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Gray, a senior figure in the Labor party in Western Australia, is being urged to ensure that a strong advocate for the resources industry remains in place as investment in the sector slows. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced that the Climate Change Department, responsible for the controversial carbon tax, will be merged with the Industry Department and overseen by Climate Change Minister Greg Combet. Despite this reshuffle, no changes have been made to the Treasury or Finance Ministry, which are held by Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan and Penny Wong. The reshuffle was prompted by a failed leadership coup by supporters of former leader Kevin Rudd, resulting in the resignation of three cabinet ministers and two junior ministers. Gillard's decision to call for elections on September 14, which current opinion polls suggest she will lose, means that the impact of the reshuffle is likely to be limited. Former Resources Minister Martin Ferguson, who was known for his pro-business stance and support for the mining industry, resigned along with others. The Australian mining industry has seen significant investment in recent years, but there are signs that the boom may be slowing. The Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) believes that the appointment of Gray, a former Labor party member with industry experience, will help attract investment to the sector. Gray left the Labor party in 2000 to work for Wesfarmers and later for Woodside Petroleum. Shell decided to retract its offer after Treasurer Peter Costello deemed it detrimental to the national interest, with Gray's efforts to rally public opinion against Shell playing a role in this decision. ($1 equals 0.9572 Australian dollars). | 1 |
The finance minister emphasized the importance of global action on climate change and food security for poverty alleviation during a seminar marking United Nations Day. He highlighted the impact of natural disasters on countries like Bangladesh and stressed the need for the UN to prioritize addressing these issues. The event was chaired by justice Kazi Ebadul Haque and featured a key paper by former diplomat Afsarul Kader. | 1 |
The leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, known as "the three amigos," are meeting in Mexico to discuss trade issues and the threat of drug gangs. President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Mexican President Felipe Calderon are gathering in Guadalajara for dinner Sunday night followed by three-way talks on Monday. The main topics on their agenda include boosting their economies, ensuring smooth trade, and addressing Mexican gangs involved in the drug trade. Major agreements are not expected to be announced at the annual summit, but rather it is seen as a step in ongoing discussions that will likely lead to agreements in the future. Calderon is expected to bring up a cross-border trucking dispute with Obama during the meeting. According to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican trucks are supposed to be allowed to enter the United States, but American trucking companies claim that Mexican trucks are not safe. This issue has been ongoing for years. In response to Obama canceling a program that allowed Mexican trucks to operate beyond the U.S. border zone, Mexico imposed retaliatory tariffs of $2.4 billion on U.S. goods in March. U.S. business groups have been urging the White House to resolve the dispute, as they believe the ban could result in the loss of thousands of American jobs. Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan, stated that they would like to see a final resolution to the trucking issue. He expressed his desire to have an agreement in place by the end of the year. Michael Froman, a top official at the White House, informed reporters that the Obama administration is actively working with the U.S. Congress to address safety concerns. Canadian officials are concerned about the "Buy American" components of a $787 billion economic stimulus package, as they fear it could prevent Canadian companies from receiving U.S. construction contracts funded by the stimulus. Canada, being the United States' largest trading partner, is in discussions with the Obama administration and other countries to find a way to implement the "Buy American" provision in a manner that is consistent with the law and international obligations, while also minimizing trade disruptions. Obama addressed concerns about potentially reopening the NAFTA treaty during a meeting with Hispanic reporters before his trip. He stated that due to the weakened economies of the three nations involved, now is not the time to add enforceable labor and environmental protections to the treaty as some in his party would prefer. While he remains interested in improving the treaty, he emphasized that the focus should be on the current difficult economic situation. Another key issue at the summit is the escalating violence caused by Mexican drug gangs, despite President Calderon's efforts to combat them over the past three years. The death rate from the violence this year is significantly higher than in 2008, and authorities in the United States and Canada have linked the Mexican traffickers to crime in their countries as well. Obama is supporting Calderon's actions in going after drug cartels, praising his courage. Despite promises of full support during a visit in April, Mexico is frustrated with delays in receiving anti-drug equipment and training. The leaders will also discuss H1N1 swine flu and climate change at an upcoming summit in preparation for international talks in Copenhagen in December. | 1 |
EU countries have taken weeks to reach an agreement on the details of the measure, and discussions will continue over the weekend. The European Commission will then finalize a proposal for EU ambassadors to approve, with a meeting set for Wednesday. The oil embargo is seen as a significant step in the EU's sanctions against Russia, with additional measures also expected to be implemented. EU officials and diplomats involved in the process spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the talks. Unless Hungary makes a sudden last-minute request, the process should be completed without the need for an EU leaders' meeting, saving the effort of bringing together all 27 heads of state in Brussels. The embargo is expected to impact Russian oil transported by tankers more quickly than oil transported by pipeline, which could take several months. It is likely that the EU will allow its members to gradually phase out existing contracts with Russian oil companies, similar to how it handled the coal ban with a four-month implementation period. Germany's role has been crucial in finalizing the new measure, as the country imported about one-third of its oil from Russia at the time of the Ukraine invasion. Germany's energy minister, Robert Habeck, stated that the country has managed to reduce its reliance on Russian oil imports to just 12% in recent weeks, making a full embargo "manageable." Habeck mentioned during a visit to Warsaw, Poland, that what was once a major issue for Germany has now become much less significant. He noted that Germany is close to achieving independence from Russian oil imports, without providing details on how this was achieved so quickly. Russia supplies about a quarter of Europe's yearly oil needs, making it the largest oil supplier to the region. To compensate for the embargo, the European bloc plans to increase imports from other sources such as Persian Gulf countries, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. Despite a gradual phase-in period for the embargo, it is expected to impact global oil prices and exacerbate already high energy costs worldwide. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen proposed a suggestion to reduce the impact, which was to impose tariffs or a price cap on Russia's oil instead of implementing a complete embargo. However, European officials stated that this idea did not gain support. | 1 |
The world's longest serving monarch has chosen Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to represent him in receiving the new ambassadors' letters of credence. The Bangladesh mission in Bangkok confirmed that Ambassador Tasneem presented the credentials and goodwill messages from President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the King at Ambara Villa. She expressed her commitment to enhance bilateral relations during her term. In addition to her role as ambassador to Cambodia, she also serves as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UNESCAP. Last November, she presented her letter of introduction to the executive secretary of UNESCAP upon her arrival in Bangkok. She officially became the non-resident ambassador of Cambodia in June of this year. In Bangkok, it is customary for ambassadors to present their credentials, which can take some time. However, they are able to start their duties soon after joining the mission. The Crown Prince commended the people of Bangladesh for their hard work and resilience in dealing with various challenges, such as climate change. He noted that Bangladesh and Thailand face similar challenges, especially in terms of climate change and disaster risk reduction. The Crown Prince mentioned his sister Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's visits to Bangladesh in 2010 and 2011 and showed interest in continuing Thai Royal development projects in the country. Ambassador Tasneem emphasized the significance of improving connectivity between Buddhist followers from both nations and further developing their shared Buddhist heritage through the expansion of Buddhist circuit tourism. | 1 |
The Bush administration is rushing to implement environmental policy changes before leaving office, such as removing wolves from the Endangered Species List and loosening regulations for various industries. Environmental groups are not supportive of these proposed changes, as they do not address the most pressing issue of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. Both presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, have promised to address this issue if elected. Some organizations are calling for a moratorium on last-minute rules proposed by government agencies. Eli Lehrer from the Competitive Enterprise Institute stated that the Bush administration, which has been in office for eight years, has implemented more regulations than any other administration in history. Lehrer and John Kostyack from the National Wildlife Federation are concerned about the potential negative impact of rushing through new regulations in the final days of the administration, with Kostyack noting that the public is often left out of the process. The Bush administration is pushing for these regulations to be finalized by Saturday in order to be enacted before President George W. Bush's term ends on January 20. According to Matt Madia of OMB Watch, if these regulations are put into place, it will be difficult for the next administration to undo them. Madia believes that new presidents may not prioritize reversing these regulations. He also mentioned that it is common for administrations to introduce new rules at the last minute when they are nearing the end of their term. Madia expressed concerns that industries such as electricity, mining, and agriculture may benefit from these regulations as they would be allowed to pollute more, which could harm the public. The quick progress of certain environmental measures is what stands out. An example is an Interior Department rule that would weaken protections for endangered species in order to benefit mining interests. This rule received over 300,000 public comments, which officials intended to review in just one week, a pace that was criticized as unreasonable. The reason for the rush is that rules become effective 30 to 60 days after being finalized, and if they are not in effect by the time a new president takes office, that president can choose not to implement them, as Bush did with many rules finalized at the end of the Clinton administration. White House spokesman Tony Fratto denied that the Bush administration was rushing through these regulations hastily. Fratto dismissed claims that the administration is working to relax regulations that benefit businesses, stating that the goal is to prevent a rush of last-minute rules from the previous administration. One environmental proposal from the Bush administration that has received positive feedback is the plan to establish the largest marine wildlife sanctuary in the Pacific Ocean, which could be implemented on January 20. | 1 |
Malaysia's ruling coalition brought 41 lawmakers to Taiwan for a study tour while opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is working to persuade MPs to defect in his bid to overthrow the government. The opposition leaders are strategizing to remove the government by Anwar's set deadline of September 16. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called a meeting of his coalition to prevent any defections that could potentially end their 50-year rule. Anwar's efforts to disrupt the long-standing political system in Malaysia have increased political risks and unsettled foreign investors. The country's growing fiscal deficit, partly due to measures to boost the government's popularity after a poor general election last March, has also negatively impacted the ringgit currency, stock market, and bond prices. Adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty, Anwar is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday to confront a new sodomy charge that he claims the government fabricated to thwart his political aspirations. The judge is anticipated to move the case to a higher court. Before departing for an eight-day "study mission" in Taiwan, Barisan MPs informed reporters that their trip was unrelated to the Anwar situation. "We are going to Taiwan to study agriculture," stated Bung Mokhtar Radin, an MP from Sabah, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. "This trip is purely academic and not politically motivated." He, along with 40 other MPs, departed on Monday. An additional eight MPs will leave on Tuesday. Barisan holds 140 MPs compared to the opposition's 82. Lim Kit Siang, an experienced opposition figure, stated that government MPs left Malaysia in order to prevent them from participating in the "political changes" on September 16. He mentioned that the MPs may be under constant surveillance in Taiwan and have had their mobile phones confiscated. According to a political analyst, the Taiwan trip could serve as a convenient excuse for Anwar if he does not meet his September 16 deadline. Columnist Suhaini Aznam wrote in the Star newspaper that Barisan is falling into Anwar's psychological warfare tactics. Anwar had a meeting with leaders of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance on Monday to discuss the takeover plan, as confirmed by his aides. Anwar, who was dismissed as deputy prime minister in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis, was later imprisoned for six years on charges of sodomy and corruption. He emerged victorious in a by-election last month, which granted him the opportunity to return to parliament. This now positions him to potentially become the prime minister should the opposition alliance come to power. | 1 |
Japan and the European Union have announced plans to increase collaboration in aiding Afghanistan, combating piracy off Somalia, and enhancing their trade relations, as stated by their leaders at a summit in Tokyo. EU president Herman Van Rompuy emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between Asia's largest economy and the 27-nation bloc to become influential global economic and political players. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama confirmed that both parties have agreed to work together on peacebuilding efforts in Afghanistan and Somalia, as well as establishing a high-level group of experts to improve economic ties over the next six to twelve months. Tokyo is interested in establishing a free-trade agreement similar to the one the EU made with South Korea, a high-tech competitor of Japan. However, Brussels has raised concerns about non-tariff barriers hindering trade with Japan. Van Rompuy has also emphasized the importance of collaborating on various global issues such as climate change, poverty, terrorism, economic stability, nuclear non-proliferation, and human rights. He believes that by working together, the EU and Japan can make a significant impact in a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected. He also highlighted the importance of international network security and the threat of attacks on the free movement of goods, people, and information. The networks are at risk, cyber-attacks are a real threat that can occur frequently and cause damage. It is important to strengthen our defenses against these attacks. Japan and Europe are heavily interconnected in global networks, so it is essential to work together on this. Van Rompuy also discussed economic relationships during a previous briefing at the Japan Press Club, suggesting that a free-trade agreement could boost trade between the two regions. However, he noted that there are still obstacles to trade, such as non-tariff barriers in Japan that make the EU hesitant to move forward. He suggested that they should consider taking more time to establish the goals of both parties before proceeding with discussions. The EU has requested that Japan address non-tariff barriers, such as product safety and government procurement rules, before moving forward. Toshiro Tanaka, a professor at Keio University, noted that while the EU claims Japan's market is hindered by non-tariff barriers, they are hesitant to pursue a free-trade agreement. On the other hand, Japan is eager to secure a deal with the EU, as demonstrated by their interest in the agreement between the EU and South Korea. At present, the European Union enforces tariffs of 10 percent on vehicle imports and 14 percent on electronics. However, South Korean companies like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai Motor are expected to be exempt from these tariffs in the future. This exemption puts Japanese manufacturers at a significant disadvantage when selling their products in the European market, according to Tanaka who spoke to AFP. The EU delegation is now heading to China for a summit in Shanghai, coinciding with the start of the World Expo on Saturday. | 1 |
The government has designated specific focal points within ministries to address climate change. Finance minister AMA Muhith stated in parliament that the establishment of the climate cell is proceeding smoothly, with one focal point identified in each ministry. Muhith also mentioned that the Climate Change Trust Fund and Policy have been established, with implementation of various programs in accordance with the policy underway. The government has allocated Tk 7 billion for the climate change fund. | 1 |
Russia intends to increase its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020, as stated by President Dmitry Medvedev. This plan aims to reduce emissions by 10-15 percent compared to 1990 levels when Russia was part of the Soviet Union. Environmentalists are dissatisfied with the target, considering it too low and insufficient. The announcement is seen as Russia's initial move in UN negotiations for a new climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol in December. During the talks, wealthy countries are supposed to present mid-term goals for reducing emissions. Russia is the final major country to do so. Environmental organizations and developing nations are urging industrialized countries to decrease their emissions by 25-40 percent below 1990 levels, as recommended by a U.N. panel of climate experts. Russian President Medvedev stated in an interview with Russian state television that emissions could be reduced by 10-15 percent by 2020. Kremlin's chief economic adviser, Arkady Dvorkovich, later clarified that this reduction would be measured against 1990 levels, before the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's heavy industry. Since then, Russia's carbon emissions have increased due to its industrial resurgence, solidifying its position as the world's third largest emitter after China and the United States. According to Medvedev, the target announced on Friday requires a reduction of 30 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases from 1990 to 2020. This means Russia is expected to emit around 3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2020, up from 2.2 billion tonnes in 2007. Medvedev emphasized that Russia will not hinder its development potential. As part of the Kyoto Protocol, Russia is obligated to bring its emissions back to 1990 levels by 2008-12. Green groups and developing countries expressed disappointment with Japan's 2020 emission reduction target, which was only slightly more ambitious than its Kyoto Protocol goal. They were also dissatisfied with Russia's recent announcement. Russian President Medvedev emphasized the importance of all countries taking responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, while Deputy Prime Minister Dvorkovich highlighted the need to strike a balance between addressing climate change and economic growth in Russia. Experts viewed the goal set on Friday as the initial move in a six-month series of intense discussions aimed at reaching a new climate agreement in Copenhagen this year. Nina Korobova, who leads the Russian operations of Global Carbon, a clean energy project developer, believes that while it is a positive first step, other countries will likely expect Russia to make greater emission reductions, leading to more negotiations. She is confident that Russia could achieve a 20 percent reduction by 2020, even in less optimistic scenarios. Under Vladimir Putin's previous presidency, Russian officials had opposed mandatory emissions cuts out of concern for preserving the lifestyle of the middle class and the growth of industries. | 1 |
Finance leaders from the top industrialized nations came together in Tokyo to show unity in the face of a slowing global economy and acknowledged that the situation could deteriorate further due to the weakening U.S. housing market. Following their meetings, the Group of Seven released a statement indicating that economic growth prospects had worsened since their last gathering in October, although they believed that the fundamentals were still strong and the U.S. economy was likely to avoid a recession. Italian Economy Minister Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa noted that there was a greater sense of pessimism and concern compared to October. The finance ministers and central bankers from Japan, the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Italy, and France expressed that growth in their countries was expected to slow to varying degrees in the short term. They highlighted the serious risks posed by the U.S. housing market decline and subsequent tightening of credit conditions, which has hindered the flow of money to consumers and businesses that drive the global economy. Banks with high levels of debt have reduced their lending due to increasing losses, particularly related to failing U.S. home loans, surpassing $100 billion. This has led to concerns about a harmful cycle as consumer spending declines, causing businesses to cut back and lay off workers. Glenn Maguire, Asia Pacific chief economist at Societe Generale in Hong Kong, pointed out that the G7 did not provide much detail on collaborative efforts to support the economy. He stated that the economic troubles are mainly caused by domestic issues in the U.S. and cannot be fixed through a globally coordinated plan. U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson warned that global markets might experience a prolonged period of instability. In his prepared remarks following the meeting, Paulson stated that the current financial crisis is severe and ongoing. He emphasized that although the financial markets will eventually recover from this stressful period, there will likely be continued volatility as risks are reassessed. The G7 leaders collectively urged banks to be transparent about their losses and strengthen their balance sheets to help the markets function normally again. German finance minister Peer Steinbrueck estimated potential writeoffs to amount to $400 billion. The leaders stated in a communique that they will closely monitor developments and take necessary actions, both individually and collectively, to ensure stability and growth in their economies. Promises to collaborate in order to revive the financial system were overshadowed by disagreements regarding fiscal and monetary policies leading up to the G7 meeting. Concerns were raised in Europe about the U.S. Federal Reserve's rapid interest rate cuts and fiscal stimulus package, which could strain relations with allies. However, tensions eased when the European Central Bank indicated a possible rate cut to support economic growth. French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde welcomed the ECB's decision, but expressed a desire for further action. European leaders were particularly worried about the euro's strength against the dollar, which reached a record high after the Fed started cutting rates in September. However, the euro weakened after the ECB's change of stance. Foreign exchange matters took a back seat at Saturday's meeting due to more urgent economic issues. The communique echoed the October statement, emphasizing the need for China to allow its currency to appreciate faster. Some G7 leaders believe that China's undervalued yuan gives them an unfair trade advantage and have urged Beijing to increase domestic investment to help rebalance the global economy. The statement also recommended that oil exporters increase their production following a brief rise in oil prices to over $100 per barrel last month. However, prices have since decreased, but they rose by 4 percent to $91.77 on Friday - the largest increase in almost two months - due to supply disruptions and an upcoming cold spell in the United States. | 1 |
The foreign ministry stated that she visited the new Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen at his office on Sunday as a courtesy call. She mentioned that the UK will maintain its assistance in helping Bangladesh achieve the goal of becoming an Upper Middle Income Country by 2021 and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. High Commissioner Blake also expressed her government's commitment to collaborating on strengthening relationships. Momen requested the UK's continued support for Bangladesh in the event of a Brexit deal separating the UK from the European Union. Both parties agreed to cooperate on various issues including trade and investment, good governance, enhancing economic partnership, addressing the Rohingya crisis, managing migration, and combating climate change. She mentioned that British investors are very interested in engaging in various sectors in Bangladesh, with a focus on infrastructure. Blake commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government for its significant contributions to women's empowerment, poverty alleviation, and overall economic and social development. Momen expressed gratitude to the UK for its assistance in the Rohingya crisis and called for continued support to ensure the safe return of those displaced by violence in Rakhine to their homes in Myanmar. Blake praised Bangladesh for providing shelter to the largest number of Rohingya refugees and pledged ongoing support from the British government and people to help resolve the crisis. The new foreign minister also highlighted the support received from the British government and people during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. | 1 |
The meeting took place at Md Johor Ali's office, the Deputy Commissioner of Jhalakathi, on Monday. Additional secretaries from the ministry of environment, forest, and climate change, Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik and Md Mizanul Haque Chowdhury, were also in attendance, as stated by the UNDP. Malik Fida A Khan, the executive director of CEGIS, emphasized the significance of NAP in his speech. He highlighted that NAP is a process driven by the country and participation, aiming to address Bangladesh's medium to long-term adaptation needs and make it a climate-resilient nation in the future. Khan mentioned that NAP's main focus is on the vulnerability of coastal regions to climate change, rectifying the current capacity limitations, and establishing a knowledge management system for climate change adaptation. During the consultation, the participants discussed the significant climatic risks faced by various coastal districts, the adaptation strategies employed by farmers, and the factors influencing the selection of these strategies. Coastal districts like Jhalakathi are at risk due to rising salinity levels in groundwater and surface water resources, particularly along the coast, caused by sea level rise as a consequence of global warming. The participants acknowledged that smallholder farmers' livelihoods are impacted by climate-related risks such as cyclones, increasing soil and water salinity, storm surges, heavy rainfall leading to flooding and waterlogging. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to tackle these challenges. AKM Azad Rahman, the climate change program officer at UNDP, expressed UNDP's commitment to fully support Bangladesh in mitigating the effects of climate change. Sanjay Bhowmik stated that they are collaborating closely with the government to create sustainable projects in coastal areas. He mentioned that the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) will guide their efforts and complement national-level planning, with ownership being delegated through consultation. Bhowmik also stressed the importance of partnerships at both the national and local levels for successful implementation of the NAP. Mizanul, the national project director of the NAP Formulation Project, added that the NAP will align with national planning processes and complement existing plans like the Annual Development Programme and the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100. He highlighted the need to raise awareness about climate change, environmental protection, and mainstream adaptation efforts. Johor Ali suggested that rainwater harvesting could be an effective adaptation strategy for coastal regions. The event was co-organised by the ministry, Economic Relations Division, and the UNDP, with assistance from the Green Climate Fund. | 1 |
Leaders of 16 Asian countries, including major polluters China and Japan, came to an agreement on climate change during a meeting on Wednesday, despite ongoing tensions over Myanmar's democracy protests. The declaration signed in Singapore by the leaders of the East Asia Summit (EAS) pledged to work towards stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the long term. Although the pact lacks specific targets for reducing emissions by a certain date, it will serve as a foundation for discussions on climate change at an upcoming UN conference in Bali. The EAS, consisting of 10 Southeast Asian nations along with China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, also emphasized the importance of all countries playing a role in addressing climate change based on their respective responsibilities and capabilities. When questioned about the absence of numerical targets in the declaration, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong explained that it was a statement of intent rather than a detailed treaty outlining specific restrictions. Australia stated that the agreement would facilitate negotiations for a replacement of the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations is optimistic that the Bali meeting will initiate discussions over a new global framework to combat climate change over the next two years. Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer noted a shift in China and India's stance on the issue, acknowledging the need to take action to stabilize emissions. Despite China and India's reluctance to commit to specific targets, they believe that developed nations should lead the way in reducing emissions and funding cleaner energy technologies. Downer expressed frustration over the lack of progress but acknowledged the challenges faced in reaching a consensus. Emmanuel Fages, a carbon analyst at French bank Societe Generale, stated that it is unrealistic to expect countries like China and India to be as proactive as Japan in addressing climate change. He emphasized the diversity of Asia and highlighted that the only specific target in the climate pact was related to increasing forest cover. Additionally, the challenge of promoting democracy in Myanmar dampened the celebrations of ASEAN's 40th anniversary. The Philippines stood apart from other members of the Association of South East Asian Nations by urging for the prompt release of detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed strong disapproval of Suu Kyi's treatment and emphasized the need for her immediate release. Arroyo also stated that the Philippine Congress may not ratify the charter unless Myanmar demonstrates a commitment to democracy and releases Suu Kyi. The charter, which establishes ASEAN's legal identity and upholds principles of democracy and human rights, must be approved within a year after the signing on Tuesday. Singapore's Lee emphasized that all countries must ratify it for it to be implemented. He also criticized the ineffectiveness of Western sanctions on Myanmar, noting that the regime's isolation from the international community renders such measures futile. Lee highlighted that choosing not to do business in Myanmar has little impact on the regime's behavior. | 1 |
Delegates at U.N. talks in Ghana mentioned that a planned U.N. treaty to combat global warming might cap new greenhouse gases that are emitted in the production of flat-screen televisions or certain refrigerants. These gases, such as nitrogen trifluoride and fluorinated ethers, make up a small percentage of emissions compared to conventional greenhouse gases emitted by wealthy nations, but their emissions are rapidly increasing. Yvo de Boer, head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, expressed support for adding these new gases to the list of gases already capped by the U.N.'s Kyoto Protocol in order to address global warming. During the talks in Ghana to discuss a new treaty to combat global warming, it was suggested to address all gases contributing to climate change. Including a broader range of gases would give countries more flexibility in determining how to reduce emissions. De Boer emphasized that it is ultimately up to governments to make decisions on this matter. Over 190 nations have committed to developing a new agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol in order to prevent the negative impacts of rising temperatures. Initially, the European Union had advocated for limiting the treaty to carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels. The speaker mentioned that while carbon dioxide is the main gas emitted, accounting for 80 percent of emissions, the addition of five other gases like industrial nitrous oxide or methane from livestock and rotting vegetation in landfills have also contributed to Kyoto. New gases like nitrogen trifluoride are used in making semiconductors, while fluorinated ethers have been used as replacements for ozone layer-damaging refrigerants. Other new gases, like iodotrifluoromethane and methyl chloroform, are used in the electronics industry or are by-products of industrial processes. A technical report presented to delegates states that there is limited knowledge about the sources, current and future emissions, and atmospheric levels of certain gases. It is believed that emissions were close to zero in 1990 but are now increasing rapidly. Annual emissions are estimated to be less than 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is a small fraction of greenhouse gas emissions in wealthy nations. The report suggests that adding these gases to carbon markets could potentially boost demand for tradable units under the Kyoto Protocol, but there are drawbacks such as high monitoring costs and potential diversion of attention from more critical gases. Harald Dovland, a Norwegian official leading a group in Accra examining new commitments from supporters of Kyoto, stated, "I'm pushing this issue to gain a better understanding." Kyoto requires 37 wealthy nations to reduce emissions by 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-12. Dovland mentioned that while there are currently not large quantities of these new gases being emitted, many parties are aiming to prevent any increases. | 1 |
The business confidence in South Africa slightly decreased in March, staying just above a four-year low that was reached in January, according to the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The organization reported that the business confidence index (BCI) was 93.9 in March, down from 94.0 in February and 93.8 in January. Factors such as a weaker exchange rate and high inflation negatively impacted industry confidence, while strong share prices and lower real financing costs helped prevent a larger decline in the index. The SACCI stated that due to the current uncertain global economic climate and lower economic growth prospects locally and globally, the BCI has remained stagnant. Conditions were difficult and confidence was low, according to the chamber. Despite strong inflation remaining a concern, the central bank's efforts to tighten monetary policy seemed to be impacting consumer spending. The Reserve Bank faces a challenging interest rate decision next week, following a series of rate increases since June 2006. Although the rate hike cycle was paused due to economic growth concerns, inflation continues to rise, with CPIX reaching a five-year high of 9.4 percent in February. SACCI noted that monetary policy is facing challenges in balancing inflation risks and economic constraints. Although lower international oil and food prices may provide temporary relief, the combination of a weaker rand and South Africa's tendency to import could contribute to inflationary pressures in the long run. The statement also noted that business confidence is currently in a precarious state and economic policy decisions should be made carefully. | 1 |
