take a firmer stance on human and political rights violations, as a confidential report warned that failing to do so could render the Commonwealth ineffective. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard highlighted this issue in her opening speech, emphasizing the need for member nations to adhere to the group's values and make necessary changes. The focus of much of the discussion has been on Sri Lanka and the international calls for an independent investigation into allegations of war crimes during its 25-year civil war, particularly in the final months of 2009. Sri Lanka has stated that it will wait for the results of its own inquiry next month, dismissing the pressure regarding human rights as propaganda from the defeated Tamil Tigers. A senior Commonwealth official reported that foreign ministers were unable to reach a consensus on a key recommendation from a report by "eminent persons" to appoint a rights commissioner. Canada, which has a large Tamil population, has announced it will boycott the 2013 Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka unless there is improvement in the host country's human rights record. Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Deputy Director, Madhu Malhotra, stated that Commonwealth leaders must decide whether to reform the organization to effectively address human rights violations by its members, or risk losing relevance. British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected the idea that the Commonwealth was no longer valuable, emphasizing its role as a global network of 54 countries with shared values promoting human rights, democracy, and freedom. Aborigines performed a cleansing ceremony at the opening ceremony in Perth, welcoming leaders to their traditional homeland. Aborigines refer to British white settlement in Australia as an invasion, highlighting the clash of cultures. In Perth, around 500 protesters demonstrated on various issues but were kept away from leaders by a large police presence in the central business district. The district is dominated by office blocks of mining companies, which are crucial to Western Australia's economy. Several smaller countries within the group, particularly those at risk from global warming, are urging for a strong statement before the upcoming climate change summit in Durban. Additionally, there are calls for leaders to help end the practice of child brides, as twelve of the top 20 countries with high rates of child brides are in the Commonwealth. Health advocates argue that laws in 41 Commonwealth states criminalizing homosexuality violate human rights and are obstructing efforts to combat HIV-AIDS. These states account for 60 percent of the global HIV-AIDS population. | 1 |
The president of the conference received a warm welcome as the Cancún climate summit neared its conclusion with a successful 'striking balance'. The Mexican foreign minister, known for her no-nonsense approach, was able to achieve the balance that numerous countries had been aiming for. Patricia Espinosa appeared flustered as applause continued from ministers, bureaucrats, activists, journalists, and officials. She had managed to draft a text that was largely agreed upon by all parties involved. With minimal pressure to reach an agreement, nearly all 190 countries stood behind her and endorsed the text. The Venezuelan delegation, known for being highly critical, expressed their pleasure and described the text as "amazing" and praised its "striking balance". Applause filled the main hall as delegations took turns speaking, all offering praise and support for Espinosa's efforts. The text explains how greenhouse gases trap the sun's heat in the atmosphere, leading to climate change through extreme weather events like floods, cyclones, rising sea levels, and droughts. Experts warn that a temperature increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius could result in irreversible and catastrophic climate change. Espinosa ended the two-hour informal plenary just after midnight on Friday and instructed delegates to join their respective working groups to continue with the necessary but tedious process. These meetings will be followed by a closing plenary where the final outcome will be adopted, unless any surprises occur. Bangladesh's environment secretary, Mihir Kanti Majumder, expressed that the draft showed progress from the previous climate summit in Copenhagen. He stated that the draft was acceptable and believed that they could work on it further. However, another delegate from the Bangladesh contingent disagreed, stating that the text was just the beginning as Espinosa had mentioned during her closing speech. She stated that the conference marked the beginning of a new phase of cooperation based on a strong foundation, rather than being the end. The delegate noted that certain aspects of the negotiations did not align with Bangladesh's position or the interests of poorer countries, but all parties agreed to compromise. Ziaul Hoque Mukta, policy and advocacy manager for Oxfam Bangladesh and part of the national delegation, mentioned that while the text was not fully developed, it had potential for further improvement. Mukta also acknowledged that the text provided a basis for serious negotiations to take place in Durban, South Africa at the next UN climate convention summit. Saleemul Huq, a