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The severe weather continued to move northward, resulting in more cities being flooded and crops destroyed. The official Xinhua news agency stated that there have been direct economic losses of 1.22 billion yuan ($189 million) so far. The storm alert for four cities in Henan - Xinxiang, Anyang, Hebi, and Jiaozuo - was raised to red, the highest level of a four-step colour-coded weather warning system. Tragically, 12 people lost their lives when the subway in Zhengzhou was flooded earlier in the week, with eight others reported missing across the province. In Anyang, more than 73,000 individuals were evacuated due to over 600 mm of rainfall since Monday. Xinhua reported that Xinxiang, a small city north of Zhengzhou, experienced a record-breaking 812 mm of rainfall between Tuesday and Thursday. This led to seven medium-sized reservoirs overflowing, impacting numerous villages and towns nearby. As of late Wednesday, more than 470,000 people and over 55,000 hectares of crops were affected by the heavy rainfall in Xinxiang. In response, the local government mobilized a search and rescue team of over 76,000 individuals. In the neighboring city of Baoding in Hebei, two individuals lost their lives due to a tornado. Additionally, the fatal flooding of the Zhengzhou subway prompted the government to instruct local authorities to enhance urban transit flood controls and emergency responses immediately. Media images showed commuters standing in chest-deep waters inside dark train cabins, with one underground station resembling a large swirling pool. The Ministry of Transport called for local authorities to immediately review and address any hidden risks on the rail transit system. The ministry recommended emergency actions such as halting train services, evacuating passengers, and closing stations during extreme weather events like the recent intense storms. Over the span of Saturday to Tuesday, Zhengzhou received 617.1 mm (24.3 inches) of rain, nearly matching the city's average annual rainfall of 640.8 mm (25.2 inches). There has been public attention on the punctuality of weather alerts given by local meteorological services. The provincial weather bureau stated that they had released a report predicting heavy rains two days before they occurred. From Monday evening, meteorological departments at various levels have sent out 120 million text messages to mobile phone users to alert them about the storms, according to the Henan weather bureau. | 1 |
All times are local (GMT). 8:15 p.m. Following a last-minute debate over the terminology "down" or "out" in relation to coal usage, the negotiations concluded with a global agreement that aimed to maintain hopes of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, thus increasing the likelihood of preventing catastrophic climate change. Reactions to the agreement were mixed. Kaveh Guilanpour, Vice President of International Strategies at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, stated that the success of COP26 will only be determined in the future, with the real test being whether Glasgow signifies a shift from theoretical promises to tangible actions. At 7:40 p.m., Alok Sharma, the President of COP26, appeared on the verge of tears as India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav disrupted the adoption process of the Glasgow pact by proposing new language that suggested governments should "phase down" coal use instead of phasing it out completely. Despite some countries expressing disappointment, they pledged to still support the deal to prevent the negotiations from failing. Sharma apologized to the plenary for the handling of the process and became emotional. At 7:23 p.m., Sharma had opened the formal plenary by declaring, "It is now decision time." At 7:04 p.m., a deal was confirmed by Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua, according to China. When asked on the plenary floor if the Glasgow pact was going to pass, he gave Reuters the thumbs up and said "we have a deal" through his translator. However, he did have a critique. He said that developing countries have not had their voices heard enough, as he stated through his translator. Samuel Adeoye Adejuwon, a technical adviser on Nigeria's delegation, mentioned that Nigeria is in agreement with India in opposing strong language directed towards fossil fuels in the Glasgow pact. He explained that the argument revolves around special circumstances, emphasizing that it is not feasible to halt the development process. Adejuwon shared with Reuters that the discussions between the US, China, and India regarding coal were aimed at reaching a consensus. Observers at the UN climate talks became anxious when representatives from the United States and the EU met with counterparts from China and India to discuss the language of the deal regarding the phasing out of coal. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes and was confirmed by a member of the Indian delegation to Reuters, indicating that last-minute negotiations were taking place as the UK conference hosts pushed for an agreement. Just before the meeting, US special envoy John Kerry was heard by Reuters telling his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua that China was expected to phase out coal over the next 20 years, as they had recently signed an agreement with the US. At 5:36 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma announces that the meeting will resume shortly after country delegations complete their speeches. Following the reconvening, a vote on the deal is expected. Earlier at 4:40 p.m., US special climate envoy John Kerry noted that not everyone was pleased with the draft deal presented at the UN talks in Glasgow, stating that discomfort among all parties is a sign of a successful negotiation. After a number of small and island nations voiced their disappointment with the draft agreement for not providing enough support, the Minister of Environment for the Maldives, Aminath Shauna, warned that it may be too late for her country. India's Minister of Environment and Climate, Bhupender Yadav, also criticized the draft for requesting developing countries to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, arguing that they are still addressing development and poverty eradication. At 4:08 p.m., Swiss Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga expressed her country's dissatisfaction with the deal due to concerns about global carbon markets rules, but stated they would accept it. She noted that there was a general sense of unhappiness at the COP. Gabon's Minister of Water, Forests, Sea and Environment, Lee White, also mentioned having unresolved issues and needing reassurance from developed countries before leaving the Glasgow COP. At 3:58 p.m., he commented that the deal was not perfect. The common sentiment expressed by poor and small island nations during the plenary discussion of the draft climate deal was that they needed more support, particularly in terms of financial assistance, from wealthy nations. Despite feeling that the existing deal fell short in addressing their needs, they indicated their willingness to support it. Marshall Islands climate envoy Tina Stege acknowledged the progress made but emphasized the need for more support. Tuvalu's climate envoy Seve Paeniu expressed his concern for his grandchildren's future and highlighted the promise made by Glasgow to secure it. At 3:44 p.m., EU climate chief Frans Timmermans received enthusiastic applause for urging countries to come together for the benefit of future generations. He emphasized the importance of reaching a deal for "our children, our grandchildren," warning that they would not forgive us if we did not act now. Timmermans expressed concern that the conference could face setbacks if countries insisted on making further changes to the texts just before the finish line. At 3:30 p.m., he stated that the best Christmas gift he could offer would be a successful outcome for the conference. During a meeting at COP26, China's negotiator Zhao Yingmin acknowledged that the current draft of the deal is imperfect, but stated that his team has no plans to reopen negotiations. Representatives from Tanzania and Guinea expressed disappointment that the draft did not provide enough financial assistance for developing nations to address climate change. COP26 President Alok Sharma emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement, stating that the conference was at a critical moment for the planet and future generations. Sharma indicated that negotiations needed to conclude soon, suggesting that time for further discussion was running out. Prior to the official plenary session starting, US special envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua were seen together, examining a document line by line. A few days earlier, the two had surprised the summit with a joint declaration in which China committed to increasing efforts to combat climate change by reducing coal use, controlling methane emissions, and preserving forests. At 2:30 p.m., negotiators were meeting privately to resolve any remaining obstacles to reaching an agreement, leaving delegates from three countries feeling uncertain about the situation. One negotiator described the last-minute tensions as chaotic. China's No. 2 negotiator Zhao Yingmin stated upon entering his country's offices that he had no new information. Meanwhile, Brazil's representatives were observed entering a meeting of the G77 group of developing nations. At 1:45 p.m., after an hour and 45 minutes, Sharma returned to the microphone to reveal a slightly revised schedule: all attendees were dismissed but instructed to return at 2:30 p.m. for the official plenary session. The delay was necessary to give parties more time to wrap up their negotiations, he explained. He also emphasized that a deal would be reached that afternoon. At 1:06 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma was in the plenary room at noon and attempted twice to get delegates from other countries to take their seats, but was unsuccessful. An hour later, there were still large groups engaged in discussions on one side of the stage. US climate envoy John Kerry was seen moving around the room, speaking with different groups. By 12:30 p.m., delegates were eager for updates on the negotiations but were handling the delays calmly. Axel Michaelowa, an advisor to the Honduras delegation, noted that it is typical for the COP to go beyond the scheduled time, so the delays were expected. In the cafeteria, opinions varied on what the delays meant for the final deal - some believed it indicated a strong agreement to limit global warming to 1.5C, while others thought it suggested a weaker deal. Emily Wright from Save the Children International believed that the delays showed a commitment to reaching a deal that benefits everyone. On the other hand, Naja Moretro from the Norwegian Church Aid Youth Organisation felt that the texts were becoming less clear. Danish Climate Minister Dan Jorgensen expressed his support for language in the final deal that calls for a phase-out of coal as he entered the summit's plenary room at 12:02 p.m. "He expressed that it is important to recognize that the issue is not about shaming countries reliant on fossil fuels. He emphasized the need for the text to acknowledge that some countries require assistance in transitioning away from coal. He mentioned that one positive change in the text is the inclusion of 'just transition'. At 11:35 a.m., Nellie Dokie, 37, has been commuting two hours each way to the conference center to work as a chef. She has been cooking meals for VIPs and delegates and finally ventured into the main conference area to observe the surroundings." Dokie resides in Glasgow but hails from Liberia. She expressed her desire to be involved in historical events, stating that she played a minor role. At 11:20 a.m., US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry seemed to be in a positive and upbeat mood. He stated that it was a lovely day in Scotland as he walked with his top negotiators Sue Biniaz, Jonathan Pershing, and Trigg Talley, followed by reporters. It was uncertain whether his comment was influenced by the progress of the negotiations at the conference or the uncommonly sunny weather in Glasgow. The focus of the activity had moved to "bilateral" meeting rooms in the past day, with delegates gathering in secure, windowless rooms scattered throughout the conference site. They were going over the draft text in preparation for the noon stocktaking session. At 8:53 a.m., a group of Greenpeace employees were gathered in the COP26 conference halls, working on a new statement based on the latest draft revisions. Spanish Energy and Environment Minister Teresa Ribera was observed hurrying from her delegation's office as the UK COP26 Presidency released what many are hoping will be the final draft of a comprehensive Glasgow agreement. Technical crews were dismantling equipment and clearing out meeting rooms as the event venue was being taken down. At 8:21 a.m., after intense deliberations overnight, delegates were getting ready for the release of another draft agreement. The pavilions where countries displayed their climate-friendly initiatives have been taken down, but coffee stands are still open. Civil society groups are analyzing newly released documents for hints on the final agreement. The UK conference hosts announced there will be no deal on Friday night, with plans for formal meetings on Saturday to finalize decisions and close the session. Delegations and the media were seen heading back to their hotels for some rest before a long day ahead. The COP26 conference halls became quiet at 8:40 p.m. with small groups of negotiators, including EU delegates, moving between meetings. According to Felipe De Leon Denegri, Costa Rica's carbon markets negotiator, much of the work during the final hours of climate negotiations is done through "shuttle diplomacy," where diplomats shuttle between rooms. However, this year may be quieter as a lot of the communication is now done through the messaging app WhatsApp. De Leon mentioned that a unique aspect of COP in the 21st century is that shuttle diplomacy is now sometimes conducted on WhatsApp. He explained that due to the pandemic and the rise of virtual work, more discussions than ever are taking place on the social media app. Tuvalu's Finance Minister, Seve Paeniu, stayed up late negotiating the section of the draft agreement related to "loss and damage". Countries like Tuvalu, facing the impacts of climate change, are pushing for wealthy nations with high emissions to provide financial support. He mentioned that his team is currently working on urging the United States and Australia to back a separate fund for loss and damage. He also expressed his determination to ensure a strong collective agreement is reached at Glasgow to maintain the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C. He criticized the lack of commitment from countries to reduce emissions and the insufficient focus on additional financing for adaptation. Ed Miliband, former UK Labour Party leader, paused in the hallway to commend Paeniu on a speech he delivered earlier. At 7:38 p.m., the delegation offices at the summit complex were mostly calm. Two prominent negotiators from China were observed in their office, and nearby, two US negotiators were seen walking down the hall with sandwiches. It was anticipated that the night would be lengthy, as there were significant disagreements regarding increasing emissions cuts commitments, handling carbon markets, and providing funding for developing nations. | 1 |
The Maldives, a popular tourist destination, saw a change in leadership as the man responsible for bringing democracy to the islands stepped down amid military pressure following a police mutiny. The man's party described it as a bloodless coup. The capital island, Male, appeared calm just a day after police and opposition protesters attacked the military headquarters and took control of the state TV station. Despite the political turmoil, daily life continued as usual for residents, while tourists enjoyed the luxury resorts on the desert islands. Former President Mohamed Nasheed resigned on Tuesday and was released from military custody. The speaker of the People's Majlis swore in Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik as his deputy. The United Nations Secretary-General expressed hope that the transfer of power, deemed a constitutional measure to prevent further violence and instability, would lead to a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in the country. The protests, sparked by Nasheed's directive to arrest a judge he believed was obstructing corruption cases against former government officials, culminated in a police revolt. Eventually, Nasheed was compelled to resign as the military escorted him into his office and pressured him to step down. Nasheed's communications adviser, Paul Roberts, described the scene as unfamiliar vehicles and soldiers surrounded Nasheed during his departure. Roberts, a 32-year old British citizen, stated that Nasheed was taken to his office where he met with his cabinet before going on television to announce his resignation. According to Roberts, Nasheed was pressured to resign by the military. Despite having the option to resist, Nasheed chose not to use violence in order to avoid bloodshed. Amnesty International cautioned the new government against targeting individuals based on their political beliefs, particularly in light of calls for Nasheed's prosecution and rumors that his closest allies may be prevented from leaving the country. The new president, Waheed, was expected to lead a coalition national unity government until the presidential election in October 2013. He stated that it was inaccurate to label the change of leadership as a coup and assured that tourists were not in danger. Tourism makes up a significant portion of the Maldives' economy, with estimates suggesting it contributes to two-thirds of the country's gross domestic product of around $1 billion. Despite some travel advisories, including ones from Britain, cautioning against travel to Male, the majority of the Maldives' nearly 1 million annual visitors do not visit the capital. Instead, they are transported directly from the airport island to their resorts by speedboat or seaplane. Arrivals of flights on Wednesday were normal. Opposition parties, despite their differing views, united against Nasheed during the constitutional crisis and protests, criticizing his Islamic beliefs. The Maldives is a Sunni Muslim country. Analyst N. Sathiya Moorthy praised Nasheed for being the first democratically elected president but also criticized him for creating unnecessary political deadlocks. Moorthy also commended Nasheed for showing loyalty to democratic values by gracefully stepping down from office. In a clear indication that the time period prior to Nasheed's leadership had returned, the national broadcaster MNBC was rebranded as TV Maldives and began airing numerous interviews with opposition figures. The channel had been known by that name during the 30-year rule of former president Gayoom, who was known for his authoritarian governance style and was Nasheed's rival. Nasheed, who had spent a total of six years in jail as a result of 27 arrests while advocating for democracy against Gayoom, ultimately defeated his opponent in the 2008 election, which was the first multi-party democratic election in the history of the former British protectorate. The nation, which has a population of approximately 330,000 and was once a sultanate, also gained recognition for Nasheed's passionate advocacy regarding climate change and the threat of rising sea levels to the low-lying country. | 1 |