Described as a crucial moment by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, the summit aims to move on from four tense years under Biden's predecessor Donald Trump, who criticized the Western alliance as "obsolete." The 30 allies meeting in Brussels disagree with Trump's assessment, viewing NATO as essential in addressing threats such as extreme weather exacerbating conflicts and Russian efforts to undermine Western democracies through covert attacks. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasized the importance of NATO adapting to new challenges and emerging threats to protect the billion people it safeguards daily. Discussions at the summit are expected to focus on Russia's attempts to divide the West, with a meeting between Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva. NATO has strengthened its defenses since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 but remains susceptible to cyber attacks and disinformation, despite Moscow's denial of any actions to destabilize NATO allies. The European Leadership Network (ELN) research group warned that cyber threats could arise at any time during a crisis, leading to misunderstandings and unintended signals that may result in war. Diplomats believe that leaders at the summit are primarily concerned with hearing President Biden reaffirm the United States' commitment to NATO's collective defense post-Trump administration. Trump's adversarial language towards allies during NATO summits from 2017 to 2019 created a sense of crisis, according to envoys. The increasing military and economic presence of China in the Atlantic, including joint military exercises with Russia, will elicit a strong reaction from leaders. Additionally, there is an expectation for a commitment to make NATO militaries carbon-neutral by 2050. The G7 leaders have come to an agreement to increase their contributions in order to meet a spending commitment of $100 billion annually from wealthy nations to assist developing countries in reducing carbon emissions and dealing with the effects of climate change. | 1 |
President George W Bush will host German Chancellor Angela Merkel at his Texas ranch to demonstrate unity on Iran despite Tehran's defiance over its nuclear program. Bush invites leaders to Crawford, Texas, to emphasize a strong relationship, and Merkel will spend two days at the ranch engaging in discussions on various global issues, possibly including hiking. The White House spokesperson Dana Perino stated that the ranch provides a great setting for both social interactions and extensive conversations. Merkel is the second European leader this week to receive special treatment from Bush, following French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to Mount Vernon. With little time left in office, Bush remains committed to pressuring Iran on its nuclear activities. Iran has rejected the UN's request to stop its nuclear activities, which could be used for both civilian and military purposes. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claims that Iran's nuclear program cannot be reversed and that the country has 3,000 centrifuges at the Natanz plant. While German companies continue to do business with Iran, the United States has adopted a tougher stance against Tehran. According to Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, the two countries have similar strategic goals but differ slightly in their tactics. Earlier this week, Merkel stated that Germany would back tougher UN sanctions against Iran if Tehran did not address concerns about its nuclear program. Bush has also increased his criticism of Iran, mentioning the possibility of World War Three if they obtained a nuclear weapon, causing concern among some European allies. The Bush administration maintains that they are committed to diplomatic efforts but also keep all options open. Perino mentioned that the two leaders will discuss the need for both countries to work together diplomatically to persuade Iran to stop its uranium reprocessing and enrichment. Other topics of discussion will include Afghanistan, the Middle East, Iraq, climate change, and economic issues like the Doha trade round. A high-ranking official from Germany, who chose to remain anonymous, mentioned that Merkel and Sarkozy had decided to express a unified stance on Iran, the Middle East peace process, and climate change when speaking with Bush. The countries of Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States are scheduled to convene this month to review the reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding Iran's adherence to global expectations. Daniel Benjamin, a researcher at the Brookings Institution, noted that relations between the U.S. and Germany have gotten better since Merkel succeeded Gerhard Schroeder. | 1 |
The government of the kingdom stated that perforated shells found in a limestone cave in eastern Morocco are the oldest adornments ever discovered, indicating that humans in Africa used symbols 40,000 years before Europe. The small oval Nassarius mollusc shells, some of which were dyed with red ochre, were likely pierced for the purpose of being strung into necklaces or bracelets around 82,000 years ago. The Culture Ministry noted that these adornments in Pigeon's Cave at Taforalt are older than those found in Algeria, South Africa, and Palestine. This discovery is considered a significant advancement in understanding cultural innovations and their impact on human history. While Morocco has produced important prehistoric discoveries, including one of the oldest dinosaur skeletons, little is known about the humans who lived in the region before Berber farmers settled over 2,000 years ago. A group of scientists from Morocco, Britain, France, and Germany discovered and dated the shells in order to investigate the impact of climate and landscape changes on human behavior during the time period of 130,000 to 13,000 years ago. This research is part of a larger study examining whether the Strait of Gibraltar served as a pathway or obstacle for early humans migrating between Africa and Europe. | 1 |
Trump, utilizing the "America First" message he employed during his presidential campaign, stated that the Paris accord would harm the US economy, lead to job losses, diminish American sovereignty, and leave the country at a lasting disadvantage compared to other nations. Trump made these remarks during a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden on a sunny June day, fulfilling a key campaign promise. He emphasized that the decision to withdraw from the agreement was to prevent other countries from mocking the US and highlighted that the same nations urging the US to remain in the agreement have cost America trillions of dollars through unfair trade practices and inadequate contributions to military alliances. Republican leaders in the US Congress supported Trump's decision to withdraw from the accord. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Trump for undermining the Obama administration's efforts to limit domestic energy production. On the other hand, supporters of the agreement, including prominent US business leaders, criticized Trump's action as detrimental to global efforts to address the threats of climate change. Former President Barack Obama expressed disappointment over the US withdrawal from the deal he helped negotiate, but remained hopeful that states, cities, and businesses would continue to take action to protect the planet for future generations. Trump, who previously dismissed climate change as a hoax, announced that his administration would start talks to rejoin the Paris agreement or create a new deal that is favorable to the United States. He criticized the terms set by China in the agreement. This decision was met with disappointment and frustration from global leaders, with one stating that it amounted to rejecting the collective knowledge of humanity. Japanese Environment Minister Koichi Yamamoto expressed his anger during a news conference, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni issued a joint statement emphasizing that the Paris agreement should not be renegotiated. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the importance of global efforts to combat climate change, despite the US decision. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reaffirmed China's commitment to fighting climate change during a summit with EU officials in Brussels. Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich stated that the decision to join the Paris accord was made and unlikely to be changed, according to the RIA news agency. In India, a top advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed the country's commitment to transitioning to renewable energy, regardless of the United States' withdrawal from the agreement. With Trump's decision, the US will be isolated from nearly all other nations on this crucial global issue. Only Syria and Nicaragua are the other countries not participating in the accord signed by 195 nations in Paris in 2015. Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who will soon lead the UN Climate Change Conferences that formalized the 2015 pact, expressed disappointment over Trump's decision. Fiji, along with other small island nations, is considered highly susceptible to the effects of global warming and potential sea level rise from melting polar ice. US business leaders criticized the Trump administration's decision, with Goldman Sachs Group Inc Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein calling it a setback for the environment and US leadership. Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk and Walt Disney CEO Robert Iger announced they would resign from White House advisory councils following Trump's decision. The Paris accord, a long-awaited agreement between wealthy and developing nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, was rejected by President Trump, who stated that he was elected to represent Pittsburgh, not Paris. Pittsburgh's mayor, Bill Peduto, a Democrat, countered on Twitter that his city, historically a hub for the US steel industry, supported the accord. The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed disappointment at the decision, and the UN climate negotiation body emphasized that the accord could not be renegotiated at the request of one country. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, speaking in Singapore on Friday, expressed disappointment in the US decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, stating that it was not surprising. He emphasized that Australia remains committed to their Paris commitments. South Korea's foreign ministry also expressed regret over the US withdrawal, stating that it will undermine international efforts to address climate change. Trump's decision to stop payments to the UN Green Climate Fund, which helps developing nations cope with climate change impacts, was described as causing devastating harm. The White House announced that it would follow UN rules for withdrawing from the agreement, which includes a three-year waiting period before formal withdrawal can be requested. The country will need to wait for another year in that case. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, conveyed his disappointment and mentioned in an email to his employees that he had a conversation with Trump on Tuesday in an attempt to convince him to remain in the Paris agreement. Cook stated that his efforts were not sufficient. Other corporate leaders cautioned that the US economy would lose its technological edge. Jeff Immelt, the CEO of General Electric, expressed his disappointment and emphasized the reality of climate change. The industry should take charge and not rely on the government, according to critics. Democrats criticized Trump's decision, with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer calling it one of the worst policy moves of the 21st century due to its negative impact on the economy, environment, and geopolitical standing. The United States had previously committed to reducing emissions by 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025, as the country is responsible for over 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, ranking second only to China. Prominent climate scientists have stated that greenhouse gas emissions are causing the Earth to warm, resulting in sea level rise, droughts, and more frequent severe storms. A recent report called "Global Trends" released by the US Director of National Intelligence's office on Jan. 9 highlighted the security risks posed by climate change, including extreme weather events, water and food shortages, and global tensions over how to address these challenges. Last year was recorded as the warmest on record since the 19th Century, with global temperatures continuing to rise due to greenhouse gases. Frank Rijsberman, Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute based in Seoul, expressed concern that international funding for climate change initiatives may decrease, citing a $1 billion reduction in US funding for the Green Climate Fund in South Korea. Economists also raised concerns that the US withdrawal from climate change efforts could potentially lead to job losses in the country. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), both China and the EU have more workers in the renewable energy sector than the United States. Peter Kiernan of the Economist Intelligence Unit believes that by scaling back on the climate agenda, the US risks falling behind in the shift towards clean energy, as other countries like Europe and China show a stronger dedication to implementing low carbon solutions that also create jobs to combat climate change. | 1 |
Europe successfully obtained the broadest agreement in the world to combat climate change on Friday by offering financial incentives to eastern European countries to accept changes that will penalize their heavily polluting power sectors and increase electricity prices. Despite criticism from environmental groups for the numerous exemptions granted to industry, the historic deal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2020 was achieved amidst an economic crisis. While some, like Sanjeev Kumar from the WWF, criticized the policy as lacking leadership and containing loopholes, French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed it as a significant achievement, describing it as a historic moment and emphasizing the strict binding regulations adopted by the continent. The agreement was reached following a lengthy battle lasting a year, with the main point of contention being the costs and the divide between eastern and western Europe. The nine eastern European countries were the final obstacle in reaching a deal on measures to address climate change, which would raise costs for their coal-fired power industries. Funding from the EU's emissions trading scheme will be allocated to these countries to help cover the costs, with the money being seen as a reward for the significant decrease in emissions following the collapse of their industries post-communism. Additionally, their power sectors will gradually increase their payments for emissions permits from the ETS, starting at 30 percent in 2013 and reaching 100 percent by 2020. Hungary and Italy were both involved in negotiations for more funding, with Hungary being difficult to negotiate with and Italy protecting its industries. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was concerned about being seen as the bad guy in the negotiations. Measures were put in place to protect European industries from being at a disadvantage compared to less regulated competitors overseas, particularly in industries such as steel, aluminum, cement, and chemicals. Industries facing international competition will receive free emissions permits to cover any cost increases. A British diplomat stated that Britain successfully secured increased funding for innovative technology aimed at capturing and storing emissions from power stations underground in depleted North Sea gas fields. The diplomat highlighted that Prime Minister Gordon Brown sees this initiative as a priority due to its environmental benefits and the potential for Europe to take the lead in creating jobs and promoting growth. | 1 |
Leaders from the world's largest wealthy and developing countries will gather on Thursday to discuss ways to support the economic recovery and establish safeguards against future disasters. US President Barack Obama, hosting the Group of 20 summit for the first time, has outlined an agenda that includes addressing the significant imbalances between export-driven countries like China and the heavily indebted United States. Expectations for the summit are modest in the short term, as there is general agreement on the need to create a more balanced global economy and regulate risky banking practices to prevent another financial crisis, but disagreement on the specific methods to achieve these goals. The two-day meeting in Pittsburgh, a city that has faced its own economic challenges as its steel industry declined, will begin with bilateral discussions on Thursday. Obama is hosting a reception and working dinner in the evening, marking the third gathering of G20 leaders since a meeting held shortly after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. This event triggered a severe global recession, affecting even countries that had initially avoided the banking crisis due to a significant drop in global trade. This serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the world economy. As many countries are now emerging from the recession, the G20 must maintain the sense of urgency demonstrated in April when they agreed to collaborate in rescuing the world economy and providing substantial funding to the International Monetary Fund. Despite various distractions, the focus remains on addressing these important economic issues. Obama is dealing with a lot of issues in domestic policy, like healthcare reform. Angela Merkel is up for election soon. US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is warning that countries cannot rely on US consumption for their own growth, and that the US needs to increase its savings. However, some countries were hesitant to establish strict limits on trading imbalances and were opposed to the G20 or the International Monetary Fund interfering in domestic economic policies. Geithner clarified that this was not the intention, but with these concerns in mind, it was unlikely that the G20 would agree on anything more than basic ideas for rebalancing. To highlight the issue, China's private consumption is only a small portion of its economy, while in the US and UK, consumption made up a larger percentage during prosperous times. In comparison, Chinese and Indian households saved a significant portion of their disposable incomes last year, while the US savings rate was much lower. Many European leaders were urging the G20 to focus more on regulating extravagant pay packages and bonuses for bankers who made risky investments that resulted in losses. They also desired to see the United States take more action on addressing climate change, although little progress was expected at the current meeting. The United States has a deadline to implement concrete policies before an international summit on reducing global warming in Copenhagen in December. Emerging economies like Brazil, despite having limited exposure to bad assets during the financial crisis, were interested in establishing stricter regulatory measures at the G20. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized the economic models that neglected regulation as outdated and ineffective. | 1 |
A Japanese ministry official stated that Japan will urge for a prompt resolution to a disagreement with China regarding disputed gas fields during upcoming talks in Beijing. Relations between the two countries have improved in the past year, as evidenced by a recent port call by a Chinese missile destroyer in Tokyo. However, the dispute over developing natural gas in the East China Sea has not shown much progress. The official expressed hope that China will make a political decision to reach a final agreement on the issue, emphasizing the importance of finding a resolution. Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura is expected to bring up the matter in discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Saturday. Subsequent discussions will cover topics such as macro-economic policies, Beijing's currency reforms, climate change, and trade and investment. The 11th round of talks regarding natural gas development in the East China Sea concluded without progress earlier this month, leading to concerns that it could impact a planned visit to China by Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. However, China denied this suggestion, stating that the gas dispute was not a condition for Fukuda's visit. The Japanese government clarified that while resolving the issue was not a prerequisite for the visit, both countries had previously agreed to report on a compromise to their leaders in the autumn. He mentioned that now is the right time for them to increase their efforts, with concerns not only about economic implications but also Japanese public opinion. Both parties are keen on obtaining new oil and gas supplies but have differing views on the maritime boundary that should divide their exclusive economic zones. In April, China's CNOOC Ltd announced that they had started gas production in Tianwaitian field and were prepared to do the same in the Chunxiao field, causing worries in Japan about potential gas depletion from what they believe is their side of the zone. | 1 |
President Barack Obama expressed his disapproval of WikiLeaks' actions to Turkish and Mexican leaders on Saturday, as the US administration worked to mitigate the fallout from the release of secret US cables. During separate calls with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Obama, along with the leaders, agreed that the WikiLeaks' disclosure would not negatively impact their countries' relationships with the United States, according to the White House. The leaked cables, which cover US relations worldwide, have raised concerns about potential strain on alliances, prompting US officials to try and prevent foreign partners from withdrawing from sensitive discussions. Among the leaked documents were those concerning Turkey, in which US diplomats questioned the reliability of their NATO ally and depicted its leadership as fragmented. In his conversation with Erdogan, Obama emphasized the importance of the US-Turkish partnership and their shared commitment to collaborating on various issues. The president expressed his regrets for the unacceptable behavior of WikiLeaks, and both leaders agreed that it would not affect the strong cooperation between the United States and Turkey. Obama also praised Calderon for the successful outcome of an international climate change conference in Cancun. The presidents emphasized the significance of the partnership between the US and Mexico on various issues. They discussed the negative actions of WikiLeaks and agreed that it should not divert attention from the important cooperation between the two countries. State Department documents released by WikiLeaks revealed that a senior Mexican official expressed concerns about the government potentially losing control of certain areas to drug cartels. | 1 |
Italy is a major trading partner of Bangladesh and has a significant Bangladeshi population. Despite having diplomatic ties for over 40 years, the two countries have never held a bilateral meeting. However, Italian foreign minister Vedova is scheduled to visit Bangladesh for such a meeting. This signifies a new beginning in their relationship, which is described as smooth, growing, and expanding. This visit is part of Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen relations with friendly countries, with other bilateral meetings planned with New Zealand and Portugal in the near future. "We are now primarily focused on engaging in more bilateral discussions, and we have been receiving a positive response," stated a senior official from the foreign ministry, who requested to remain anonymous, to bdnews24.com. The official mentioned that a wide range of bilateral issues would be addressed during the meeting. Bangladesh saw a significant increase in exports to Italy, totaling over $1.3 billion during the last fiscal year, which was a 30 percent rise from the previous year. Dhaka and Rome share similar perspectives on various international matters such as counter terrorism and climate change. The Prime Minister participated in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) that took place in Italy in October last year. Her counterpart has extended an invitation for her to visit Italy again during the upcoming 'Expo Milano' event from May 1 to October 31, which is set to be the largest exhibition in the world. The official also mentioned that our Prime Minister has invited her Italian counterpart. It can be said that the relationship between the two countries is progressing positively. | 1 |
Global leaders put in extra effort into negotiations to reach an agreement on reducing emissions and assisting developing countries affected by climate change before the Friday deadline. The United States helped break the stalemate by supporting a $100 billion climate fund for poorer nations. A group of influential leaders engaged in productive discussions overnight to resolve issues in the climate talks, according to Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. Despite concerns about potential failure, leaders began a final push after a gala dinner hosted by Denmark's Queen Margrethe for 120 world leaders in Copenhagen. French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated that time is running out and there is no time for pretending during the talks. He warned that a failure in Copenhagen would have disastrous consequences for everyone. Police detained 28 people, including three who managed to enter the palace during a Greenpeace protest. Activists arrived before U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and carried signs urging leaders to take action. U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to face pressure to commit to further emissions cuts during his arrival on Friday. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his high expectations for a significant announcement to be made during the upcoming climate summit. He emphasized that President Obama's visit is not merely to repeat what is already outlined in the draft legislation, especially with regards to the climate bill awaiting approval in the U.S. Senate. Barroso mentioned that Obama is scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during the summit, indicating the potential for progress in negotiations between the two countries. Despite advancements in discussions, officials were uncertain if a final agreement would be reached once Obama joined the talks. One U.S. official highlighted improvements in monitoring, reporting, and verification requirements for emissions reduction efforts by China and other major developing nations. China has objected to these demands. The United States has boosted morale by committing to support a $100 billion annual fund for developing countries starting in 2020. This amount would surpass all current aid given to developing countries, according to a U.N. official, and align with the requests made by African nations. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed optimism about the U.S. commitment, calling it "very encouraging." An American official indicated that President Obama was not expected to provide further details about U.S. funding promises. An agreement on financing is just one piece of the puzzle, which also involves various other measures like preserving rainforests, strengthening carbon markets, and tightening global carbon emission limits. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that if everyone contributes a little more, the goals can be achieved. She mentioned that the European Union is prepared to do more but will not take action independently. However, any agreement will require unanimous approval. Certain small island nations and African countries, which are the most at risk from climate change, have indicated that they will not accept a weak agreement. "We are discussing the survival of our nation," said Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia of Tuvalu, a Pacific island state, regarding the ongoing talks in Bali, Indonesia that started two years ago. The negotiations include potential targets like cutting global greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050 or requiring developed countries to reduce their emissions by 25-40% by 2020. Kim Carstensen, leader of WWF's global climate initiative, noted progress in reaching a compromise, partly due to the U.S. offering financial assistance. Earlier, the possibility of a strong U.N. climate agreement seemed unlikely, with China and the U.S. being blamed for the stalemate on carbon reduction. Ministers and leaders emphasized the need for renewed urgency, stressing the critical importance of Copenhagen. China's climate change ambassador Yu Qingtai stated, "Copenhagen cannot afford to fail." | 1 |
Researchers have found that Australia's mining boom is contributing to a significant increase in HIV infections among wealthy heterosexual miners and businessmen in resource-rich states who travel to Asia for vacations. According to a new national HIV-AIDS report, rates of HIV infections in Australia have risen by nearly 50 percent over the past eight years. The report, released by the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, stated that in 2007, Australia had 27,331 cases of HIV infection and 10,230 cases of AIDS. While homosexual men still make up the majority of new infections, there has been a notable increase in cases among heterosexual men in Western Australia and Queensland, two states known for their mining industries. Many miners have fly-in, fly-out shifts where they work for several weeks followed by a few weeks off, and some are choosing to spend their downtime in Asia, according to researchers. Don Baxter, the executive director of the Australian Federation of AIDS, states that a significant number of new infections are among heterosexual men from wealthy resource states who are traveling to Asia for holidays and engaging in unprotected sex. Baxter notes that men from Western Australia are likely visiting Southeast Asian countries, while those from Queensland are visiting Papua New Guinea, which experts warn is at risk of an HIV-AIDS epidemic. Baxter also mentions that there has been a 68 percent increase in HIV infections among heterosexual males in Western Australia over the last three years, equivalent to the number of gay men infected in 2007 in the same region. Baxter stated that the government of Western Australia and the AIDS council were collaborating with mining companies to introduce safe sex education programs for miners. Health officials reported on Wednesday that a group of men in Cairns, Queensland had contracted HIV after having unprotected sex with women in Papua New Guinea. The Cairns Sexual Health Service confirmed that six men, aged between 47 and 66, had tested positive for HIV in the last 10 months. Dr. Darren Russell, director of the Cairns Sexual Health Service, warned that this small cluster could be the beginning of a larger outbreak due to the generalized HIV epidemic in PNG, putting these men at higher risk. He predicted that the numbers of cases would continue to increase in this environment. Australia's AIDS federation is urging the government to boost funding for AIDS prevention programs in order to curb the increasing rate of infections. The state of New South Wales, which is home to Sydney's largest homosexual population, has seen steady infection rates over the past ten years due to consistent funding for safe sex programs. On the other hand, states like Victoria and Queensland, which have cut funding, have experienced significant increases in infection rates. According to Baxter, investing in these programs has proven to at least stabilize the rate of HIV infections. | 1 |
Barack Obama is embarking on his first trip to Asia as president this week, acknowledging the region's economic and diplomatic significance to the United States amidst domestic challenges. His itinerary includes attending an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Singapore and engaging with China, the largest holder of U.S. foreign debt and second-largest trading partner. Obama views China as both a crucial partner and competitor, emphasizing the importance of maintaining friendly competition within established international rules to promote responsible global behavior. He will be traveling to Japan and South Korea as well. Ben Rhodes, a deputy national security adviser, stated that the main focus of the trip is to show that America is a Pacific nation and recognizes the importance of Asia in the 21st century. The United States plans to be actively involved in addressing various crucial issues such as North Korea, Iran, the global economy, trade, climate change, energy, human rights, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. During his visit to Tokyo, Obama will discuss his perspective on U.S. engagement with Asia. In China, from November 15-18, Obama will visit Shanghai and Beijing, hold meetings with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao for the third time. The purpose of the trip is to demonstrate the United States' strong involvement in Asia, shifting focus from Islamic militancy to other issues. However, Obama's attention is divided by domestic concerns such as healthcare reform, unemployment, and the decision on troop deployment in Afghanistan. These issues may hinder progress on climate change and trade agreements, as Obama faces opposition from groups whose support is crucial for other policy goals. Many businesses are concerned about the costs of climate change regulations, while labor unions fear job losses from free trade agreements. Consequently, Obama is unlikely to aggressively pursue deals like a free trade agreement with South Korea. Despite this, the administration has indicated a willingness to revisit trade agreements in the future. "He expressed uncertainty about whether Asian leaders hold that belief. With Obama's popularity soaring in the countries he is currently visiting, tangible outcomes may not be the main focus. Observers and government officials acknowledge that Obama has only been in office for a few months, and view this trip as primarily setting the stage for future collaboration. It is noted that President Obama is highly esteemed in all the nations he is traveling to." Jeffrey Bader, senior director for East Asian affairs at the National Security Council, stated that he has not yet viewed the most recent polls, but finds the numbers he has seen to be impressive. He believes that when a person is highly respected, admired, and loved, their message is more likely to have an impact compared to someone with a low approval rating. | 1 |
In Atlantic, Iowa, Democratic Senator Barack Obama defended his foreign policy experience, claiming that Senator Hillary Clinton and other opponents were portraying typical Washington practices as experience. Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, has faced criticism for his lack of experience in running for the Democratic nomination in the November 2008 election. A recent CBS poll showed that while Obama is viewed as the candidate with innovative ideas, Clinton holds a 20-point lead as respondents believe she has the necessary experience to be president. Clinton has criticized Obama for his willingness to engage in diplomacy with adversarial nations, support strikes on al Qaeda in Pakistan, and reject the use of nuclear weapons in such attacks. Obama argued that Clinton and other candidates were merely adhering to traditional candidate expectations to appear experienced. During a five-day tour of Iowa, Obama stated that many of his opponents, including Senator Clinton, prioritize repeating the accepted beliefs in Washington as a measure of experience. He argued that this mindset led to the decision to invade Iraq and that a more comprehensive change is needed in foreign policy. The Clinton campaign responded by emphasizing Clinton's track record of advocating for change and her ability to bring about change in 2009. Obama emphasized the need for a new administration to break away from traditional thinking that promotes fear. He criticized the current administration for using tactics such as obfuscation and fear-mongering in foreign policy. Obama also highlighted his commitment to not using nuclear weapons in attacks on al Qaeda in Pakistan, while Clinton has expressed the importance of nuclear deterrence for maintaining peace. Obama stated that numerous military experts have assured him that nuclear weapons would not be utilized in an attack on a terrorist cell in Pakistan. He emphasized that in such a scenario, conventional weapons would be used instead. Despite being labeled as inexperienced, Obama received enthusiastic support and standing ovations in Council Bluffs and Atlantic for his message of change. He stated that when individuals refer to experience, they are essentially asking if someone has good judgment. Despite having a lot of experience, Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney lacked good judgment in foreign policy. He believes that his strength lies in possessing good judgment. | 1 |