senior researcher for the International Institute for Environmental Development, gave his initial approval of the content and production of the text in his reaction to bdnews24.com. He reiterated the minister's points about the Adaptation Committee and the Green Climate Fund, stating that these were important demands of poor and vulnerable countries. As a lead author for assessment reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, he emphasized that these demands were being met in the text, describing it as clear and well-written. The negotiations led by the Mexicans were executed effectively, with transparency and openness, according to a long-time insider of complex climate negotiations. They successfully eliminated all brackets from the 32-page document, showing progress compared to Copenhagen. The insider noted that the text reflects compromise, where not everyone gets everything they want, but each party gains something. He stated that it is more important to restore trust in the process and in each other. The participants' joy and gratitude showed that they were appreciative of Espinosa for reestablishing their trust in the multilateral process. | 1 |
Following a quickly arranged 90-minute meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan, Abe expressed to reporters that he was confident in the possibility of establishing a trusting relationship. However, he did not share specific details of the discussion as it was an unofficial meeting. The meeting took place at a time when Japan's leadership was concerned about the future of their alliance with the United States, which is crucial to Tokyo's diplomacy and security. Abe and other Asian leaders were troubled by Trump's campaign promises to make allies contribute more financially to US forces, his suggestion that Japan should obtain its own nuclear weapons, and his strong opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. Trump, a Republican, will take over from Democratic President Barack Obama on Jan 20. Abe described his discussion with Trump as open and friendly, emphasizing the importance of trust in alliances. He expressed confidence in Trump as a reliable leader and agreed to meet again to discuss a wider range of topics. It is uncertain if this meeting will take place before Trump's inauguration. Kellyanne Conway stated that more detailed conversations about policy and the Japan-US relationship will have to wait until after the inauguration. Trump officials did not provide immediate comment after meeting with Abe, a seasoned lawmaker who collaborated closely with Obama on the 12-nation TPP trade agreement, a key part of Obama's efforts to counter China's growing power and a cornerstone of Abe's economic reforms. During their meeting, Abe and Trump exchanged golfing gear as gifts, as per a statement from the Japanese government. Photographs taken inside the lavish meeting room at Trump Tower featured Abe, an interpreter, Trump, Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, and Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn. In terms of filling administration roles, a senior Trump official disclosed on Thursday that Flynn had been offered the position of national security adviser. It was unclear if Flynn had accepted the job, but a source familiar with the offer said to Reuters that when the president-elect asks you to serve, there is only one answer. As the upcoming Trump administration gets ready to take office on Jan 20, a Pentagon spokesperson mentioned that the Defense Department would provide its first military briefing for Trump transition officials on Friday. Various Obama administration agencies, such as the Justice Department, were also taking similar actions. Despite never holding public office before, Trump has been focused on selecting senior positions for his administration since winning the election last week. Democrats in Congress continued to criticize Trump's decision to appoint right-wing firebrand Stephen Bannon as senior counsellor. A spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, stated that during a meeting with Vice President-elect Mike Pence, she requested that the appointment be reconsidered. Meanwhile, Trump has been holding meetings at Trump Tower with individuals who could potentially serve in senior positions on his governing team. He is scheduled to meet with Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee in the 2012 presidential election, on Saturday to discuss the possibility of Romney becoming secretary of state, according to a source familiar with the meeting. This potential development is surprising, as Romney previously criticized Trump and urged Republicans not to vote for him during the presidential nomination process. Trump made fun of Romney during the election by saying he performed poorly and "choked like a dog" in the 2012 race against Obama. Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso stated that it was advantageous for Abe to meet Trump before he becomes president due to the importance of Japan-US relations. Abe's adviser, Katsuyuki Kawai, mentioned that he had discussed with Trump's advisers and lawmakers and was informed that Trump's public statements should not be taken too literally. Abe has increased Japan's defense spending since becoming prime minister in 2012 and has pushed the boundaries of its pacifist constitution to allow for a larger global military role. Defense spending in Japan is currently a little over 1 percent of GDP, while the United States spends over 3 percent. The US is expected to spend $5.745 billion on its forces in Japan for the 2017 fiscal year. Japan's Defense Ministry reported that expenses related to US troops in Japan were approximately 720 billion yen ($6.6 billion) in the previous year. Some of President Trump's campaign statements portrayed Japan as a threat to jobs and relying on the US for defense, a perception that was more negative than the view of his adviser, who presented a more optimistic outlook. He commented that the prime minister has been more aggressive and direct in attempting to make changes to Japan's global stance. Abe was scheduled to meet with Obama at a summit in Peru over the weekend. Prior to Abe meeting with Trump, John Kerry and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met in Lima to talk about the Paris climate agreement, which Trump has promised to withdraw from. Some diplomats believe that it will be difficult to evaluate Trump's security policies regarding issues such as the deployment of US troops overseas, China's assertiveness in maritime matters, and the North Korean nuclear threat until he makes key appointments. | 1 |
Before deciding on the non-binding resolution, there was a discussion. MEP Charles Tannock mentioned that he believed the Bangladesh government was dedicated to upholding citizens' rights to freedom of speech. He commended the government for their efforts in combating terrorism despite facing challenging conditions. Tannock, who represents London, contrasted this with the struggle European countries face in combating terrorism, even with their economic advancements. An official from the foreign ministry, who was involved in the discussion, reported that Tannock advised Parliament to consider the sensitivity of the issue before criticizing the efforts of the Bangladesh government to protect the rights of its citizens. The focus of the debate was mainly on the topics of freedom of expression and press, specifically regarding Article 57 of the ICT Act and the limitations on social media usage. The MEPs denounced the rise in attacks by Islamist extremists on secular writers, bloggers, religious minorities, and foreign aid workers, and expressed worry about the constraints on freedom of speech and press as well as the shrinking space for civil society organizations. Dan Preda, a politician from Romania, noted that a large number of newspapers are being published in Bangladesh and asserted that freedom of expression does exist in the country. He condemned the killings of journalists and commended the government for its 'zero-tolerance policy' towards terrorism and extremism. He stated that Bangladesh was facing threats from terrorist groups and called on the government to take all necessary measures to safeguard the lives of journalists. Jean Lambert, head of the European Parliament Delegation to South Asia, noted that Bangladesh's vibrant media was currently under siege. She praised Bangladesh for making significant progress in areas such as gender equality, child nutrition, and climate change adaptation. Lambert emphasized the importance of restoring a strong justice system in order to hold accountable those responsible for the murders of journalists. Lawmakers also urged parliament to support Bangladesh in combating the growing influence of fundamentalism and intolerance. A non-binding resolution is a written proposal passed by a group that does not have the power to become a law. The content of the resolution can cover any topic that can be brought up for discussion. Initially, seven different drafts were put forward by various political groups, which were eventually combined into one unified text. The resolution also commended Bangladesh for its modern and secular values, as well as its advancements in areas such as gender equality and climate change. The government's efforts in combating terrorism and violent extremism were also praised, along with their 'zero-tolerance policy' towards these issues. They called for changes to be made to the Information and Communication Technology Act, the Cyber-Security Act of 2015, and Foreign Donation Regulation Act. During the debate, some MEPs strongly expressed their opposition to the death penalty and specifically mentioned the recent execution of war criminals. The EP expressed deep regret over the executions, arrests of opposition leaders, and attacks on minorities, but the Bangladesh ambassador to the EU disagreed with these references. The ambassador argued that if the EP were to express regret when perpetrators of crimes against humanity and genocide were brought to justice, it would harm the credibility of the Institution. One of the initial seven drafts included a mention of the importance of "elections and dialogue," which the ambassador also opposed. However, in the final version of the text, these issues were not included. EU Commissioner for Budget & Human Resources Kristalina Georgieva emphasized the need to prioritize combatting radicalization, upholding human rights, and protecting labor rights. She reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Bangladesh in improving democracy and governance. | 1 |