President Emmanuel Macron, aged 44, is the favored candidate who has chosen to remain distant from the ongoing conflict, delaying his announcement to run until close to the March deadline. This is another tactic to maintain an element of surprise for his opponents. Macron, comfortable in his moderate position, has observed the right and far-right factions attacking each other. The focus on immigration and security has overshadowed other important issues like climate change and the increasing debt due to the pandemic. Éric Zemmour, a far-right candidate, has gained popularity by spreading anti-immigrant sentiments, claiming that naming a child "Mohammed" is a form of colonization in France. Zemmour believes he is the only one standing in the way of French civilization being taken over by Islam and American political correctness. Similar to former President Donald Trump, Zemmour employs continuous provocation to remain in the spotlight, as evidenced by his recent conversation with Trump. However, current polls indicate that Macron is leading with approximately 25% of the vote in the upcoming election on April 10. Zemmour and two other right-wing candidates are polling in the 12%-18% range. On the other hand, left-wing parties are lagging behind and appear to be mere spectators for the first time since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958. While France typically has a right-leaning tendency, this time there has been a significant shift. Pascal Bruckner, an author and political philosopher, stated that the left lost support from the popular classes due to its lack of response on immigration and Islam, leading many to shift to the far right. As a result, Macron is now seen as a versatile leader facing off against the right. Macron is currently benefiting from the perception that he has effectively managed the coronavirus pandemic and economic challenges, making him appear stronger than he has in a while. The economy grew by 7% in the last quarter, and unemployment is at a low rate of 7.4% in France. It is likely that COVID-19 restrictions, such as mask requirements in public places, will be lifted before the election, which would hold significant symbolic value. It is difficult to attack Macron because he represents both what is left of social democracy in France and policies embraced by the right, such as his tough stance against "Islamist separatism." Macron has been described as flexible in his beliefs, with some criticizing him for shifting positions. The upcoming election will see a fierce battle on the right for a second-place spot in the runoff against Macron. Marine Le Pen has become a strong critic of Zemmour, accusing him of having supporters who are Nazis and seeking the downfall of her party. Zemmour, known for his extreme belief that Islam is not compatible with France, has mocked Macron for attempting to differentiate between extremist Islamism and the religion itself. Zemmour has criticized Macron for not accepting the concept of the "great replacement," a racist theory claiming that white Christian populations are deliberately being replaced by nonwhite immigrants, resulting in what Zemmour refers to as the "Creolization" of societies. The president is confident in his chances against either Le Pen or Zemmour, despite Zemmour's ability to appeal to conservative French voters. France is facing challenges such as increasing energy costs and pandemic fatigue, but a radical choice like voting for Trump in the US or choosing Brexit in the UK would be unexpected. Retiree Paulette Brémond, who voted for Macron in 2017, is undecided between the president and Zemmour. She expressed concern about the seriousness of the immigration issue and mentioned that she is waiting to hear Mr. Macron's stance on it. She believes that while Macron may not be as extreme as Zemmour, if he appears effective, she may vote for him again. She feels that the campaign has not truly begun until Macron announces his candidacy, a sentiment shared by many in the country. Macron, on the other hand, seems unconcerned with the political jostling and has focused on matters of state such as his diplomatic efforts with Putin to prevent war in Ukraine and ending the French anti-terrorist campaign in Mali. If Mali has been a noticeable failure, though not likely to impact many voters, the Ukraine crisis has allowed Macron to appear as Europe's leader in pursuing positive relations with Russia, as long as it does not escalate into war. Zemmour and Le Pen, who together represent approximately 30% of the vote, openly admire Putin. A member of Macron's potential reelection team, speaking anonymously as is customary, expressed more concern about potentially facing the centre-right Republican candidate, Valérie Pécresse, in a runoff rather than Le Pen or Zemmour in the second round. Pécresse, a graduate of the same prestigious school as Macron, a competent two-term president of France's most populous region, and a centrist by nature, could attract centre-left and left-wing voters who view Macron as a betrayer. However, Pécresse's lackluster performance in her recent major campaign speech in Paris seems to have harmed her chances, though not necessarily beyond repair. One recent poll showed that Pécresse's support has dropped to 12% from 19% in December. She has shifted towards right-wing positions due to the rise of Islamist terrorism in France. Pécresse referenced "the great replacement" in her campaign speech, leading to criticism. She expressed her opposition to a Macron-Zemmour presidential duel, stating that voting for Le Pen or Zemmour is essentially voting for Macron. Macron's first term focused on reforming the French state by making it easier to hire and fire, eliminating the wealth tax, and attracting foreign investment. The Yellow Vest movement emerged as a response to growing inequality and criticized global financiers, including Macron. Following this, the coronavirus pandemic led Macron to shift from a free-market reformer to a proponent of state intervention, declaring in 2020 that salaries had been nationalized. The financial consequences of these actions will eventually need to be faced, but for now Macron is enjoying the apparent success in controlling the pandemic. "He was fortunate," stated a member of his campaign team. "The COVID-19 pandemic prevented him from having to implement more unpopular reforms." While anything could still happen, such as a European war, a new variant of the virus, a major terrorist attack, or a surge in social unrest, Macron's strategy of staying detached from the chaos appears to be effective for now. "Unless a disaster occurs, I can't see how Mr. Macron won't be reelected," Bruckner remarked. However, the real campaign will only begin when the current leader finally enters the turbulent political arena. ©2022 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
However, there was a change in the usual routine last year. Haner noticed signs of businesses hiring as he commuted to work. McDonald's, Walgreens, and Taco Bell were all looking for staff. It appeared that there was a high demand for workers in Midland, Michigan. Haner started to question why work couldn't be centered around individuals like himself. He found it insane that he, at age 32, left his job at Applebee's to take a remote sales position at a tech company. He took a chance, knowing he could easily find another job if it didn't work out. Last year, over 40 million people left their jobs, especially in retail and hospitality, leading to what has been dubbed the Great Resignation, along with other terms like the Great Renegotiation, Great Reshuffle, and Great Rethink. Despite leaving their jobs, people were not leaving the workforce entirely. They were still required to earn money despite the pandemic stimulus aid ending in the fall, leading to a decrease in savings rates to 6.4% by January, the lowest in nine years. However, workers discovered they could secure better job opportunities with higher pay and stable hours. Flexibility was desired by employees who were receiving more support from their employers. Applebee's emphasized the safety of their workers and guests as a top priority. The company's chief operations officer, Kevin Carroll, stated that aggressive behavior would not be tolerated. Workers nationwide now had more opportunities and were able to reject situations they had previously been forced to endure, such as strict management or customer mistreatment. Bosses had to start paying attention in order to keep businesses operating. Nick Bunker, director of economic research for North America at Indeed’s hiring lab, viewed the situation as people taking advantage of job opportunities to pay their bills, rather than rejecting work. Businesses faced a shortage of workers as vaccines and stimulus money became available, prompting workers to reassess what they wanted from their employers. This did not necessarily result in millions of workers quitting and abandoning their jobs. This meant that workers with low wages were leaving their jobs and going to another business that had a "hiring" sign. It also meant that white-collar workers, empowered by the competitive job market, were expressing their preferences for how and where they work to their employers. Tim Ryan, the US chair of PwC, stated that their employees have significant influence, as the company is undergoing a three-year transition to offer more flexible work options. This includes allowing a large portion of the workforce to work remotely permanently, a move that Ryan estimates will cost $2.4 billion. The scale of this workplace transformation was compared to a 2003 Disney movie by the executive of the 55,000-employee company. "You better, because we’re living in one,'" Ryan continued, with an impressive but slightly inaccurate recollection of Captain Hector Barbossa's dialogue about ghost stories. "We’re living in this incredible shift in the workplace, yet many of us are unaware of it because we are immersed in it every day." Data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics and the census reveals that a significant number of last year's job quitters have actually been job swappers, with a nearly equal correlation between the two. Job switchers have predominantly come from the leisure, hospitality, and retail industries. In leisure and hospitality, the rate of workers quitting has increased to nearly 6% from 4% since the start of the pandemic. In the retail sector, the quitting rate increased significantly from 3.5% to nearly 5%. While white-collar employers continued to face challenges in hiring, they experienced a decrease in resignations. For instance, the resignation rate in finance dropped at the beginning of the pandemic and now stands at just under 2%, while in media and technology it remained relatively stable, also below 2%. When employees changed jobs, they frequently received higher salaries. Wages rose by almost 10% in leisure and hospitality in the past year, and by more than 7% in retail. Workers were able to extend their shift hours, as fewer people working part-time involuntarily decreased. A small number of individuals decided to leave the workforce completely, mostly older men retiring early, but some are now returning to work. The imbalance between retiring baby boomers and the smaller group of young people entering the workforce has led to a tighter labor supply. Overall, people are not ready to stop working, as they cannot afford to do so. In the past year, there was less resignation and more advancement to new jobs, longer hours, and higher wages. Workers did not actually change their attitudes towards work; rather, they changed their expectations. According to Rebecca Givan, an associate professor of labour studies at Rutgers, most people work out of necessity rather than desire. However, workers are now demanding more from their bosses and holding them accountable. Porsha Sharon still remembers the confrontations she witnessed from customers at Buddy's Pizza in Troy, Michigan last year. Sharon recalls an incident where a customer became upset when she asked what kind of pizza they wanted, despite the extensive menu available. Sharon was ridiculed by other customers for wearing a mask and experienced burning pain in her swollen feet after eight-hour shifts at the pizzeria. Despite this, she received an offer in March to work as an administrative assistant at a law firm, a job she had done temporarily in college. Last month, she decided to quit the pizzeria. Sharon believes that unlike the previous generation, who stayed in miserable jobs out of obligation, her generation is not afraid to seek happiness and fulfillment in their careers. She appreciates this difference and is grateful for the opportunities it brings. Katy Dean, the chief operating officer of Buddy's Pizza, a Michigan restaurant chain, expressed how some employees feel overwhelmed by their job and are becoming physically ill due to stress. She mentioned that dealing with abusive customers has become a difficult aspect of the current food service industry. Dean explained that they have empowered managers to remove disrespectful guests from the restaurant. This situation has been labeled as anti-ambition, but it has also sparked a wave of demands from workers for better job conditions, including promotions, stable hours, sick leave, bereavement leave, maternity leave, retirement plans, safety measures, and vacation time. A sign outside of a McDonald's, featured in a viral TikTok video, summed it up by stating, "No one wants to work anymore." Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich responded by saying that no one wants to be taken advantage of anymore. Last year, when millions of people decided to quit their jobs, the impact was felt beyond just the companies and industries involved. While white-collar workers were not quitting at the same rate as those in hospitality and retail, they were still making strong demands of their employers. They were aware that unemployment was low and there was fierce competition for talent. Many employees were making threats to quit rather than actually quitting, as they realized they had bargaining power. One area in which they were exercising this power was in terms of flexibility. The closure of offices resulted in employees feeling a sense of independence that they were not willing to give up. Even high-ranking executives on Wall Street realized that traditional practices were no longer sustainable. Companies like Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and BNY Mellon informed their employees that their return to the office would be a combination of remote and in-person work, rather than requiring them to commute five days a week. Currently, only 8% of Manhattan office workers are back in the office full-time. For example, Lyssa Walker White, 38, decided to change jobs earlier this year because her previous employer expected her to return to the office, which significantly improved her quality of life. Some employers encountered strong pushback when they directed their employees to return to the office for part of the week. Apple, for instance, faced resistance from workers who expressed their opposition to in-person work in a recent open letter. The employees urged the company to stop dictating their office presence and allow them to determine their most effective work arrangements. Despite this feedback, Apple has not altered its hybrid return-to-office policy and declined to provide a response. At various white-collar workplaces, newly established unions have taken on the issue of remote work. The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union, for instance, has seen a significant increase in membership from 12 organizations and 300 workers in 2018 to around 50 organizations and 1,300 workers this year. One member organization successfully negotiated for managers to cover travel expenses for commuting employees, while another secured a commitment from management to provide written justification for any employee required to return to the office. Jessica Kriegel, who heads people and culture at Experience.com, a technology company, recently discussed various challenges faced by HR professionals in dealing with the demands of an empowered workforce at an industry conference. There were stories circulating about employees requesting salary raises four times the amount of their current pay. Some tales included company strategy meetings that were once exclusive retreats in Napa, California, but now included junior staff in town halls. Kriegel mentioned giving a significant raise to a top performer and witnessing another employee climb three levels in just one year, from contributor to director to vice president. Kriegel noted that employees were requesting title changes not necessarily linked to financial promotions, simply to update their LinkedIn profiles. Despite hearing colleagues complain about overworking, the HR director observed her staff advocating for the work they truly desired. "We're starting to see people feeling more empowered and less fearful," she stated. "It's not about being against ambition, but rather having strong ambitions." Haner, who decided to leave Applebee's, recently received a 16% raise, significantly increasing his hourly pay compared to what he earned at Applebee's. When asked by friends about his new job, he enthusiastically talks about the meaningful conversations he has with his manager. Unlike at Applebee's, where he feared asking for time off for his grandfather's funeral would be frowned upon, he was pleasantly surprised to find out that his new company offers bereavement leave. Even though work is still work, the man no longer feels dread when his morning alarm goes off because he is now treated with respect. | 1 |