None of those words could be used to describe their first clash in Cleveland. Trump, criticized by Republicans for his aggressive performance last month, arrived in a more restrained fashion in an attempt to revitalize his struggling campaign. However, his relatively calm performance was unlikely to change the course of a race that has remained unaffected by major world events. Here are six key points from the final 2020 presidential debate. They actually debated! Following the chaotic first debate, the debate commission introduced a mute feature for the opening statements of both candidates in each segment, which proved to be beneficial. Trump restrained himself from interrupting as much, refraining from directly mentioning Biden's son Hunter leaving the military. He even commended Kristen Welker, the NBC moderator, for maintaining control over the debate. With less cross-talk, viewers were able to better understand the contrasting views of the two candidates on various important issues such as the pandemic, climate change, systemic racism, economic recovery, federal spending, and healthcare. Trump's advisers believe that he needs the presidential race to clearly be a choice between himself and Biden. This set of contrasts only came in the final debate, after the cancellation of the second debate due to Trump contracting COVID-19. With more than 48 million Americans already voting and Trump falling behind in the polls, he still lacks a convincing response to the pandemic. Biden, who entered the stage wearing a mask, made his case against Trump right from the beginning. The coronavirus has claimed the lives of over 220,000 people in the United States. Biden expressed his belief that anyone responsible for a large number of deaths should not continue to hold the position of President of the United States. This sentiment was also shared by Sen. Kamala Harris during the vice presidential debate, to which Trump and Vice President Mike Pence had no adequate response. Trump argued that models had predicted millions of deaths if no action was taken, acknowledging the global nature of the pandemic and pointing out the decreasing mortality rates. He also claimed that the situation was improving and that the pandemic was coming to an end. Hospitalizations and cases are increasing. Trump referenced his own hospitalization with the virus during the first debate, leading to the cancellation of the second debate. He stated that he learned a lot from his experience. However, he also spent time leading up to the debate criticizing Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease specialist. Biden confidently stated that he will put an end to the virus and ensure there is a plan in place. Despite previous concerns that Trump was untouchable, it is actually Biden who has maintained a strong lead in the polls and approval ratings. Throughout the campaign, Biden has brushed off Trump's accusations of being a radical socialist with a nonchalant attitude. During the first debate, he confidently stated, "I am the party." However, on Thursday, Trump made several attempts to discredit Biden by connecting him to Harris' health care stance during the primaries, suggesting that he was influenced by "AOC plus three" - a group of progressive House members. Trump also tried to associate Biden with Sen. Bernie Sanders on health care issues. In response, Biden used his "Come on, man!" tactic once more, calling Trump a confused individual who seems to think he is running against someone else. He is competing against Joe Biden. The Democratic nominee spoke directly to the audience, encouraging them to trust their own perceptions after serving as vice president for eight years: "You are familiar with me. You are familiar with him. You are aware of his character. You know my character." Similar to his approach in the primary election, Biden has placed his confidence in himself and in the implausibility of Trump's criticisms of his character and policies. Thus far, this strategy has been successful. Trump finally made the punch that many Republicans had been eagerly anticipating by criticizing Biden for being all talk and no action during his nearly half-century in and around Washington. Trump repeatedly attacked Biden for not enacting promised changes that should have been done decades ago and questioned why Biden had not achieved them despite his many years in politics. Trump accused Biden of talking about things he would do without actually following through, labeling him as "all talk, no action." Biden, on the other hand, struggled to respond effectively to Trump's criticism during the debate. He even went as far as to distance himself from President Barack Obama due to their failure to pass an immigration overhaul, acknowledging the mistake and stating that he will be president, not vice president. Republican strategist Dave Kochel noted that there was a strong sentiment of "why didn't you do it." Despite a successful first debate against Biden, Trump has only sporadically made his case and his appeal as an outsider has waned now that he is a politician and incumbent with unfulfilled promises. Trump directly blamed Biden for his decision to run for president, but he also struggled to communicate effectively with viewers during the debate, making references to obscure internet controversies and events that likely went over their heads. Biden did not seem to be phased by Trump's attempts to use noncontextual references, particularly about Hunter Biden, as evidence against him. Trump continued to mention the emails and the money involved, but the segment ended without any significant conclusion. It served as a reminder of the differences in running against Biden compared to Hillary Clinton. Trump had previously benefited from years of attacks on Clinton, but the same does not apply to Biden. Democratic strategist Meredith Kelly noted that Trump focused on right-wing theories to appeal to his base without trying to persuade others. Despite this, Trump and Biden had significant disagreements, particularly regarding the extent to which the economy and schools should be closed to control the virus. Trump strongly supported quickly reopening as much as possible, while Biden believed it should only be done when it is truly safe. Trump mentioned his own experience with being hospitalized and recovering from the virus as evidence that people can learn to live with it, to which Biden responded incredulously, saying, "Come on." Trump criticized Biden for mostly campaigning from home and mocked the Plexiglas dividers in restaurants, saying we can't close up the nation. In contrast, Biden emphasized the importance of public health and advocated for shutting down the virus, not the country. They also discussed health care and the environment in a civil manner. Biden stated that he plans to lead the country in moving away from the oil industry and eliminating federal subsidies. Trump responded by questioning if voters in states like Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma would remember this statement. Progressives cheered Biden's declaration, but Democrats in energy-heavy states quickly distanced themselves from it. Republican strategist Colin Reed believes the debate was a draw. He mentioned that both candidates were well-prepared in their approach and content. Biden just needed to make a strong push, while Trump was the one who needed to deliver a decisive blow. | 1 |
However, their diplomatic efforts at a scaled-down UN General Assembly were overshadowed and complicated by the influence of former President Donald J. Trump. Biden worked to mend strained relations with France by speaking with President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, while Blinken held discussions with his French counterpart in New York on Thursday. French officials criticized the Biden administration for not alerting them about a strategic agreement with Britain and Australia that they felt excluded them from a submarine contract. During a passionate speech to the global body, President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran implied that there was little distinction between Biden and Trump, mentioning their foreign policy slogans. Beijing's Global Times newspaper questioned the feasibility of Biden's ambitious targets to reduce global carbon emissions, suggesting that they could be reversed by a future Republican administration, a concern also raised by the Iranians regarding a potential return to the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump had abandoned. During a news conference at the end of a week of diplomacy, Blinken gave a positive evaluation. He mentioned that US officials had engaged with representatives from over 60 countries and highlighted American leadership on climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked about recent criticisms of US foreign policy, such as the Afghanistan withdrawal and stalled nuclear talks with Iran, Blinken stated that he had not personally heard these complaints in New York that week. He expressed that the feedback he had received in response to the president's speech and the direction he is leading the country in was overwhelmingly positive and supportive of the United States. Blinken made these remarks before leaving a weeklong in-person diplomatic gathering that had returned cautiously after being held virtually last year due to the pandemic. A number of foreign leaders did not attend this year's gathering, including the presidents of Russia, China, and Iran. Their absence meant that there was less anticipation around whether the president of the United States would have an unexpected meeting with a foreign adversary. Biden only made a brief appearance, leaving shortly after his speech on Tuesday. In his address, he discussed how America's withdrawal from Afghanistan marked the end of 20 years of war following the September 11, 2001, attacks. He also talked about how the United States was now entering a new phase of collaborative diplomacy to address global issues such as climate change, the coronavirus, and the rise of authoritarianism. The speech was a significant tribute to global cooperation and stood out in comparison to Trump's rude and undiplomatic behavior. However, there are increasing concerns that some of Biden's key policy decisions resemble those of Trump. French officials expressed surprise and frustration over the US submarine deal with Australia, a move for which Biden's team had no satisfactory explanation. The French foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, criticized the decision as reminiscent of Trump's actions, leaving him feeling angry and resentful. The tension between allies was alleviated somewhat after Biden spoke with Macron and Blinken met with Le Drian on Thursday. However, the French diplomat's remarks indicated that the issue had not been completely resolved. Resolving the current crisis will be a lengthy process that will necessitate action, he stated. The incident with Paris could have been seen as a one-off event, but it reminded some NATO allies of previous instances where Biden had made decisions without consulting them, such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump was known for surprising allies with sudden or independent actions. Blinken argued that he met with NATO officials in the spring to get their thoughts on Afghanistan, but officials in Germany, Britain, and other countries claim that their advice for a slower withdrawal was ignored. Biden supporters believe the comparisons are exaggerated, but some acknowledge that there are legitimate global concerns about the possibility of Trump, or someone similar, taking over from Biden and undoing his policies. Loren DeJonge Schulman, who served in the National Security Council and the Pentagon during the Obama administration, stated that it is ridiculous to suggest that there is any similarity between Trump and Biden in terms of their approach to allies, international negotiations, or national security. However, Schulman acknowledged that other countries have valid concerns about how the Biden administration can make lasting international commitments in the aftermath of the Trump presidency and garner more public support for foreign alliances. DeJonge Schulman, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, stated that trust cannot be the sole basis for decisions. Both allies and adversaries have noticed similarities between Biden and Trump, with some using it to criticize Biden's policies. The Global Times, known for aligning with the Chinese Communist Party, has claimed that Biden's China policies closely resemble Trump's, including the use of trade tariffs. Iranian officials are also unhappy with Biden's failure to lift the economic sanctions imposed by Trump after withdrawing from the nuclear deal. In the early days of Biden's presidency, European allies suggested lifting some restrictions to restart nuclear talks, but Biden officials refused. Iran's supreme leader criticized the Biden administration, saying their demands on the nuclear issue are similar to Trump's. With a new hard-line government in Tehran and stalled negotiations, Biden officials are warning Iran that time is running out to return to the nuclear agreement. Trump faced criticism from foreign policy experts, but now there are growing critiques of the Biden team's management, especially after a US drone strike in Kabul killed civilians, including children and an aid worker. Some Biden officials acknowledge that diplomacy has been challenging due to the retirement of many experienced Foreign Service officers during the Trump administration. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has hindered the confirmation of numerous Biden nominees for senior State Department positions and ambassadorships. Biden is facing comparisons to Trump in various areas, such as immigration, prompting questions about how he differs from his predecessor. | 1 |
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A group of rapidly growing carbon emitters, crucial for a global climate change agreement, is now open to discussing the future of the Kyoto Protocol in order to gain the support of the United States. The Kyoto Protocol currently requires around 40 wealthy nations to reduce emissions by 2008-12, but developing countries are pushing for a stronger second commitment period. Developed nations are divided on this issue, with some wanting to abandon Kyoto in order to include emerging markets like India and China. The upcoming meeting of environment ministers from Brazil, South Africa, India, and China will focus on building trust with wealthy nations and address the question of how long the Kyoto Protocol will remain in effect. The agenda for the upcoming meeting in South Africa on April 25-26 poses the question of considering a shorter second commitment period specifically focused on ensuring the stability of carbon markets. Additionally, another question on the agenda is what would replace the Kyoto Protocol if there is no second commitment period. The lack of trust between wealthier and less affluent nations regarding their respective responsibilities in addressing climate change has hindered global negotiations on this issue. Officials are not very optimistic about reaching a comprehensive agreement in Mexico in November. Therefore, if the BASIC nations are willing to compromise on the Kyoto Protocol, it could help move the negotiations forward and potentially bring the United States, which never ratified the protocol, on board. An Indian negotiator described the agenda as "realistic" and focused on exploring all possible options to secure a favorable outcome for all parties involved. The BASIC meeting agenda also includes discussions on how elements of the Copenhagen Accord, a political agreement negotiated last year with the United States, could be integrated into the current negotiation process. The Copenhagen Accord aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and provides a goal of $100 billion in aid starting in 2020. The text outlines the steps taken by numerous countries, including major greenhouse gas emitters, to reduce their emissions by 2020. The original purpose of the Copenhagen conference was to establish a global agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The upcoming meeting in South Africa will also discuss the potential expansion of the BASIC bloc and the usefulness of smaller groups like the G20 and Major Economies Forum for negotiations. Developing countries are advocating for dual-track negotiations focused on a Kyoto successor after 2013 and long-term climate change actions by all nations. | 1 |
The European Union's unity, solidarity, and international reputation are in jeopardy due to various issues including Greece's debt, Russia's involvement in Ukraine, Britain's efforts to alter its relationship with the bloc, and Mediterranean migration. Failing to effectively address any of these challenges would exacerbate the others, increasing the dangers faced by the EU as a whole. The immediate threat is Greece's potential default and the possibility of it leaving the euro currency, known as 'Grexit', which undermines the concept of a closer union among European countries. According to Fabian Zuleeg and Janis Emmanouilidis of the European Policy Centre, the long-term repercussions of Grexit would have a significant impact on the European project, setting a precedent and further weakening the EU's fundamental purpose. Despite Greece's small size in terms of economic output and population within the euro zone and EU, its state bankruptcy following two large bailouts totaling nearly 200 billion euros ($220 billion) has dealt a significant blow to EU prestige. Before the results of Sunday's Greek referendum were revealed, tensions were high in Brussels with Greeks blaming Germans, others blaming Greeks, Keynesian economists criticizing austerity measures, and EU officials highlighting the success of bailouts in other parts of the bloc. While the future of Greece remains uncertain, it has already demonstrated that the belief in the unbreakable nature of Eurozone membership was misguided. Efforts may now be made by Greece's partners to strengthen the remaining members of the euro zone and address some of the initial flaws in the monetary union, although opposition from Germany may hinder progress towards joint government bond issuance. The Greek situation will serve as a lesson for markets in the event of future economic downturns or spikes in sovereign bond yields within the euro zone. Destabilizing Greece's economy could have serious consequences, including causing suffering and financial losses for European taxpayers. This collapse could also worsen Europe's existing crises and unsettle the fragile southern Balkans. Given the already high tensions in the eastern Mediterranean due to various conflicts and disputes, a weakened Greece may seek assistance from Russia. This could potentially lead to Greece blocking EU sanctions against Moscow or offering naval facilities to Russia. Additionally, Greece is struggling with an influx of refugees from conflicts in Syria and Iraq, who are seeking passage to wealthier European countries like Germany and Sweden. The cash-strapped Greek government is eager to see these refugees move on to other EU countries for asylum. Imagining a scenario where a government expelled from the euro zone uses migrants to pressure EU countries is not difficult. The crisis involving "boat people" has caused division within the EU, with Italy and other frontline states criticizing their northern and eastern counterparts for not showing solidarity by refusing to share the burden of refugees. Britain has also declined to accept any refugees. The failure to resolve Greece's debt crisis after five years has made the EU appear weak and divided to leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who are eager to expand their influence. Brussels officials admit that the euro zone crisis has led to a resurgence of national decision-making on certain policies and weakened Europe's model of supranational governance based on rules. The EU's position in global trade and climate change talks has been compromised due to Britain's push to renegotiate its EU membership terms and hold a referendum by 2017. This raises concerns about the EU potentially losing its second largest economy, main financial center, and joint strongest military power. Despite polls showing majority support for remaining in the EU, there is anxiety in Brussels following the unexpected outcome of the May general election in the UK. Following his win, Cameron has faced opposition from Eurosceptic members of his own party. If Greece faces a prolonged economic crisis, this could support the argument that the UK is too closely tied to a failing system. Russia, who still harbors animosity towards the UK, would likely be pleased if they were to leave the EU, as it would weaken EU members who are standing up to Russian aggression in Ukraine and Georgia. Despite this potential shift, the UK would remain part of NATO, which could give Putin more leverage in negotiations with Chancellor Merkel of Germany. Rem Korteweg from the Centre for European Reform draws a comparison between the current interlocking crises and the four horsemen of the apocalypse in the New Testament Book of Revelation. He sees them as symbols of conquest, war, famine, and death, representing a "day of judgment." Korteweg believes that EU leaders will struggle to control these crises and prevent chaos, instability, and blame within the EU if a unified European response is not developed. | 1 |
Quotes from Morrison, Albanese, and Frydenberg were given regarding the election results. Morrison congratulated Albanese on his victory and announced his resignation as party leader. Albanese emphasized the importance of unity in the nation. Frydenberg acknowledged the challenges in winning in Kooyong and the possibility of being voted out of parliament. Albanese, the incoming prime minister, is a pragmatic leader who aims to end divisions in the country. The Parliament consists of the House of Representatives, which has 151 seats. A majority of 76 seats is needed to form the government. With 55% of the vote counted, Labor had 72 seats, the coalition 52, and independents and the Greens held 11 seats, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. There are 16 seats that are still undecided. In the Senate, there are 76 seats with 12 for each of the six states and two each for two territories. There are 40 seats up for election, with six from each state and the four territory seats. Economic challenges await the winner, including high inflation rates, rising interest rates after more than a decade, and looming budget deficits due to pandemic spending. However, unemployment is at its lowest in almost 50 years and global prices for Australian commodities are high. When it comes to climate change, the major parties face a difficult path as people want action but are hesitant to bear the costs. Additionally, retail power prices are a factor in an election where the cost of living is a central issue. Foreign policy unexpectedly became a focal point during the election as Morrison emphasized his national security expertise and criticized Labor's capabilities, only to have his credibility undermined by the Solomon Islands signing a security agreement with China. Morrison acknowledged his need to change his governing approach, admitting to being too forceful, while Albanese has presented a different option rooted in his working-class background and practical approach. | 1 |
The leader of the UN climate change organization is urging governments to take concrete steps towards a new treaty to combat global warming, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize negotiations. Currently, negotiators are meeting in Tianjin to discuss the future of the Kyoto Protocol, which ends in 2012. The talks have been hindered by a lack of trust between rich and poor nations regarding climate funds, demands for more transparency on emissions cuts, and frustration over the level of cuts offered by wealthy nations. Delays in reaching an agreement would give less time to address greenhouse gas emissions and create uncertainty for companies unsure about future climate policies and carbon markets beyond 2012. The UN official called for an acceleration in finding common ground among delegates at the Tianjin talks. The negotiations taking place before the main climate meeting in Cancun are the final major round of talks for the year. Nearly 200 governments were unable to reach an agreement on a new legally binding climate pact last year. The meeting in Copenhagen in 2009 resulted in disagreements between rich and developing countries, leading to a non-binding accord with unresolved issues. Governments are working to build trust and finalize a binding treaty by late 2011. A successful outcome in Cancun is crucial to restore confidence and progress in the process of addressing climate change. Wendel Trio, the climate policy coordinator for Greenpeace, expressed concern about the recent devastating floods in Pakistan and severe drought in Russia, stating that rising temperatures could worsen such extreme weather events if drastic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions are not made. Trio emphasized the need for developed countries to demonstrate commitment to their pledges made in Copenhagen in order to build trust among nations. In a separate interview, Figueres mentioned the importance of the Tianjin talks in agreeing on specific details of a future climate pact, such as managing adaptation funds, promoting green technology in poorer countries, and supporting carbon-absorbing forests in Brazil, Indonesia, and other areas. She expressed optimism that governments might agree on creating a climate fund to assist developing nations in transitioning to greener economies, but acknowledged that it could take time to determine the sources of the proposed fund. Even if negotiations progress, the current commitments by governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will not be sufficient to prevent the world from experiencing dangerous global warming, defined as a temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, according to Figueres. She emphasized that these commitments are not enough to ensure even a two-degree temperature rise, which may still be detrimental for vulnerable countries. Figueres suggested that governments should prioritize obtaining formal commitments for the proposed emissions reductions, recognizing that it is a crucial but insufficient initial step. | 1 |
Several women disrupted Philip Hammond's speech at an annual banquet in London's Mansion House by shouting slogans through loudspeakers. Video footage showed Mark Field, a foreign office minister, physically removing one of the women from the room by grabbing her neck. Field later apologized, but Prime Minister Theresa May's spokeswoman announced on Friday that Field had been suspended pending an investigation. Field explained to ITV that he acted out of concerns for security. "In the current situation, I felt the need to take decisive action to eliminate the threat to the safety of those present," he stated. His office did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters. Tory MP for Cities of London & Westminster @MarkFieldUK was seen grabbing a Greenpeace protester who disrupted a speech by Philip Hammond in London. The Labour Party's spokeswoman for women and equalities, Dawn Butler, called for Field to be suspended or fired immediately, describing the incident as "horrific." Greenpeace, the environmental campaign group, stated that they organized the protest in the financial district of London, accusing the finance industry of funding climate change and criticizing the finance ministry for attempting to weaken government efforts to address it." Rebecca Newsom, Head of Politics at Greenpeace UK, condemned Field's reaction to the demonstrator, calling it violent and shocking. The City of London Corporation is reassessing its security procedures following the incident at Mansion House on Thursday night. | 1 |
Al Gore, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, is urging governments to accelerate the development of a new treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by two years, rather than waiting until the Kyoto pact expires in 2012. Government ministers are currently meeting in Bali, Indonesia, to initiate discussions on a successor to the Kyoto pact to be finalized by 2009, allowing three years for ratification before the current pact ends. Gore emphasized the importance of implementing a stricter treaty sooner, stating this would be a key message during his Nobel Prize acceptance in Oslo and at the UN climate conference in Bali. The United States rejected the 1997 Kyoto protocol, a key UN climate agreement that required 36 nations to reduce emissions. The US argued that the protocol was too costly and did not include developing countries in the emissions cuts. Former Vice President Al Gore stated that the US should lead in addressing climate change and noted that there were positive signs of change within the country, such as cities and states adopting Kyoto provisions and business leaders calling for carbon emissions reductions. Gore emphasized the importance of making environmentally friendly choices, such as taking public transportation like the train, as a way to help the environment. In 2006, Gore was criticized for being satirized after arriving in a limousine for a screening of his Oscar-winning film "An Inconvenient Truth" at the Cannes film festival. The film calls for immediate action to combat climate change. | 1 |
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Danny Russel told Reuters on Tuesday that increasing sanctions could be likened to adjusting a medicine regimen when the desired effects are not achieved. Russel mentioned the possibility of implementing new sanctions by the UN Security Council, the United States independently, or a coalition of countries from the European Union and Southeast Asia in addition to the US. North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch led to increased UN sanctions aimed at cutting off funding for its nuclear weapons program. There are concerns that North Korea may conduct another nuclear test soon, possibly before a ruling party congress in early May, following a failed missile test. Estimates suggest that up to 150,000 North Korean workers are employed abroad, primarily in China and Russia, bringing in around $900 million annually. North Koreans are employed in various industries overseas, including restaurants, construction, and as doctors. The success of current or future sanctions against North Korea depends largely on China, its closest ally and biggest trading partner, fully enforcing them. Chinese officials urge all parties to avoid escalating tensions and to remain calm in order to resume talks. When asked about potential support for tougher sanctions in response to another nuclear test, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman declined to comment on hypothetical scenarios. If North Korea were to conduct a fifth nuclear test, the US, South Korea, and Japan could take unspecified defense-related actions. He stated that as the threat increases, our defensive capabilities must also adapt. He emphasized the possibility of North Korea choosing a diplomatic route by reopening negotiations to limit its nuclear program. South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee suggested focusing more on sanctions rather than dialogue, especially as North Korea talks about further provocation. Russel discussed potential responses to a fifth nuclear test by North Korea, noting that sanctions have not effectively deterred them since their first nuclear test in 2006. He clarified that no decisions have been made yet regarding a response to an event that has not yet happened. US General Vincent Brooks, who has been nominated by President Barack Obama to lead American forces in South Korea, stated on Tuesday that China was displeased with North Korea's actions, such as its nuclear advancements, but was hesitant to use pressure that could jeopardize Kim Jong Un's regime. Brooks also mentioned that Kim Jong Un seemed to be more daring, confident, and impulsive than his father, Kim Jong Il, as he aggressively pursued the North's nuclear program despite international objections. Assistant Secretary of State Russel noted that it would require time to evaluate the effectiveness of the latest sanctions, but Beijing had exhausted its usual methods of persuasion with North Korea and had now resorted to applying pressure. He suggested that a more forceful and sustained approach towards North Korea had not been tried before. The North Korean economy's dependence on China and its access to China is so significant that any resolve from China could represent a new development. However, Frank Jannuzi, a former Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer for East Asia and the Pacific, expressed doubt that China had truly changed its stance and was now willing to exert more substantial pressure on North Korea. Jannuzi believes that although China still holds economic leverage over North Korea, they are hesitant to fully utilize it due to concerns about the potential consequences, such as conflict, refugees, or turmoil. | 1 |
Sweden criticized the Copenhagen climate change summit as a "disaster" and a "great failure," expressing disappointment that the European Union did not achieve their goals of cutting carbon emissions. Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren stated that the EU environment ministers would meet to discuss how to move forward after the disappointing outcome in Copenhagen. Carlgren, who currently holds the EU presidency, emphasized the need to learn from the failure and explore alternative approaches to address climate change. The two-week-long U.N.-led conference concluded on Saturday with a non-binding agreement to cap global warming at a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, but did not outline a plan on how to achieve this goal. Despite extensive preparation and international diplomacy efforts, the main obstacle to reaching a consensus was the inability of the United States and China, the world's top two emitters, to agree on specific targets. The European Union, consisting of 27 member states, entered the negotiations with a united front and a proposal to finance emissions reductions in developing countries, committing to spend approximately 7 billion euros over the next three years. However, these objectives were overshadowed as the talks did not result in the anticipated breakthrough agreement. According to Carlgren, "Europe remained focused and united throughout the negotiations, but the lack of willingness from other countries, particularly the United States and China, was a major hindrance." Britain accused China and a few other countries of obstructing a legally binding treaty at Copenhagen, increasing the blame game that has been ongoing since the talks concluded. Prime Minister Gordon Brown called the summit "flawed" and demanded immediate reform of the process to reach a legal treaty when negotiations resume in Germany in June. Danish Climate Minister Connie Hedegaard, who stepped down as president of the Copenhagen talks amid criticism from African nations, emphasized the need to focus on progress rather than getting discouraged about addressing climate change. She stated that it would have been a failure if no progress had been made at Copenhagen. We managed to accomplish something significant - a first step. This marked the first occasion where all countries, including major polluters, participated in the process. | 1 |
Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of regional and global cooperation during an international symposium on climate change and food security in Dhaka. The symposium concluded with the signing of the Dhaka Symposium Declaration. Ahmed highlighted the need for neighboring countries to work together to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and adapt to changes caused by climate change. He also stressed the importance of taking comprehensive and integrated steps to address the adverse effects of global warming on food security. Iceland's President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, who was a guest speaker at the event, also emphasized the global nature of the issue and called for international dialogue on the security implications of climate change. The symposium was jointly organized by Dhaka University, Ohio State University, the World Meteorological Organization, UNESCAP, and the Food and Agriculture Organization, and focused on climate change and food security in South Asia. In his concluding remarks at the talks, the chief adviser highlighted Bangladesh's susceptibility to climate change due to its geographical location as a low-lying mega-delta with three major river systems and frequent heavy rainfall, leading to annual floods. He called on the international community, especially major greenhouse gas emitters, to take action to address the impacts of climate change so that highly affected countries like Bangladesh can withstand the consequences and maintain food security. The chief adviser emphasized the need to lift 50 million people out of poverty in Bangladesh by providing essential resources such as food, shelter, clean water, and healthcare. Additionally, he mentioned the challenges posed by consecutive floods and Cyclone Sidr from last year, which jeopardized the country's agricultural sector and threatened food and nutrition availability for the population. The chief adviser highlighted the challenging situation faced by Bangladesh, as global warming has already impacted food production, leading to food deficits in the past two decades. He also mentioned that the melting of Himalayan glaciers, along with river sediments and drainage issues, are further exacerbating the problem. Iceland's visiting president emphasized the need for all countries to engage in a global dialogue on the security implications of climate change. He suggested taking extensive initiatives beyond South Asia to involve countries dependent on the Himalayan region for water, as experts predict the glaciers in that area could disappear within the next 40-70 years. Grimsson also noted that Iceland is experiencing the effects of climate change, with the largest glaciers in Europe located there. He mentioned that his country has successfully shifted its economy from relying on fossil fuels to becoming a leader in clean energy production. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientific communities, governments, businesses, and civic associations to address climate change effectively. He called for a visionary collaboration among brilliant minds and urged all concerned citizens to participate. The key recommendations from the Dhaka Symposium Declaration include establishing a Climate Change and Food Security Network in South Asia, enhancing regional and policy instruments, and finding innovative financial measures for adaptation options. The closing ceremony took place at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on Saturday, with Dhaka University vice chancellor SMA Faiz serving as the chairperson. Also in attendance were FAO's Asia and the Pacific regional representative Changchui He, FAO country representative Ad Spijkers, commerce adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, and the chief adviser's special assistant in charge of environment and forests Raja Devashish Roy, all of whom delivered speeches during the event. | 1 |