The royal couple, during a five-day visit, also visited a school and a national park in Islamabad where they interacted with children and admired their artwork. The trip, focused on climate change and education access, is said to be the most challenging one the couple has taken on due to security concerns. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also met with Khan at his official residence, with the visit drawing parallels to Princess Diana's visits to Pakistan in the 1990s where she helped raise funds for a cancer hospital. William and Kate also engaged in discussions about education with students at Islamabad Model College for Girls. As they departed, a group of girls sang a Pakistani national song, while the couple said goodbye to preschoolers who were lined up to bid farewell. They then visited the Margallah Hills National Park in Islamabad, which is facing threats from poaching, wildfires, invasive species, and littering. Kate wore a periwinkle blue silk shalwar kameez, the traditional Pakistani outfit consisting of a loose tunic over trousers, for the morning events. Many people on social media and in the fashion industry had been anticipating her wearing this outfit, which Princess Diana had worn during her visits. Designer Maheen Khan expressed her honor on Twitter for being asked to create the outfit for the Duchess. Kate's fashion choices, such as a bright green tunic over white pants to meet with the Prime Minister, seemed to reflect the colors and outfits worn by Diana. Foreign policy experts and officials have stated that the visit, the first by a member of the British royal family in over ten years and arranged by the British foreign office, was seen as a strategy to enhance soft power and advance diplomatic goals for both countries. This comes at a time when Britain is trying to strengthen its international ties as it prepares to leave the European Union, and Pakistan is working to improve its global reputation to attract more tourism and investment. | 1 |
The Group of 20 rich and developing nations have committed to giving more influence to emerging powers like China in shaping and reviving the global economy. They also deemed their efforts to combat the crisis a success, promising to maintain economic supports until a sustainable recovery is achieved, establish a framework for collaborative action to rebalance economic growth, and enforce stricter regulations on banks by 2012. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown hailed the agreement reached in Pittsburgh as a global plan for job creation, growth, and long-term economic revival, while US President Barack Obama's hosting of the summit was deemed a success, with leaders claiming they had prevented a depression and achieved their goals. Obama stated that their strong response was effective in halting the dangerous decline in global activity and stabilizing financial markets. He emphasized the need to move away from the boom-and-bust economic cycle of the past and called for proactive cooperation to prevent crises. The G20's new framework aims to facilitate policy assessment, consensus-building on reforms, and ensuring global demand supports growth for everyone. The Pittsburgh summit marked the G20's third meeting in a year, signaling its rise as the main forum for economic cooperation, surpassing the previously dominant G7 and G8 forums. Colin Bradford, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, described the decision as a significant symbolic gesture in international politics. He emphasized the historical importance of the decision to replace the G7 rather than enlarge it. On the other hand, Simon Johnson, a former IMF chief economist, expressed skepticism, referring to the G7 as a resilient entity that is difficult to eliminate despite its diminishing significance at the summit level. The decision to shift to the G20 from the G7 reflects the growing importance of rapidly developing countries like China and India in global economic growth. John Lipsky, the deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, stated that this change acknowledges economic realities and the need to include major emerging economies in discussions about the global economy. The disclosure of a second Iranian uranium enrichment plant provided an opportunity for Obama, along with leaders from Britain and France, to push for unified action against Tehran regarding its controversial nuclear program. Obama warned Iran that it must make a decision at the upcoming meeting with world powers in Geneva on October 1 regarding its path forward, as it could lead to confrontation. The group still had tough economic tasks ahead, despite progress made. The G20 pledged to avoid the risky behavior that led to the financial crisis, focusing on sustainable growth and responsible market practices. They also targeted excessive banker pay and planned regulatory reforms to be implemented by 2012. The leaders reached an agreement that companies should have the ability to recover or take back compensation and bonuses under certain circumstances. This was done in order to ensure that bankers do not receive large payouts for making risky investments that ultimately fail. Additionally, the leaders decided to transfer some voting power at the International Monetary Fund from wealthy countries to those that are underrepresented, including China, indicating a recognition of the changing economic power dynamics. The G20 also approved a plan to eliminate subsidies for fossil fuels as a means of addressing climate change, and pledged to intensify efforts to finalize the Doha trade negotiations. Furthermore, world leaders supported a U.S.