China is in the process of creating its initial strategy to combat climate change, according to a senior policy adviser. The advisor emphasized the growing concern about global warming in a country where economic growth has been rapid. Zou Ji, a climate expert at the People's University of China, informed Reuters that the national plan will likely establish broad objectives for reducing emissions and adapting to changing weather patterns. After at least two years of preparation and negotiations, the plan is expected to be unveiled this year. Zou stated that the plan reflects China's recognition of the escalating global concern over greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on climate change. He also noted that the Chinese government is increasingly prioritizing this issue. China's first official and comprehensive document on climate change is expected to be approved and issued soon. Last week, a U.N. panel of scientists warned that human activity is likely responsible for global warming. The panel estimated that temperatures could rise by 1.8 to 4.0 Celsius (3.2 to 7.8 Fahrenheit) in the 21st century, leading to more droughts, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. Despite efforts to cap greenhouse gas emissions, these effects could last for over 1,000 years. By 2008, China is on track to become the world's third-largest economy, surpassing Germany and trailing only Japan and the United States. By 2009, it is projected to become the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, overtaking the United States, according to the International Energy Agency. Zou, a member of the Chinese delegation to international climate talks since 2000, stated that Beijing has shown a restrained public reaction to the panel's findings but is closely monitoring the warnings. Pan Yue, a vice minister of China's State Environmental Protection Administration, emphasized that wealthy countries are primarily responsible for reducing emissions, but China will also make contributions. He stated that as a responsible major power, China will not shirk its duty. Zou mentioned that the program is awaiting approval from China's State Council after being reviewed by multiple ministries and agencies, but its release may be delayed due to preparations for an upcoming Communist Party congress. Alan Dupont, an expert on climate change and security at the University of Sydney, stated that President Hu Jintao is faced with the challenge of implementing policies that promote economic growth and job creation while also reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gases. Hu believes that the stability of the regime and the future of China rely on sustaining economic growth rates of 8 to 9 percent. However, there is a growing awareness in China that addressing climate change is necessary for achieving their goals. Despite the secretive nature of the Chinese government, there are indications that Beijing is concerned about how global warming could impact their ambitions for prosperity, stability, and influence. Zou stated that climate experts are currently working on a presentation about global warming for China's top leaders. This marks the first time that one of their regular study sessions will focus on climate change, indicating that the issue is gaining importance in the political arena. | 1 |
During the UN climate talks in Copenhagen, more than half of the countries are in favor of stricter goals for limiting global warming compared to what rich nations prefer, according to a group of small island states. The Small Island States alliance expressed concern that some island nations were not represented on a globe at the conference center and highlighted that over 100 nations have now committed to limiting temperature rises to 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Dessima Williams, head of the alliance, emphasized that many countries are calling for ambitious and specific targets, with support for the 1.5 Celsius goal coming from the least developed nations in Africa and small island states. This target would necessitate rich nations reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. Any agreement reached in Copenhagen will need to be approved unanimously. The main challenges to reaching a deal in Copenhagen include the extent of greenhouse gas reductions by wealthy nations and the amount of financial assistance offered to developing countries. Most developed countries and major emerging economies, such as China and India, support the goal of limiting global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The current temperature has already increased by 0.7 degrees Celsius and is expected to continue rising. AOSIS, represented by Williams, emphasized the urgency of climate change and called for a legally binding treaty to come out of Copenhagen, rather than just a political declaration as some developed nations prefer. Despite ongoing global warming, she noted that numerous islands were experiencing severe consequences such as submergence and freshwater depletion. Additionally, rising temperatures were causing harm to coral reefs. While there were disagreements over a proposal by Tuvalu for legally binding agreements at the Copenhagen summit, she emphasized unity among developing nations. While some countries like China and India support legally binding emissions cuts for wealthy nations, they advocate for less stringent requirements for poorer countries under the Kyoto Protocol. Barry Coates, a spokesman for Oxfam, likened a political declaration from Copenhagen that lacks legal binding to a toothless shark. Antonio Lima, of Cape Verde and vice chair of AOSIS, compared climate change to the disaster that befell Pompeii when Mount Vesuvius erupted 2,000 years ago, emphasizing the potential devastation for the poor. Lima warned that while the residents of Pompeii were unaware of the danger they faced, today we are aware of the impending catastrophe, which he referred to as the "planet Pompeii." | 1 |
During a recent climate protest event organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust in Dhaka, Khalidi emphasized the impact of people power in global climate protests. He noted that both Gandhi and Bangabandhu initiated non-violent movements against oppressive powers, facing violent opponents in the process. Gandhi's indirect impact post-1947 led to severe violence in India, while Bangabandhu's non-violent protests were met with brutal force by the Pakistani army. The resistance that both our heroes faced took on different forms, but ultimately they emerged victorious. Khalidi points out that the influence of pioneering leaders such as Gandhi and Bangabandhu can be seen in the ongoing climate protests organized by young activists worldwide. The recent #ShutdownDC protest brought thousands to the US capital, disrupting traffic without resorting to violence. Khalidi emphasizes the urgent need to address the devastating impact of climate change on the planet and its inhabitants, noting that this issue is more destructive than all the wars in human history combined. The protesters are calling for action to combat the extreme effects of climate change and create a fair and safe society, echoing the work of Gandhi and Bangabandhu in their lifetimes. Khalidi and historian Dr. Muntasir Mamun spoke at a seminar organized by the Gandhi Ashram Trust to commemorate the 150th and 100th birth anniversaries of the founding fathers of India and Bangladesh. The event, held at the National Museum in Shahbagh, was also attended by Agriculture Minister Dr. Mohammed Abdur Razzaque, former fisheries and livestock minister Narayon Chandra Chanda, Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Riva Ganguly Das, and Gandhi Ashram Trust’s Chairman Swadesh Roy. Razzaque discussed Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's impact on contemporary issues during the event. Photo: Mostafigur Rahman stated that religion had a significant impact on politics during the era of Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu, but both leaders never advocated for politics based on religion. The agriculture minister emphasized that Bangabandhu understood early on that religion should not be intertwined with politics. Gandhi also condemned religious extremists who exploited religion for their own agenda, referring to them as enemies of the people. The minister recounted how the Awami Muslim League was established after separating from the Muslim League and eventually removed the term "Muslim" from its name. Razzaque, a member of the Awami League's presidium, stated that at the time, the Muslim League was seen as equivalent to religion. Speaking out against the Muslim League was seen as speaking out against religion. He mentioned that Bangabandhu took steps against the Muslim League. The minister also emphasized that Gandhi's words and strategy remain relevant today. He pointed out that Gandhi successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolence and non-cooperation movements in his struggle against the powerful British forces. Nonviolent resistance relies on participation and inspiration, making it more effective, according to High Commissioner Riva Das. She emphasized Mahatma Gandhi's belief that strength comes from righteousness, power comes from truth, and victory comes from moral courage. She pointed out that history shows violence only leads to more violence and hatred. Das also mentioned Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr as examples of successful leaders who achieved change through nonviolence. She encouraged everyone to apply the ideals of Gandhi and Bangabandhu in their daily lives, not just during specific events. Narayon Chandra Chanda, a former minister and member of parliament, emphasized the importance of the youth of Bangladesh embracing the spirit of the Liberation War as they pursue development, in order to honor Bangabandhu and the freedom fighters by creating a diverse nation. Speaking at an event to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Narayon highlighted the unwavering commitment of both leaders to nonviolent resistance and the pursuit of people's rights, even in their personal lives. Despite facing corruption allegations, Bangabandhu's integrity remained unquestionable, as he never compromised on his principles. Professor Muntasir Mamun, a history professor at Dhaka University, spoke at an event organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In his speech, Professor Mamun highlighted Gandhi's religious piety and his separation of politics from religion. He also mentioned the upcoming publication of intelligence reports on Bangabandhu, stating that there is no evidence to suggest that he used religion in politics. Professor Mamun criticized the Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for incorporating religion into their policies after Bangabandhu's death. Journalist Swadesh Roy encouraged the youth to follow the example set by two great leaders in order to address global issues. The seminar was moderated by Raha Naba Kumar, Director of the Trust. Khalidi highlighted how both Gandhi and Bangabandhu used their networking skills, love for people, and personal sacrifices to inspire the masses in leading their countries' fight for freedom. He emphasized that the impact of these leaders goes beyond their lifetimes and their stories are still relevant in addressing current problems and injustices worldwide. Khalidi also pointed out that the most significant climate offenders are the wealthy and powerful individuals. The primary culprits are the advanced economies, highly industrialized societies, capable of causing rapid destruction multiple times over, according to Khalidi. Both Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman stood up against the powerful in their lifetimes, teaching the world how to confront and defeat them. It is believed they continue to do so in the afterlife. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, the Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, spoke at a discussion event organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum on Thursday to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. A British think tank reported that Bangladeshi households are spending nearly Tk 158 billion each year on repairing damages caused by climate change and taking preventive measures. Khalidi mentioned that this amount is significantly higher than the funding provided by international donors and the government of Bangladesh, forcing rural families to redirect their resources towards combating the impacts of climate change. This situation is leading families to borrow from informal sources at high-interest rates, causing them to fall further into poverty. That information comes from the International Institute for Environment and Development. Khalidi stated that both Gandhi and Bangabandhu would have spoken up to help these families, even though they are no longer here. They still influence the world today. For example, Bangabandhu's leadership from afar garnered international support despite opposition from powerful nations during the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971. | 1 |
Nearly 200 nations are convening in Mexico for a new round of UN climate talks, aiming to reach an agreement on crucial issues dividing wealthy and developing nations. The conference in Cancun will focus on securing funds and strategies to protect rain forests and prepare for a warmer future, as well as formalizing goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This event is less anticipated than last year's summit in Copenhagen, which failed to produce a binding agreement. The talks have highlighted tensions between the US and China, the world's top two polluters, with the US pushing for stricter emissions regulations from China. On the eve of the negotiations, Mexican President Felipe Calderon highlighted the economic benefits of addressing climate change in an effort to build trust after the previous summit. He emphasized that the choice between protecting the environment and alleviating poverty, or between addressing climate change and promoting economic growth, is not a real dilemma. Calderon pointed to renewable energy as a solution, showcasing a wind turbine that would power the conference hotel. He stated that the focus of the talks would be on preparing for a warmer world, particularly concerning poorer nations, with an emphasis on adaptation. This perspective surprised European Union negotiators, who emphasized the need for stronger commitments to current emissions targets, especially from developing countries. "We will seek a limited number of decisions in Cancun. Our goal is to outline the path forward," stated Artur Runge-Metzger, a senior EU negotiator, on Sunday. Peter Wittoeck, a senior negotiator from Belgium, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, mentioned, "We can see the potential for a compromise." The primary objective of the negotiations is to reach a more stringent climate agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to expire in 2012, in order to enhance efforts to combat global warming. Studies released on Sunday indicated that without action, global temperatures could rise by 4 degrees Celsius (7.2F) by the 2060s, requiring an annual investment of $270 billion to prevent rising sea levels. | 1 |
The Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is expected to bring unique attributes to her leadership, according to Mahuta, the first woman representing the foreign affairs portfolio in New Zealand. While Mahuta is unsure about giving Harris a message, she is confident that both countries will work together in their best interests. Many progressives around the world are hopeful for a shift away from right-wing populism, as seen in leaders like Jair Bolsonaro and Victor Orban, and see New Zealand as a promising alternative. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's recent landslide reelection victory has solidified New Zealand as a beacon of hope for those seeking a government led by charismatic women with an emphasis on inclusion and competence. Ardern and her team are now faced with heightened expectations following their victory over COVID, as they have the votes and diversity needed to pass desired policies. The newly elected Labour majority is predominantly female, with additional representation from various minority groups such as the first African descent member, Ibrahim Omer, and several LGBTQ+ and Maori members in the New Zealand Parliament. This Parliament is the most diverse in New Zealand's history, representing the country's demographics and its connection to the broader Pacific islands. According to Richard Shaw, a politics professor at Massey University, this is a significant development. Prime Minister Ardern's new executive council, which was recently sworn in, includes a mix of familiar allies. Grant Robertson, the finance minister, has been appointed as her deputy prime minister, becoming the first openly gay lawmaker to hold this position. Additionally, Ardern has chosen several members of Maori and Pacific island descent for her cabinet. Mahuta, aged 50, was a notable surprise. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan on September 27, 2018. Nanaia Mahuta, the country's new foreign minister, is known for being a fair mediator and has joined Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's diverse cabinet, which is considered the most diverse in New Zealand's history. Mahuta entered Parliament at 26 with a master's degree in social anthropology, having previously worked as a researcher for her Tainui tribe during the historic treaty negotiations with the government to settle land claims from colonisation. Her father was the lead negotiator, and her aunt was the Maori queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan on September 27, 2018. Nanaia Mahuta, the country's new foreign minister, is known for being an honest broker and has joined Ardern's diverse cabinet. Despite her reputation, Mahuta chose to focus on briefing papers instead of seeking attention, displaying a no-nonsense and measured approach. She was known for being truthful as she transitioned through different positions. From handling water rights negotiations as an associate environment minister to resolving disputes as a local government minister, and to working with exporters as a customs minister to facilitate trade agreements with Japan and other countries. In her new position, she is expected to focus on arranging COVID-safe tourism in the region and strengthening economic ties with other Pacific Island nations and Australia. David Cunliffe, a former Labour Party leader who has worked closely with Mahuta for almost twenty years, praised her appointment to the foreign affairs role as a smart decision. He noted that she is dedicated to making progress without seeking personal recognition, and that her hard work has finally been acknowledged. Mahuta, in an interview on Thursday, revealed that she had not actively pursued the foreign affairs position, although it was on her list of potential roles. She expressed her surprise at being offered the job and eagerly accepted the opportunity to enhance New Zealand's global standing while collaborating with Pacific Island nations. The region has gained increased importance and attention in recent years due to China's growing influence and investments. US officials say that Mahuta and her team, which includes the Maori defence minister Peeni Henare, will be warmly received in the region as equals in terms of culture and as a strong opposition to Beijing. Mahuta's promotion is being celebrated in the Maori community, despite some old cultural divisions being brought back to light. In 2016, she made history by being the first woman in Parliament to display a moko kauae (a sacred facial tattoo). However, when her foreign affairs promotion was announced, a conservative New Zealand author criticized her tattoo, calling it inappropriate for a diplomat. Despite this, many New Zealanders came to Mahuta's defense, viewing her promotion as a victory for both diversity and history in politics. Mahuta, a prominent figure in the Maori King Movement, has been appointed to the New Zealand government's foreign ministry, highlighting the progress the country has made. However, this appointment is just the beginning for Ardern's team, as they must address various domestic and international challenges such as climate change, economic struggles, and inequality. According to Oliver Hartwich, Ardern needs to take bold actions such as reforming education and tax structures to improve equality and housing affordability. He mentioned that there is a lack of willingness to take risks and make necessary changes, with many promises being made but little action being taken. Cunliffe, the former Labour Party leader, stated that both the governments of Ardern and President-elect Joe Biden must be transformative while also convincing skeptics. He argued that the only way to defeat populism is by delivering progressive results that benefit both supporters and critics. Cunliffe emphasized that simply winning at the ballot box is not enough, but rather addressing the underlying issues that lead to populism. Mahuta also agreed with this sentiment. She expressed her hope that solutions for rethinking the concept of prosperity can be adopted from the Indigenous community, which values principles such as manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga. She acknowledged that addressing economic inequality is a major challenge for numerous countries, and emphasized the need to break away from traditional methods. | 1 |