Koichi Mizushima, a spokesperson for the Japan Foreign Ministry, briefed journalists on Saturday that the purpose of the minister's visit to Bangladesh was to enhance cooperation with a country that has traditionally been friendly towards Japan. This visit by Foreign Minister Kishida marks the first visit by a foreign minister to Dhaka after the controversial Jan 5 parliamentary election, which was boycotted by the opposition BNP and its allies. Mizushima stated that the visit was seen as an opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relationship, especially with the formation of a new government. The minister emphasized the importance of a comprehensive partnership during bilateral talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart AH Mahmood Ali. The visit also included a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before departing for Myanmar. Japan has been closely monitoring the political situation in Bangladesh and has expressed concerns about the unrest affecting its investors. The spokesperson highlighted the growing economic relations between the two countries, with Japanese investment in Bangladesh increasing significantly over the years. Japan is the largest bilateral development partner for Bangladesh, providing assistance in various forms such as grants, aid, technical assistance, and soft loans. Both countries are currently negotiating on a new soft loan package, with Japan already committing to a loan for projects in the energy and city development sectors. The spokesperson also mentioned the ongoing discussions on an Economic Partnership Agreement and the potential for Japan to finance key infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. Additionally, the two foreign ministers discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to work together on areas such as climate change and disaster management. Japan also expressed interest in setting up a Peace-building Centre in Bangladesh and initiating consultations on this matter. | 1 |
Speaking at a pre-election town hall event on RTL television on Sunday, Merkel urged German carmakers, who have been caught cheating emissions tests, to work towards rebuilding public trust in diesel. She emphasized the importance of diesel in achieving climate protection goals, despite the fact that diesel cars emit less carbon dioxide but more nitrogen dioxide. Merkel acknowledged the differences in legal systems between Germany and the US, which resulted in lower compensation for German car owners affected by the scandal. She stressed the need for German carmakers to compensate owners whose cars lost value due to the scandal to avoid potential damage to the industry's reputation. The auto industry's future, which is Germany's largest exporter and employs 800,000 people, has become a contentious topic in the upcoming election. Politicians are pointing fingers at executives and each other for the sector's damaged reputation following Volkswagen's admission of cheating on US emissions tests nearly two years ago. | 1 |
Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasized the importance of US leadership on climate change during a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Jakarta on Thursday. Clinton's visit aimed to strengthen US relations with Southeast Asia and the Muslim world, before traveling to South Korea for discussions on the North's military threat. Yudhoyono greeted Clinton outside the presidential palace before they held talks on economic cooperation, Palestine, and efforts to reach a new global agreement on climate change. According to a presidential spokesman, Yudhoyono highlighted the need for US leadership in achieving a global consensus on climate change. During a television interview, Clinton confirmed her attendance at a conference in Cairo on March 2 to discuss rebuilding Gaza, as part of the new administration's efforts to improve relations with the Islamic world. She emphasized the United States' commitment to helping in the Middle East, particularly in light of the significant damage and casualties in Gaza following Israel's offensive. Clinton's upcoming visit to Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, reflects President Obama's goal of strengthening ties with the Muslim world, especially considering the unpopularity of some of the policies of the previous administration. While most Indonesians practice a moderate form of Islam, there are some radical elements who have protested against Clinton's visit. Indonesia hosts the headquarters of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and boasts the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Discussions about the financial crisis have included the possibility of U.S. assistance such as a currency swap agreement and contingency funding to support Indonesia's economy. Indonesia is also looking to extend currency swap arrangements with Japan, China, and South Korea. President Yudhoyono is eager to highlight Indonesia's stability and transition to democracy since the resignation of former President Suharto in 1998. Clinton, like previous U.S. officials, has praised Indonesia as a model of modernity and the coexistence of Islam, especially during her visit to the country where Obama spent part of his childhood. While appearing on the "Dahsyat" music show, Clinton received applause when she mentioned her love for classical music as well as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Prior to her trip to South Korea, she was scheduled to visit a USAID sanitation project in Jakarta. North Korea has been making threats against South Korea recently, with Pyongyang reportedly preparing to launch its longest-range missile to gain attention from the new US administration and push Seoul to soften its stance. Clinton has stated that such a missile launch would not be beneficial for relations. After visiting South Korea, Clinton will travel to China, which is the final destination on her Asian tour that also involved Japan. This trip marks her first international visit since assuming her position in office. | 1 |
President Barack Obama stated that the flu virus outbreak, which has caused a public health emergency in the US, emphasizes the importance of a strong government commitment to scientific research. In a speech to the National Academy of Sciences, Obama discussed the need to allocate 3 percent of the gross domestic product to scientific research. He highlighted the crucial role of the scientific and medical community in addressing public health challenges and emphasized the importance of not allowing the nation to lag behind in research and innovation. Obama reassured the public that the cases of swine flu in the US were not a reason to panic, but the government was keeping a close eye on the situation. The administration described their declaration of a public health emergency as a precautionary measure. The flu has caused 149 deaths in Mexico and has spread to North America and Europe, causing concerns of a potential pandemic. Obama referenced the space race between the US and the Soviet Union in the 1950s and 1960s to emphasize the importance of investing in research. He also pointed out that spending on science as a percentage of GDP has decreased since that time. Obama stated that by aiming to spend more than 3 percent of GDP on science, the United States will surpass the level reached during the space race. This goal includes both public and private investments. Currently, the US spends 2.66 percent of GDP on research and development. Some of the additional spending has been included in the economic stimulus package signed by Obama. In his proposed budget for fiscal year 2010, Obama also recommended making tax credits for business investment in research and development permanent. The White House is emphasizing Obama's achievements as he nears the 100-day mark of his presidency, including his efforts to address global climate change. Obama sees breaking dependence on fossil fuels as a crucial challenge for this generation. The administration has also started a two-day meeting with major world economies to discuss climate change. Obama aims to reduce US emissions by about 15 percent by 2020, primarily through a cap-and-trade system to limit greenhouse gas emissions from large factories. This proposal is a key component of a bill currently being reviewed in Congress. Republicans have expressed disapproval of the cap-and-trade system, labeling it as an indirect energy tax. Additionally, some moderate Democrats are concerned about the potential effects of the plan on jobs and the economy. | 1 |
Chinese President Hu Jintao praised increased collaboration with Japan as he arrived in Tokyo for a state visit aimed at building trust between the two countries despite disagreements concerning energy resources and security. Hu received a warm welcome from Japanese officials and enthusiastic Chinese supporters upon his arrival. In anticipation of potential protests by right-wing activists who view China as a threat, a large police presence was deployed in downtown Tokyo. Despite past conflicts over Japan's actions during wartime, China is presenting itself as a friendly neighbor and Hu is focusing on future-oriented objectives during his five-day visit, which includes formalities, speeches, agreements, as well as cultural exchanges such as table tennis and the possibility of loaning pandas to Japan. This second ever state visit by a Chinese leader to Japan is occurring as China works to alleviate international concerns regarding unrest in Tibet, which has the potential to overshadow Beijing's upcoming Olympic Games, a symbol of national pride. Hu emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between China and Japan, stating that the two economies are increasingly interconnected. He expressed his hope for long-lasting friendship between the people of both countries and highlighted the benefits that cooperation has brought to their respective populations. Hu also referred to the Beijing Games as not only "Asia's Olympics" but also "the world's Olympics". There is a lot at stake in the relationship between Asia's two largest economies. China surpassed the United States as Japan's top trading partner last year, with total trade amounting to $236.6 billion, an increase of 12 percent from 2006. While China's rapid economic growth presents opportunities, Japan is also concerned about Beijing's growing diplomatic and military influence, especially in areas such as disputed energy resources, military strength, and the quality of Chinese exports. A commentator in China's People's Daily noted that despite some progress in relations between China and Japan, further efforts are needed from both sides to fully improve their relationship. The highlight of Hu's visit is expected to be a summit with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Wednesday, where they aim to outline a joint plan for managing their ties in the future. However, it was uncertain whether the expressions of friendship would resolve differences or simply cover them up with pleasant words. Reports from Japanese media indicated that sensitive issues related to Taiwan, human rights, Japan's desire for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, were still being discussed. The two nations are also in conflict over the rights to gas reserves in the East China Sea, and a dispute over Chinese dumplings contaminated with pesticide has come to symbolize Japan's concerns about China's growing influence. Both countries had hoped for progress in the gas dispute before Hu's visit, but a quick resolution seems unlikely. Japan is also seeking more transparency regarding China's increasing defense budget, which is set at 418 billion yuan ($60 billion) for 2008, a 17.6 percent increase from 2007 and surpassing Japan's defense budget. Foreign critics claim that China's actual military budget is significantly higher. Tokyo is seeking China's support for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a topic that sparked anti-Japanese demonstrations in China in 2005 due to lingering resentment over Japan's brutal occupation from 1931 to 1945. A Hong Kong newspaper controlled by mainland China, the Ta Kung Pao, suggested that Hu Jintao was unlikely to meet Japan's expectations. The paper mentioned sensitive issues such as the gas dispute and the Security Council matter that may be difficult to resolve during the visit. The paper also mentioned that although the timing may not be right, there could be potential for reaching some vague agreements. China has urged Japan to clarify its position on Taiwan, which Beijing believes should reunite with China. Japan has stated its support for a unified China that includes Taiwan, a former Japanese colony with strong ties to Japan. Despite this issue, both countries are focused on promoting goodwill and will release a joint document on addressing climate change. Chinese President Hu will speak to university students in Tokyo, possibly play table tennis with Fukuda, and may offer Japan a new panda to replace one that recently passed away in a Tokyo zoo. | 1 |
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed his optimism that a climate change agreement could be reached with the support of the US administration under Barack Obama. He emphasized the urgency of taking action to prevent extreme weather events and their devastating impacts, noting that every year of delay would lead to greater damage and suffering. Annan's Global Humanitarian Forum brought together UN agency heads, government officials, and experts to discuss practical strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the consequences of global warming. He called for collective efforts to tackle this pressing environmental and humanitarian issue, with the goal of reaching a new agreement in Copenhagen to succeed the Kyoto accord. "The United States' new president and administration have shown a strong commitment to addressing climate change, which is particularly important as the US is a major source of emissions. This has created hope for the upcoming Copenhagen meeting and beyond," Annan stated. Over 190 countries will convene in Copenhagen to negotiate a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which governs greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts to stimulate the economy in various countries, including the US and Europe, have led to increased investment in low-carbon energy and alternative technologies, potentially creating jobs and supporting sustainable projects, Annan added. However, climate experts caution that current pledges by developed nations to reduce emissions by 2020 are insufficient to prevent severe climate change." According to calculations by Reuters, industrialised nations have pledged to reduce their emissions by an average of 10 to 14 percent below 1990 levels before December's meeting. However, the UN Climate Panel states that emissions cuts need to be in the range of 25-40 percent below 1990 levels to prevent the most severe impacts of climate change. | 1 |
A special Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight departed from Dhaka at 12:10pm on Tuesday, carrying the prime minister and her delegation. The flight is expected to reach London on Tuesday night Bangladesh time. Hasina plans to have a one-day stopover in London to visit her family, including her niece Tulip Siddiq who was re-elected as a Member of Parliament in the British elections on June 8. According to her Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim, the prime minister is scheduled to arrive in Stockholm on Wednesday night local time. The Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali announced at a press briefing on Sunday that the Swedish prime minister had extended an invitation to her Bangladeshi counterpart for a visit. This visit is expected to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries and improve Bangladesh's reputation in Europe. Additionally, two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) regarding the Sweden-Bangladesh Business Council and Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industries are set to be signed during the visit. A joint statement will also be released, and a 47-member business delegation will accompany the prime minister. While in Sweden on June 15 and 16, she will have a bilateral meeting with her counterpart and also meet with the deputy prime minister, acting speaker, and minister for justice and migration. Additionally, she will meet with the chief executives of several Swedish companies. Sweden was one of the earliest European countries to support Bangladesh in 1971, and February 4, 2017, marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Bangladesh exports clothing valued at $5 billion annually to Sweden, particularly to the well-known brand H&M. According to the foreign minister, the visit will enhance bilateral cooperation, attract investment, and strengthen relationships in various areas such as migration, climate change, UN peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism. All of Bangladesh's products enter Sweden duty-free. The prime minister is scheduled to depart for Dhaka on June 16 and arrive on Saturday. | 1 |
The European Union's leader is calling on the United States to make a stronger commitment to addressing climate change during an upcoming meeting of major industrialized countries in Japan. Despite some progress in aligning views on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there are still significant differences between the EU and the US on how to achieve this goal. Without increased ambition from President George W. Bush, it is unlikely that meaningful progress will be made until late next year, when countries will need to negotiate a new U.N. climate change agreement. The next round of U.N. climate talks will be held in Poland in December, but the US will be going through a presidential transition at that time. Barroso stated that the world expects more from a major economy like the United States, expressing his belief that the U.S. will agree to a more ambitious conclusion at the G8 summit than the previous year. Last year, leaders of the wealthiest countries agreed to consider halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The EU is now pushing for the G8 to set this goal in stone and agree on a target for reducing emissions by 2020, although officials in Brussels acknowledge that the Bush administration is unlikely to support a short-term goal. Barroso emphasized that a 2050 target would lack credibility without a more immediate goal in place as well. He stated that he anticipated the next U.S. president to further support the change in Washington's stance towards measures that have already been approved by the EU. The EU, consisting of 27 nations, has agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 20 percent from 1990 levels by 2020 and is currently developing regulations on emissions from industries, vehicles, aircraft, and other laws to achieve that goal. The United States has expressed its dedication to combating climate change, but is unwilling to commit to mandatory emission reductions until major developing countries like China and India also agree to enforceable limits. | 1 |
She made these comments on Wednesday at the Bangladesh Development Forum 2018 held at the Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. Hasina emphasized the importance of developed countries providing financial and technical assistance to achieve development goals. In addition, she highlighted the significance of addressing climate change and the role of the world trade system in overall development, poverty alleviation, and job creation. Hasina also discussed Bangladesh's progress in socio-economic development and outlined the country's goals of becoming a developed and prosperous nation by 2041 through initiatives such as Vision 2021 and the United Nations sustainable development goals. She expressed optimism that the Bangladesh Development Forum will contribute to the creation of a poverty-free and prosperous Bangladesh. Bangladesh has great potential as a dynamic economy and is currently ranked 44th in terms of GDP and 32nd in purchasing power parity. The prime minister stated that international financial analysts predict Bangladesh will become the 28th largest economy by 2030 and the 23rd largest by 2050. Bangladesh is set to graduate from the LDC category at the United Nations Committee for Development Policy's meeting in March, but will lose certain benefits. To offset this, the country can focus on increasing economic mobility and workforce readiness. Hasina stated that Bangladesh is well-prepared to tackle the impact of various challenges and has focused its economic activities on regional communication, infrastructure, efficiency, technology, and social equality. She emphasized the importance of private partnerships, including international ones, in the country's development progress, such as the establishment of 100 economic zones. Hasina also highlighted the significance of rapid growth investment for overcoming Bangladesh's investment limitations, and mentioned the Bangladesh Development Forum as a platform for discussing financing issues related to sustainable development goals. The event at Sonargaon Hotel will last for two days and will include discussions on agriculture, extreme climate conditions, creating a favorable environment for foreign direct investment, addressing inequality, promoting quality education and ICT. On the final day, there will be sessions on addressing violence against women, empowering women, and enhancing urban service delivery. | 1 |
The Obama administration has introduced a new national security strategy that combines diplomatic engagement, economic discipline, and military power to enhance America's global position. This strategy marks a departure from the unilateral approach of the Bush era, as President Obama aims to build partnerships with emerging powers such as China and India. The administration recognizes the importance of strengthening the economy and addressing fiscal challenges as key components of national security. The policy statement emphasizes the need to revive the US economy, which is the foundation of American power. Additionally, Obama's national security goals do not include the pre-emptive war policy of his predecessor, George W. Bush. In outlining a strategy to ensure America's safety during conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the document established Obama's commitment to prioritizing multilateral diplomacy over military power in an effort to reshape global order. The administration also reaffirmed Obama's determination to engage with unfriendly nations, while cautioning Iran and North Korea of potential isolation if they disregard international norms. The National Security Strategy, a requirement for every president, is significant as it can impact budgets and legislation and is closely monitored globally. Obama, facing a severe financial crisis upon taking office, emphasized the connection between America's economic well-being and its international standing. The document stressed the necessity of placing the country on a financially sustainable path and reducing reliance on foreign oil sources to ensure sustained economic growth. There was no discussion about the growing consensus in foreign policy circles that heavy US indebtedness to countries like China could be a national security issue. However, the report did show the complicated relationship between Washington and Beijing, praising China for becoming more involved in global affairs but also emphasizing the need for responsible behavior. The report also expressed concerns about China's military buildup and stated that the US would be prepared to protect its interests and allies. In 2002, Bush asserted the right to take unilateral and pre-emptive military action against threats to the US following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Obama's approach distanced his administration from the Bush Doctrine that led to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The doctrine outlined on Thursday reaffirmed the commitment to maintain US military superiority while emphasizing a departure from Bush's "cowboy diplomacy." The document acknowledged the strengths and weaknesses of international institutions and emphasized the importance of American engagement in strengthening these institutions to address common interests such as combating extremism, preventing nuclear proliferation, promoting economic growth, and addressing climate change. Additionally, Obama's message highlighted the need for current and emerging powers to share the global burden, emphasizing that the US cannot act alone. Obama is widely praised for improving the tone of US foreign policy, as seen when he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. However, he still faces challenges with unfinished wars, nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea, and slow progress in Middle East peace efforts. Critics argue that his diplomatic outreach may be seen as a sign of weakness, and question if he is relying too much on "soft power" at the expense of American interests. Despite this, Obama remains committed to disrupting and defeating al Qaeda while upholding human rights and rejecting torture as a national security tool. He has also made efforts to improve the US image in the Muslim world, tarnished by past events such as the Iraq war and prisoner abuse scandals. Preventing the danger of domestic terrorism was also identified as a key concern. This is particularly important following the unsuccessful Christmas Day attack on a US plane and the failed Times Square car bombing attempt that occurred recently. | 1 |
Jill Biden has been known to be hesitant about her role in fashion, stating that she is surprised by the amount of attention her wardrobe receives. Unlike Michelle Obama, she does not use fashion as a diplomatic tool, nor does she approach it as Melania Trump did, mixing high fashion with politics. However, during her recent solo trip to the Tokyo Olympics, she demonstrated that there are different ways to make an impact, showcasing a variety of local designers to represent the American industry. She also embodied the theme of the Olympics, which focused on being environmentally friendly, with the motto "Be better, together - For the planet and the people." Biden wore only one new outfit during her trip to Japan, a Ralph Lauren navy jacket and pants as part of the official US Olympic Team uniform. The rest of her clothing were recycled outfits from her closet, even at important public events. This outfit was worn during a visit to a Florida vaccination site with Anthony Fauci in June. The floral Tom Ford dress was worn at a dinner with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan and his wife Mariko, as well as at the G-7 summit in Britain in July. The polka-dot Brandon Maxwell dress was also worn at the opening ceremony, along with the much-discussed "Love" jacket. Mentioning the white Michael Kors dress worn in Tokyo under a Team USA jacket, the dress had previously been worn under a navy jacket during President Joe Biden and the first lady's arrival in Britain. Even the lilac dress Jill Biden wore in Honolulu had been seen before. Recycling wardrobe may not seem significant, but it has been rare since the 21st century when it comes to image-making, celebrities, and powerful political or entrepreneurial figures. The constant demand for new content has typically been associated with new outfits on the red carpet, premieres, or state occasions. It has been entertaining to observe and a fun distraction to guess the designer. However, it has also unintentionally reinforced the mindset of disposable fashion, contributing to the overwhelming amount of clothing that many people now lament. It suggests that every occasion requires a new outfit. Biden's decision to break this cycle is a significant departure from recent norms, similar to her choice to continue working as a professor while in the White House. This decision may hold just as much importance, and potentially even more influence if people take notice. She is not disregarding fashion altogether — each outfit she wears contributes to the narrative of New York Fashion Week, showcasing both established and emerging American brands. By doing so, she is playing a role in promoting local businesses on a global platform. Instead of discarding her clothes, she is emphasizing their worth by wearing them again. The message is that when you discover a piece of clothing that makes you feel confident and like your best self, you should hold onto it. If it had a positive impact on you once, it will likely do so again. This kind of garment is worth investing in for the future, not just for the person wearing it but also for those who see it. It is not something to be disposed of easily. The idea that anyone can relate to reusing clothing, regardless of their knowledge of sustainability, is something that stands out. It is possible that the athlete's decision to rewear outfits was coincidental, as she was very busy before the Olympics and did not have a stylist to help her pack. However, considering that it was her first solo trip and the controversy surrounding the Olympics, it seems unlikely that this was a mere coincidence. Due to the pandemic restrictions causing a lack of other audience members in the arena, Biden knew she would stand out. While her words may not be heard, her outfit would definitely be seen. Her consistent recycling of styles during events in the first 100 days of her husband's administration, which align with the climate-focused aspect of the Biden agenda, may have reached its peak during this trip. This indicates that this will now be a defining feature of Biden's time in the East Wing and how she progresses in her role. If this is the case, everyone benefits. Copyright 2021 by The New York Times Company. | 1 |
President Barack Obama reassured Canada, his country's top trading partner, that he would not pursue protectionist policies. The two countries also agreed to work together on developing cleaner energy technology. Obama, on his first trip abroad as president, addressed Canadian concerns over a "Buy American" clause in a recent U.S. economic recovery plan during talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Obama emphasized the importance of avoiding protectionism and promoting trade as beneficial to all countries. He assured Harper that the United States would uphold its international trade commitments and expressed a desire to expand trade rather than restrict it. Harper expressed confidence that the United States would uphold its obligations and maintain its leadership in promoting global trade. He mentioned a willingness to enhance the environmental and labor aspects of NAFTA, a goal also shared by Obama. However, Harper clarified that he did not support renegotiating the agreement, which has increased trade between the two countries. Both sides agreed to work together on eco-friendly technologies to create an electricity grid powered by clean energy and to extract fossil fuels with reduced pollution. Despite the current lack of cost-effectiveness, the technology is being developed. Obama emphasized the importance of energy production and usage in relation to economic recovery, security, and environmental sustainability. He acknowledged the complexity of these issues and stated that there is no simple solution. Environmentalists are urging Obama to pressure Canada to address the environmental impact of oil sands extraction in Alberta, which emits significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Despite concerns raised by environmentalists, Obama highlighted Canada's significance as a major energy supplier to the United States, especially during the current economic crisis. The majority of the oil sands' output is intended for U.S. markets. Despite agreeing to promote green energy development, Harper stated it was premature for the countries to discuss a shared plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Obama, who recently took office, promised during his campaign to decrease U.S. emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. In contrast to his predecessor, George W. Bush, Obama is committed to addressing global warming, but believes climate change efforts must consider economic factors during a global recession. A White House official mentioned that the joint U.S.-Canadian green energy initiative will focus on areas like carbon capture, sequestration, and the smart grid. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas that scientists believe is responsible for warming the Earth. Carbon sequestration, the process of capturing and storing the gas underground before it is released into the atmosphere, is not yet economically feasible. In Afghanistan, where Canada has 2,700 troops as part of a NATO-led force combatting a growing insurgency, President Obama stated that he has not requested additional military assistance. This week, Obama authorized the deployment of 17,000 new U.S. troops to Afghanistan to combat the insurgency. Prime Minister Harper announced that Canada, which plans to withdraw its troops by 2011, will increase economic aid to Afghanistan, currently the largest recipient of Canadian foreign aid. | 1 |
He has recently returned from a summit in Hanoi with North Korea that ended without agreement, leading to increased difficulties for Trump. In addition to the failed meeting with Kim Jong Un and disagreements over sanctions related to North Korea's nuclear program, Trump is also facing challenges at home. His former lawyer, Michael Cohen, accused him of breaking the law while in office, causing potential harm to the president. Trump is also dealing with negotiations with China on a trade deal, a crisis in Venezuela, tensions between India and Pakistan, and efforts in Congress to stop his emergency declaration for funding a border wall with Mexico. Special Counsel Robert Mueller may soon conclude his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, keeping the spotlight on Trump and his campaign. Trump had expressed frustration before leaving for Vietnam, believing that Democrats would attack him during the Cohen testimony while he was overseas. He also expressed a desire for the Mueller report to be finished. A source who requested anonymity stated that he was upset that hearings were being held while he was out of the country. He was also frustrated that the Mueller investigation had not been completed before his departure, feeling that it cast a shadow over him. During the summit, Trump ended discussions on North Korea's denuclearization prematurely, leading to conflicting reports and uncertainty about the future of one of his key initiatives. The White House had initially planned a signing ceremony for a deal in Hanoi, but suddenly canceled it. Trump’s Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized reporters for focusing too much on what he called "process" and accused them of being "radically uninformed." Despite the time difference, Trump stayed updated on Cohen's testimony during the summit in Hanoi. Trump's inner circle felt that the president handled the week well, believing that there were no significant revelations in Cohen's testimony and that Trump received credit for walking away from a potentially unfavorable deal with North Korea. Christopher Ruddy, a conservative media mogul and close friend of the president, stated that there were no surprises during the week, as they were aware of the challenges with North Korea and Cohen's negative comments. Ruddy told Reuters that, in his opinion, the Cohen testimony does not significantly impact President Trump's political standing. However, some of Trump's allies are concerned about the effectiveness of his re-election campaign's response. Chris Christie, a friend of Trump's and former New Jersey Governor, questioned the lack of defense for the president on ABC's "This Week" program. Trump is expected to receive support at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland on Saturday. During the CPAC event on Thursday, Ronna McDaniel, Chair of the Republican National Committee, promptly defended Trump's actions at the Vietnam summit. "He left for the right reasons, stating that we will not lift sanctions unless you agree to denuclearize," she said to a round of applause. | 1 |
The Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation, organized a rally in the city to celebrate World Food Day. The theme for this year's event is 'Achieving Food Security in Times of Crisis'. The Agriculture minister, Matia Chowdhury, kicked off the day's activities with the rally, which was followed by a procession starting from Khamar Bari. The event was attended by agriculturists, scientists, officials, and members of the public, as well as hundreds of school children carrying colourful banners and festoons. The programme received support from Telefood, a FAO project aimed at ending hunger, bdnews24.com and Channel i. A seminar to commemorate the day is taking place at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, with the presence of agricultural minister Matia Chowdhury. Also in attendance are food and disaster management minister Mohammad Abdur Razzaque and minister of fisheries and livestock Abdul Latif Biswas. The guest of honour at the seminar is FAO Bangladesh representative, AD Spijkers. A children's painting competition is set to take place at 3pm at Bangladesh Shishu Academy. Additionally, a three-day fair on 'Agriculture and Food' will be inaugurated at the Krishibid Institution premises at 12pm. Another fair will also be held at Depasai village in Somobhat union under Dhamrai upazila. Channel i will broadcast the event live. In the afternoon, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will unveil postage stamps and envelopes to mark the occasion. Additionally, district and upazila administrations nationwide are marking the day with discussion meetings and rallies. President Zillur Rahman emphasized the importance of ensuring food security in a changing climate on the eve of World Food Day, stating that research and technological innovation can help increase food production. Prime minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized that agriculture is the sector most impacted by climate change and is vulnerable. She stressed the importance of ensuring food security by addressing this situation. Sheikh Hasina also noted that Bangladesh achieved self-dependency in agriculture during the previous Awami League government from 1996-2001, but subsequent governments were unable to sustain this success. The current government is committed to achieving food security for all by becoming self-reliant once again. In his statement, UN chief Ban Ki-moon emphasized the importance of food and nutritional security in achieving a decent life, education, and the Millennium Development Goals. He highlighted the challenges of volatile food prices, the economic crisis, climate change, and conflict leading to a rise in the number of people experiencing food insecurity. Ban Ki-moon called for coordinated strategies for agricultural development and social protection to ensure that vulnerable populations, especially women and children, have access to the food they need for their well-being. FAO representative in Bangladesh, AD Spijkers, expressed concerns that the goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger (MDG 1) is at risk of setbacks. Spijkers explained that the economic crisis and sudden price increases have resulted in decreased incomes and limited access to food for the poor, especially those in the most impoverished regions of the world. He mentioned that the government has made a commitment to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2012 and maintain it. Spijkers expressed confidence that the farmers of Bangladesh have the potential to reach this goal. | 1 |