-led initiative to rebalance the global economy by addressing large surpluses in exporting countries like China and significant deficits in importing nations such as the United States. Obama is looking to move away from the U.S. model of borrowing and spending in favor of saving and investing. This shift would require countries like China, which rely on exports for growth, to also make adjustments. G20 leaders have agreed to collaborate in assessing how domestic policies align and determining if they support more sustainable and balanced growth. Countries with significant surpluses, like China, have promised to boost their domestic sources of growth, while countries with large deficits, such as the United States, have committed to promoting private savings. Economists have long warned about the potential destabilizing effects of these imbalances on the global economy, and past efforts to address them have not succeeded. The United States believes that the current effort to boost global trade will be successful this time, as countries like China experienced significant economic downturns during the recession, revealing their vulnerability to external shocks. Despite a display of unity, there were some tensions, with many Europeans frustrated by the lack of agreement on funding measures to combat climate change ahead of the Copenhagen summit. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed concern over the slow progress and emphasized the need for urgency. Meanwhile, around 10,000 protesters marched against capitalism and the G20's agenda, with some chanting slogans against the police. On Friday, there was only one person arrested and the atmosphere was cheerful, which was different from the tense protests on Thursday that led to confrontations with law enforcement and numerous arrests. | 1 |
Presidential spokesperson Rego Barros stated that the Brazilian government is willing to accept financial assistance from organizations and countries to help combat the unprecedented wildfires in the Amazon rainforest. Barros noted that any funds received will be under the complete control of the Brazilian people. Additionally, a diplomatic source in Brasilia confirmed that the government had received 10 million pounds from Britain for this purpose. Bolsonaro's press office did not provide immediate comment on the matter. Earlier today, Bolsonaro stated that he would only consider accepting a $20 million offer of aid from the Group of Seven wealthy nations if French President Emmanuel Macron retracted his "insults" against him. The two leaders have been engaged in a public war of words, with Bolsonaro mocking Macron's wife and accusing him of disrespecting Brazil's sovereignty. Macron, in turn, has called Bolsonaro a liar and suggested that Brazilian women are ashamed of him. The French president's office declined to comment on the matter. Brazil's president is facing increasing isolation on the world stage due to his handling of the fires, which are seen as a critical defense against global climate change. The response of the far-right government could endanger Brazil's trade agreements and influential agribusiness sector, which is a key driver of its struggling economy. Flávio Dino, the governor of Maranhao state, expressed concern that rejecting financial support at this time would not be wise. He mentioned that the government's negative stance on environmental issues could make Brazil vulnerable to international penalties. The number of wildfires in Brazil has surged by 80% compared to last year, as reported by the space research agency INPE. A Reuters witness observed abandoned houses near Porto Velho, Rondonia, due to the intense forest fires. He mentioned that there were scattered showers on Tuesday, but they were not enough to extinguish the fires. According to weather information and two experts, a widespread rain that could put out the fires is likely still weeks away. An unnamed local farmer predicted that the fires would worsen next week when the forest is typically at its driest. G7 leaders promised $20 million to help combat the fires in the Amazon rainforest, which is often referred to as "the lungs of the world". This offer, made at a summit in France on Monday, has caused controversy within Bolsonaro's nationalist government. Some officials appreciate the much-needed assistance, while others see it as a colonial action that undermines Brazil's sovereignty over its lands. Bolsonaro sparked anger from Macron by making disrespectful comments about the French president's wife on Facebook. Macron, who has criticized Bolsonaro for misinformation on climate change, condemned the remarks as disrespectful. Bolsonaro stated that he would only consider accepting G7 funds if Macron withdrew his previous statements. Bolsonaro stated that Macron must retract his insults before any discussions or acceptance of aid from France can take place. Brazil is willing to accept international aid as long as they have control over how the funds are used. US President Trump expressed his support for Bolsonaro on Tuesday, citing their shared views on the environment, China, and