With many polls indicating that Scott Morrison's conservative coalition is likely to lose in the May 21 election, they have been focusing on their national security credentials, particularly their tough stance on China. Morrison emphasized the Chinese government's attempts to influence Australia and mentioned previous instances of foreign interference. This was in response to a question regarding Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews' radio statement suggesting that China's timing of revealing its recent deal with the Solomons was a form of interference in Australia's election. China has denied targeting any third party with the pact and called on Australia to respect their and the Solomons' sovereign decisions. The news of the security agreement with the Pacific nation raised concerns about the possibility of a Chinese military presence less than 2,000 km from Australian shores. This has raised doubts about the effectiveness of Morrison's coalition in ensuring national security. Following criticism from Australia's opposition Labor party, Morrison's government has strengthened its stance, pointing to measures such as a ban on foreign political donations and a register of foreign representatives. Morrison emphasized that the legislation was necessary due to concerns about Chinese interference in Australia. Meanwhile, in the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated that the country would not support militarization in the Pacific and had signed the agreement with China as the security pact with Australia was deemed insufficient. | 1 |
While Ukraine managed to conduct a peaceful presidential election recently, the situation in the eastern region near the Russian border remains unstable, with armed groups attacking Ukrainian forces and taking over government buildings. The G7 stated their readiness to escalate targeted sanctions against Russia if necessary. German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the importance of ensuring Russia's cooperation in stabilizing the situation in Ukraine, following the annexation of Crimea in March. The US and EU have already imposed some sanctions on Russian officials, with further measures threatened if the May elections had been disrupted. However, the elections proceeded smoothly, suggesting a potential decrease in the need for additional sanctions. Wednesday's statement indicates that the West is not yet convinced that President Vladimir Putin is taking sufficient action to ease tensions in eastern Ukraine. Russia denies involvement in the uprising in the region, where pro-Moscow militias have taken control of buildings, attacked Ukrainian forces, and declared independence. Despite being excluded from the G7 summit, Putin will have meetings with Merkel, Hollande, and Cameron at a D-Day anniversary event in France. The focus is on the content of these meetings rather than who is involved. Obama has shown support for Ukrainian President Poroshenko, who he met with before the summit. Poroshenko expressed willingness to meet with Putin for peace talks at the D-Day commemorations, although no meeting has been scheduled yet. The G7 summit will also address economic issues, trade, climate, and energy policy, with a focus on energy security in Europe, which is heavily reliant on Russia for oil and gas. The leaders are expected to emphasize the importance of ensuring the security of energy supplies and condemn the use of energy resources as a tool for political coercion or threats to security. The situation in Ukraine highlights the importance of prioritizing energy security and implementing a more significant shift in diversifying energy sources. The economic talks among the G7 countries are not anticipated to introduce new ideas, but rather emphasize the need for all members to concentrate on maintaining economic growth and implementing stricter regulations to prevent potential issues in the banking sector. The leaders will also restate their dedication to finalizing financial reforms, including addressing the issue of "too-big-to-fail" banks, by the end of the year. | 1 |
The euro and European stocks received a boost on Wednesday from a positive German business sentiment report, while concerns about the US economy kept the dollar under pressure. A decrease in the value of the dollar led to increased interest in commodities like oil and gold, which had recently experienced a decline in prices. Despite worries about the US economy, global demand for commodities is expected to remain strong, particularly due to the growth of economies such as China. The Ifo institute's report showed an improvement in German corporate sentiment in March, indicating a more optimistic outlook on the economic situation and providing some relief from the overall gloomy global economic environment. Audrey Childe Freeman, European economist at CIBC World Markets, noted that the Ifo report has exceeded expectations for the past three months. She mentioned that the data supports the idea of Germany and the euro zone becoming more independent, which also suggests that the ECB will not be reducing rates in the near future. The Ifo economic research institute reported that their business climate index increased to 104.8 from 104.1 in February, which helped to decrease investors' desire for safe assets and caused euro zone government bonds to drop from their initial high levels. This news came after a decrease in US consumer confidence and a significant drop in home values, indicating that Americans may be spending less. The FTSEurofirst 300 index briefly turned positive after starting lower, before ultimately dropping 0.2 percent. The German DAX remained steady, while London's FTSE 100 index decreased by 0.3 percent. Swiss miner Xtrata experienced a significant drop of around 9 percent following the breakdown of takeover talks with Vale, the world's largest iron ore miner. This decline came just a day after European stocks had risen by approximately 3 percent, with banks leading the way after JPMorgan significantly increased its offer to acquire Bear Stearns. The news helped alleviate concerns in a sector impacted by the credit crunch. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei ended the day with a slight decrease of 0.3 percent, while MSCI's measurement of other Asian stock markets saw an increase of 0.6 percent. The MSCI world equity index saw a small increase of 0.2 percent. The dollar weakened against various major currencies, struggling due to ongoing worries about the US economy's health. The dollar index decreased by 0.6 percent, leading to a half cent increase in the euro to approximately $1.5646 following the Ifo report. The 10-year Bund yield remained relatively stable at 3.872 percent, while the 10-year yield for US Treasuries decreased by 2.4 basis points to 3.517 percent. US light crude for May delivery rose by 73 cents to $101.94, and gold saw a slight increase to $940.50 per ounce from around $934.60 per ounce in late New York trading on Tuesday. | 1 |
European Union leaders have made a resolution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable fuels. They are calling on other countries to follow their example in the fight against climate change. German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised the EU's ambitious decisions, such as setting a binding target for renewable energy to make up 20% of EU energy use by 2020, and stated that the EU is at the forefront of the battle against global warming. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized that Europe is leading the way in combating climate change and encouraged other countries to join them. The EU has established goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and use biofuels. These targets will impact all 490 million citizens in the bloc, as leaders are calling for energy-saving lighting to be mandatory in homes, offices, and streets by the end of the decade. Barroso believes that Europe can gain an economic advantage by investing in green technology, but businesses are worried about the costs and potential loss of competitiveness. The agreement includes Europe-wide targets for reducing CO2 emissions and increasing renewable energy sources, but individual countries will need to agree on their own specific goals, leading to potential disagreements between Brussels and member states. Merkel successfully negotiated a legally binding target for renewable fuels, such as solar and wind power, which was a contentious issue. Leaders agreed to the 20 percent target for renewable sources in exchange for flexibility on individual country contributions. The United Nations, which has been organizing global efforts to address climate change, praised the plan. Deputy UN spokeswoman Marie Okabe described the commitment to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade as ambitious, emphasizing that ambition and leadership are crucial in responding to climate change, a major challenge for humanity. British Prime Minister Tony Blair called the targets for the European Union groundbreaking, bold, and ambitious. "They need to put in a lot of effort for Europe to achieve this, but it will give Europe a strong leadership position on this important global issue," he informed the reporters. The summit statement was able to satisfy countries like France, Poland, Cyprus, and Malta by promising to respect each country's energy sources and capabilities, whether it be nuclear, coal, or limited resources. The leaders agreed on a goal of reducing EU greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020, with the potential to increase to 30 percent if other major nations also commit. Additionally, there was a 10 percent target set for biofuels in transportation by 2020, with a focus on cost-effective implementation. However, they did not support the European Commission's proposal to require large utility companies to divest their generation and distribution businesses. Instead, they reached a consensus on the importance of separating supply and production activities from network operations, without mentioning the dismantling of energy giants like E.ON, RWE, Gaz de France, and EDF. Currently, renewables make up less than 7 percent of the EU's energy mix, and the bloc is not meeting its targets for renewable energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. French President Jacques Chirac emphasized the importance of nuclear power in France's energy mix, which accounts for 70 percent of the country's electricity, as part of Europe's efforts to combat greenhouse gas emissions. However, some EU countries are against nuclear power, such as Germany, which is phasing it out. Poland secured a commitment to solidarity among member states, with western European countries assisting former Soviet bloc states in the event of energy supply disruptions from Russia. Various ex-communist member states in central Europe were hesitant to embrace the renewables target due to concerns about the costs of transitioning to green energy. Merkel, as chair of the Group of Eight, aims for the EU to lead the way in environmental initiatives. The summit's results will guide the EU's stance in global discussions to replace the expiring UN Kyoto Protocol in 2012. Environmentalists, who typically scrutinize EU actions, praised the agreement as a significant step forward. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left for Switzerland on Tuesday to participate in the World Climate Conference-3. She took a regular flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines bound for London at 8:45am, accompanied by Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, State Minister for Environment Hassan Mahmud, her press secretary Abul Kalam Azad, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul. The delegation was seen off at Zia International Airport by cabinet ministers, three military chiefs, and other high officials. Mahmud stated that Bangladesh would seek compensation from countries accountable for climate change. The World Meteorological Organisation is hosting a five-day summit starting on Monday with the theme 'Better Climate Information for Better Future'. The summit will continue until Sept 4. Bangladesh leads the 50-member LDC Group, comprised of countries most at risk from the effects of climate change due to emissions from developed countries. | 1 |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his shock and condemnation of the recent car bombing that killed 17 UN staff in Algiers. Ban emphasized that terrorism is never justified and must be condemned by the international community. He was deeply saddened by the attack, which was one of two bombings that day resulting in the deaths of at least 37 people in Algiers. These attacks were a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the country as it seeks to recover from a devastating civil war in the 1990s. "I extend my deepest sympathies to the government and people of Algeria, as well as to the families of the victims and my UN colleagues." Witnesses reported that Ban was taken in a heavily guarded convoy to the Hydra district, where he surveyed the damaged offices of the UN's refugee agency and Development Programme. Reporters were not allowed to join him at the site. The second suicide car bombing on Dec. 11 targeted the Constitutional Court building in the Ben Aknoun district. Al Qaeda's North African branch claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that they were aimed at those they referred to as "the slaves of America and France." Ban met with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Algeria, where they discussed working together to combat terrorism, as well as addressing issues such as climate change, illegal migration, and the situation in Western Sahara. The United Nations has confirmed that 14 Algerian employees and one individual from Denmark, Senegal, and the Philippines were killed in the attacks. Ban condemned the bombings as an assault on those who serve humanity under the UN banner, while UN Development Programme Administrator Kemal Dervis stated that increased security measures at UN offices worldwide would require additional funding. | 1 |
However, the exact date when this large giant will start providing power to France's electrical grid is uncertain. The construction is ten years behind schedule and costs have exceeded the budget by 12 billion euros. The plans to begin operations this year have been delayed once again, now aiming for 2024. Similar issues are also being faced at Finland's latest nuclear power plant, which began operating last month after initial plans for completion in 2009. As President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine prompt Europe to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas and oil, nuclear power is gaining importance as a source of domestic energy and stable electricity. Advocates argue that nuclear energy could help address Europe's impending energy crisis, alongside a shift towards renewable technologies such as solar and wind power to meet climate change targets. The conflict in Ukraine has reshaped Europe's energy security priorities, with concerns that nuclear power may decline due to increased energy insecurity. However, there are challenges in implementing a nuclear revival, as Europe is divided over the issue, with pro-nuclear countries like France pushing for expansion while others, like Germany, are opposed due to concerns about radioactive waste. A recent strategy from the European Commission aimed at reducing reliance on Russia did not include nuclear power as a potential energy source. The challenges faced by the Flamanville-3 project, including delays and cost overruns, are indicative of the broader issues associated with expanding nuclear power. Despite a quarter of the EU's electricity coming from nuclear power, the aging fleet was mostly built in the 1980s. France, which has 56 reactors, is the largest producer. Plans for up to 13 new-generation nuclear reactors in France, using a different design from Flamanville, will not be operational until at least 2035, too late to address the current energy crisis. Britain has plans for up to eight new nuclear plants, but the reality is less optimistic. Five of the current six reactors are set to be retired within the next ten years due to age. Only one new nuclear station, being constructed in southwest England at a cost of 20 billion pounds, is currently underway. It is expected to be operational by 2026. Other projects in Eastern Europe are not expected to be completed until after 2030, as nuclear projects typically take a minimum of ten years to finish. Jonathan Stern, a senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, acknowledges that nuclear energy projects will take a significant amount of time to complete. "The major issue is moving away from dependence on Russian gas, and this issue needs to be addressed now rather than in the future. Advocates believe that nuclear power could be a solution if there is political support. In response to Russia's actions in Ukraine, Belgium's government, in collaboration with the Green party, decided to extend the life of two nuclear reactors for another ten years instead of phasing out nuclear energy by 2025. This decision will help Belgium reduce its reliance on Russian gas while also expanding renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power to meet European climate targets by 2035. Belgium's energy minister, Tinne Van der Straeten, stated that the invasion of Ukraine was a turning point that led to the government's change of direction." "We aimed to decrease our imports from Russia." However, in Germany, which relies more heavily on Russian gas and coal than any other European country, the suggestion of using nuclear power to address an energy shortage does not seem to be gaining traction. Germany is set to shut down its last three nuclear plants by the end of the year, marking the end of a plan approved by lawmakers to phase out the country's 17 reactors following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011. While two of Germany's major energy companies are open to postponing the closures to reduce the nation's dependence on Russia, the Green party, part of Berlin's governing coalition, has ruled out keeping the plants open, let alone reopening the three nuclear stations that closed in December. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated in parliament that they had decided for valid reasons to phase out nuclear power and that delaying Germany's nuclear exit was not a favorable plan. Even in countries where nuclear power is seen as a viable option, there are numerous obstacles to overcome. Mark Hibbs, a nuclear expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, stated that President Emmanuel Macron's plans for a nuclear power renaissance in France will not happen quickly. The estimated cost of this plan is 50 billion euros ($57 billion), which is a significant amount that other European countries may not be willing or able to afford. Additionally, the industry needs to train a new generation of nuclear power engineers, which will further slow down the process. Other technologies are advancing rapidly and becoming cheaper, while nuclear power is not progressing and becoming more expensive. Aging reactors in France have been paused for safety inspections, making it difficult for French nuclear power to alleviate a Russian energy shortage, according to Anne-Sophie Corbeau of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. She stated that nuclear production in France will decrease this year unless a solution is found, but there is no easy fix. However, Moscow's aggression could potentially help reverse the industry's decline. Recent announcements have shown a positive trend, such as Britain planning to expand its nuclear capacity and the Netherlands planning to build more reactors alongside other renewable energy sources. In Eastern Europe, countries near Russia have been making plans to build nuclear reactors, a decision that now seems wise following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Oregon-based company NuScale Power has signed preliminary deals in Romania and Poland for their new reactor design, which they claim will be more cost-effective and faster to build due to assembling key components in factories. The invasion of Russia has increased interest from customers in considering nuclear energy as part of their overall energy mix, according to Tom Mundy, the company's chief commercial officer. Nuclearelectrica, the Romanian power company, is moving forward with plans for a NuScale plant and two Canadian reactors to enhance their energy security in light of the Ukraine crisis, said CEO Cosmin Ghita. Analyst Meike Becker from Bernstein research firm believes that in the long term, Russia's war will likely support the European goal of achieving greater energy independence. Text = The New York Times Company holds the copyright for the year 2022. | 1 |