Unemployment is at a low rate, inflation is minimal, and economic growth has been consistent for almost a decade. As a college professor, I often evaluate things with letter grades, and I would give the US economy an A- if economic gains were more evenly distributed. However, Trump is in control of economic policy, not the economy itself, so a fair assessment should also consider his specific policies. To provide an unbiased evaluation, I have looked at surveys conducted by the University of Chicago with about 50 top economists from various political backgrounds. Surprisingly, these economists overwhelmingly agree that Trump's policies are harmful. Many economists are concerned about his presidency despite the strong economy due to his protectionist trade policies, which go against economic principles and have harmed US manufacturers. The tariffs imposed by Trump on products like aluminium and steel have not been supported by economists, who believe they are costly and do not benefit Americans. The United States' trade war with China has further escalated tensions and increased tariffs on American-made goods. Trump's threat to terminate the North American Free Trade Agreement has caused unnecessary uncertainty, leading to a new deal that economists believe will not bring significant change. There is doubt whether Congress will approve this substitute agreement. Trump's protectionist actions have faced criticism, causing financial markets to decline when he declared himself as "Tariff Man" on Twitter. The president's own Council of Economic Advisers has found that his tariffs will hinder economic growth. Even according to Trump's own preferred measure, the trade balance, his policy has been unsuccessful as the trade deficit has reached its highest level in 10 years. In terms of fiscal policy, Trump's approach has not been effective as well. The concept is simple - in times of economic prosperity, the government should reduce spending so that in times of recession, it can increase spending and lower taxes to stimulate the economy. However, Trump's $1.5 trillion tax cut, his main accomplishment, provided a stimulus when it was not necessary, making his fiscal policy a significant failure. The budget deficit is unusually high for a healthy economy, and increasing government debt will hinder fiscal policy from providing a boost during the next economic downturn. Trump may argue that the tax cut was not meant to stimulate the economy in the short-term, but rather to encourage long-term economic growth. However, economists predict that it will not achieve that goal either. Prior to the passing of the bill, nearly all experts believed that the tax cut would not significantly increase gross domestic product in ten years. Darrell Duffie was the only dissenter, stating that it would boost growth, but questioned the fairness of the tax plan. Daron Acemoglu, a prominent macroeconomist, believes that while simplifying the tax code could be advantageous, any benefits would likely be outweighed by its regressive nature. Recent data suggests that the promised investment boom from the tax cut has not materialized. Despite bipartisan support, Trump's infrastructure spending proposal has not progressed. Monetary policy should be straightforward for a president: appoint competent individuals and allow the Federal Reserve to carry out its duties. President Trump has made a good choice in Jerome Powell as Fed chairman, as shown by positive ratings from economists. Trump's other Fed appointments have been conventional, resulting in a group of policymakers that Jeb Bush might have selected if he had been elected president. Trump has negatively impacted his grade in this area by interfering in ways that have unnecessarily complicated the Federal Reserve's job. Most developed countries, including the United States, typically keep monetary policy separate from political influence to ensure stable inflation rates. However, Trump has criticized Fed Chair Powell for not lowering interest rates and even mentioned the possibility of firing him. This behavior undermines Powell's ability to set rates without looking like he gave in to Trump's pressure. Trump's actions are counterproductive and make it difficult for Powell to do his job effectively. His program completely rejects the traditional beliefs of both Democratic and Republican economists. Despite this, the economy is thriving. It is possible that this success is due to luck rather than good decision-making. Trump was fortunate to inherit an economy that had been steadily improving since around 2010. Any economic indicator will show that today's economic prosperity is simply a continuation of this existing trend. Even if Trump is not responsible for the current positive economic trajectory, he should be acknowledged for not derailing it. It is possible that the president has minimal impact on economic outcomes. Alternatively, the negative effects of Trump's policies may not have fully manifested yet. The chaotic policy process of his administration has caused uncertainty and may have driven away some investors. The consequences of Trump's tax cuts, which are not funded, will result in a debt that future generations will need to address. By challenging the Fed's independence, he may have weakened its ability to combat inflation. Additionally, easing regulations in the financial industry may benefit large banks in the short term but could heighten the risk of future economic crises. Removing environmental regulations may have boosted profits for certain businesses but has also accelerated climate change. Although restricting immigration may have lessened job competition, economists are concerned that it could ultimately stifle innovation and economic growth. It is also possible that Trump's approach is correct, and economists have misjudged the situation. As an economist with credentials, I do not believe this, but it appears that Trump also does not believe the statements made by economists. (c.2019 New York Times News Service) | 1 |
According to officials in London and Washington, the British government was instrumental in facilitating a three-way alliance with the United States and Australia to deploy nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific. This agreement came shortly after Australia scrapped a $66 billion deal with France for diesel-electric submarines, causing anger in Paris and satisfaction in London. This achievement marks a significant success for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his efforts to establish post-Brexit Britain as a key player on the international stage. Since leaving the European Union 18 months ago, Britain has been searching for its place in the world, with supporters of Brexit rallying around the concept of "Global Britain," which has been criticized as more of a marketing slogan than a coherent foreign policy. The agreement made on Wednesday between the United States and Britain to supply Australia with submarines solidified Britain's reputation as a military power with nuclear capabilities and a reliable ally of the United States. Additionally, this deal supported Prime Minister Johnson's efforts to establish a British presence in Asia, which initially appeared to be a nod to its colonial past. However, Britain has since secured trade agreements with Australia, Japan, and South Korea, and has deployed an aircraft carrier in collaboration with the United States to monitor China's activities in the South China Sea. According to Kim Darroch, a former British ambassador to Washington, this marks a significant step in establishing a strong presence for "Global Britain" in the defense and economic sectors of the region. Darroch noted that the economic benefits of the agreement, such as job creation and financial gains for British industries, are still being negotiated with the United States. Joining a distant security alliance comes with costs and expectations for Britain, despite its shrinking military size and strained public finances due to the pandemic. However, being acknowledged by Biden after feeling overlooked during the Afghanistan withdrawal was seen as a positive return to relevance for the country. British officials viewed the alliance as a demonstration of their ability to navigate a post-Brexit world, even if it meant leaving behind a European neighbor. Australia initially approached Britain with the idea of collaborating on deploying nuclear-powered submarines, as they deemed the diesel models from the French deal insufficient for future security concerns involving China. Britain has had ties with the United States in nuclear technology since 1958, making it natural for the two allies to work together. The US will supply enriched uranium for the submarines' reactors. Britain and Australia made a strong case to Washington for this partnership, with discussions between Johnson and Biden at the Group of 7 meeting in Cornwall in June. British officials had to defend their decision against American officials who questioned why Australia couldn't just buy submarines directly from the US. One of Britain's arguments was that their military protocols closely align with those of Australia, making it easier for them to operate vessels with British technology. A Biden administration official stated that the White House never considered excluding Britain from the alliance. Bates Gill, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in Sydney, described it as primarily a technical decision, but also noted that trustworthiness may have played a role. For Johnson, who values the "special relationship" with the United States, the submarine deal was seen as compensation for having his opinions on Afghanistan ignored by Biden. Johnson desired the withdrawal to be tied to conditions on the ground. Despite any disagreements, Johnson has affirmed that Britain will support Biden on his policies. One main focus is the rivalry with China, with Thomas Wright from the Brookings Institution commending the British strategy. However, some in Britain are concerned about the potential negative outcomes of this competition. Former Prime Minister Theresa May cautioned about the risk of being drawn into a conflict with China over Taiwan. Johnson previously believed that exiting the EU would enable Britain to have more autonomy in its dealings with China. Before Beijing implemented strict measures in Hong Kong, which used to be a British territory, Britain's China policy was nearly identical to that of the United States. Prime Minister Johnson aims to enhance Britain's reputation by hosting a successful United Nations climate-change conference in Glasgow, Scotland, in November. However, it remains uncertain how much support he will receive from President Biden. Britain is urging the United States to increase its contribution to a $100 billion annual fund designed to assist countries in managing the effects of climate change. Analysts believe that Britain has not yet benefited from the appointment of Liz Truss as the new foreign secretary, despite her success in negotiating trade deals in Asia in her previous role. Truss replaced Dominic Raab, who was demoted after facing criticism for vacationing in Crete during the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. While Truss has her critics, former ambassador Peter Westmacott believes she is capable of strengthening Britain's global presence. Despite these developments, Britain still must navigate challenging geopolitical circumstances. The submarine agreement is expected to further strain the relationship between Britain and France, which is already tense due to disputes over fishing rights and migrants crossing the English Channel after Brexit. The French government's displeasure towards Britain was evident in its reaction to the alliance: it recalled its ambassadors to the US and Australia but kept its envoy to Britain, indicating that it sees Britain as a minor player in global affairs. Some analysts believe France is upset because it feels the US is rewarding Britain instead of punishing it for leaving the EU. Despite this, Prime Minister Johnson may also face challenges with Washington regarding Northern Ireland, where he is pushing for changes in post-Brexit trade agreements. During her visit to London on Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reiterated a warning that Congress would not approve a trade agreement between Britain and the United States if Britain threatened peace in Northern Ireland. Analysts noted that President Biden's treatment of Britain over Afghanistan and the lack of notice given to France before announcing a security alliance showed that the United States would prioritize its interests over trans-Atlantic relationships. Leslie Vinjamuri, director of the US and the Americas program at Chatham House, pointed out the differences in how Americans and Brits are discussing the issue, emphasizing that the special relationship between the two countries is not necessarily equal. | 1 |
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, one of the main threats facing the world in 2010 is the possibility that worsening government finances could lead to full-blown debt crises. Major economies have responded to the financial crisis by implementing stimulus packages and supporting private debt, resulting in large deficits. While this may have helped prevent a more severe recession, it has raised concerns in financial markets about high levels of debt. Developed nations are particularly at risk, as many emerging economies, including those in Latin America, have already made efforts to improve their fiscal situations following previous shocks. The WEF think tank warned of the increasing risk of sovereign defaults as governments accumulate unprecedented levels of debt in an effort to stimulate their economies and combat the recession. John Drzik, Chief Executive of management consultancy Oliver Wyman, which contributed to the WEF report, emphasized the growing concern over sovereign defaults. He warned that increased levels of unemployment could result, along with potential social and political risks. The report identified unsustainable debt levels and the looming financial crisis as some of the top risks, along with underinvestment in infrastructure and rising health costs due to chronic diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes. Other looming threats include asset price collapse, risks related to Afghanistan, and a potential slowdown in Chinese growth that could impact employment, fuel social unrest, and harm exports. The report also mentioned the danger of developed nations exceeding "unsustainable levels of debt," stating that full-blown debt crises would lead to social and political consequences, including higher unemployment. The group chief economist at Zurich Financial Services, a contributor to the report, emphasized that government debt levels of 100 percent of GDP, as seen in the United States and the UK, are not sustainable. Investors may become fearful and question the sustainability of high debt levels, potentially leading to sovereign debt crises and defaults. Early warnings like Dubai and Greece should be taken seriously, as worries over these countries have affected global markets. The United States and the United Kingdom also face tough decisions in gradually withdrawing fiscal stimulus to ensure sustained recovery without causing fear of sovereign debt deterioration. The report also emphasized the need for long-term decisions on issues like health and pension reform and climate change, highlighting a "governance gap" between short-term pressures and long-term needs. It was stated that not enough was being done to tackle the problem of underinvestment in infrastructure, which could have negative effects on food and energy security. The World Bank estimates that $35 trillion will be needed for global infrastructure investment in the next 20 years. The report also highlighted the increasing financial burden of chronic diseases due to longer life expectancy and unhealthy lifestyles, and stressed the importance of prevention campaigns promoting healthier living. The report warned that the biggest risks to the world may come from slow failures or gradual risks, as their impact and long-term implications can be underestimated due to their emergence over an extended period of time. | 1 |
Officials in New York City decided to delay the planned clean-up of Zuccotti Park, where anti-Wall Street protesters had set up camp a month earlier. The private owner of the park, Brookfield Office Properties, made the decision to postpone the cleaning without providing a reason. Protesters were happy about the postponement and celebrated at the park, but several people were arrested when a group marched through the financial district. A representative from the New York Police Department confirmed that arrests were made during the protest, but did not disclose the number of arrests or any specific details. Many protesters were concerned that the cleaning operation was an attempt to dismantle the movement, which has led to solidarity protests in over 1,400 cities. Global rallies were planned for Saturday in 71 countries, as reported by Occupy Together and United for Global Change. Protesters are frustrated by the U.S. bank bailouts that allowed banks to make substantial profits while average Americans continue to struggle with high unemployment and job insecurity. They also argue that the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans are not paying their fair share in taxes. Approximately 1,000 protesters gathered at a New York park early on Friday, where many had stayed up all night cleaning it themselves. Throughout the park, large buckets were filled with brooms and mops as protesters prepared for a clean-up. Many individuals had packed up their belongings in anticipation of the cleaning efforts. Bailey Bryant, a 28-year-old bank employee who visits the camp after work and on weekends, stated, "We clean up after ourselves. It's not like there's rats and roaches running around the park." Some people at the park were worried that the postponed clean-up was just a tactic to force them out. Sofia Johnson, a 17-year-old high school student from Brooklyn, expressed skepticism about the situation, stating that it still seemed plausible that the clean-up could happen. Brookfield, the company that owns the park, claimed that the conditions were unsanitary and unsafe due to a lack of toilets and garbage cans. They also received complaints from neighbors about lewd behavior, drug use, harassment, and offensive odors from the protesters. Brookfield did not respond to requests for comment on Friday morning. In accordance with park regulations, Brookfield representatives, accompanied by police, distributed notices to protesters on Thursday informing them that the park would be cleaned in three stages and reopened for public use in compliance with park rules. These rules prohibit camping, tents or other structures, lying on the ground, placing tarps or sleeping bags on the ground, and storing personal property - activities that the protesters have been engaged in since September 17. The deputy mayor announced that Brookfield was postponing the park cleaning and temporarily retracting their request for police assistance during the operation. Brookfield is hopeful that they can reach an agreement with the protesters to maintain a clean, safe park for public use while being considerate of residents and businesses downtown. The situation will continue to be monitored. Hundreds of individuals have been taken into custody at demonstrations in New York, and dozens have been arrested in various cities such as Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, Austin, and San Francisco over the past few weeks. Additionally, solidarity gatherings have emerged at over 140 college campuses in 25 states across the U.S., as reported by Occupy Colleges. | 1 |
When Hillary Clinton first traveled as secretary of state, she stated that the US should not let human rights issues interfere with working with China on global challenges. Now that Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng is reportedly under US protection in Beijing, the US will see if China agrees. Chen's escape and request for US protection come at a complicated time for both countries, with economic and security talks approaching and China dealing with a political scandal. US officials believe it is unlikely that they would hand Chen over to China against his will. China now faces a decision - risk damaging the overall relationship with the US by standing firm, or seek a compromise, a possibility that many analysts and officials believe is likely, but not guaranteed. "I don't think they will completely destroy the relationship," a senior official from the Obama administration said anonymously. "It's not as serious as a spy plane incident or Tiananmen Square. I believe they will attempt to handle the situation." In 2001, relations between Beijing and Washington deteriorated after a Chinese fighter jet collided with a US surveillance plane. The Tiananmen Square incident in 1989, where Chinese troops violently suppressed pro-democracy protesters in the square, worsened relations with Washington even further. The United States has not confirmed reports of Chen's escape from house arrest in China, but China has also not commented directly on the situation. According to Texas-based ChinaAid, Chen is reportedly under US protection and there are ongoing high level talks between US and Chinese officials about his status. The timing of this incident is awkward as it coincides with the visit of US secretaries of state and treasury to Beijing for the Strategic and Economic Dialogue. This situation is reminiscent of when Chinese official Wang Lijun fled to the US consulate in Chengdu, sparking the Bo Xilai scandal. Chris Johnson, who was recently the top China analyst for the CIA, described the current state of Sino-US relations as almost like a perfect storm due to recent events such as the Bo Xilai case, Chen's escape, and the potential sale of new F-16s to Taiwan by the United States. He believes that some in Beijing may view these events as part of a US containment strategy to hinder China's growth. The resolution of these issues will depend on how China's leadership balances nationalist sentiments with a desire to avoid disruptions to the leadership succession in the Chinese communist party this autumn. There is currently a leaning towards a quick and quiet resolution to prevent further negative impact on foreign relations and domestic politics. Professor Shi Yinhong, an expert in US-China relations at Renmin University, believes that China is motivated to resolve these issues promptly as there is too much at stake to cancel upcoming meetings between the two countries. I believe the United States will not use this strategy to humiliate China. They are focused on trying to shape China's stance on North Korea and Syria. They aim to minimize the repercussions of this situation, as they are aware it is already a source of embarrassment for China. The US and China have a history of resolving complex issues, such as the mid-air collision incident on April 1, 2001, where a US Navy EP-3 signals intelligence plane collided with a Chinese fighter near Hainan island, resulting in the death of a Chinese pilot and the emergency landing of the US aircraft on Hainan. The 24 US crew-members were held captive until April 11, when they were released following a letter of apology from the United States for the death of the Chinese pilot and the unauthorized entry of the EP-3 into Chinese airspace. In February 2009, Clinton stated that while the US would continue to address issues with China such as Taiwan, Tibet, and human rights, these concerns would not overshadow global crises such as the economic, climate change, and security crises. Despite the suggestion that human rights might be deprioritized, analysts believed it was unlikely for the US to betray Chen on moral and political grounds. Tom Malinowski, a former member of President Bill Clinton's White House and current Washington director for Human Rights Watch, stated that handing Chen over against his will would be morally unacceptable to most people in the administration. Mitt Romney, a Republican presidential candidate, has criticized Obama for his stance on China, which would worsen if Obama were to abandon Chen. Analysts and rights activists have outlined two potential outcomes for resolving Chen's situation, including his release within China with assurances of safety for himself, his family, and those who aided his escape, or his exile despite his own hesitance to leave China. Kenneth Lieberthal, director of the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution in Washington, stated that they would only force the individual out of China if they were very confident that he would not face consequences for his actions. Lieberthal expressed difficulty in being confident about this if the individual remains in China. He mentioned that there is uncertainty about what may happen, but it is likely that the individual will eventually be escorted to the airport with assurances that he can leave on a plane. Lieberthal also stated that the individual may not be able to return to China, possibly never or at least not in the near future. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on weather-vulnerable countries to come together and express their concerns at the upcoming UN climate conference in South Africa. She stated that the economic cost of climate change is $130 billion and emphasized the need for timely action to prevent further increases in costs. Hasina made these remarks while inaugurating the Climate Vulnerable Forum 2011 at a hotel in Dhaka on Monday. The Climate Vulnerable Forum has emerged as a prominent voice on climate change since the UN summit in Copenhagen two years ago. Hasina emphasized that climate change is a serious injustice that must be recognized by the global community, pointing out that countries like Bangladesh bear the brunt of the damage despite making minimal contributions to the issue. The initial Climate Vulnerable Forum took place in Malé, Maldives in 2009, followed by the second one in Kiribati the following year. This forum consists of small island nations, countries with extensive low-lying coastlines like Vietnam and Bangladesh, and arid nations in East Africa. Hasina expressed disappointment at the lack of concrete support for adaptation efforts by vulnerable countries. She emphasized the need for easier access to funding and technology, as well as clarity on how the global community plans to raise funds for the Green Climate Fund between 2012 and 2020. Prior to the COP17 in Durban, the prime minister called for vulnerable countries to unite and voice their concerns in the program. She stated that in order to address climate change, it is essential to work with international partners and establish a strong partnership. The United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, who was the keynote speaker during his three-day trip to Dhaka, emphasized the importance of launching the Green Climate Fund in Durban. He stressed that Durban must fulfill the agreements made in Cancún the previous year, stating that an empty fund would not be enough. In Cancún, Mexico, it was agreed that the fund would be established. The speaker emphasized the need for Durban to develop a plan of action regarding loss and damage in order to assist countries like Bangladesh that are heavily impacted by severe weather events. He stressed the importance of not burdening the poorest and most vulnerable populations with the associated costs. The UN chief expressed hope that governments would reach a compromise on the Kyoto protocol to pave the way for a more comprehensive climate agreement in the future. He cited the example of how a cyclone in 1991 resulted in 140,000 deaths, while a cyclone in 2007 only claimed 4,000 lives in Bangladesh. He attributed the lower death toll in 2007 to the Bangladesh Cyclone Preparedness program, which involved volunteers using bullhorns and bicycles to evacuate over three million people. Bangladesh is known as one of the most at-risk countries to climate change globally. If sea levels rise by two meters, approximately 30 million Bangladeshis would have to relocate from their residences. The Dhaka declaration from the climate forum will be officially adopted at 4:30pm. | 1 |
A protest involving over 1,000 people caused heavy traffic congestion in the Brazilian capital near the Mané Garrincha National Stadium, the most expensive stadium constructed for the upcoming sports event involving 32 nations. Furthermore, indigenous individuals in traditional tribal attire armed with bows joined the protesters from the Homeless Worker's movement, expressing their discontent over the high costs of building stadiums for the World Cup, which led to a surge in real estate prices and the displacement of lower-income families. As Brazil races to complete stadiums and urban transport systems ahead of the World Cup, there is a growing trend of civil disobedience among various Brazilian groups who believe the event's expenses are excessive for a developing nation. The World Cup has become a platform for advocating for various causes, with bus drivers in Rio de Janeiro announcing a 24-hour strike and professors in Sao Paulo marching for a salary increase. Despite local soccer fans eagerly lining up outside the Brasilia stadium to view the Fifa World Cup Trophy, the protest march forced authorities to cancel the display and close the stadium. This protest in Brasilia follows a recent peaceful demonstration in Sao Paulo that disrupted traffic and raised concerns about potential protests and violence during the upcoming World Cup. The military police spokesperson stated that efforts were being made to peacefully contain the protest but intervention would be necessary if the demonstrators reached the stadium. A report from city auditors revealed that Brasilia's stadium will cost significantly more than initially budgeted, and while indigenous groups have not typically participated in anti-World Cup protests, they have been actively protesting against changes to the rules regarding Indian reservation boundaries. President Dilma Rousseff has assured the Homeless Worker's movement that squatters near stadiums will receive affordable government housing. However, her administration has issued a caution that they will deploy troops if needed to ensure that demonstrations do not interfere with the soccer matches. Approximately 600,000 international soccer enthusiasts are anticipated to journey to Brazil for the World Cup. | 1 |
Officials and diplomats were discussing various issues such as banana imports and protection of product names in preparation for the upcoming ministerial trade negotiations. Trade experts emphasized that the importance of the Doha round talks extends beyond tariff and subsidy cuts, showing the international community's ability to address major problems like the food crisis. World Trade Organisation Chief Economist Patrick Low expressed concern about governments' inability to reach an agreement on trade negotiations and questioned their ability to handle issues like climate change. WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy called for a breakthrough in the long-running Doha round at the upcoming Geneva meeting, which is scheduled to last a week, aiming to open up world trade and help developing countries escape poverty. Negotiators are expressing a new sense of urgency and even optimism as they work towards clinching the outlines of a deal in agriculture and industrial goods. Ministers from approximately 30 countries are aiming to finalize the deal next week to avoid being overshadowed by the U.S. elections and the upcoming change in the White House. Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges of finance, food, and fuel in any potential agreement, stating that these issues are the context in which the negotiations are taking place. World leaders including U.S. President George W. Bush and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have also called for a deal to be reached. A trade agreement will involve wealthy nations such as the United States, Japan, and members of the EU reducing farm tariffs and subsidies to allow more access to their markets for food. In exchange, countries like India and Brazil will lower their tariffs to provide greater access to their markets for industrial goods and services. After ministers reach an agreement on the framework, negotiators will work on the specific details over the next few months, covering thousands of tariff lines and addressing other issues such as fisheries subsidies and rules for imports. The main challenge is whether ministers can bridge the gap between developed and developing nations. France, the largest food producer in the EU and the current EU presidency holder, stated that the EU has made all possible concessions in agriculture. French Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Idrac stated at a press conference in Brussels that the shared goal is to achieve a rebalancing of the concessions made by the EU. EU trade chief Peter Mandelson mentioned that EU governments had supported him in seeking further concessions in the WTO negotiations. In the WTO's consensus-based structure, each of the 152 current members (soon to be 153 with Cape Verde joining) has the power to veto. Developing countries argue that, based on the Doha round's development mandate, they should be required to open their markets to a lesser extent than wealthier nations. However, they are being asked to expose their subsistence farmers and emerging industries to competition while wealthier nations continue to protect their own farmers. Wealthy nations insist that they need to show tangible benefits in market access in countries like India and China in order to gain support for a deal that requires significant cuts in farm protection domestically. They believe that the most significant gains will be seen in South-South trade, where developing countries trade with each other. While the prevailing belief is that free trade leads to economic growth and overall prosperity, some non-governmental organizations argue that the current Doha proposals will actually increase poverty among farmers and workers in poor countries and further entrench their dependence on wealthy nations. Anuradha Mittal, the executive director of the Oakland Institute, a U.S.-based thinktank, expressed opposition to the proposal put forth by communities and social movements, stating that it hinders developing countries from implementing necessary measures to address the crisis. On the other hand, Pascal Lamy, a stern Frenchman and former EU trade chief, believes strongly in the potential of a Doha deal to reduce distortions in the global trading system for the benefit of poorer countries. He argues that this could ultimately increase food supplies in the long term and boost confidence in the short term. Lamy suggests that providing a positive signal in the system may be one of the few ways to offer good news, as he sees no other avenue for this to occur. | 1 |
According to official figures released on Tuesday, India's greenhouse gas emissions increased by 58 percent between 1994 and 2007. This growth was mainly due to the coal-reliant power sector, which nearly doubled its share in emissions during this time period. Total emissions reached 1.9 billion tonnes in 2007, up from 1.2 billion in 1994, with the industry and transport sectors also contributing more to emissions in India, confirming the country's position among the top five carbon polluters in the world. In comparison, India's increase in emissions between 1994 and 2007 exceeded the total annual emissions of Australia. Despite this growth, India still has relatively low per-capita emissions, about one-tenth of the United States. The power sector was responsible for 719.30 million tonnes of emissions in 2007, up from 355.03 million tonnes in 1994, while the transport sector saw its emissions increase to 142.04 million tonnes from 80.28 million tonnes during the same period. Industrial emissions increased by just over 30% during the same time period, while emissions from the agriculture sector slightly decreased from 1994-2007 as its share in the Indian economy declined. The report emphasizes India's growing importance in U.N.-led climate negotiations to replace the Kyoto Protocol and the necessity of involving major developing countries in global efforts to combat climate change. Data from the government report, unveiled by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh at a conference in New Delhi, indicates that India is approaching Russia as the third largest greenhouse gas emitter worldwide, with emissions totaling nearly 2.2 billion tonnes in 2007. China remains the top emitter of greenhouse gases linked to global warming. The United States ranks second in emissions, with Russia's emissions growing slower than India's due to its rapidly expanding economy. India's focus on lifting citizens out of poverty has led to increased investments in various industries, including coal, steel, cement, mining, and renewable energy. In 2007, the emissions of the United States and China were nearly four times higher than those of India. Additionally, India has successfully reduced its energy intensity by over 30 percent between 1994 and 2007 through proactive efforts and policies. He stated that they plan to keep up this trend. Energy intensity measures the energy used per unit of gross domestic product. India has a target to reduce carbon intensity by 20 to 25 percent by 2020 compared to 2005 levels. The last official report to the United Nations on India's emissions was in 1994 since as a developing country, India is not required to report annual emissions like wealthy nations. The most recent UN emissions data for developed countries is from 2007. Even though India has introduced a new climate plan that emphasizes renewable energy, like solar power, coal continues to be the main source of energy in a country where nearly half of the 1.1 billion population lacks access to electricity. India has a significant portion of the world's coal reserves and plans to increase power generation primarily from coal in the next five years. Currently, coal makes up about 60 percent of the nation's energy mix. While developing nations are responsible for more than half of global greenhouse gas emissions, this number is expected to rise as they transition to renewable energy and improve energy efficiency. A recent government report predicted that India's greenhouse gas emissions could increase significantly by 2031, but per-capita emissions would still be lower than the global average. | 1 |