trade. The Brazilian president is putting in a lot of effort to address the Amazon fires and is doing a commendable job for the people of Brazil, according to Trump's tweet. Bolsonaro, in response on Twitter, stated that they are successfully combating the wildfires and that Brazil will always be a global leader in sustainable development. The fires are not just a problem in Brazil, as at least 10,000 sq km are burning in Bolivia near its borders with Paraguay and Brazil. Peru and Colombia have requested Bolsonaro to attend a meeting on Sept 6 to discuss the situation and create a coordinated plan to prevent deforestation in the long term. The environment minister of Norway has urged representatives from Equinor, Yara, and Norsk Hydro to ensure that their supply chains in Brazil are not connected to deforestation. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed concerns about the impact of climate change on the lives of people in Asia and the Pacific region, as well as on national and regional stability. She emphasized that natural disasters and fuel shortages are major obstacles to development in the region, and warned that global warming poses a serious risk to all. Hasina made these remarks at the CIRDAP second ministerial meeting on 'Rural development in Asia and the Pacific' in Dhaka, where representatives from member states and non-member countries are participating. She also noted that urbanization and globalization are increasing pressure on fuel resources. She encouraged the regional leaders to address the issues arising from climate change and globalization, warning that without doing so, rural development and poverty eradication efforts will not be effective in the long term. The prime minister highlighted the threat to food security posed by increasing natural disasters and the current economic crisis, stressing the need for a united approach to finding practical solutions. She underscored the importance of increasing investment and exports to counteract the negative impacts of globalization, and emphasized the importance of identifying new challenges and opportunities from a regional perspective. She also noted the already identified threats of climate change to low-lying countries. Hasina outlined the steps her government has taken to reduce poverty, such as creating a poverty reduction strategy paper, expanding social safety nets, increasing agriculture subsidies, and ensuring continuous power supply for irrigation. She announced the launch of the 'one-house one-farm' program starting this year. CIRDAP chairperson and minister Syed Ashraful Islam, state minister Jahangir Kabir Nanok, secretary Rokeya Sultana, and director general Durga P Paudyal also addressed the event. | 1 |
Two weeks after a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol, thousands of armed troops surrounded the building as Joe Biden, at 78 years old, was sworn in as the oldest U.S. president in history by Chief Justice John Roberts. In his inauguration speech, Biden emphasized the need for unity to overcome challenges and restore the soul of America, urging an end to the divisive conflicts between red and blue, rural and urban, conservative and liberal. He called for opening our souls instead of hardening our hearts to achieve this goal. The inauguration ceremony was smaller and lacked its usual festive atmosphere, with the National Mall filled with U.S. flags instead of supporters. Biden spoke at the Capitol, where violence had recently occurred, and portrayed his inauguration as a testament to the resilience of American democracy. The chaos led to Trump's second impeachment for incitement, after he falsely claimed election fraud and urged his followers to march on the Capitol. Biden condemned the violence and emphasized the importance of upholding democracy. Jennifer Lopez performed patriotic songs at President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony, while Kamala Harris made history as the first Black person, first woman, and first Asian American to serve as vice president. Harris was sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court's first Latina member. Trump broke tradition by not meeting with Biden or attending his inauguration, which is typically seen as a peaceful transfer of power. Despite never conceding the election, Trump did not mention Biden by name in his final remarks as president. He then left for his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida. Top Republicans and former presidents attended Biden's inauguration, as he takes office during a time of national unease with multiple crises to address. He has pledged to take immediate action, such as issuing a series of executive orders on his first day in office. Following a contentious campaign with Trump's unfounded claims of election fraud, Biden adopted a conciliatory tone rarely seen from his predecessor, urging Americans who did not support him to give him a chance. In breaking news, Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and the first woman of color to be sworn in as vice president of the United States. Biden stated, "I pledge this to you: I will be a president for all Americans." "I assure you that I will fight just as vigorously for those who did not support me as I will for those who did," Biden stated. He also expressed his commitment to repairing strained relationships