China, a member of the group, was expected to eventually back the deal, but their support came during discussions between Premier Wen Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the East Asia Summit. | 1 |
US President Barack Obama faces political risks as he prepares to announce a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, with his Democratic Party facing tough midterm elections next year. Obama is expected to increase US troop levels in Afghanistan and may discuss an exit strategy for the conflict in a speech at West Point military academy on Tuesday. Republicans are pushing for decisive action, while many Democrats have concerns, putting Obama in a difficult position as he tries to fulfill his political commitments. Obama is facing a decision on whether to fulfill Army General Stanley McChrystal's request for up to 40,000 additional US troops in Afghanistan, or to listen to more cautious advisers who suggest deploying 10,000 to 20,000 troops and giving Afghan forces a larger role. Some influential voices in Obama's Cabinet and military chiefs support a troop increase of 30,000 or more, potentially reaching 35,000 with the inclusion of US trainers. This decision is crucial for the future of the US-led war in Afghanistan, where 68,000 US soldiers are already part of a multinational force fighting against Taliban militants. The conflict, which is also part of a broader campaign against al Qaeda, poses risks for neighboring countries like Pakistan and US allies such as Britain. It could also impact Obama's domestic agenda as politicians and voters debate the wisdom of a costly US campaign in a country historically known as "the graveyard of empires." Opinion polls indicate that Americans are split on the issue of Afghanistan, with many feeling weary from the Iraq war and economic difficulties. A recent poll by Washington Post-ABC News showed that 46 percent of Americans supported a significant increase in troops for fighting insurgents and training the Afghan military, while 45 percent preferred sending a smaller number of troops. The poll also revealed that 48 percent disapproved of President Obama's handling of Afghanistan, compared to 45 percent who approved. Of particular concern for Democrats is the declining approval among independents, who played a key role in electing Obama in 2008, dropping to just 39 percent. There are doubts about Afghanistan at the same time as Americans are worried about high unemployment, large government bailouts, a growing federal budget deficit, and a controversial debate about healthcare reform. The anti-incumbent sentiment may weaken Democrats' control in the upcoming November 2010 elections. Many liberal Democrats are against increasing involvement in Afghanistan, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticizing President Karzai as corrupt and unworthy of more U.S. aid. Other prominent Democrats have advised Obama to specify the U.S. "exit strategy" for Afghanistan. McChrystal recently indicated to a group of U.S. lawmakers that the number of American troops in Afghanistan could start to decrease after reaching a peak following the surge in 2013. An upcoming international conference on Afghanistan in London is expected to work towards transferring security responsibilities gradually to Afghan authorities. Some experienced Democratic lawmakers have suggested implementing a "war tax" on the wealthiest Americans to fund the conflict, even though this idea is typically not considered during an election year. Democrats are aiming to distance themselves from an unpopular war with an uncertain outcome by urging Obama to scale back involvement in Afghanistan. They are also hoping to restore their reputation as responsible budget managers by curbing the escalating costs of war, which could reach up to $40 billion annually. WHAT ARE REPUBLICANS SAYING? Republicans are using Obama's Afghanistan dilemma as a chance to emphasize their strong stance on national security and criticize what they see as indecisiveness from the Democratic president. Former Vice President Dick Cheney expressed concerns about the length of Obama's review process, stating that the delay is causing doubts among allies and troops in the region. Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell advised Obama to continue pressuring the Taliban, while 14 House Republicans wrote a letter supporting General McChrystal's call for 40,000 additional troops. The Republicans aim to present themselves as strong defenders of the country and regain support from disillusioned voters in swing districts. Democrats argue that Republicans are attempting to divert attention from the lack of success in defeating the Taliban during the Bush administration's seven years of military efforts, which involved larger troop deployments in Iraq. | 1 |
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree that foreign buyers must pay for Russian gas in roubles starting on Friday, or else their supplies may be cut. European capitals have rejected this move, with Berlin calling it "blackmail". This decision could result in Europe losing more than a third of its gas supply, with Germany, the most heavily reliant on Russia, activating an emergency plan that could lead to rationing. Putin is using energy exports as a powerful tool to retaliate against Western sanctions imposed on Russian entities in response to the invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow refers to as a "special military operation". In a televised speech, Putin stated that those purchasing Russian gas must have rouble accounts in Russian banks for payments starting on April 1. Failure to do so will be considered a default, leading to contract termination. It is uncertain if there will be alternative payment methods for foreign companies, as the EU and G7 have rejected the use of roubles. His choice to require payments in rubles has helped the Russian currency, which had dropped to record lows following the invasion on February 24th, to regain much of its lost value. Western companies and governments have refused to alter their gas supply contracts to change the payment currency, as most European buyers currently use euros. Executives believe that it would require several months or more to renegotiate the terms. Paying in roubles would help lessen the impact of Western restrictions on Moscow's access to foreign exchange reserves. European countries are scrambling to find other sources of energy, but the global market is limited, leaving them with few choices. The US has offered to provide more liquefied natural gas (LNG), but it is not sufficient to completely replace Russian gas. Germany's Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, stated that Russia has failed to divide Europe and that Western allies are committed to not being manipulated by Russia. Berlin announced that it will continue to pay for Russian energy imports in euros. France's economy minister, Bruno Le Maire, mentioned that France and Germany are preparing for a potential situation where Russian gas supply could be stopped. Le Maire did not provide details on the technical aspects related to Russia's recent request for payments in roubles. Putin's order allows for payments to be made through special foreign currency and rouble accounts at Gazprombank, with foreign currency being converted to roubles through currency auctions on a Moscow exchange. Putin believes this change will enhance Russia's independence, as he feels Western countries are using the financial system as a tool against Russia. Therefore, Putin sees it as unnecessary for Russia to trade in dollars and euros when assets in those currencies are being frozen. Putin questions what is currently happening and what has already occurred. We have given European customers our resources, specifically gas. They accepted it, paid us in euros, and then stored the euros themselves. As a result, it seems that we provided some of the gas to Europe at a very low cost," he stated. "This situation cannot persist." Putin emphasized that Russia still cares about its business reputation. "We will continue to fulfill our obligations under all contracts, including gas contracts, by supplying gas in the specified volumes and at the prices outlined in our existing long-term agreements," he stated. Many European companies with Russian contracts either had no response or did not comment immediately following Putin's announcement, causing further concern in the market. The escalating tension with Russia has led to a surge in European gas prices in recent months, heightening the risk of a recession. The rising energy costs have already resulted in production cutbacks for companies in industries such as steel and chemicals. Poland's PGNiG, which has a long-standing contract with Russia's Gazprom that expires at the end of the year, did not have an immediate response. The Climate Ministry of Poland did not give an immediate response. Poland's agreement with Gazprom is for 10.2 billion cubic meters of gas annually and is in dollars. Eni, an Italian energy company and another significant purchaser of Russian gas in Europe, also had no comment. In 2020, Eni purchased approximately 22.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas. Its contracts with Gazprom will end in 2035. Buyers of Russian gas in Germany, including Uniper, RWE, EnBW, and VNG, did not provide a comment in response to requests. | 1 |
Water is crucial for survival in Bangladesh, a country known for its abundant rivers and resilient population. However, in 2020, the nation faced unprecedented challenges. Cyclone Amphan caused widespread destruction in the south-western regions, followed by monsoon rains that inundated one-third of the country, displacing thousands and destroying crops. Dealing with the aftermath of water-related disasters, such as pollution and disease, is incredibly difficult. It is especially challenging this year due to the impact of Covid-19, which has made it harder to obtain clean water necessary for sanitation and disease prevention. In Dhaka, the levels of the Brahmaputra and Padma rivers are decreasing, allowing people to resume their lives cautiously amid the ongoing pandemic. Efforts are being made to evaluate flood protection measures and offer assistance to those impacted by the floods. Despite the challenges, plans are being made to improve preparedness for future disasters, as in Bangladesh, there is always a possibility of another crisis. The climate crisis is always active. I want to alert nations and financial institutions that believe they are unaffected by the climate crisis: you are not immune. The Covid-19 pandemic has proven that no country or company can thrive in isolation. We must work together to address worldwide challenges. The pandemic has also shown that it is easier to prevent problems than to fix them. This means that in 2020, it is crucial that we prioritize listening to scientists. We are currently dealing with a global crisis involving climate, health, and nature. The loss of biodiversity is being worsened by climate change, and this in turn is making the situation even more severe. Countries like Bangladesh are not the only ones experiencing the devastating effects of nature's fury. In various parts of the world this year, fires have been widespread in places such as the Amazon, Australia, California, and Siberia. Cyclones and hurricanes have caused significant damage in the US, Caribbean, and parts of Asia. The UK, which will host the COP26 climate summit next year, has also experienced floods. Climate change is a result of unsustainable human activities, leading to more severe weather events such as floods, rainfalls, cyclones, heatwaves, landslides, and droughts. These events pose a threat to food security, highlighting the importance of acknowledging their seriousness. A one meter increase in sea level will submerge many small islands and coastal nations, while floods from melting glaciers will devastate mountainous countries. This will force millions of people to become climate refugees, overwhelming the world's capacity to provide shelter. The G20 countries are responsible for the majority of emissions, with the bottom 100 countries only contributing a small percentage. The emitters bear a significant responsibility and must make substantial contributions to the mitigation efforts required to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5C. As the current leader of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, Bangladesh is appealing for increased assistance from the international community and the G20 in terms of financial support and technology access to accelerate adaptation for the most vulnerable countries. Within this group, Bangladesh is among the most well-equipped to handle extreme weather events. We are constructing sea walls, establishing mangrove forests, and incorporating resilience into all government initiatives. However, we cannot undertake this journey without support. 64 countries and the EU have recently agreed to the Pledge for Nature in response to the global crisis, representing approximately 1.4 billion individuals and a quarter of the world's GDP. It is now crucial to cultivate a unified political determination on both national and international fronts. As the upcoming hosts of key meetings such as COP, G7, and G20, the UK and Italy have a crucial role in advancing this agenda, including providing extensive assistance to the most affected nations. Business leaders, CEOs, CFOs, and investors of all levels also have a crucial part to play in this endeavor. You may think that your main focus is on quarterly results, but our shared priority is much more crucial: if the environment is harmed to the point where it cannot shield us, we will all face consequences. The impact in Bangladesh has repercussions on stock markets in London and New York. No one is safe from the effects of rising sea levels. The only solution is a fundamental change in government policies and business practices, transitioning from high carbon to low carbon and from exploiting the planet to caring for it. A recent study conducted by Vivid Economics on the response to Covid-19 indicates that its effect on climate change has been varied. I commend the EU for emphasizing a sustainable recovery. In Bangladesh, we also aim to prioritize a green recovery, and I hope that other government and business leaders will do the same. While jobs are important, we must also focus on creating opportunities for the future and establishing a strong foundation for the long term. Climate change, pandemics, and the loss of biodiversity are shared challenges that need to be addressed. They should bring us together to strive for a shared goal: creating a cleaner, more sustainable, and safer planet. In Bangla, we say "Bhabia korio kaj, koria bhabio na" (think before you act, not after), emphasizing the importance of not taking irreversible actions. | 1 |
Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd impressed China with his fluent Mandarin, but his complex and jargon-filled native English often confuses his fellow Australians. Newspapers in Australia criticized Rudd for being overly focused on policy and using too much diplomatic language and acronyms. Some even accused him of creating his own language. Despite this, he received praise for delivering a speech in Mandarin at a Chinese university, where he discussed human rights and Tibet. Australian newspapers reported that Prime Minister Rudd's use of English in Beijing was very different from his usual style. They highlighted a climate change comment he made after a meeting with Britain's prime minister as an example of his complex language, which some dubbed as "geek talk". Rudd's use of acronyms like EWS, RTP, and CCS was also noted, with The Sydney Morning Herald commenting that "You can take the boy out of the bureaucracy but you cannot take the bureaucrat out of the boy". | 1 |