As prices for wheat and rice rise, the potato is being recognized as a valuable and nutritious crop that could help feed a hungry world. Originating from Peru, potatoes can thrive in various climates and elevations, requiring minimal water and maturing quickly. They can produce more food per hectare compared to wheat or rice. Pamela Anderson, director of the International Potato Center, emphasizes the importance of potatoes in ensuring food security amidst potential shortages in the global food supply. The potato is being recognized for its potential to alleviate hunger caused by rising food prices, a growing population, increasing costs for fertilizer and diesel, and more land being used for biofuel production. The United Nations designated 2008 as the International Year of the Potato to bring attention to its value as a "hidden treasure". Governments, such as Peru's, are also promoting the use of potatoes as a solution to rising wheat prices by encouraging bakers to make bread with potato flour. This potato bread is being distributed to school children, prisoners, and the military in hopes of starting a trend. Supporters claim that potato bread tastes just as delicious as wheat bread, but there are not enough mills producing potato flour. Ismael Benavides, Peru's agriculture minister, believes that people's eating habits need to change as they became accustomed to consuming wheat when it was inexpensive. Despite the potato originating in Peru 8,000 years ago, Peruvians consume fewer potatoes than Europeans. Belarus is the top consumer of potatoes worldwide, with each person in the country eating an average of 376 pounds (171 kg) annually. India aims to double its potato production in the next five to 10 years, according to food experts. China, a country that has historically experienced severe famines due to its heavy reliance on rice, is now the leading producer of potatoes globally. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the potato is experiencing significant growth compared to other crops. In Latvia, rising bread prices have led to a decrease in sales, with consumers opting to buy more potatoes instead. The developing world is seeing a surge in potato cultivation, providing an opportunity for impoverished farmers to increase their income. Anderson stated that countries are considering the potato as a viable option for improving food security and generating income. The potato is ranked as the third most important food crop globally, following wheat and rice. While corn is predominantly grown for animal feed, potatoes come in approximately 5,000 varieties. Peru is sending numerous seeds to the Doomsday Vault near the Arctic Circle to contribute to a gene bank for food crops as a precaution against a potential global catastrophe. Potatoes come in a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes, providing creative chefs with 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 release energy slowly and have a low fat content compared to wheat. They also have fewer calories than bread and are high in protein, calcium, vitamin C, iron, potassium, and zinc when boiled. Speculators are not interested in potatoes because they are not a global commodity like wheat, which attracts professional investors. Wheat production is almost double that of potatoes, with only about 5 percent of potatoes being traded internationally. Prices for potatoes are driven by local tastes rather than international demand, and the slow global trade in raw potatoes is due to their weight and tendency to rot during transit. They can also easily get infected with diseases which hinders their export to prevent the spread of plant diseases. However, the drawback is that prices in certain countries are not high enough to incentivize farmers to cultivate them. Locals in Peruvian markets believe that the government should intervene to increase demand. Juana Villavicencio, who has been growing potatoes for 15 years, stated that the low prices make it unprofitable to work with potatoes. She now sells them for very little money at a market in Cusco, located in the southern Andes region of Peru. Science is advancing quickly, with German chemicals group BASF working on developing genetically modified potatoes that can resist "late blight." This disease caused famine in Ireland in the 19th century and still results in approximately 20 percent of potato harvest losses worldwide. Researchers believe that farmers who plant virus-free seeds can increase their yields by 30 percent and be eligible for export. This could lead to higher income for farmers and increased production, as companies would be able to sell specialty potatoes internationally rather than just as frozen french fries or potato chips. | 1 |
US President Barack Obama stated on Sunday that the global economy was showing signs of recovery, but cautioned that failure to address imbalances in the global economic system could result in future crises. Speaking to leaders from the Asia Pacific region in Singapore, Obama emphasized the importance of re-balancing the global economy. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum's statement endorsed stimulus measures to prevent a relapse into recession and called for a successful conclusion to the Doha Round of trade talks in 2010. Earlier discussions about maintaining market-oriented exchange rates were omitted from the final communique due to disagreements between the US and China. A delegate from APEC, who chose to remain anonymous, mentioned that the dispute between China and the US regarding exchange rates had delayed the conclusion of the talks after two days. This highlights the tensions that are expected to arise when President Obama visits China following the US decision to impose tariffs on Chinese tires. China is concerned that this could lead to additional duties on other Chinese products that are becoming popular in the US market. During the APEC meeting, Obama warned against reverting to the same economic policies that caused the global recession, emphasizing the need for more balanced growth. "If we don't change course, we will keep experiencing one crisis after another, which has already harmed our citizens, businesses, and governments," stated Obama. "We are at a critical moment in history where we can choose a new direction - one that focuses on creating jobs and sustainable growth. This strategy involves saving more, spending less, reforming the financial system, and reducing deficits and borrowing." Washington is also interested in having major exporters like China increase their domestic demand. Chinese President Hu Jintao has faced pressure to allow the yuan to increase in value, but at APEC meetings, he focused on trade restrictions on developing countries instead. When Obama visits China, the yuan will be a key topic of discussion, as it has been tied to the US dollar since 2008 to protect China's economy. The US believes that an undervalued yuan is causing imbalances in trade between the two countries. China is seeking market economy status from the US and wants trade concessions that would make it more difficult for the US to take action against Chinese goods. China's central bank announced last week that it will take into account major currencies when guiding the yuan, indicating a shift away from the peg. Obama arrived in Singapore late on Saturday, missing much of the day's formal talks where leaders criticized the US for hindering free trade with policies like "Buy America" campaigns. APEC is the final gathering of global decision-makers before the UN climate summit in Copenhagen in three weeks, which aims to accelerate efforts to combat climate change. Negotiations for the summit have stalled, but a US official stated that Obama supported a two-step plan proposed by the Danish prime minister to work towards an operational agreement first and address legally binding details later. The APEC statement did not include any references to emissions reductions that were in previous drafts. | 1 |
The family of the alleged shooter in the Arizona shooting expressed sadness on Tuesday over the "violent events," while the congresswoman who was shot in the head showed signs of improvement. In their first public statement, relatives of Jared Lee Loughner, 22, said it was a "very difficult time" and requested privacy. "There are no words that can possibly express how we feel. We wish there were, so we could make you feel better," read the statement, attributed to "The Loughner Family." The eight-sentence statement did not mention the young man accused in the shooting at a Tucson shopping mall that resulted in the deaths of six people, including a federal judge, and injuries to 14 others. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was left in critical condition after being shot, with a bullet passing through her brain. The family statement expressed confusion and a desire to change the tragic events of the shooting, expressing deep care and sympathy for the victims and their families. Giffords, a 40-year-old Democrat, was in critical condition at a Tucson hospital but is "holding her own," responding to simple commands and breathing without the aid of her ventilation tube, according to her doctor. Dr. Michael Lemole, head of neurosurgery at the University Medical Center, expressed optimism about her progress, stating that she looks better than expected and they are hopeful for her recovery. He emphasized that her recovery will be a gradual process, taking it week by week and month by month. President Barack Obama plans to travel to Arizona on Wednesday to attend a memorial service for those who were killed, including a 9-year-old girl. In Washington, the House of Representatives was set to vote on condemning the violent attack that almost took the life of one of their colleagues and sparked discussions about the heated politics of recent campaigns. The parents of the accused gunman, Loughner, are devastated, with Loughner being held until a preliminary hearing on January 24 for five federal charges, including the attempted assassination of Giffords. Two young men came out of the gunman's home in a middle-class Tucson neighborhood and distributed the family's statement to the media waiting outside, with a neighbor previously telling local media that Loughner's parents, Amy and Randy Loughner, were devastated. "Their child is not Amy and Randy, and it is important for people to recognize that. They are heartbroken. Wouldn't you feel the same if it were your child?" neighbor Wayne Smith, visibly emotional, told Phoenix's News Channel Three. A recent CBS News poll revealed that most Americans do not believe that heated political discourse played a role in the shootings that occurred in Arizona over the weekend. The survey revealed that 57 percent of participants believed that the violent political atmosphere was not connected to the shooting, while 32 percent thought it was. Republicans were the most likely to reject any connection, with 69 percent stating that harsh rhetoric was unrelated to the attack. Although the motive behind the attack was unclear, many politicians and analysts have suggested that a culture of intense language and division could have played a role. Former President Bill Clinton advised caution when speaking publicly, noting the significant impact of online platforms in creating an echo chamber of ideas. Lawmakers from both political parties have urged for more civility in politics, and a bipartisan prayer service will be held on Wednesday by members of Congress. Colleagues of Giffords in Congress paused their work following the shootings, leading many to reconsider their own safety. The vote to repeal Obama's healthcare reforms has been postponed by the Republican-led House, which Giffords and other Democrats supported. Loughner allegedly used a semi-automatic Glock pistol to shoot congresswoman Giffords while she was meeting constituents in a supermarket parking lot. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer expressed in a speech in Tucson that in a short amount of time, six loved ones were taken away and the community's sense of well-being was also lost. She mentioned that the impact of the tragedy on Tucson and Arizona as a whole cannot be fully quantified. Over 600 mourners attended a memorial service at St. Odilia Catholic Church for the shooting victims. In response to potential protests at the victims' funerals by a Kansas fundamentalist Christian church, Arizona state lawmakers passed a bill to prevent this from happening. Governor Brewer promptly signed the bill into law. The small church's members have become well-known for showing up at military funerals and stating that the soldiers were punished by God due to the country's acceptance of homosexuality. They also attended the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards. | 1 |
Xi's address to political leaders, CEOs, and bankers at the World Economic Forum in Davos was the first of its kind by a Chinese leader. This event could potentially signify a change in the global political landscape as western democracies grapple with the surge of populist nationalism. Despite being a one-party communist state with strict limitations on foreign investment, China, unexpectedly, appeared to support free markets at an event known for global capitalism. With Trump advocating for protectionism and Europe dealing with issues like Brexit and terror attacks, China sees an opportunity to step in as a potential leader in the global economy. During his speech, Xi compared protectionism to being locked in a dark room without any light or air, emphasizing that no one would benefit from a trade war. The speech, which lasted nearly an hour, was delivered in front of a large audience that included U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. Real estate tycoon and former reality TV personality Trump, who is set to become the U.S. president this Friday, ran his campaign on the promise of taking a tougher stance on trade with China and either renegotiating or abandoning international trade agreements. His team has accused China of engaging in economic warfare against the U.S. However, Xi responded by rejecting the claims of unfair trade practices, stating that China would not manipulate its currency for competitive advantage, as Trump has alleged in the past. Xi also called on all countries that signed the Paris climate agreement about a year ago to uphold their commitments, a direct message to Trump, who has criticized the deal and hinted at withdrawing the U.S. from it. China's strong presence at Davos this year, with several high-ranking government officials accompanying Xi, demonstrates the country's growing influence and ambitions on the global stage. A significant number of WEF discussions are centered on Asia, with one titled "Asia Takes the Lead." Klaus Schwab, the founder and chairman of WEF, mentioned that in a world full of uncertainty, China is being looked to for leadership. Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt commented on Xi's speech on Twitter, noting that Xi Jinping seems to be aiming to take on a global economic leadership role. Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, tweeted that the reaction to Xi's speech at Davos was successful in all aspects. Xi's appearance, which was a departure from previous official Chinese speeches, comes as tensions between Beijing and Trump are on the rise. Trump's recent actions, such as accepting a call from the president of Taiwan and questioning America's "One China" policy, have prompted strong reactions from Chinese media. Despite Xi's portrayal of China as an open economy, criticism has mounted over its restrictions on foreign investments while state-run firms are making aggressive acquisitions in Europe. In response to these concerns, China's cabinet announced plans to relax limits on investment in banks and other financial institutions ahead of Xi's speech. However, no further information was given and there was no schedule for when these plans would be put into action. Some officials, who chose to remain anonymous, suggested that China may be trying to take advantage of the growing rift between the United States and Europe for economic gain. Bob Moritz, the global chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers, expressed uncertainty about China's future actions in the global arena, questioning whether they will focus more on regional or global matters in negotiations. This is a development that will need to be monitored closely in the coming year. Concerns about a severe economic downturn in China impacted global markets at last year's WEF meeting. While these worries have lessened, the IMF cautioned on Monday about continued risks to the Chinese economy, such as heavy dependence on government spending, extensive lending by state banks, and a property market at risk of overheating. Xi attempted to provide reassurance by stating that the economy was transitioning to a "new normal" driven by household consumption. Despite a slow global economy, he claimed that China's economy likely grew by 6.7 percent in 2016. However, some economists in Davos still remain wary. Kenneth Rogoff, an economist at Harvard University, stated that China remains one of the largest risks, but is not at the top of the list due to the United States being a major source of uncertainty. | 1 |
The World Health Organization (WHO) has significantly reduced its previous estimate of the number of people who contract malaria annually. This change is attributed to the impact of rapid urbanization in Asia, which has led to the destruction of forest habitats where disease-spreading mosquitoes live. In 2006, the WHO reported that 247 million people worldwide were infected with malaria, a significant decrease from their previous estimate of 350 million to 500 million cases per year. The global death toll from malaria has also been revised down by approximately 10 percent compared to the WHO's previous report issued three years ago, mainly due to improvements in calculation methods. The World Health Organization stated that it is uncertain if there was a decrease in cases and deaths between 2004 and 2006. A report revealed that 881,000 people died from malaria in 2006, which is lower than previous estimates of over 1 million annual deaths from the disease. Malaria, which predominantly affects infants, children, and pregnant women, has received significant amounts of public funding from organizations like the WHO, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Clinton Foundation. The Roll Back Malaria Partnership of the WHO is advocating for an increase in funding for malaria to $3.4 billion per year, up from $1.2 billion, to enhance access to artemisinin-based drugs and insecticide-treated bed nets for prevention. Estimating the global burden of disease is a challenging task and often requires major revisions by public health experts. Last year, the WHO revised its estimate of people infected with the AIDS virus to 33 million from 40 million due to new data from India. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also increased its estimate of annual HIV cases by 40 percent using more precise reporting methods. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, stated that less than one-third of the organization's member states have reliable disease monitoring systems, highlighting the need for accurate information on diseases like malaria. She announced that the malaria report will now be released yearly to provide decision-makers with up-to-date information on the disease, especially with the recent increase in funding and efforts to reduce the malaria burden. Novartis AG's medication Coartem is utilized in the treatment of malaria, while other pharmaceutical companies like Austria's Intercell are also in the process of developing malaria vaccines. However, it is anticipated that these vaccines will not be available on the market for several years. Malaria is most commonly found in Africa, where the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the number of cases using climate data related to mosquito breeding patterns, as well as sample surveys. In 2006, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania had the highest number of malaria-related deaths, according to the WHO. Outside of Africa, countries heavily affected by malaria included India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. | 1 |
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd marked his first 100 days in office by releasing a booklet outlining his accomplishments on Friday. He defended his government against critics who claimed that there has been little change since he assumed office. The Labor Party, led by Rudd, won the election 97 days prior on Nov. 24, 2007, putting an end to almost 12 years of conservative rule. Rudd officially became Prime Minister on Dec. 3. Despite criticisms that his government has established numerous committees, reviews, and inquiries without making significant decisions, Rudd remains committed to his approach. Sydney Morning Herald Political Correspondent Phillip Coorey expressed concerns about Rudd's reliance on committees in a recent article. Rudd's 55-page book highlights his decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, send additional troops to East Timor, and prepare to withdraw Australian combat forces from Iraq as significant achievements. However, Rudd emphasized that the most impactful change during his tenure was his government's apology to the indigenous population for past mistreatment. He defended his administration's establishment of numerous committees and inquiries, stating that the previous conservative government had initiated even more in a single year. Rudd stated that it is important for a new government to identify areas that require review for future direction. Political analyst Nick Economou praised Rudd for starting his government well and seeking national consensus for his agenda. Economou believes Rudd is doing a good job, especially in handling the apology issue. He also mentioned that even if Rudd were to be removed from office tomorrow, he has already made a significant mark in Australian political history. He mentioned that Rudd's interest in committees and reviews, as well as his upcoming ideas summit involving 1,000 people in April, are all aimed at assisting the government in implementing its plans. He stated that Rudd has a clear agenda but is seeking input from others in order to achieve his goals. Rudd has a clear vision of where he wants to go, but is focused on finding the right process to reach a consensus. | 1 |
The European Union and United States are expected to reach an agreement at a summit on Monday acknowledging climate change as a significant challenge that requires immediate and ongoing global action. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is urging the Bush administration to implement tangible measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in order to combat climate change. Merkel is hopeful that the joint statement will set the stage for a larger agreement on addressing global warming at the upcoming G8 summit in Heiligendamm, which she will be hosting. Merkel expressed optimism about progress in the areas of climate and energy efficiency, and emphasized the importance of building on this foundation for a comprehensive agreement involving G8 countries, as well as potentially India and China. The discussion on energy security, efficiency, and climate change will be introduced alongside a broader "Transatlantic Economic Partnership" aimed at reducing expensive non-tariff trade barriers between the EU and United States. This partnership will involve aligning regulatory standards and collaborating on areas such as intellectual property, trade security, investment, and financial markets. A council, led by EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen and White House economic adviser Allan Hubbard, will be established to oversee progress in harmonizing regulations and provide annual reports to EU and US leaders. In addition to the planned agenda, Merkel and Bush will engage in discussions on various international issues ranging from Iran's nuclear program to Middle East peace. Recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin criticizing US plans for a missile shield in central Europe and suspending Moscow's commitments under a key arms treaty have also brought Russian relations to the forefront. Washington believes the shield would defend against threats from countries like Iran and North Korea, while Moscow views it as a threat to its former sphere of influence. Merkel stressed the importance of discussing the issue with Russia through the NATO-Russia council. German officials see the joint declaration on climate change as progress, although it lacks specific commitments. The draft emphasizes the need to stabilize greenhouse gases and acknowledges the IPCC's report on the impact of rising temperatures. It calls for the development of advanced technologies to reduce global emissions and promises cooperation at the upcoming U.N. meeting on climate change in Bali. During her fourth trip to Washington, Merkel has forged a strong bond with Bush, repairing the strained relations that occurred when her predecessor Gerhard Schroeder clashed with the US president over the Iraq war. However, as the Heiligendamm summit approaches in less than six weeks, Merkel faces a challenging task in convincing Bush to commit to broader, enforceable international measures to combat climate change. German officials are also worried that the growing tensions between Washington and Moscow over the missile shield, as well as the impending conflict over Kosovo's independence, could overshadow the summit scheduled for June 6-8. | 1 |
He mentioned that it was a source of pride for the group when she received an invitation from the G7, which is considered influential in global affairs. The ruling Awami League's central sub-committee on international affairs organized an Iftar program for journalists covering foreign affairs in Bangladesh, with Obaidul Quader, the party's General Secretary, as the chief guest. The event was attended by Chairman Ambassador Mohammad Zamir, International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed, and other members of the sub-committee including Barrister Shah Ali Farhad and Nadia Choudhury. The Prime Minister is currently in Canada to participate in the G7 outreach session, following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This elite club has invited Hasina, a leader of a developing country, for the third time, which Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali described as "unprecedented". Hasina previously attended meetings in Japan in 2016 and in Italy in 2001. Ali stated that this recognition reflects the prime minister's significant role in promoting world peace and development. He also highlighted her efforts in addressing climate change, women and children affairs, and the blue economy. The other members of the grouping include France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US. The prime minister will address the topic of enhancing resilience through coordinated adaptation planning, emergency readiness, and recovery. Prior to returning to Dhaka on Tuesday, she will hold a one-on-one meeting with Trudeau on Sunday. The Awami League's sub-committee on international affairs was introduced to journalists during the Iftar, as it was recently established. Shammi Ahmed encouraged journalists to provide constructive criticism when discussing government activists. | 1 |
A wealthy supermarket magnate is the frontrunner in Panama's upcoming presidential election, with voters seeking reassurance about their economy in the midst of the global economic crisis. Ricardo Martinelli, a pro-business conservative, holds a significant lead in polls over Balbina Herrera of the ruling party, who has a controversial past and ties to a former military leader. The current President's party, the PRD, has lost popularity due to rising prices and crime rates, leading some voters to express frustration with unfulfilled promises and the lack of stability in the cost of living. Panama's strong economy, fueled by luxury apartment construction, US-Asia trade through the canal, and a robust banking sector, has led Latin America in growth for the past two years. However, analysts predict a slowdown to 3 percent or less this year due to decreasing credit availability, a drop in canal traffic, and slowing activity in the Caribbean free-trade zone. This has caused concern for voters dealing with high inflation and crime rates. Despite this, Martinelli has a lead in the polls and only needs to gain more votes than his rival to win, even if he falls short of 50 percent. If elected, Martinelli, a US-educated businessman and former minister, plans to boost job growth through infrastructure spending. Martinelli expressed his intention on Friday to implement a flat tax ranging from 10 to 20 percent, with plans to increase tax rates for the banking and insurance sectors while reducing them for small-business owners. His well-funded campaign significantly exceeded Herrera's budget, and his efforts to appeal to lower-income voters, typically aligned with the PRD, included images of him assisting on a banana plantation and collecting garbage in urban areas. Additionally, his charitable work in education played a role in garnering support. According to Ercilia Ramos, a 60-year-old cattle farmer, Martinelli's wealth does not imply corruption as he is known for his philanthropic efforts towards the less fortunate. The PRD's Herrera had a conflict with Washington when she protested against former U.S. President George H.W. Bush during his visit to Panama after the 1989 U.S. invasion that removed military dictator Gen. Manuel Noriega. Despite her past ties to Noriega, who is now serving time in a Florida prison, Herrera, 54, struggles to distance herself from him. Noriega claimed he sought refuge in Herrera's home during the invasion. Despite this, she now expresses a desire to maintain strong relations with the U.S. and her campaign plans are comparable to Martinelli's. Both candidates have promised to address issues such as crime, inflation, and poverty by focusing on education and infrastructure. It is believed that neither candidate will significantly increase the budget deficit. Foreign investors have expressed confidence that Panama's economy and investment climate will remain stable regardless of the election outcome. Roger Khafif, the developer of the Trump Ocean Club in Panama City, emphasized that Panama is a favorable environment for business with minimal government interference, and he does not foresee any negative impact on his business from either candidate winning the election. An agricultural engineer who transitioned into politics after serving as a mayor, lawmaker, and housing minister, Herrera grew up in a tough neighborhood in Panama City with five siblings raised by a single mother who worked as a house cleaner. Her background resonates with voters like Maria Zuniga, a street pedicurist who sees Herrera as tough on crime and believes she will bring about positive change. Former President Guillermo Endara, 72, is a distant third in the polls with only about 5 percent support. Panamanians will also be voting for a new legislature on Sunday. | 1 |
The European Union and Southeast Asian nations have agreed to enhance their political and economic cooperation, with the exception of Myanmar which is hindering a comprehensive free trade agreement. During a meeting in Nuremberg, foreign ministers adopted a declaration on Enhanced Partnership focusing on closer collaboration in security, energy, environment, and development. They also committed to working together on issues such as terrorism, money laundering, cyber crime, drug trafficking, and climate change. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana expressed satisfaction with the progress in relations between the two sides, not just in economic and trade matters, but also in politics. He highlighted the shared perspectives between the EU and the Southeast Asian countries as significant. Analysts believe that ASEAN is interested in improving its relationship with Europe in order to counterbalance China's increasing power. They also aim to follow the success of the European Union by creating their own single market by 2015. The EU is eager to access the potential of a 10-nation region with a population of 500 million through a free trade agreement, but ASEAN has insisted on including Myanmar in any deal, causing delays. The EU has imposed sanctions on Myanmar due to the military rulers' disregard for a 1990 election won by the main pro-democracy party. EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Walder has urged ASEAN countries to push for improvements in human rights in Myanmar, including the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. She stated, "We want to see Burma/Myanmar transform." The EU is currently working on bilateral cooperation agreements with several Southeast Asian countries while waiting for a full EU-ASEAN trade deal. The goal is to eventually establish a free trade agreement between the two blocs, but initial focus is on individual countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam. While progress is being made with Indonesia, issues need to be resolved with Singapore and Thailand due to a military takeover. The EU also aims to address human rights issues and trade frictions with Vietnam. It is important to note that the EU has a rights dialogue with Hanoi, which is not the case with Myanmar. | 1 |
Trump, a Republican, has claimed there was widespread voter fraud in the November 3 election without providing any evidence to support his allegations. Despite not acknowledging Biden's victory since he secured the Electoral College more than two weeks ago, Trump's announcement on Monday was the closest he has come to accepting defeat. The Trump campaign's legal attempts to overturn the election results in key battleground states have mostly been unsuccessful, prompting a growing number of Republican leaders, business executives, and national security experts to urge the president to start the transition process. Biden won 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232, well surpassing the 270 needed for victory. Additionally, Biden holds a lead of over 6 million votes in the national popular vote. He has started announcing members of his team before receiving government funding or a concession from Trump. However, Democrats have criticized the president for not accepting the election results, saying he is undermining US democracy. The General Services Administration informed Biden on Monday that he can start the transition process, giving him access to resources that were previously denied due to legal challenges. This decision followed Michigan officials certifying Biden as the winner in their state, making Trump's attempts to change the election results even more unlikely to be successful. Trump and his advisers stated that he would continue to pursue legal options, but his tweet indicated that the White House acknowledged it was time to move forward. Trump affirmed that their case was still strong and they would continue to fight, but for the best interest of the country, he recommended that initial protocols be followed. A Trump adviser compared the situation to candidates being briefed during a campaign and emphasized that Trump's tweet was not a concession. The Biden transition team announced that meetings would start with federal officials on the response to the coronavirus pandemic and national security issues. I express my gratitude to Emily Murphy at GSA for her unwavering commitment and loyalty to our country. She has faced harassment, threats, and mistreatment, and I hope that she, her family, and GSA employees are not subjected to this. Our case is still moving forward strongly, and we will continue to persevere. The decision made by the GSA allows Biden's team to have access to federal funds and an official office for their transition until he officially takes office on January 20th. This also enables Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to receive regular national security briefings like Trump does. According to two Trump administration officials, the Biden agency review teams could start working with Trump agency officials as early as Tuesday. Biden announced his foreign policy team on Monday, with Antony Blinken leading the State Department and John Kerry as his special climate envoy. He also appointed Jake Sullivan as his national security adviser and Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the US ambassador to the United Nations, all of whom have extensive government experience. Biden has expressed his intention to reverse Trump's "America First" policies. The 78-year-old Democrat is putting together a team from his home in Delaware in preparation for leading a country dealing with a severe public health crisis. According to two Biden allies who preferred to remain anonymous, he is expected to choose former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen as the next Treasury secretary. Additionally, Biden has taken a step towards undoing Trump's strict immigration policies by nominating Cuban-born lawyer Alejandro Mayorkas to lead the Department of Homeland Security. | 1 |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging the world to come to an agreement on a new climate treaty by 2009 following UN talks in Bali. He emphasized the need for detailed greenhouse gas cuts and stated that the main objective of the meeting was to initiate negotiations for a new pact to replace the current Kyoto Protocol. Ban stressed the urgency of addressing climate change, describing it as the moral challenge of our generation and highlighting the need to act promptly to mitigate its effects. He called for immediate action, despite disagreements among ministers on the terms of launching formal negotiations for a new global treaty to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The United States is opposing references to scientific evidence supporting significant cuts in greenhouse gases by 2020, complicating negotiations. Ban stated that negotiations on this issue will need to happen in the future, agreeing with the perspective of Washington. He mentioned that there is a two-year window before an international agreement can be reached. Despite this, he emphasized the importance of countries adhering to the U.N. climate panel's recommendation of a 25-40 percent reduction to prevent severe climate change impacts. Ban also stressed the importance of creating a roadmap with a strict timeline to reach a climate agreement by 2009, as the United Nations aims to have a new pact adopted in Copenhagen in late 2009. The United States, along with Japan, Canada, and Australia, believes that including a non-binding mention of a 25-to-40 percent range could bias the outcome of negotiations. Paula Dobriansky, US Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, emphasized the importance of not pre-determining the results of the process. On the other hand, the European Union argued that wealthy nations must lead by example in order to persuade developing nations like China and India to reduce their emissions from fossil fuels. German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel stressed the need for a clear starting point and goal in order to make significant progress. Ban urged all countries, including the United States, to be more adaptable and open-minded. He also highlighted the potential positive outcomes of addressing global warming, such as job creation and poverty alleviation in developing countries across Africa and Asia. Australia's new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, recently submitted paperwork to Ban confirming Australia's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol, leaving the United States as the only wealthy nation not bound by emission limits until 2012. Rudd, whose Labor Party won a significant victory in the recent election, emphasized that Australia is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, such as reduced river flows and coral reef damage. He warned that current events are just a glimpse of what is to come. The negotiations are scheduled to conclude by Friday or early Saturday, and traditional annual U.N. climate meetings involve tough negotiations and sessions that last all night. The United Nations is aiming to have an agreement in place by the end of 2009 to allow parliaments three years to ratify it and help direct investments worth billions of dollars in various forms of energy, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and coal-fired power plants. The Kyoto Protocol took eight years to come into effect in 2005, as it required enough countries to ratify it, a process that was delayed in 2001 by the United States' decision not to join. If Bali fails to reach an agreement to start talks, it could jeopardize the chances of a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. In addition to Australia, 36 Kyoto nations have committed to reducing emissions by an average of 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-2012. The United States claims that the Kyoto agreement would negatively impact its economy and unfairly does not include targets for major developing countries for the years 2008-2012. | 1 |