with international allies, leading with strength and trust, and promoting peace, progress, and security. Despite not specifically mentioning ongoing conflicts with North Korea, Iran, and China, Biden's inauguration marks the culmination of a long career in public service, including time in the Senate and as vice president under Obama. However, he acknowledges the significant challenges ahead. On Trump's last day in office, the United States marked 400,000 deaths and 24 million infections from the pandemic, the highest in any country. Millions of Americans are unemployed due to pandemic-related shutdowns. Biden plans to use the full force of the federal government to address the crisis, including a $1.9 trillion proposal to increase jobless benefits and provide direct payments to households. Lady Gaga sang the national anthem at Biden's inauguration. However, this plan must be approved by a divided Congress where Democrats have slim majorities. Harris was set to swear in three new Democratic senators on Wednesday, resulting in a 50-50 split in the chamber with herself as the tie-breaking vote. Biden is expected to quickly move on from the Trump era by signing 15 executive actions on various issues on Wednesday, such as the pandemic, economy, and climate change. These actions will include requiring masks on federal property, rejoining the Paris climate accord, and ending Trump's travel ban on certain Muslim-majority countries. Despite Biden's ambitious plans for his first 100 days, the Senate may be focused on Trump's upcoming impeachment trial, which will proceed even though he is no longer in office. This trial could test Biden's commitment to promoting bipartisanship in Washington. In his last moments in office, Trump granted over 140 pardons and commutations, including one for his ex-political adviser Steve Bannon, who is facing charges for allegedly scamming Trump supporters in a fundraising campaign for a border wall. Despite speculation, Trump did not grant pardons to himself or his family members. | 1 |
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is set to arrive in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon for a two-day official visit aimed at discussing bilateral issues with Bangladesh. Her arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is scheduled for 4:10 pm, where she will be greeted by foreign minister Dipu Moni. The two foreign ministers will hold formal talks in the afternoon, followed by a joint press briefing and the signing of a declaration on Bangladesh-US Partnership Cooperation. During her visit, Clinton will also meet with prime minister Sheikh Hasina, opposition leader Khaleda Zia, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, Brac chairman Fazle Hasan Abed, and members of civil society. Bangladesh is determined to advocate for duty-free market access for its garment products in the US market, citing its status as a least developed country as justification. Officials assert that Bangladesh has a rightful claim to duty-free access in all wealthy nations, including the US. In addition to this, Bangladesh will also address concerns regarding membership in the Millennium Challenge Corporation fund and the extradition of Rashed Chowdhury, the convicted killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is currently residing in the US. The US, on the other hand, has strategic interests in Bangladesh, particularly as demonstrated by the increased significance of the country following the March ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) that granted Bangladesh a large area in the Bay of Bengal. It is a partner in all four of President Barack Obama's global initiatives: global food security, global health, climate change, and engagement with Muslim countries. Other US interests in Bangladesh include protecting and promoting US investments, improving security ties, and increasing export opportunities. ConocoPhilips, a US company, is currently exploring gas and oil in blocks 10 and 11 in the Bay of Bengal and is looking for six more blocks to explore. In April, Bangladesh and the US held their first security dialogue to further cooperation in the region. | 1 |
Presidential candidate Barack Obama is traveling to Berlin to deliver a public speech on transatlantic ties, which is expected to attract a large audience. Despite initial opposition from Chancellor Angela Merkel to speak at the Brandenburg Gate, Obama will instead address the crowd at the "Victory Column" in Tiergarten park. Obama hopes his speech will emphasize the importance of the relationship between the United States and Europe and how it should be strengthened. The relationship between the United States and Germany deteriorated during Merkel's predecessor Gerhard Schroeder's time, mainly due to his opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. However, Merkel, who was raised in East Germany, has made efforts to improve relations and has become one of President George W. Bush's closest allies in Europe. Before Obama's visit, Merkel mentioned that she planned to talk about NATO cooperation, climate change, and trade issues with the senator during their morning meeting at the Chancellery. They are also expected to touch on Afghanistan and Iraq, which are the first stops on Obama's tour of the Middle East and Europe. Obama described the situation in Afghanistan