The push for change seen in the 2008 presidential campaign is also evident in U.S. House and Senate races as Democrats are expected to gain more control of Congress. Polls indicate that voters prefer Democrats on issues such as the Iraq war, the economy, and energy, and feel that the country is heading in the wrong direction as President George W. Bush's term comes to a close. However, Democrats still face challenges as surveys show that only one in five Americans approves of the current divided Congress, which Democrats took control of in 2007. Despite this, Republicans have been successful in blocking Democratic efforts, including plans to withdraw from Iraq. Stu Rothenberg of the Rothenberg Political Report, a nonpartisan organization that monitors elections, stated that the public is seeking change. He noted that when voters consider who is responsible for the current situation, they typically focus on the president rather than Congress. Rothenberg explained that if voters are dissatisfied, they tend to blame the president's party. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois gained traction in the Democratic presidential race by promoting a message of "hope and change" in Washington, despite facing challenges due to political conflicts. Obama's message of "change" was so popular that even his rivals, such as Hillary Clinton and John McCain, have adopted it. In the upcoming November elections, voters will choose a successor to Bush, as well as elect members of Congress. The Democrats currently control both the Senate and the House, with expectations of gaining more seats in both chambers. There is a possibility of reaching 60 seats in the Senate, which would allow them to overcome Republican filibusters. The last time one of the political parties had a Senate majority that could not be filibustered was in 1977-78, when the Democrats were in power. Jennifer Duffy from the Cook Political Report stated that Democrats may have a chance to reach 60 seats if everything goes well, but the odds are not in their favor due to the difficult political climate. Out of the 23 Senate seats up for election, most are currently held by Republicans, with five of them retiring and others facing strong opponents. All 12 Senate Democrats running for re-election are expected to win, according to Sen. John Ensign of Nevada, who leads the Senate Republican campaign committee. Ensign hopes to maintain 47 or 48 seats, down from the current 49. However, he does not believe Democrats will reach the 60-seat threshold. On the other hand, Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, who heads the Senate Democratic campaign committee, believes things are moving favorably for his party. Democrats have outperformed Republicans in fundraising, experienced fewer retirements in Congress, and had an easier time recruiting candidates. However, concerns have arisen about potential negative consequences from the contentious Obama-Clinton primary battle for the Democratic presidential nomination. Rep. Chris Van Hollen expressed worry about lasting wounds from the primary hurting Democratic chances in November. While he doesn't believe it will cost Democrats control of Congress, it could hinder their efforts to gain more seats. Andrew Kohut of the Pew Research Center suggested that a strong performance by McCain in the presidential race could aid Republicans in maintaining their position in Congress. Kohut emphasized the importance of the top of the ticket, noting that McCain's popularity among independents could be decisive in the election. Democrats aim to counter any perception of Republicans as agents of change by linking them to Bush, whose approval ratings have been low. Van Hollen pointed out that while Bush is not running this year, his influence still looms over the elections. House Republicans need to provide explanations for their support of failed Iraq and economic policies over the past seven years. Representative Tom Cole, chairman of the House Republican campaign committee, dismissed concerns about their prospects, pointing out that Democrats were able to win control of Congress in 2006 by blaming Republicans for various issues such as the Iraq war, economic struggles, and high gas prices. Cole also highlighted that now that Democrats control both the House and Senate, they share responsibility for the negative perception of Washington. | 1 |
European Union leaders have agreed to send administrators and police to Kosovo before it declares independence from Serbia. They also offered Serbia a quick path to joining the EU once it meets requirements for a first-level agreement on closer ties. However, Serbia was not pleased with the suggestion that this was meant to compensate for the potential loss of Kosovo. Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic rejected the idea, calling it inappropriate. EU leaders concluded that negotiations on Kosovo's future had reached a standstill and it was time to work towards a resolution. They refrained from fully supporting independence, but instead made a political decision to send an ESDP mission to Kosovo. This decision, according to Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, who chaired the summit, signifies the EU's intention to take a lead role in Kosovo and the surrounding region. The ESDP mission consists of 1,800 personnel including police, justice officials, and civilian administrators. Socrates stated that discussions about recognizing Kosovo's independence were happening at the United Nations when asked about the EU's stance on the issue. He emphasized that the EU was actively addressing the situation and not ignoring it. French President Nicolas Sarkozy acknowledged the EU's struggles with accepting Kosovo's imminent independence. Diplomats revealed that Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia, and Romania were against recognizing Kosovo's sovereignty without a UN Security Council resolution. "ON A PLANE"? EU leaders, having recently signed a treaty to overcome a longstanding deadlock, have now shifted their attention to addressing challenges from the Balkans, as well as those posed by globalization and immigration. The final summit communique expressed confidence that progress towards EU membership for Serbia could be expedited. Pro-EU factions in Belgrade hope to achieve candidate status by the end of the following year, a goal that EU Enlargement Commission Olli Rehn has deemed ambitious but attainable. Typically, it takes around two years for Brussels to grant candidate status to a country after signing a Stabilisation and Accession Agreement (SAA). The delay in signing an SAA with Belgrade is due to the failure to transfer Ratko Mladic, a Bosnian Serb wartime general, to a UN war crimes tribunal in the Hague for genocide charges. Outgoing chief war crimes prosecutor Carla Del Ponte has urged EU leaders in Belgium's Le Soir to maintain pressure on Belgrade and not to be lenient. She expressed surprise at France, Germany, and Italy for wanting to soften their stance and called on Belgium and the Netherlands to remain firm. Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen stated that he will not sign the SAA until Mladic is sent to the Hague. According to diplomats, EU leaders have appointed former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez to lead a new "reflection group" that will discuss various long-term issues facing the EU, such as enlargement, climate change, and regional stability. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former Latvian President, and Jorma Ollila, chairman of Nokia, have been named as vice-chairs of the panel, which is expected to present its findings in June 2010. The leaders also addressed concerns about European job markets being affected by immigration and cheap imports, topics that the EU plans to focus on following the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. The treaty, which replaced the failed constitution from 2005, maintains key institutional reforms while eliminating controversial symbols of statehood like a flag and anthem. EU leaders are optimistic that the treaty will help streamline the bloc's operations to accommodate further enlargement after the addition of 12 new member states in 2004 and 2007. Critics argue that it will limit the authority of individual nations and centralize more power in Brussels. | 1 |
This country may become the first to approve the British drugmaker's vaccine, as the British medicine regulator is still analyzing trial data. India, known for being the world's largest vaccine producer, aims to start vaccinating its citizens next month and is considering emergency use authorization for vaccines from Pfizer Inc and Bharat Biotech. Distributing the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine to India, a country with high infection rates, will be a significant step in fighting the pandemic. This vaccine is seen as crucial for lower-income countries and those in hot climates due to its affordability, ease of transportation, and long shelf life at regular fridge temperatures. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization in India first reviewed the applications on December 9 and requested more information from all companies involved, including Serum Institute of India which is producing the AstraZeneca vaccine. SII, the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, has submitted all the necessary data, according to two sources. Authorities are still awaiting more details from Pfizer, as stated by a government health adviser at a news briefing on Tuesday. One of the sources mentioned that additional information is expected from Bharat Biotech. Both sources confirmed that Indian health officials are in direct communication with their British counterparts regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine, with strong indications that approval will be granted by next week. This expected approval follows data from AstraZeneca's late-stage trials in the UK and Brazil, which showed varying efficacy rates depending on the dosage regimen. Despite the higher efficacy rate in a smaller sub-group receiving a half, then a full dose, the Indian regulator is only considering the two full-dose regimen for approval. One of the sources announced that the serum is prepared and there may be around 50 to 60 million doses initially. The sources chose to remain anonymous due to ongoing discussions and the possibility of timeline changes. V.G. Somani, the CDSCO chief, did not respond to a comment request. Bharat Biotech and Pfizer declined to comment, and SII did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. India has not yet finalized an agreement for vaccine supply with any company, however, the Serum Institute of India (SII) has already accumulated over 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and intends to produce a total of 400 million doses by July. | 1 |
Dhaka, June 8 (bdnews24.com) - The government is planning to announce a budget of around Tk 100,000 crore for the upcoming fiscal year, with a suggestion to allocate up to 15 percent of the amount for subsidizing essential items, according to the finance adviser. This will be the first time a caretaker government has proposed a complete budget for two consecutive fiscal years. Finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam, set to deliver his second budget speech on Monday, mentioned that up to Tk 15,000 crore will be allocated for fuel, food, and fertiliser subsidies, triple the amount from the previous fiscal year. Spending on non-development sectors, such as food, structural coordination, and loans, is expected to surpass Tk 70,000 crore, while the overall budget deficit is projected to stay under five percent. Mirza Aziz stated that there would be no increase in tax rates in the upcoming fiscal year, but import duties on certain goods may be raised to support local industry. He highlighted the challenges faced by Bangladesh in preparing the budget, including fuel price hikes, global food crisis, and natural disasters caused by climate change. Despite the soaring oil prices putting pressure on the economy, the government has not yet decided to raise fuel prices. Aziz emphasized that even though oil prices had reached $139 a barrel, the government opted not to increase fuel prices considering the overall circumstances. The adviser mentioned that back in 2007, a barrel of fuel cost $62 on the global market when the government last raised fuel prices in the country. In the budget for fiscal 2007-08, the overall deficit was projected at 4.2 percent. The finance adviser stated on Sunday that the budget deficit is expected to increase slightly in the upcoming year due to higher subsidies for various sectors such as fuel, fertiliser, and food. However, he reassured that it would not exceed 5 percent. The finance adviser also mentioned plans to widen the tax net significantly in order to boost revenue income. The expected revenue increase for the upcoming fiscal year is 17 percent. In the 2008-09 budget, Tk 43,850 crore was allocated from NBR-controlled sources. The adviser mentioned that the tax system in the budget would be favorable for businesses, with measures to limit the discretionary power of tax officials and streamline the tax collection process. The target GDP growth rate is set at 6.5 percent, and the projected annual inflation rate is around 9 percent. The target for GDP growth in the fiscal year 2007-08 was set at 7 percent, with an average inflation rate of 6 percent. The finance adviser explained that achieving 7 percent growth in the fiscal year was not possible due to floods and cyclones. Initially, it was expected that the growth rate for the current fiscal year would be below 6 percent, but recent data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics indicates that the growth rate is actually 6.21 percent. In the previous fiscal year (2006-07), GDP growth was 6.5 percent. Mirza Aziz expressed the main worry for Bangladesh's economy as being inflation. He emphasized that the point-to-point inflation rate decreased by three percentage points to 7.7 percent in April, according to data from the Bureau of Statistics. In March, the point-to-point inflation rate stood at 10.06 percent. Aziz also mentioned that agriculture will be the top priority in the upcoming budget, with the sector receiving the highest allocation in the development budget. Mirza Aziz announced that the government has devised plans to create job opportunities for impoverished individuals in the upcoming fiscal year. As part of the scheme, one member of each family will be compensated with a set sum of money for completing 100 days of work. Additionally, the government intends to expand the number of recipients of various social welfare benefits provided under the social safety net program. Aziz also mentioned that measures would be taken to boost the buying power of individuals belonging to fixed income brackets. Furthermore, a dearness allowance will be introduced for government employees to alleviate the financial strain caused by escalating prices. The finance adviser's budget speech will be shown live on government and private TV and radio channels at 3pm on Monday. Just like last year, the government is encouraging public review of the proposed budget by sharing the budget speech, summary, and annual financial statement on www.mof.gov.bd. Hard copies will also be available starting at 3pm on Monday. Anyone can access these documents, download information, and provide feedback to the government by filling out forms until 5pm on June 16. Individuals and organizations can also submit written comments, recommendations, and criticisms, all of which will be taken into account in the final approved budget to ensure public participation in the process. The government has identified specific websites where the public can access the proposed budget. These websites include www.bangladesh.gov.bd, www.nbr-bd.org, www.plancomm.gov.bd, www.imed.gov.bd, www.bdpressinform.org, and www.cao.gov.bd. Additionally, links to the budget documents will be provided on other government websites under the finance ministry and at bdnews24.com. | 1 |
Australia, previously criticized for not fully participating in the Kyoto Protocol, is now advocating for the agreement to be abandoned. The Environment Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, stated that Australia would still meet its targets under Kyoto, despite predictions of an increase in Greenhouse Gas emissions. Turnbull believes that Kyoto should be replaced by a new global agreement that includes major players like India, China, and the United States. He expressed doubts that the United States would ever ratify the protocol in its current form, and suggested that the first commitment period of Kyoto is becoming outdated. The Kyoto Protocol is set to expire in 2012 and imposes emissions caps on wealthy countries but not on poorer ones like China. Australia, the largest coal exporter in the world, has chosen not to ratify the agreement or implement mandatory cuts on carbon emissions, citing potential negative impacts on the economy. Instead, Australia plans to invest $15.2 million in China to help reduce emissions by capturing methane from underground mining for electricity generation. China, a member of a separate Kyoto pact with the US, Australia, Japan, India, and South Korea, has rejected emissions caps, expressing concerns about the impact on economic growth. Australian Prime Minister Turnbull believes in practical actions to combat climate change, criticizing the Kyoto Protocol for neglecting the issue of deforestation in developing countries such as Indonesia and Brazil. He stated that Kyoto's results have been disappointing. The Climate Institute reported that Australia, the largest polluter per person, would exceed its limit of 108 percent of 1990 greenhouse emissions. Turnbull denied this accusation with the latest 2005 data. Senator Christine Milne of the Australian Greens claimed that Turnbull was trying to cover up the fact that energy and transport emissions had increased in the last two years due to the country's mining and commodity export boom. Prime Minister John Howard believes that climate change solutions should be agreed upon globally, rather than being restricted to industrialized European nations like 'Old Kyoto'. With the government facing re-election later in the year and polls showing that 80 percent of voters consider climate change a major concern, Howard has introduced a series of environmental measures to enhance his environmental credentials. Australia is planning to prioritize measures to address climate change in the upcoming May 8 Budget. The government has indicated that they will allocate A$10 billion towards reforming water usage in response to a prolonged period of severe drought. | 1 |
France's president-elect Nicolas Sarkozy will engage in his first international diplomatic meeting on Friday with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Both leaders, who are in their 50s, have a good relationship and share similar views on various issues, including the European constitutional treaty. They will discuss important upcoming European Union and G8 meetings, starting at 1530 GMT after Blair meets with outgoing President Jacques Chirac. Blair's spokesman stated that discussions will focus on topics such as the EU treaty and climate change agenda from the Gleneagles summit. Blair, who will leave office on June 27, publicly welcomed Sarkozy's election with a message in French on YouTube. He stated that the success of the right-winger provided a great opportunity for Britain and France to collaborate in the future. Sarkozy is pushing for a less ambitious treaty to be approved by parliament instead of holding another referendum on the constitution. Blair's spokesperson mentioned that they will discuss this matter with Sarkozy, but Blair himself supports an amended treaty over a full constitution. Merkel, who Sarkozy will meet with next week, has made reviving the charter a top priority of her EU presidency. Sarkozy has emphasized his intention to address the remaining doubts stemming from France's strong opposition to the U.S.- and British-led war in Iraq. He has made enhancing relationships with Washington and London a top priority. His visit to Berlin next Wednesday, the day he assumes office, highlights his acknowledgment of the significance of the traditional alliance with Germany. German government spokesman Thomas Steg described this as a powerful symbol of Franco-German friendship. | 1 |