The government announced on Thursday that it plans to reduce tax relief on pension savings for approximately 100,000 higher earners, in an effort to generate 4 billion pounds annually and address a significant budget deficit. This decision comes after recent cuts to child benefits for higher earners and is likely to support the coalition government's argument that its cuts are equitable ahead of Chancellor George Osborne's spending review on Oct 20. Additionally, the government revealed plans to eliminate, combine, or reform 481 semi-independent agencies, a move that could result in the loss of thousands of jobs. These actions, along with other recent measures such as addressing government waste and increasing university fees, indicate the government's intention to significantly reduce departmental budgets by at least 25%. Even the queen is implementing cost-saving measures in light of the challenging economic conditions. On Thursday, a spokeswoman announced that the Queen has decided to cancel a planned Christmas party at Buckingham Palace due to the challenging circumstances currently facing the country. The Treasury released a statement on its website stating that starting in April 2011, the annual allowance for tax-privileged pension savings will be reduced from 255,000 pounds to 50,000 pounds. Approximately 100,000 individuals will be affected by this change, with 80 percent of them earning over 100,000 pounds. Additionally, the lifetime allowance will be decreased from 1.8 million pounds to 1.5 million pounds starting in April 2012, generating 4 billion pounds in revenue annually. These pension reforms are likely to upset many high-income earners, who typically support Osborne's Conservative Party, the leading party in the coalition government that came into power in May. Many newspapers have already started conflict with the government regarding its decision to eliminate child benefit for individuals earning more than 44,000 pounds. Treasury officials argue that the changes are just and necessary, and believe that this will be understood once the details are revealed on Oct 20. Osborne is anticipated to make significant cuts to the welfare budget. Business organizations have expressed support for the modifications to the law, stating that the situation could have been worse. "The announcement today is not as negative as initially anticipated." John Cridland, who is the CBI Deputy Director-General, mentioned that the government had thought about reducing the annual allowance to as little as 30,000 pounds. However, the Labour Party opposed this idea, stating that it would negatively impact families with lower incomes. David Hanson, a Labour treasury spokesman, assured that their proposed plans would not affect anyone earning less than 130,000 pounds. He criticized the government for taxing people based on their desire to save for retirement rather than their income level. | 1 |
Analysts said that the assassination of Benazir Bhutto has set back the United States in its efforts to find a stable, democratic partner in Pakistan to combat Islamic extremism. Potential outcomes include widespread riots by Bhutto's supporters and the troubling possibility of Pakistan becoming a nuclear-armed, unstable Islamic state. Financial investors, who are already wary of Pakistan's political risk, believe that ongoing instability will increase this risk. Stephen Cohen of the Brookings Institution expressed concern about the impact of Bhutto's death on the idea of a liberal, moderate Pakistan and its potential repercussions on neighboring countries, Europe, and the United States. Cohen stated that the United States may not be able to make a significant impact at this point, as they had focused all their attention on supporting President Musharraf and had ignored Benazir's requests for communication until recently. The US had heavily invested resources and political influence to bring the exiled former prime minister back to Pakistan in October, persuading Musharraf to step down from his military position and agree to elections and power-sharing with her. However, now there are serious concerns about the situation, with decreased prospects for a democratic transition and heightened risks of attacks by extremist groups. Grare, a South Asia expert, pointed out that leaders of prominent political parties are being targeted and killed. He said that weakening the parties does not bode well for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. President George W. Bush urged Pakistanis to honor Bhutto by continuing with the democratic process she supported. U.S. officials hope that Islamabad will proceed with the planned elections on Jan. 8. Security analyst Anthony Cordesman stated that Bhutto's death worsened an already unstable political situation in Pakistan. He expressed concern about the lack of a figure who could bring political stability, legitimate elections, and bridge the gap between Musharraf and the Pakistani people. Analysts cautioned that in a country known for conspiracy theories and intense politics, blame would be cast in all directions following the assassination, leading to potential violence fueled by grief and anger. Lisa Curtis from the Heritage Foundation emphasized the need to prioritize maintaining peace in Pakistan, advising against Musharraf imposing emergency rule for this purpose. Some analysts also raised doubts about Musharraf's ability to effectively combat terrorism, questioning how he could address issues in remote tribal areas if he couldn't protect a prominent politician in a supposedly secure city. Win Thin, a senior currency strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co, inquired about the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal during crises. US officials maintained that there was no change in the assessment made last month, despite the turmoil caused by Musharraf's emergency rule. Cordesman, from CSIS, mentioned that Islamabad had taken measures with the help of the US and by studying other countries' policies to ensure the safety of its nuclear facilities. However, he questioned whether there was enough transparency for outsiders to confidently assess the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons, warning that anyone who made a categorical statement about it might risk discrediting themselves. | 1 |
According to Russia's opposition, there is a concern that Vladimir Putin may resort to using force to suppress their protests following the arrest of hundreds of demonstrators challenging his election win. The police detained over 500 people, including opposition leaders, at unauthorized protests in Moscow and St Petersburg. This crackdown is seen as a signal that Putin is growing impatient with those calling for political reforms and will take harsh action if necessary. Opposition leaders fear that Putin's fear of losing power and reliance on police force is becoming evident. Boris Nemtsov and Boris Akunin expressed concerns about the upcoming rally on Saturday, believing it may not go smoothly. He stated that the time for peaceful rallies and marches is over and organizing a march on March 10 would only provoke aggression from the authorities. The police claimed they acted within the law, while Putin's spokesman defended their intervention, stating that the police acted professionally and lawfully in response to both legal and illegal opposition actions. After serving as prime minister for four years, Putin was re-elected as president with nearly 64 percent of the votes in Sunday's election. He previously held the presidency from 2000 to 2008. Despite some reports of violence against protesters, many officers showed restraint while handling the situation, indicating Putin's determination to avoid being portrayed as a dictator who suppresses dissent. The police were said to be focused on preventing casualties at the main protest on Moscow's Pushkin Square, a historic location for dissident protests. However, reports suggest that tougher tactics were used against a group of protesters at Lubyanka Square, in front of the headquarters of the Federal Security Service. Protesters were forcibly removed from the streets of St Petersburg, Putin's hometown, causing concern among foreign investors about potential clashes between police and demonstrators. This could negatively impact the investment climate and hinder reforms necessary to reduce Russia's dependence on energy exports. Russian stocks experienced a significant drop in value after Fitch warned of potential dangers. It seems that Putin is allowing limited protests as a way to release tension among urban dissidents who are disillusioned with his prolonged rule. He could also make conciliatory gestures to pacify the opposition, such as ordering a review of 32 criminal cases, including the imprisonment of former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and the denial of registration for a liberal opposition group. However, Putin, a former KGB spy, will work hard to prevent what he sees as more extreme protesters from challenging his return to the presidency for a third term. Any dissent will be met with strong force. "We observed fear in the ruler's eyes..." "We witnessed vulnerability. We witnessed a man who lacks confidence," said opposition leader Ilya Yashin at the rally in Pushkin Square following Putin's emotional victory speech on Sunday. Yashin questioned the presence of troops and riot police in the capital, asking if war had begun. The US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, expressed concern about the recent arrests and highlighted the importance of freedom of assembly and speech as universal values. In response, Russia's Foreign Ministry criticized him for his comments, stating that Russian police had shown more restraint than US officers handling anti-capitalist protests. The United States and several European countries have called for an independent and credible investigation into voting irregularities in the recent election. International monitors noted some improvements from a previous poll but still found the election to be unfair and heavily skewed in favor of Putin. Russia's Foreign Ministry responded to the observers' report, calling it balanced overall but disagreeing with some criticisms. Many Russians have lost faith in fair elections and hope for change under Putin. Vasilisa Maslova, 35, who works in the fashion industry, stated at Pushkin Square that she used to admire Putin like any woman who appreciates a charismatic man. However, she now believes he is becoming senile and acknowledges that nobody can hold onto power indefinitely. | 1 |
During a High-level Meeting of the Plenary of the UN General Assembly on the rehabilitation of refugees and migrants at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday, the Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim informed bdnews24.com that she emphasized the importance of securing the rights of refugees and migrants regardless of their status. She stressed that protecting and promoting their rights were crucial for achieving harmony in diverse societies worldwide. The Prime Minister also praised UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for organizing the first-ever Summit on Refugees and Migrants. She highlighted the significance of mutual trust, respect, shared responsibility, and inclusiveness in addressing the refugee crisis and called on countries to reach a consensus on these universal principles. Additionally, delegations from around the world adopted the landmark New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants at the summit's opening. It includes strong commitments to address current issues and prepare for future challenges, such as starting negotiations for an international conference and the adoption of 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 gender-based 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 incorporating the International Organization for Migration into the UN system. Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of seizing this historic opportunity to create a robust and ambitious blueprint for managing large refugee movements within a broader development context. She proposed a Global Compact on Migration to address gaps in migration governance and align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She stated that the proposed migration compact would include ambitious and enforceable elements and modalities, while also being balanced and flexible. Hasina emphasized the importance of promoting tolerance and understanding to accommodate migrants and refugees. She also noted that the compact should address the protection needs of those displaced by climate change. As the current Chair of the Global Forum on Migration and Development, Bangladesh is willing to contribute to the development of the agreement. Prior to speaking at the plenary session, the prime minister met with Myanmar's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi. Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Janet Scotland also visited her at the UN headquarters. | 1 |
Australian leader John Howard is facing the possibility of losing his seat at the upcoming election, which would make him the first prime minister to do so in nearly 80 years. Changes to the electoral boundaries in his safe Sydney seat of Bennelong have made it more competitive, with a swing of around 4 percent needed to defeat him. The increase in 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. Some voters, including editor Jason Koh of a local Korean newspaper, believe Howard has used divisive tactics, such as his stance against boatpeople, to win elections in the past. In a departure from past elections, the opposition Labor party has selected a well-known candidate, former television and news magazine journalist Maxine McKew, to run against Howard in the seat he has represented since 1974. McKew, who recently moved into the area, is currently ahead of Howard in polls and with betting agencies. Howard, realizing he is facing a tough competition in his own constituency, has been actively engaging with voters by attending community events and spending more time in Bennelong. The recent Granny Smith Apple Festival, typically a quiet fair, turned into a lively election rally when both Howard and McKew made appearances. Hundreds of supporters from both candidates were seen holding placards and balloons, engaging in a vocal battle. According to John Booth, editor of The Weekly Times, this was the first time in 21 years that Howard had participated in the festival. Booth mentioned that Howard seemed to be making an effort to engage with the community, indicating that he is aware of the tough competition he is facing. Booth also expressed his belief that Howard might lose his seat, as many people he has spoken to, including those who voted for him previously, are seeking a change. Bennelong, named after a prominent Aboriginal figure in Australian history who was taken to England in 1792, encompasses some of Sydney's wealthier northern suburbs. Originally a conservative, middle-class electorate, it has evolved over the years to include more working-class Labor suburbs to the west. The key issues in Bennelong align with national concerns such as economic management, the Iraq war, climate change, and workplace laws, but it stands out due to its significant Asian-Australian population, including 12,000 Chinese and 5,000 Koreans. Immigration and Australia-Asia relations are crucial topics in this electorate, where half of the residents were either born overseas or have immigrant parents. Koh stated that Bennelong's Asian voters have not forgotten Howard's 1988 anti-immigration comments and his government's support for Pauline Hanson in 2001. He believes Howard has a history of dividing people. In contrast, Booth mentioned that Labor has emphasized its Asian connections, showcasing a former state politician and his Asian wife, as well as leader Kevin Rudd who can speak Mandarin. Rudd's ability to converse with Chinese President Hu Jintao at a recent summit in Sydney has gained him support from the Asian community. Koh believes that the Korean and Chinese vote could determine the winner between Howard and McKew in Bennelong. | 1 |
Critics who were worried about Donald Trump's campaign positions have been encouraged by his shifts, but this has also upset some of his supporters. Trump has a history of modifying his positions during his campaign, so it is possible that he may change his stances again before or after he is inaugurated on Jan 20. One example of this is his changing position on prosecuting Hillary Clinton. During his campaign, Trump promised to prosecute Clinton for her use of a private email server and alleged abuses of her position. However, during a debate on Oct 9, he stated that he would appoint a special prosecutor to jail Clinton if he won. In a Nov 22 interview with the New York Times, Trump suggested that he no longer wanted to prosecute Clinton, stating that he wanted to focus on moving forward rather than looking back. I have no intention of causing harm to the Clintons. I truly do not want to. However, when asked if he was completely ruling out the possibility of investigating Clinton, he answered "no." Regarding climate change, Trump has dismissed global warming as a hoax and during his campaign, he expressed a desire to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris Agreement involving nearly 200 countries, which took effect on Nov 4. Instead, he has stated his intention to continue the development of affordable coal, shale, and oil. A source from Trump's transition team stated on November 12 that his advisers were exploring ways to avoid the lengthy process of withdrawing from the climate accord. In an interview with the Times on November 22, Trump was asked if he planned to remove America from the forefront of addressing climate change, to which he responded, "I am considering it with an open mind. We will examine it closely." When asked if he believed human activity contributes to climate change, he acknowledged, "I believe there is a connection. There is some influence." It all depends on the amount. During the campaign, Trump expressed his intention to repeal the Affordable Care Act established by President Barack Obama. He criticized Obamacare as a failure and proposed a replacement plan that would grant states more authority over Medicaid and permit insurers to sell plans nationwide. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Nov 11, Trump mentioned the possibility of retaining certain aspects of the law, such as allowing parents to keep adult children up to age 26 on their insurance policies and prohibiting insurers from denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions. Trump stated to the Journal that Obamacare would either be modified or completely eliminated and substituted with a new plan. During his campaign, Trump promised to build a wall along the US-Mexican border, have Mexico pay for it, deport illegal immigrants, and ban Muslims from entering the country to combat terrorism. While he never took back these promises, he later modified his language to suggest temporarily suspending immigration from regions considered to be exporting terrorism and lacking adequate vetting procedures. In a "60 Minutes" interview on Nov 13, Trump confirmed his plan to build a wall, but mentioned it could be a combination of wall and fence. He mentioned that certain areas would require a fence while others would need a wall, as he is skilled in construction. When asked about deporting illegal immigrants, he stated that the focus would be on those with criminal records, estimating the number to be between 2 to 3 million. Trump also expressed support for using waterboarding and other harsh interrogation methods on terrorism suspects, despite it being considered torture and banned under President Obama. During an interview with the Times on November 22, Trump mentioned that he was struck by Marine General James Mattis' response when asked about waterboarding. Mattis stated that he preferred cigarettes and beer over torture to obtain information. Although Trump's opinion on waterboarding remained unchanged, he was impressed by Mattis' perspective that waterboarding may not be as effective as commonly believed. | 1 |
Modi did not go into detail about these concerns during his virtual speech at the Sydney Dialogue, a conference focused on emerging, critical, and cyber technologies. However, authorities in India and other countries have raised alarm about the potential dangers of cryptocurrencies being used by terrorist groups and organized crime, as well as the destabilizing effect they could have on national economies. While praising the opportunities brought by technology in the digital age, Modi also expressed caution about digital currencies such as cryptocurrency and Bitcoin. He emphasized the importance of democratic nations working together to prevent these currencies from falling into the wrong hands, which could negatively impact the younger generation. Indian officials who are currently working on regulations are likely to suggest a ban on all transactions and payments in cryptocurrencies. However, investors may still be allowed to hold cryptocurrencies as assets, similar to gold, bonds, and stocks. The Economic Times newspaper reported this information on Wednesday. Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting to discuss India's approach to cryptocurrencies on Saturday, and the newspaper stated that his cabinet could receive the draft regulations for review within two to three weeks. In September, China's regulators banned all cryptocurrency transactions and mining. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency globally, is currently valued at around $60,000, having more than doubled in value since the beginning of the year. According to blockchain data platform Chainalysis, India's digital currency market was worth $6.6 billion in May 2021, compared to $923 million in April 2020. | 1 |
Paul Eckert, the Asia Correspondent for Reuters, reported that the killing of Benazir Bhutto has left the United States facing the challenge of finding a stable, democratic partner in Pakistan to combat Islamic extremism. Analysts warn of potential consequences such as widespread street riots and the fear of Pakistan becoming a nuclear-armed, unstable Islamic state. Financial investors, who are already wary of Pakistan's political risk, believe that ongoing instability will only increase this risk. Stephen Cohen of the Brookings Institution expressed concerns about the future of Pakistan, stating that Bhutto's death is a setback for the idea of a liberal, moderate Pakistan and could have unpredictable and negative effects on its neighbors, Europe, and the United States. Cohen stated that it is likely too late for the United States to take significant action, as they had heavily supported President Pervez Musharraf, ignoring pleas from Benazir until recently. The US had invested considerable energy and political capital in bringing the exiled former prime minister back to Pakistan and convincing Musharraf to step down from his military role. However, this has now led to a situation where hopes for a democratic transition are fading and there is a heightened risk of attacks by radicals, according to South Asia expert Frederic Grare. Mainstream party leaders are also being targeted for assassination. He mentioned that this weakens the political parties and is not a good sign for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. Street violence and nuclear safety are also concerns. President George W. Bush called on Pakistanis to honor Bhutto's memory by continuing 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 stated that Bhutto's death has worsened an already unstable political situation, as there is no other figure who can bring political stability, rule of law, and bridge the gap between Musharraf and the people of Pakistan. Analysts cautioned that in a country with a history of conspiracy theories and intense politics, blame would be cast in various directions following the assassination, leading to grief and anger that could potentially escalate into violence. Lisa Curtis of the Heritage Foundation emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in Pakistan, advising against implementing emergency rule as a solution. Some analysts also questioned Musharraf's ability to effectively combat terrorism, pointing out that if he couldn't protect a prominent politician in a relatively secure city, how could he address the challenges in the remote tribal regions where al-Qaeda and the Taliban are said to be gaining strength? Win Thin, a senior currency strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co, questioned the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal during times of crisis. U.S. officials maintained that the weapons were secure despite recent upheaval over Musharraf's emergency rule. Cordesman of CSIS stated that Islamabad had received assistance from the U.S. and studied other countries' policies to enhance safety at its nuclear facilities. However, he expressed doubt about the transparency of Pakistan's nuclear weapons security, cautioning against making definitive statements without sufficient information. | 1 |
As the prices of wheat and rice increase, the once-dismissed potato is now being recognized as a valuable and nutritious crop that could help alleviate world hunger. Native to Peru, potatoes can thrive in various climates and require minimal water. They can be harvested in as little as 50 days and yield more food per hectare compared to wheat or rice. Pamela Anderson, director of the International Potato Center in Lima, emphasizes the importance of potatoes in ensuring food security amidst potential food supply shortages. The potato is being recognized for its potential to address hunger caused by rising food prices, a growing population, increased costs for fertilizer and diesel, and more land being used for biofuel production. The United Nations declared 2008 the International Year of the Potato to bring attention to its benefits, calling it a "hidden treasure". Governments, including Peru, are promoting the use of potato flour in breadmaking as a way to combat soaring wheat prices, with initiatives to provide potato bread to various groups in hopes of popularizing the trend. Supporters claim that potato bread tastes just as good as wheat bread, but there are not enough mills producing potato flour. Ismael Benavides, Peru's agriculture minister, emphasized the need to change people's eating habits, as many became accustomed to eating wheat when it was inexpensive. Despite the potato originating in Peru 8,000 years ago near Lake Titicaca, Peruvians consume fewer potatoes compared to Europeans. Belarus holds the top spot for potato consumption globally, with each person eating an average of 376 pounds (171 kg) per year. India has expressed its goal to double potato production in the next five to 10 years to food experts. China, a country that has experienced severe famines in the past due to its heavy reliance on rice, has now become the leading producer of potatoes in the world. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the potato is experiencing significant growth compared to other crops. Some consumers are opting for potatoes over other staples. In Latvia, rising bread prices have led to a decrease in sales, with consumers purchasing more potatoes instead. The developing world is seeing a surge in potato cultivation, providing an opportunity for poor farmers to increase their income as demand for the crop rises. Anderson stated that countries are considering the potato as a viable solution for ensuring food security and generating income. Despite being the world's third most significant food crop, potatoes often go unnoticed for their variety of colors and affordability. While corn is typically used for animal feed, there are over 5,000 different types of potatoes available. Peru is contributing to a gene bank for food crops by sending thousands of seeds to the Doomsday Vault near the Arctic Circle. Potatoes come in a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes, allowing creative chefs to create visually appealing dishes. Juan Carlos Mescco, a 17-year-old potato farmer in Peru, enjoys eating potatoes in different ways throughout the day. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates that provide slow-release energy and have a low fat content compared to wheat. They are also lower in calories than bread and have more protein and calcium when boiled. In addition, potatoes contain vitamin C, iron, potassium, and zinc. Speculators are not interested in investing in potatoes, which helps keep their prices affordable. Unlike wheat, potatoes are not a global commodity and only a small percentage is traded internationally. Potato prices are driven by local demand rather than global trends, as the transportation of raw potatoes is difficult and they can easily spoil. They can easily get infected with pathogens, making it difficult to export them and preventing the spread of plant diseases. However, the challenge is that prices in certain countries are not high enough to encourage farmers to cultivate them. Locals in Peruvian markets believe that the government should step in to boost demand. Juana Villavicencio, who has been growing potatoes for 15 years and now sells them at a market in Cusco, in Peru's southern Andes, expressed, "Prices are low. It is not profitable to work with potatoes." Science is advancing rapidly, with the development of genetically modified potatoes that can resist "late blight" by German chemicals group BASF. This disease caused famine in Ireland in the 19th century and still results in approximately 20 percent of potato harvest losses globally. Researchers believe that farmers who utilize clean, virus-free seeds could increase their yields by 30 percent and receive approval for export. This could lead to higher income for farmers and increased production, as companies could market specialty potatoes internationally, rather than solely as frozen french fries or potato chips. | 1 |
German Chancellor Angela Merkel successfully convinced her fellow leaders to support a single communique with pledges on trade, finance, energy, and Africa at a meeting in Hamburg, showcasing her mediation skills ahead of a German election. However, there was a clear divide between President Trump, who prioritizes "America First", and the other 19 members of the group, which includes countries like Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord created tension during the negotiations, with Merkel noting that the discussions on climate were largely in opposition to the United States. She also mentioned that trade negotiations were challenging due to the specific stances taken by the US. The summit in Hamburg was marked by violent protests, with burning cars and broken shop windows littering the streets. It brought together a mix of leaders during a time of significant changes in global politics. Trump's new approach to diplomacy has created a leadership vacuum, causing concern among traditional allies in Europe and allowing countries like China to take on a more prominent role. Tensions between the US and China were a major focus leading up to the meeting, with Trump pressuring President Xi Jinping on North Korea and threatening trade measures. Trump's first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hamburg was highly anticipated, given his campaign promise of improved relations with Moscow despite accusations of Russian interference in the election and investigations into his associates' ties to Russia. Putin stated after the summit that Trump had questioned him on the alleged meddling during a two-hour meeting, but appeared satisfied with Putin's denials of involvement. Trump accused Russia of destabilizing Ukraine and Syria before the summit, but in Hamburg, he took a more conciliatory approach. He expressed honor in meeting Putin and indicated, through Rex Tillerson, that he wanted to focus on future relationships rather than dwelling on the past. Tillerson described the meeting as highly significant, highlighting a positive chemistry between Trump and Putin. The final communique noted the US decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, which was deemed irreversible by the 19 other leaders. The US also included a controversial statement pledging to work with other nations to access and use fossil fuels in a cleaner and more efficient manner. French President Emmanuel Macron spearheaded an effort to moderate the language used by the United States. Thomas Bernes, a prominent fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, noted the absence of a clear consensus without the US, highlighting the significance of having the world's largest economy on board. Jennifer Morgan, the executive director at 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, and acknowledged the importance of legitimate trade defense mechanisms. They also committed to collaborating on promoting economic development in Africa, a key initiative for Merkel. Merkel deliberately chose to host the summit in Hamburg, her birthplace, to demonstrate Germany's welcoming attitude towards the world and its acceptance of peaceful protests. The summit took place near the "Rote Flora," a former theater occupied by anti-capitalist squatters for nearly thirty years, which is a significant symbol of left-wing resistance in Germany. Throughout the summit, violent protests occurred, with radicals looting stores and setting vehicles on fire. Over 200 police officers were hurt, and around 143 individuals were arrested with 122 detained. The Elbphilharmonie, a contemporary concert hall with a glass exterior offering views of the Elbe River, saw significant damage during a concert and dinner event hosted by Merkel for other leaders. Following the summit, Merkel expressed gratitude towards the police and security personnel and criticized the extreme violence exhibited by some protestors. However, she faced challenging inquiries about choosing Hamburg as the summit location during the final press conference. | 1 |
The government's controversial proposal comes after large pro-democracy protests last year, posing a significant challenge to Beijing's Communist Party rule. Analysts believe that the blueprint, up for a vote in the summer, could reignite political tensions after a period of calm. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying warned that the city's political climate may become less flexible in the future, stating that there is currently no room for compromise and that initiating political reform will be a difficult task. Leung mentioned that if the proposal is rejected, it may take a few years before another chance arises. Outside the Legislative Council, hundreds of protesters with flags gathered, with some supporting the proposal and others advocating for democracy with yellow umbrellas as symbols. The latter group demanded genuine universal suffrage and urged Leung to resign. Democratic lawmakers, adorned with yellow crosses on their black shirts and some carrying yellow umbrellas, left the chamber following the government's presentation. Last year, tens of thousands of pro-democracy protestors occupied major roads in four 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 demands being disregarded and the police forcibly removing the protest encampments in December, the government stuck to the proposal outlined by China's parliament in August. This proposal involves the public voting on candidates pre-selected by a pro-Beijing nominating committee, a plan that democratic lawmakers have vowed to veto without concessions from the government. The opposition group has a one-third veto power, but Leung, who is supported by Beijing, is optimistic that he can convince four or five democrats to change their stance. Members of the democracy movement who initiated the "Occupy" protests last year view a vote without open nominations as a form of "fake democracy." Even though Hong Kong is part of China, it operates with a separate legal system and enjoys freedoms that are not allowed in mainland China. | 1 |