as precarious and urgent during his visit to Kabul on Sunday. Both Angela Merkel and John McCain have emphasized the importance of Europe increasing its efforts in Afghanistan. However, Merkel stated that she would inform Obama about the limitations of what Germany could do in the region. The impending Obama visit has been a major topic in German newspapers, leading to disagreements between Merkel and her foreign minister over whether a speech at the Brandenburg Gate was appropriate. Merkel believes that the iconic location should be reserved for presidents, not presidential candidates, and tried to persuade Obama's team to choose a more low-key venue. When asked if he had studied Reagan and Kennedy's Cold War speeches in Berlin to prepare for his visit, Obama responded that, unlike them, he was simply a citizen. He stated that Berlin is a clear example of the successful post-war efforts to unify the continent and the West. Approximately 700 police officers will be on duty during the visit, and city workers have been setting up barriers around the "Siegessaeule" since Monday. Crowd estimates for the event range from 10,000 to nearly a million people. German public television station ARD will air the entire 45-minute speech live at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT). According to a Pew Research Center poll, Germans preferred Obama over McCain by a 49 point margin. The popular weekly magazine Der Spiegel focused its weekend edition on the visit, featuring a photo of Obama on the front cover with the headline "Germany meets the Superstar". | 1 |
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated that his main focus in 2008 will be addressing the global credit crunch and navigating through the financial instability. He emphasized that the credit issue, originating in the US, is currently the biggest challenge for all economies. Brown expressed confidence in the UK's strong economy as a foundation for stability and declared that he is determined to guide the country through the global financial turmoil. Despite facing challenges such as government mistakes and economic uncertainties, Brown remains committed to his goals for the upcoming year. Northern Rock, a prominent casualty of the credit crisis in Britain, has had to borrow at least 25 billion pounds from the Bank of England. Prime Minister Brown and finance minister Alistair Darling have faced criticism for their handling of the crisis, but Brown remains confident that the economy will stay on track. Despite solid growth since Brown's Labour Party took office in 1997, concerns have been raised about a potential slowdown next year due to falling house prices and decreasing consumer confidence. Brown has reassured the public that stability will not be compromised, pledging to maintain low interest rates by controlling inflation. In an effort to address financial market stability, Brown has invited German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy to a meeting in London scheduled for the first half of January. Following a brief period of popularity with voters, Brown's approval ratings quickly declined and Labour is currently trailing behind the opposition Conservatives by as much as 13 points in opinion polls. Recent scandals, such as the tax agency's loss of personal data and secret donations to Labour, have caused embarrassment for Brown. In response to mounting pressure to outline his vision, Brown used his New Year's message to promise significant changes for Britain in 2008. He vowed to introduce new laws that would address issues such as energy, climate change, health, pensions, housing, education, and transport, while also emphasizing the importance of combating global terrorism. | 1 |
The Strategic Dialogue is a meeting led by the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Md Shahidul Haque and the Permanent Under Secretary of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Sir Simon McDonald. The UK delegation will include representatives from various departments such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department of International Development, Department of Trade, UK Home Office/ UK Border Agency, Department of Transport, and Ministry of Defence. On the other hand, the Bangladesh delegation is expected to include representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Ministry of Defence, Economic Relations Division, Security Services Division, Special Branch of Bangladesh Police, and Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The two-day dialogue will cover a wide range of topics including bilateral relations, regional and multilateral issues like Rohingya crisis, terrorism, trade and investment relations, regional connectivity, climate change, migration, UN peacekeeping, Sustainable Development Goals, and development partnership in the LDC gradation process. McDonald is scheduled to speak about the relationship between the UK and Bangladesh during the Brexit era at the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies. Additionally, he is anticipated to engage with young leaders and diplomats during his visit. The UK secretary will hold a confidential meeting with his counterpart from Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, Saida Muna Tasneem, will be present at the discussion. | 1 |
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