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is urging Bangladesh and the Maldives to collaborate in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, as both countries are highly vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels. During a meeting with Maldives ambassador Ahmed Fareer, Hasina suggested that the two nations work together to combat climate change impacts such as extreme weather events and sea level rise. Additionally, she requested that the Maldives government consider sourcing physicians, teachers, medicines, clothing, and ceramics from Bangladesh. The prime minister promised to provide full support from Bangladesh to establish the 'Bangladesh-Maldives University' in the Maldives, according to Islam. The PM's principal secretary MA Karim, PMO secretary Mollah Wahiduzzman, and ambassador at large Ziauddin Ahmed were also in attendance. | 1 |
He assumed office with pledges of cautious reforms, but as his term approaches its midpoint, critics argue that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's true intentions may be to serve as a temporary seat-warmer for Vladimir Putin's return to power. Despite nearly two years in office, experts note little progress in Medvedev's promises to open up Russia's tightly controlled political system, modernize its economy reliant on oil, combat corruption, and establish the rule of law. Opposition leaders labeled the recent local elections in October as the most corrupt in Russia's history. NGOs and business leaders claim that corruption remains pervasive, if not worsened. Regional officials with close ties to the Kremlin, accused of misconduct, have been reappointed to their positions. Every day, there are reports of police and court power being abused. According to Vladimir Ryzhkov, who was the last independent deputy in the Russian parliament until he was no longer allowed to run in 2007, Medvedev has not shown a genuine desire to reform. While he has made some small changes to give the appearance of reform, there have not been any significant reforms. When asked to list Medvedev's accomplishments since his election in March 2008, the Kremlin stated that they were preparing detailed information for the press to mark his two years in office in May. Medvedev's spokesperson, Natalya Timakova, mentioned that the president plans to focus on political system reforms, improving the investment climate, addressing issues in the North Caucasus, and reaching a nuclear arms agreement with Washington this year. According to an analysis by the Interfax news agency, state-run media has attempted to enhance the president's reputation, with more references to Medvedev than Putin in Russian media last year. However, pollsters argue that Putin's popularity among ordinary people has increased due to economic growth and stability during his presidency from 2000 to 2008. This popularity has continued during Putin's current role as prime minister. Russia's elite also holds Putin in higher regard, as evidenced by Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov's praise of Putin as a "very strong leader of world stature" in a recent Reuters interview. He did not mention Medvedev. Western powers had hoped that Medvedev would be more flexible than Putin, but those hopes were dashed when Medvedev led Russia into a conflict with Georgia in 2008. Despite promises of entering the World Trade Organisation, signing a nuclear arms reduction pact with the US, and imposing tough sanctions on Iran, Moscow has failed to deliver on all accounts. Privately, officials admit that Putin, not Medvedev, has the final say, revealing the true power dynamics of Russia's ruling "tandem". Officials at the Kremlin and the White House emphasize that the "tandem" between Putin and Medvedev is a strong and productive partnership where both leaders respect each other's areas of expertise. An example of this was seen when Medvedev led a discussion on political reforms in Russia, but Putin ultimately had the final say, cautioning that any changes must be approached carefully to prevent instability in the political system. According to a senior diplomat, Putin's message was unequivocal: there will be no significant political changes in Russia. Investors also understand where the power is concentrated. A chief strategist at a Moscow bank stated that the markets would not be affected if Medvedev were to leave, but if Putin were to depart, there would be chaos. However, the frequent discrepancies in public demeanor between Putin and Medvedev have sparked speculation among some observers of Russia, who believe there may be disagreements or a power struggle occurring within the elite. Supporters of Medvedev are particularly focused on spreading this narrative to enhance his image as a reformist, according to diplomats. According to this perspective, Medvedev's slow progress in reform is attributed to his cautious approach to avoid conflicting with Putin. On the other hand, proponents of the president argue that Medvedev will eventually take bolder actions at an unspecified point in the future. Nevertheless, many individuals with close ties to those in power dismiss these claims. Opposition journalist Yulia Latynina argues that there is no real power struggle between Putin, who holds all the power, and Medvedev, who has none. Sceptics believe that Medvedev, who has worked closely with Putin for 19 years, is unlikely to have a secret reform agenda. Many commentators predict that Putin will return to the presidency in 2012, thanks to a constitutional reform extending the term to six years. Putin is more popular and trusted than Medvedev, according to expert Olga Kryshtanovskaya. I have recently returned from a trip to the provinces where I found that the prevailing belief is that Putin will return in 2012. I also hold this belief, as I think Putin has greater resources and support. | 1 |
Dhaka, Sep 9 (bdnews24.com)—The Netherlands, known for its advanced irrigation systems, has shown interest in assisting Bangladesh in modernizing its own irrigation system. Foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury held separate meetings with the Dutch foreign minister and development cooperation minister in Amsterdam on Monday, as announced by the foreign affairs ministry on Tuesday. During the meeting with development cooperation minister Bert Koenders, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury emphasized the importance of directing Dutch aid through the government instead of NGOs and multilateral agencies. They discussed potential areas of cooperation such as modern irrigation systems, livestock and dairy, food processing, and agro-business development. Additionally, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury met with Dutch counterpart Maxime Verhagen. The foreign ministry of Bangladesh described the Netherlands as a reliable partner for development during a recent meeting. Iftekhar encouraged the Dutch foreign minister to expand their imports from Bangladesh beyond just ready-made garments, suggesting areas like small and medium size ships. They also decided to collaborate on issues like climate change. Verhagen pledged support for the electoral process and was informed about the preparations for the Jatiya Sangsad polls by the adviser. Iftekhar highlighted the importance of having a European Union Observer Mission for the upcoming elections while discussing the current government's reform programs with the Dutch minister. The meetings were attended by Mizanur Rahman, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands, M Zulfiqur Rahman, the director general of the foreign ministry, and Bea Ten Touscher, the Dutch envoy to Bangladesh. | 1 |
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated that the growth outlook and business climate have deteriorated, while also cautioning about potential inflation risks, just a day before the expected decision to maintain interest rates. The RBI also hinted that there may not be a cut in the cash reserve ratio (CRR), disappointing market expectations. In December, the RBI decided to keep interest rates unchanged after a series of hikes between March 2010 and October 2011. The RBI emphasized that future rate decisions will be influenced by core inflation and exchange rate impacts in its quarterly review on Monday. Core inflation, which tracks price changes in non-food manufactured goods, has remained at or above 7 percent for 11 consecutive months, well above its usual rate of around 4 percent. In 2011, the rupee depreciated by 16 percent against the dollar, leading to higher costs for essential imports like oil and contributing to inflation. Despite a decrease in food inflation, overall annual inflation, as indicated by the wholesale price index, dropped to a two-year low of 7.47 percent in December. However, inflation in manufactured products increased from the previous month. The RBI warned of potential inflation risks from factors such as inadequate supply responses, exchange rate fluctuations, suppressed inflation, and government spending policies. The central bank anticipated that inflation would fall to the target of 7 percent by the end of the fiscal year in March. Delays in decision-making in New Delhi have hindered investment in industrial capacity, which could alleviate supply constraints in India, while initiatives to boost the purchasing power of rural consumers have driven up demand for high-protein foods. Have hopes of a CRR cut been disappointed? The yields on Indian government bonds and overnight indexed swap rates decreased on Monday, leading up to the release of the RBI's report, as there was a growing belief that the central bank might reduce the CRR. Out of 20 economists surveyed by Reuters last week, 7 anticipated a CRR reduction on Tuesday. However, none of the 22 economists expected a decrease in interest rates. The 10-year benchmark bond yield ended the day 1 basis point lower at 8.17 percent, the one-year swap rate dropped by 8 bps to 7.93 percent, and the five-year rate decreased by 3 bps to 7.23 percent. However, some analysts believe that the central bank's review on Monday may have reduced the chances of a CRR cut on Tuesday. The RBI recognized the significant tightening of liquidity since November but mentioned that liquidity stress had been managed through OMOs. This indicates that the RBI may prefer to continue injecting rupee liquidity through OMOs rather than immediately reducing the CRR, as there are inflation risks. A senior trader at a foreign bank mentioned that Monday's statement seemed to rule out a CRR cut, which could negatively impact bonds on Tuesday. Despite this, some believe that a CRR cut on Tuesday is still a possibility. The central bank stated that it typically uses open market operations to manage tight market liquidity, but it is open to considering other measures if necessary. Ensuring that liquidity deficits are kept within acceptable limits to support the smooth operation of other markets is a key policy goal. The RBI expressed optimism for improved growth in the upcoming fiscal year starting in April, but cautioned that slow recovery may persist due to weak investment and external demand. It attributed the weakened growth outlook to adverse global and domestic factors. | 1 |
The statement was made by the president during an event in Dhaka on Sunday, following the recent killings of two foreigners in the country which were claimed by the radical group Islamic State. The president was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 44th national council of Bangladesh Scouts, urging the scouts to instill patriotism in young people and promote the country's tradition of communal harmony. He emphasized the importance of rejecting zealotry, fundamentalism, extremism, and militancy in Bangladesh. The chief scout, Hamid, praised the organization for their efforts in handling natural disasters and encouraged them to raise awareness about ecological balance and combat the effects of climate change. Additionally, he called for a social movement to combat drug addiction. The president awarded the Silver Tiger to nine scouts, the Silver Hilsa to 17 scouts, the President's Rover Scout to two scouts, and the President's Scout to 122 scouts. Abul Kalam Azad, the President of Bangladesh Scouts and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, led the event. The organization’s chief national commissioner, Md Mozammel Haque Khan, also delivered a speech. | 1 |
Six months following the US invasion, Esam Pasha, a 30-year-old Iraqi artist and writer, proudly created a mural titled "Resilience" over a large portrait of Saddam Hussein on a government building wall. He now resides in the United States. Pasha is one of many Iraqis who have left the country since the war, including doctors, businessmen, academics, and other professionals that Iraq cannot afford to lose. Pasha reminisces about spending days sipping tea and conversing at a gallery in Baghdad, stating, "I can still hear the sounds and the birds and almost smell the tea." His mural depicted a vibrant celebration of Baghdad life and what he described as "the ever-shining sun of Iraq." Pasha mentioned in a phone interview from Connecticut that he did not use any black paint in the mural, as he believed Baghdad already had enough black from its past. The mural, located on a wall of the Ministry of Labour, is inaccessible to the public due to security measures. Pasha expressed hope that one day Baghdad would be safe enough for public artworks to be enjoyed by all, envisioning a cleaner and more beautiful city if other artists followed suit. Abu Mina, a ceramic artist and university professor, continues to visit the gallery Pasha recalls with affection, but he notes that there is no security and as a result, no one is purchasing art. Due to the lack of payment from the university and the dangerous conditions, most of his students are not attending classes. Abu Mina is contemplating leaving, as he believes only three students will graduate this year, with the remaining 27 never attending class. The Higher Education Ministry reports that 185 university teachers have been killed, 52 kidnapped, and 41 wounded since April 2003. A recent double bombing at a Baghdad university resulted in the deaths of at least 70 people, mostly students. Abu Mina's son is studying medicine, but classes are infrequent, and many professors have relocated to Damascus for safety reasons. Accessing medical care in Iraq can be difficult and time-consuming, leading those who can afford it to seek treatment abroad. Hospital emergency rooms are often understaffed and overwhelmed when faced with a surge of casualties from bombings and shootings. According to a recent United Nations report, there has been a concerning rise in attacks on professionals such as teachers, doctors, artists, lawyers, ex-military officers, and journalists, usually carried out by extremists and militant/terror groups. The report also mentioned a growing trend of attacks on academics linked to Islamic extremism. Asam Rifaat, a 38-year-old criminal lawyer in Baghdad, has decided to leave Iraq with his family due to the dangerous situation in the city. "It has become a place where dead people live, and I am not prepared for my children to grow up without parents," he expressed. He also stated, "I cannot advocate for justice in a country governed by militias who operate with impunity," referring to armed groups known for carrying out frequent killings, often in collaboration with law enforcement. "To put it bluntly, we are living in a lawless environment," Rifaat emphasized. "Whenever I step out of my house, I have to take a good look at Nora and Mahmoud because I always fear that I may not return, that I may be killed or kidnapped." His wife, a 35-year-old teacher, has resigned from her job to care for their children at home. Salim al-Taie, a former army officer, 45, resides in Amriya in western Baghdad with his wife and three children, aged five to 12. He expresses concern for his safety every time Asam leaves for work, especially when he hears urgent news about bombs on television. In the past four years, Salim has noticed a significant deterioration in the situation in Baghdad, with a lack of respect for the law being a major concern. He described life in Baghdad as similar to living in a city controlled by the mafia, where anyone could be killed without warning. He mentioned the tragic deaths of two friends who were pilots, killed by gunmen. Despite trying to remain hopeful, the ongoing violence and bombings in the city proved him wrong. Taie decided to move to Egypt after halting his children's schooling due to safety concerns. His daughters cried when they found out they wouldn't see their friends anymore, which ultimately led to his decision to leave Iraq for good. Taie expressed his desire for his children to be safe and happy, even if it meant never returning to Iraq. | 1 |
- Started a decade ago, the initiative aims to be completed by 2015. Although nations support the objectives of reducing worldwide poverty, wealthy countries facing issues like high joblessness and increasing debt prefer discussions to center on maximizing the effectiveness of anti-poverty efforts. | 1 |