Criticism of the Bush administration's environmental policy is increasing, with opponents pointing to loose regulation as a major issue. Both Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama have taken environmental stances that differ from the current administration. While the environment is important to U.S. voters, the economy and jobs remain their top concerns. Opponents both inside and outside of government have criticized the White House for its stance on a variety of environmental issues, such as carbon emissions, endangered species protection, and pollution cleanup. Senator Barbara Boxer and Frank O'Donnell have both spoken out against the Bush administration's perceived efforts to weaken environmental regulations for the benefit of special interests, arguing that this approach comes at a significant cost to public health and well-being. A Capitol Hill staffer familiar with global warming legislation accused the Bush administration of actively working against efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The staffer claimed the administration obstructed progress and did everything in its power to prevent any action from being taken. In response, James Connaughton, the head of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, argued that the Bush administration has actually achieved equal or greater environmental successes compared to previous administrations, sometimes through regulation and sometimes through incentives. Connaughton criticized states, particularly California, for setting ambitious environmental standards but not meeting them. He criticized Congress for not reinstating the Clean Air Interstate Rule, which aimed to reduce power plant pollution, after it was rejected by a federal appeals court in July. Despite promising to regulate carbon emissions during his presidential campaign in 2000, Bush changed his stance once in office, citing potential job losses and unfair advantages to countries like China and India. The Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that the EPA had the authority to regulate greenhouse gases if they posed health risks. The EPA postponed a decision on this finding, leaving the task of regulatory action to either Obama or McCain after the election. The Bush administration's track record on protecting endangered species has faced criticism from conservation groups. To date, the current president has only listed 58 species under the Endangered Species Act, a stark contrast to the 522 listed under President Bill Clinton and 231 listed under President George H.W. Bush. The Bush administration waited until the last minute to list the polar bear as threatened by climate change, with Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne stating that the listing would not directly address climate change and that he was implementing measures to prevent the decision from being exploited for global warming policy. The decision was commended by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a sensible compromise between business interests and environmental considerations. During a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee 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 |
The 50-year-old treaty between France and Germany has expanded beyond the European Union to Bangladesh, where the first joint Franco-German embassy in the world is currently being built in Dhaka. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius will visit Dhaka together on Monday to strengthen relations, ahead of the upcoming climate conference in Paris. They will also participate in the topping-off ceremony of the new embassy in Baridhara. German Ambassador in Dhaka Thomas Prinz stated that the upcoming embassy, a collaboration between France and Germany, would be the first of its kind globally. He described the building's design, featuring different colored facade elements, as symbolizing the close relationship between the two nations. Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali referred to the visit as "historic," as it would be the first joint visit of its kind. Ali would be joining his counterparts on a trip to the Patuakhali district to observe projects addressing climate change. The officials from the foreign ministry mentioned that they would first have a working lunch at the state guest house Padma, hosted by Ali, before meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban. After attending the topping-off ceremony at the new joint embassy, they planned to leave Dhaka at night. The German ambassador explained that the idea for the joint embassy project originated from the 'joint declaration' during the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Elysée Treaty in January 2004. This declaration emphasized the decision to build 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, marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty. The Elysée Treaty, serving as a symbol of reconciliation, laid out the path for a close Franco-German friendship, cooperation, and partnership. Ambassador Prinz emphasized Germany's strong commitment to the European Union and its belief in the shared values of unity in diversity. He highlighted the significance of the Franco-German friendship in the overall functionality of the European Union. Both France and Germany provided support to Bangladesh during the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan, and Germany remains Bangladesh's largest single-country trading partner in the EU, offering duty-free market access for all products. Both France and Germany work together with Bangladesh on a variety of international issues such as sustainable development, climate change preparedness, culture, and human rights. The visit is important globally as the German representative mentioned that challenges are becoming increasingly complex and often require international cooperation. For instance, he highlighted the need for global unity in combating climate change, emphasizing the importance of reaching an ambitious, comprehensive, and legally binding agreement at the upcoming climate conference in Paris in December. | 1 |
The leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada pledged on Monday to combat the spread of the H1N1 swine flu and address climate change at their summit, but they disagreed on trade issues. 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 seen as crucial for regional progress. Obama and Harper announced plans to share information in anticipation of a potential increase in the H1N1 virus in the coming months. Calderon stated that the three countries are preparing to responsibly handle the return of H1N1 and minimize its impact on their populations. All three leaders pledged to uphold the North American Free Trade Agreement that connects their nations through trade, although they had differing opinions on certain issues. Harper brought up Canada's concerns with Obama regarding the "Buy American" clauses in the U.S. economic stimulus plan, which Canada worries could exclude Canadian companies. Canada is the largest trading partner of the United States. Obama emphasized the importance of considering that no extensive protectionist measures have been implemented and that the "Buy American" clauses only apply to the stimulus package and have not jeopardized 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 issues related to Mexican trucks. He emphasized the importance of avoiding protectionism and instead expanding trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The leaders also released a statement on their joint efforts to combat climate change, expressing the need for urgent action on the issue before the global summit in Copenhagen in November. | 1 |
In the midst of a $42 billion deficit, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has issued a warning that California is on the verge of insolvency. Many residents have left the state due to issues such as traffic congestion, lack of job opportunities, and high taxes. The possibility of increased taxes and decreased public services has left Californians feeling bleak. Despite this, experts believe that California, as the most populous US state and the eighth-largest economy in the world, has the potential to recover and may experience positive changes that will benefit the economy in the long run. Abundant natural resources, large ports, access to the Pacific Rim, a sizable young workforce, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and technology-focused industries bode well for California's future, according to economists and historians. Jerry Nickelsburg, a senior economist at UCLA Anderson Forecast, believes that those who predict doom and gloom for the state are not seeing the reality of California. While acknowledging government challenges, he believes the state has a lot of potential. Governor Schwarzenegger made headlines with a somber message about California's economy, which is valued at around $1.5 trillion. "The former actor and bodybuilder stated that California is currently in a state of emergency, with a $42 billion deficit weighing heavily on the state. Controller John Chiang announced that $3.7 billion in tax refunds and other payments would be delayed due to the state running out of money. The current situation starkly contrasts with California's prosperous post-World War Two era, characterized by rising incomes, abundant land, affordable homes, and expansive freeways." The prosperous period abruptly ended with the 1973 OPEC recession, according to Dowell Myers, a professor at the University of Southern California specializing in urban planning and demography, and has never fully recovered. Economists point to California's heavy dependence on personal income taxes as a key issue, leading to volatile revenue fluctuations as funds overflow in good times and dwindle in tough times. California, known for its innovation and entrepreneurial culture, faces challenges as entrepreneurs who may thrive during economic booms could struggle during downturns. 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 in the legislature to approve any tax hikes. The 1978 measure is seen as the catalyst for anti-tax sentiment in other states and contributed to Ronald Reagan's election as president. Lawmakers have responded by imposing high income and sales taxes on state residents. Economists believe the state has needed to address its volatile revenue situation for a long time and hope the current crisis will compel leaders to take action. They also argue that the number of people leaving the state is not as significant when considering California's large population. Additionally, California's population continues to grow due to immigration and births, and its young workforce may give it an advantage as older workers retire. Some projections suggest that California's population could reach 60 million by 2050, which is six times the population of 10.5 million in 1950 and 60 percent higher than the current population of 38 million. The mortgage crisis and foreclosures have caused home prices in Southern California to drop by 35 percent in 2008, making home ownership more achievable for young families in California for the first time in nearly ten years. Despite this, the state has been hit hard by unemployment, with a jobless rate of 9.3 percent in December, above the national average of 7.2 percent, approaching levels seen during the recession in the early 1990s. However, California remains a leader in industries such as green energy, biotechnology, and aerospace, which are expected to perform well in the global economy and create new job opportunities. Myers stated that some may believe that solving California's problems requires completely disrupting the status quo. He believes that the current crisis is leading to a much-needed reevaluation. Jessica Gould, a graduate student at USC, is also hopeful for positive changes in the state. I am honestly concerned about the budget issues, but I recognize that challenges exist everywhere and I derive many other benefits from living here, so I consider it a minor inconvenience. | 1 |
Former UN chief Kofi Annan announced on Thursday that he will be leading a new organization funded by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, aimed at improving food production in Africa. Annan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to address the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in Africa and work towards increasing their productivity. The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, established with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, will focus on supporting farmers in Africa to combat poverty and hunger by increasing farm productivity and incomes. The organization is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Annan stated that the organization plans to collaborate with governments and farmers to enhance local and regional agricultural markets, improve irrigation, soil health, and provide training for farmers. They also aim to support the development of new seed systems that can better withstand the challenging African climate. Annan emphasized that they will not advocate for the use of genetically modified seeds, which have sparked controversy in some African countries, but instead focus on enhancing disease resistance in existing seeds. He expressed his hope that agricultural productivity could potentially double or even triple within the next 10-20 years, emphasizing that this is not just a dream but a goal that will be supported by concrete actions. The Alliance expressed support for the goals outlined in the African Union's CAADP, which aims for a 6 percent annual increase in food production by 2015. They plan to implement agricultural changes that have been successful in Asia and Latin America. During his time at the United Nations, Annan often highlighted the connection between Africa's struggling agriculture systems and its ongoing issues with hunger and poverty. Over the last five years, the percentage of underweight children in Africa has increased by approximately 12 percent. Annan, who is from Ghana, recently completed a decade-long term as UN secretary-general. | 1 |
Environment Minister Ben Bradshaw announced that the UK government will be unveiling plans on Thursday to address Britain's poor recycling rates and reduce reliance on landfill sites. The government is considering implementing positive incentive schemes, such as financial rewards, for residents. The upcoming Waste Strategy, to be presented by Environment Secretary David Miliband, will detail how the government intends to comply with strict EU regulations on landfill waste reduction in England. A consultation document from last year proposed increasing household waste recycling and composting rates from 27 percent to 40 percent by 2010 and 50 percent by 2020. Currently, Britain ranks low in Europe's recycling league, with only Greece and Portugal recycling less according to the Institute for Public Policy Research and the Green Alliance. Campaigners are calling for the government to implement increasing fees for waste collection in order to promote more recycling among households. A recent consultation showed strong public support for some form of variable charging, although there are concerns that this could result in more illegal dumping. Bradshaw emphasized the importance of increasing recycling rates and reducing reliance on landfills to prevent environmental damage. He also highlighted the benefits of recycling, such as creating energy and reducing methane emissions. Despite these arguments, Bradshaw believes that collection schedules should still be managed by local authorities. Some councils have angered many residents by changing to bi-weekly waste collections. Friends of the Earth believes that businesses should have mandatory recycling goals. They have criticized government plans to construct more incinerators, stating that this would be detrimental to the environment as incinerators emit more carbon dioxide than gas-fired power stations. | 1 |
A variety of goals aimed at reducing poverty were established at the UN in 2000. The speaker acknowledged that progress has been mixed and emphasized the importance of assisting those who are most disadvantaged. The secretary-general expressed confidence in achieving the Millennium Goals as long as the poorest nations receive support to overcome obstacles. He also stressed the importance of the UN Human Rights Council fulfilling its role in promoting human rights worldwide. The speaker, who has been actively involved in diplomacy on global issues, highlighted the significance of multilateralism in addressing the challenges of an interconnected world. He stated that the only way to address them is through the UN. It is anticipated that around 193 speakers will take part in this year's general debate, with over 70 heads of State and almost 30 heads of government participating. The debate is set to run until 3 October. The start of the assembly's general debate comes after important discussions on climate change, the Darfur conflict, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. Ban is also set to hold individual meetings with more than 100 heads of State or government or ministers in the next two weeks. | 1 |
Japan's prime minister Yukio Hatoyama, who aims to strengthen east Asia's position in global diplomacy, began discussions in India to improve relations and enhance trade. Hatoyama, who took office in September following decades of conservative rule, is seeking to boost ties with India, the third largest economy in Asia. Despite a drop in popularity, Hatoyama met with Indian industrialists, including Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani, to kick off his visit, which also includes talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. India, which has been a major recipient of Japanese aid for a long time, is interested in learning more about Hatoyama's foreign policy, particularly his efforts to pursue a more independent foreign policy from Washington and improve relations with China, India's traditional rival. New Delhi is eager to understand India's role in Hatoyama's proposed East Asian community with a single currency, similar to the European Union. Siddharth Varadarajan, a senior editor at The Hindu newspaper, noted that Hatoyama is a unique Japanese leader that India has not encountered in the past decade. Varadarajan believes that Hatoyama's vision of an East Asian Community and his willingness to collaborate with China offer India and Japan an opportunity to strengthen their bilateral relations on a more solid foundation rather than relying solely on balancing power dynamics. This reflects New Delhi's perspective of Japan as a strategic partner in countering the influence of a growing China. Boosting trade and military ties is seen as a way to solidify the partnership between the two countries, which has been emphasized by recent military collaborations and Japanese support for the U.S.-India civilian nuclear deal. According to India's foreign ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash, the two countries are currently in discussions to finalize 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 was over $12 billion in 2008-09, is aimed to increase to $20 billion by next year. Hatoyama's discussions in India may also address climate change policies, with the two countries having differing opinions on expanding Japanese support for renewable energy projects in India. Indian officials mentioned that they would also talk about Japan's proposal to train former Taliban members as part of a $5 billion aid package for Afghanistan. India has concerns about involving the Taliban in Kabul's power structures. Hatoyama's administration is expected to try to portray the visit as a triumph as criticism at home increases. Recently, he approved a record trillion dollar budget, which will add to Japan's already substantial debt as the government deals with a struggling economy. Japanese voters are increasingly questioning Hatoyama's competence in making difficult decisions regarding foreign policy. The recent arrest of two former aides has led to demands for further clarification on a scandal involving inaccurate political funding records. | 1 |
European leaders have long avoided taking sides in the rivalry between the United States and China, hoping for stability and the ability to balance their interests. However, the Trump administration's trade actions against China and the recent alliance between the US, Britain, and Australia have disrupted this neutrality. Thomas Gomart, director of the French Institute of International Relations, stated that Europeans are hesitant to make a choice between the United States and China, preferring to delay the decision. The Biden administration, similar to the Trump administration, is pushing for a decision to be made. France was upset by this, but it may have a positive aspect for their broader goals. French President Emmanuel Macron has been a strong advocate for "strategic autonomy," which suggests that Europe should have a balanced relationship with the United States and China. Josep Borrell Fontelles, the European Union's foreign policy chief, supported this idea by emphasizing the need for Europe to be self-sufficient like other countries. The French were embarrassed when the Americans announced the submarine deal suddenly, following the chaotic events in Afghanistan. European allies were angry at the lack of consultation by the Biden administration, which further supported Macron's belief that the US is not a completely reliable security partner. Some analysts doubt if France will be able to use this incident to promote strategic autonomy, as it may be seen as a way for the French to advance their own interests by many Europeans. Europe's balancing act is becoming increasingly challenging, according to Rosa Balfour, director of Carnegie Europe. She emphasized the importance of Europe strategically positioning itself and investing in defense, while also maintaining strong alliances with countries like Britain and the United States. Balfour suggested that enhancing Europe's security capacity is key to gaining more influence with its partners. The new alliance, AUKUS, aims to incorporate Australia and Britain into the larger American security strategy against China. Analysts agree that the partnership between America and Britain provides a stronger deterrent to China in the Indo-Pacific for Australia compared to a deal with France, whose relations with Beijing have worsened. Ian Lesser, from the German Marshall Fund, emphasized the significance of this signal to Beijing, particularly for Australia. He also argued against viewing American actions in the Pacific as diminishing Europe's importance, noting that US commitment to European security remains strong. The EU's main challenge may lie in finding the political will for strategic autonomy, as mentioned by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the day the new Asian alliance was announced. France is moving towards autonomy, but it is unclear if the rest of Europe is interested in creating distance from Washington. There are concerns that France may isolate itself by doing so, as the United States remains a critical partner in regions where France has security concerns. There are doubts about America's reliability as a security partner in the future, especially if there is a conflict with China. In Poland, the reaction to the new alliance was more positive, with a focus on the US, Britain, and Australia working together to address China and defend the free world. However, there are criticisms that the Biden administration is not consulting European allies and disregarding their interests. He mentioned that this time it was the French who were left behind for the benefit of Germany, just like when the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was allowed to bypass Ukraine and Poland to benefit Berlin. The US claims to be strengthening alliances with Germany and Australia, but other allies end up suffering. In terms of relations with China, Europeans would rather not anger Beijing. European allies are uneasy about taking a more aggressive stance on China and are conscious of the importance of engaging in dialogue with China regarding climate and trade. It would be beneficial if Europe can continue talking to Beijing without being seen as forming a security alliance against China. The European Union may be able to handle this situation diplomatically and prevent the world from being divided into pro or anti-China camps, as China is promoting. | 1 |
On Tuesday, US technology and other companies submitted around 200,000 visa applications for highly skilled foreign workers in hopes of securing one of the limited 65,000 H-1B visas available annually. These visas allow US companies to hire specialized foreign workers for three years, with the possibility of extension for an additional three years. Last year, the US government received 120,000 applications in just one day, leaving many qualified candidates, like German national civil engineer Sven, without a visa. Sven, who requested his last name not be disclosed for privacy reasons, is planning to participate in the H-1B visa lottery again this year despite knowing the slim chances of success. The 33-year-old, who spent eight years studying civil engineering at a German university, compares winning the lottery to hitting the jackpot. Upon learning about the large number of applicants last year, he was surprised. Although his company has been supportive by covering legal fees and assisting with documentation, Sven is disappointed that luck plays such a significant role in determining whether he can work in the United States. This year, it is anticipated that the chances of obtaining an H-1B visa will be even lower. Experts predict around 200,000 applications to be submitted on the first day that the 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 used a computerized lottery system to allocate visas, giving all applicants an equal chance of selection. According to tech companies, the high demand for visas highlights the necessity for the industry to utilize foreign resources. This puts U.S. companies like Cisco at a competitive disadvantage if they are unable to recruit the most talented workers. Companies in science, technology, engineering, and technology sectors believe the current system is a dilemma because the U.S. does not have enough qualified candidates and restricts companies from hiring foreign workers. Ensuring the right policies are in place is crucial for the U.S. to stay competitive and maintain economic well-being. Jacob Sapochnick, an immigration lawyer in San Diego, is handling numerous visa applications for employers and workers in various industries, including high tech, science, marketing, and even culinary arts. Last year, Sapochnick submitted around 200 applications and approximately half of them were approved for visas. This year, the situation is even more uncertain as USCIS has announced that they will not close the application window for five business days. Sapochnick anticipates that about 300,000 applications will be submitted during this time. He described the situation as almost comical. The National Association of Manufacturers has called for a permanent solution to address the demand for highly skilled workers in manufacturing and other industries. In 2000, the quota for H-1B visas was increased to 195,000 per year but was rarely filled. However, as the tech industry declined, the quota was reduced to 65,000. Tech companies have been pushing for Congress to increase the quota, but labor groups are against it, believing it would harm job opportunities for American workers. Around one-third of Microsoft's U.S. employees have needed visa assistance, with the company submitting approximately 1,200 H-1B visa applications last year and receiving around 900 approvals. This year, Microsoft is aiming to increase its odds in the lottery by submitting approximately 1,600 applications. According to Krumholtz, the company is looking to fill between 3,000 and 4,000 positions but only expects about 40 percent, or 640 visas, to be approved by their internal immigration team. Attorney Bob Gaynor, who specializes in immigration law in Boston, has clients who are concerned about their chances of obtaining H-1B visas due to the high number of applications expected, including from dentists, intellectual property experts, engineers, and accountants from various countries. Gaynor predicted that around 200,000 applications will be submitted on Tuesday. Gaynor expressed her sadness and acknowledged the significant contribution that these people make to the country's business climate. | 1 |
A group of key emerging economies, such as China and India, have joined forces to exert pressure on developed countries during the upcoming climate change talks in Copenhagen. Through two days of discussions in Beijing, these nations have agreed on important issues, including the necessity for the West to offer financial aid and technology to assist developing countries in addressing global warming. This meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Sudan, the current head of the Group of 77 developing nations. China, as the top emitter of greenhouse gases, India as the fourth largest emitter, and Brazil as a significant emitter due to deforestation, have all faced calls to reduce their carbon emissions, and have announced strategies to achieve this goal. They claim that the efforts of wealthy nations to combat climate change are not sufficient when considered together. A statement released after a meeting held on Friday and Saturday stated that the purpose of the gathering was to prepare for a positive, ambitious, and fair outcome in Copenhagen. The participants view this work as a positive starting point and plan to continue collaborating in the coming days and weeks to contribute to a consensus in Copenhagen. The meeting in Copenhagen was expected to establish the framework for a more comprehensive and stringent legally binding climate agreement to either expand or replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to expire in 2012. However, the negotiations that began in Bali two years ago have not succeeded in bridging the gap between wealthy and developing nations on issues such as reducing emissions, monitoring and reporting them, and determining who should bear the costs. Denmark and several wealthy nations are supporting a proposal to finalize a comprehensive political agreement at Copenhagen and then work on the legally binding details in 2010. However, some developing nations are pushing for a more robust outcome. These nations are also voicing concerns about attempts to replace the Kyoto Protocol with a new agreement or incorporate its provisions into another agreement. The European Union believes that Kyoto has not been successful in reducing emissions from wealthy nations and is advocating for a new agreement. The Beijing statement emphasized the importance of keeping the Kyoto Protocol in place, with wealthy countries being responsible for reducing emissions during the protocol's second commitment period starting in 2013. Developing countries have agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in exchange for assistance from developed nations, as outlined in a draft negotiation strategy presented by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. China's top climate negotiator will present the strategy in Copenhagen, with some viewing it as a rejection of Denmark's proposal for a political agreement. The WWF believes this challenge from emerging economies is expected and necessary for progress in climate change negotiations. The Danish proposal is weak, to be honest, and governments in the developing world are not naïve. | 1 |
The Commonwealth expressed grave concern about climate change during a summit, stating that it posed a direct threat to the survival of small island states. However, the summit did not endorse binding targets on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, leading to criticism from Greenpeace for lacking urgency in addressing the issue. The agreement made at the Commonwealth summit in Kampala was seen as a significant step forward by the secretary-general, Don McKinnon, although it did not go as far as some countries had hoped. Before the summit, Britain had pushed for a strong and clear message, as well as binding commitments from developed nations before the upcoming environment conference in Bali. While the Kampala declaration did not meet all of these expectations, it did emphasize the need for developed countries to take the lead in reducing emissions, without hindering the sustainable economic development of developing nations. The Bali summit will focus on creating a new agreement to replace the expiring Kyoto protocol, which aims to reduce emissions responsible for global warming. Kyoto does not require developing countries like India and China to reduce greenhouse gases. Canada's conservative government will not sign an agreement in Kampala unless all countries are required to reduce emissions. The Commonwealth typically reaches consensus agreements, but the vague nature of Saturday's declaration may be due to the need to compromise between Canada's stance and the demands of developing nations, particularly island states. The Commonwealth Climate Change Action Plan called for a post-Kyoto agreement on greenhouse gas reduction but only mentioned a long term global goal for emissions reduction that all countries would contribute to. Environmentalists criticized similar non-binding language used in recent summits by the G8 and APEC. A British official mentioned that the statement achieved their goal of building momentum before the Bali conference, but there are concerns about committing to binding targets at CHOGM instead of at Bali. Some attendees believed that Bali was the appropriate place to discuss commitments. Australia, previously hesitant to address climate change, announced their intention to sign the Kyoto Protocol after Labor Party leader Kevin Rudd won the recent election. The previous Prime Minister's decision not to ratify Kyoto upset Pacific island nations, including Commonwealth members, at risk of being affected by rising sea levels. | 1 |
The upcoming US president will be faced with a challenging foreign policy agenda, including conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the global financial crisis, and the need to repair the country's international reputation. Despite focusing on domestic issues like taxes and healthcare, Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain will need to address national security concerns when they take office. James Lindsay, a former foreign policy aide to President Bill Clinton, warned that the next administration should be cautious in their approach to these complex issues. Lindsay, currently at the University of Texas in Austin, stated that the incoming president will have a significant foreign policy agenda, including decisions with major implications for American security. Shortly after the election, Bush will hold a summit in Washington to address the global economic crisis and initiate discussions on financial reforms with world leaders. The next president, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, will inherit the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the escalating pursuit of al Qaeda militants along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Other crucial issues include preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and ensuring that North Korea fulfills its commitment to dismantle its nuclear program. Both candidates have pledged to prioritize efforts for peace in the Middle East and to strongly support Israel. Mark Lippert, a foreign policy adviser to Obama, emphasized that fighting terrorism, addressing militants on the Afghan-Pakistan border, and eliminating Osama bin Laden are key national security objectives. Obama has committed to ending the Iraq war and strengthening the US military presence in Afghanistan. Lippert noted that the ability to address the worsening security situation in Afghanistan and combat militants is interconnected with progress in political reconciliation in Iraq and the reduction of troops there. McCain also supports increasing forces in Afghanistan but opposes setting a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq, believing US troops should stay as long as necessary. Obama's readiness to communicate directly with US adversaries like Iran and Syria is another major point of contention. McCain has criticized Obama's call for dialogue at the highest levels as naive, while Obama believes the Bush administration's resistance to engaging foes has limited diplomatic options. McCain has proposed Russia's expulsion from the elite Group of Eight club in response to their conflict with Georgia, a move Obama opposes. Both candidates condemned the Russian invasion that was sparked by Georgia's attempt to regain control over breakaway South Ossetia, but McCain's response was more severe. One shared foreign policy goal between Obama and McCain is to mend relationships with traditional allies, particularly European countries, that were strained during the Bush administration. Analysts believe Obama's popularity overseas could give him an advantage in this effort, but it may not solve challenges like getting Europe to contribute more troops in Afghanistan. Strengthening European alliances could also provide leverage with Russia, as Obama has emphasized the importance of the transatlantic relationship in addressing various global issues like nonproliferation, terrorism, climate change, energy, and democracy promotion. McCain, on the other hand, has criticized the current administration's approach to diplomacy and has promised a different approach. Randy Scheunemann, who is John McCain's top foreign policy adviser, stated that it is inaccurate to portray McCain, a senator from Arizona and former prisoner of war, as more likely to use military force than previous US presidents. Scheunemann emphasized that McCain comprehends the gravity of sending military personnel into dangerous situations. The economic summit on November 15, hosted by President Bush, will include leaders from the G20, which consists of major industrialized nations and emerging economies such as China, Brazil, and India. It is uncertain if the president-elect will attend, but both McCain and Obama have stressed the significance of the US economy in maintaining the country's global influence. Obama is more careful in his approach to trade, but both candidates pledge to act swiftly in order to enhance the financial regulatory system. | 1 |
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