German Chancellor Angela Merkel successfully convinced her fellow leaders at the meeting in Hamburg to support a single communique with pledges on trade, finance, energy, and Africa, showcasing her skills as a mediator before the upcoming German election. However, there was a clear divide between President Trump, who prioritizes "America First", and the other 19 members of the club, which includes countries like Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord was a point of contention, leading to dissent against the United States during the negotiations. Greenpeace activists even staged a protest with a giant statue of Trump at the G20 summit in Hamburg. Merkel expressed her disappointment with the outcome, stating that the negotiations on climate ultimately highlighted the disagreement with the United States. Greenpeace activists staged a protest in front of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7, 2017, with a giant statue of US President Donald Trump. The difficult trade negotiations at the summit were attributed to the specific positions taken by the United States. The summit was marked by violent protests that resulted in burning cars and broken shop windows in Hamburg, bringing together a volatile mix of leaders during a time of significant global geopolitical changes. Trump's shift towards a more unilateral and transactional diplomacy has created a vacuum in global leadership, causing unease among traditional allies in Europe and allowing rising powers like China to increase their influence. Tensions between Washington and Beijing were a focal point leading up to the summit, with the Trump administration pressuring President Xi Jinping to control North Korea and threatening trade sanctions on steel. Trump and Putin met for the first time in Hamburg, in a highly anticipated meeting following Trump's campaign promise of improving relations with Russia. However, this was overshadowed by allegations of Russian interference in the election and investigations into Trump's associates' ties to Russia. Despite Trump's previous accusations of Russia's actions in Ukraine and Syria, he took a more conciliatory approach during the summit, expressing his satisfaction with Putin's denials of interference and focusing on future relations rather than past issues. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump had an important meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on July 7, 2017. Secretary of State Tillerson described their positive chemistry. Trump was satisfied with Putin's denials of poll meddling. The other 19 leaders acknowledged the US withdrawal from the Paris climate accord as irreversible in the final communique. The US also stated its intention to work with other countries to use fossil fuels more cleanly and efficiently, with French President Emmanuel Macron leading efforts to soften this language. Thomas Bernes, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, mentioned that there is a clear consensus among countries excluding the United States. However, he also pointed out that this could be a problem, as the absence of the world's largest economy may limit progress. Jennifer Morgan, executive director at Greenpeace, commended the G19 for standing firm against Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the leaders agreed to combat protectionism and unfair trade practices while acknowledging the importance of legitimate trade defense mechanisms. The leaders also promised to collaborate on promoting economic growth in Africa, which is a key priority for Merkel. Despite facing violent protests, Merkel decided to host the summit in her birth city of Hamburg to demonstrate Germany's openness to the world and its acceptance of peaceful demonstrations. The summit took place near the "Rote Flora," a former theatre that has become a symbol of left-wing resistance after being taken over by anti-capitalist squatters almost thirty years ago. During the G20 summit in Hamburg in July 2017, protesters engaged in acts of violence such as looting shops and setting cars and trucks on fire. More than 200 police officers were injured, and around 143 people were arrested with 122 taken into custody following violent demonstrations at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on July 8, 2017. A protester threw a bottle at riot police during the protests. Much of the damage occurred while Chancellor Merkel was hosting a concert and dinner for other leaders at the Elbphilharmonie, a modern glass concert hall overlooking the Elbe River. Merkel later met with police and security forces to thank them for their efforts and criticized the "uncontrolled brutality" of some protesters. However, she faced tough questions about choosing Hamburg as the summit location during her closing press conference. | 1 |
She spoke at a discussion at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday titled "Leaders Dialogue: High Level Political Forum-From Vision to Action." The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of world leaders recognizing key issues and providing visionary leadership and commitment to achieve common goals for the sustainability of the world. She stressed the need for decisions that prioritize the welfare of all human beings and encompass all living species to ensure a sustainable world for future generations. Bangladesh, she said, must focus on the three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social, and environmental - with adaptation and mitigation programs. Climate change is a major concern for Bangladesh, given its vulnerability to rising sea levels due to global warming. The country is actively engaged in the Open Working Group for Sustainable Development and has submitted nationally agreed targets for the Post-2015 Development Agenda to the UN. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the Forum in recognizing the special needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in achieving sustainable development goals. Many countries in these groups are struggling to meet various Millennium Development Goals. The speaker emphasized the importance of both expectations and commitments for sustainable development, citing Bangladesh as an example of success due to efficient resource use and local leadership. The delivery of promised assistance from developed nations, technology transfer, and advancements in science and technology were also highlighted as crucial for development. The speaker acknowledged the challenges posed by a rapidly changing world but emphasized the opportunities for making the right choices in response. | 1 |
The research will examine the financial benefits that Cambridge may have gained from the slave trade, as well as investigate how scholarly work may have perpetuated race-based beliefs from the 18th to early 20th centuries. Estimates suggest that between 10 million and 28 million Africans were transported across the Atlantic from the 15th to 19th centuries, with many perishing during the journey and those who survived facing a life of oppression on plantations. Although Britain banned the trans-Atlantic slave trade in 1807, it took another generation for slavery to be fully abolished. Martin Millett, the head of the advisory group overseeing the Cambridge study, expressed uncertainty about the findings of the investigation but stated that it is reasonable to assume that Cambridge University had profited from the slave trade. Millett, who is a professor of archaeology, noted that many British institutions during the colonial era likely benefited from and contributed to the practices of the time. He emphasized that the inquiry will also examine how scholars at the University influenced public and political opinion on racial attitudes. The investigation will be carried out by two full-time post-doctoral researchers from the Centre of African Studies. The research will investigate specific donations, inheritance, and historical ties to the slave trade. It is unclear what steps Cambridge University will take if it discovers any involvement or support of slavery. Some of the leading universities in the Western world have been reviewing their histories and the origins of their wealth. In the United States, universities in the South have been facing debates regarding the confederate flag. In 2017, Yale University changed the name of its Calhoun College following protests, as they believed the school should not honor an alumnus who strongly supported U.S. slavery. Grace Hopper College is now named after the computer scientist. In the UK, Oxford University is facing a debate regarding the removal of a statue of Cecil Rhodes, a 19th century colonialist. Glasgow University has announced plans for a reparative justice program after finding out it profited from historical slavery. The vice chancellor of Cambridge, Stephen Toope, believes that universities should not hide from their past but instead understand and acknowledge their role in history. Opponents argue that investigations into historical injustices are influenced by a modern trend, lack depth, and if done broadly, would call into question nearly every aspect of the early history of ancient institutions. Gill Evans, a retired professor at Cambridge University, stated that universities are now compelled to examine their historic ties to colonialism due to the current anti-colonial atmosphere. She emphasized the importance of understanding the context of past actions before assigning blame, as culpability cannot be transferred from one era to another without careful consideration. Cambridge University, one of the oldest universities in the world, can trace its roots back over 800 years to 1209 when scholars from Oxford sought refuge in the city. Oxford University, which also has a long history, dates back to 1096. | 1 |
Democrats are eager to implement President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan, as well as provide paid family and medical leave and possibly expand health care, including Medicare. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders expressed optimism that a new ruling from the parliamentarian could open up more possibilities for Democrats to advance their agenda in Congress. Sanders emphasized the importance of negotiating and understanding the details of potential legislation. The parliamentarian's decision to allow for another round of reconciliation in the budget resolution passed in February could make it easier for Democrats to pass key budgetary legislation without facing Republican opposition. The process is full of challenges, such as strict rules that restrict what can be included, and Democrats will still need to gather 50 votes for any proposal, which may be difficult for some of their more ambitious ideas. However, this new flexibility could make it easier for them to advance some of their biggest goals. They could potentially break down some of Biden's proposals, like his infrastructure plan, into smaller pieces. Activists are also pushing for Biden to explore other options, such as using reconciliation to offer a path to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants in the US. It is not yet clear how or when Democrats will take advantage of this decision. However, there is increasing pressure for them to test the limits of what the ruling party can achieve with control of both congressional chambers and the White House. In a recent interview, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, described the decision as a significant advancement and a valuable tool for their party. He did not reveal how the ruling would impact their legislative strategy moving forward, including the passage of President Biden's public-works plan. Schumer stated that the caucus would need to meet and discuss how best to utilize this new opportunity. The initial guidance from Elizabeth MacDonough, the parliamentarian, suggests that Biden and his allies in Congress may have more chances to use the reconciliation process before the fiscal year ends on Sept 30, as well as in the following fiscal year. Lawmakers may need to seek further clarification from MacDonough on how to proceed with this opportunity. However, her decision has given hope to activists who have been pushing for Biden and Democrats to be more forceful in using their power to push forward major policy changes. They are expected to increase pressure on the White House and key Democrats in the coming weeks to utilize this new tool. Democrats believe that this ruling could offer more flexibility in passing Biden's ambitious plans for up to $4 trillion in economic investments, such as rebuilding infrastructure, combating climate change, reducing poverty, and empowering women in the workforce. Since Biden's victory, his team has been focused on strategizing to advance his agenda in Congress, which includes significant government spending partially funded by tax hikes on corporations and the wealthy. The Democrats' victory in the Georgia runoff elections in January made reconciliation a key component of these plans. The Biden administration hoped to use a reconciliation process to pass pandemic aid and then move on to other economic priorities like infrastructure. However, they faced hurdles as the parliamentarian rejected a minimum wage provision for violating budget rules. There is uncertainty over whether legalizing unauthorized immigrants would be allowed in a reconciliation measure. Democratic leaders are still deciding on the best strategy for using reconciliation, with Senator Sanders acknowledging the challenge of prioritizing legislative goals. Despite these obstacles, the White House remains committed to seeking bipartisan agreement with Republicans on the infrastructure plan. Business organizations are also keen to negotiate a deal on the matter, despite their and Republicans' firm resistance to Biden's suggested tax hikes. According to White House press secretary Jen Psaki, Biden still holds the belief that there is a possibility of bipartisan agreement on the issue. However, Psaki also indicated that the bill could potentially be passed through a more partisan process, such as reconciliation, leaving the decision on the mechanisms to Congressional leaders. At the moment, the main focus is on working with both Democrats and Republicans, as well as committee staff and inviting members to the White House. Lobbyists and congressional staff anticipate that Biden will give Senate moderates a short period to try to reach a bipartisan agreement on the American Jobs Plan, and will move on if no deal is reached. Psaki mentioned that Biden is eager to see progress in Congress by May and hopes to have a package passed by the summer. Some administration officials acknowledge the challenges of passing Biden's agenda without using reconciliation, as any compromise would need to secure at least 10 Republican votes to overcome a Senate filibuster. A group of that size has already begun negotiations with Biden on his proposed $1.9 trillion economic aid package. The Republicans offered a $600 billion proposal, but Democrats rejected it as inadequate. Biden proceeded with his own plan, bypassing Republican opposition to pass a $1.9 trillion bill through reconciliation. | 1 |
The UN climate talks began in Poland with calls for immediate action against global warming despite economic challenges, and a warning that failure to act could lead to water shortages for half the world by 2050. US President-elect Barack Obama was praised for his ambitious goals in fighting climate change. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of environmental efforts regardless of economic conditions, stressing that financial crises are temporary but climate change is a long-term issue. The talks in Poznan mark the halfway point in a two-year process to reach a new climate treaty by the end of 2009 to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen emphasized the importance of not allowing the financial crisis to deter efforts towards addressing urgent issues such as climate change. He will be hosting a meeting in Copenhagen in late 2009 to reach a UN deal. Rajendra Pachauri, the head of the UN Climate Panel, warned that many people were still not fully aware of the potential risks of "irreversible change" if the world does not take action. For example, he highlighted that the number of people facing water stress in river valleys could increase from 1.1 billion in 1995 to 4.3 billion in 2050, affecting a significant portion of the global population. Additionally, there is a concern that the Greenland icecap could melt, and an increasing number of animal and plant species are facing the threat of extinction. Yvo de Boer, the leader of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, emphasized the urgency of accelerating efforts to reach a deal by the following year. He stressed that time is running out and work needs to intensify. The WWF distributed walnuts to delegates at the conference venue, encouraging them to solve the climate crisis. Greenpeace revealed a large sculpture depicting the planet in danger from a wave of wood and coal. Rasmussen commended President Obama's initiatives following disagreements with former President George W. Bush. He expressed his pleasure in Obama's ambitious climate and energy policies as a way to address the economic downturn. De Boer also referred to Obama's plans as "ambitious." Obama aims to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, which are currently 14 percent higher than 1990 levels mainly due to fossil fuel burning. In contrast, Bush's policies do not anticipate a peak until 2025. In Europe, the economic downturn has raised concerns about the expenses associated with the EU's target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. Poland and Italy, both heavily reliant on coal for electricity generation, are spearheading efforts to negotiate concessions in a proposed agreement set to be finalized at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on December 11-12. | 1 |
In Brussels on Friday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged her audience to see crises as opportunities for positive change, particularly in rebuilding economies in a more environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner. She also criticized the use of energy as a political weapon, in response to concerns raised by Europe following warnings from Russia about potential gas export disruptions. Clinton emphasized the importance of taking advantage of global economic turmoil to address climate change and energy security issues. Europe is looking to the United States for support in international climate negotiations, with President Obama showing a stronger commitment to addressing climate change compared to his predecessor. Europe has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, while Obama has proposed increasing renewable energy use and implementing a cap and trade system for CO2 emissions. However, with numerous countries facing a severe recession, there are doubts about whether businesses can gather the necessary funds to reduce carbon emissions. Clinton, during her first trip to Europe as secretary of state, criticized the United States for failing to meet its obligations. She believes that now is an opportune time to show a commitment to addressing this issue. Many politicians suggest that the economic crisis, energy security concerns, and climate change can all be addressed through a "New Green Deal," which would involve replacing high-carbon infrastructure with sustainable alternatives and creating job opportunities. Clinton emphasized the importance of addressing energy security and climate change together as interconnected issues. She criticized the manipulation of energy as a political tactic, expressing concerns similar to those of Europe following conflicts between Russia and Ukraine affecting EU energy supplies. She stated that using energy as a means of coercion is not conducive to an efficient energy system. Clinton is scheduled to have dinner with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva to work towards improving relations after a strained period during Bush's presidency. The recent reduction in Russian gas exports resulted in severe consequences such as the closure of facilities and households left without heating in Eastern Europe. A potential conflict between Ukraine and Russia was seemingly avoided on Thursday when Gazprom, a state-owned company, announced that Ukraine had resolved the payment issue that had caused the disagreement. However, European leaders were concerned by the threat of supply cuts from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. | 1 |
Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou returned to China from Canada on Friday after reaching a deal with US prosecutors to resolve the bank fraud case against her. The release of two Canadians who were arrested in China shortly after Meng's detention followed news of the agreement, although Beijing denied any link between the arrests. The White House press secretary denied any involvement in brokering a "prisoner swap," emphasizing that the deferred prosecution agreement with Meng was made independently by the Department of Justice. "This is a matter for law enforcement," she stated, clarifying that there is no connection. However, Psaki did acknowledge that during a call on September 9, two weeks prior to the announcements, Chinese leader Xi Jinping mentioned Meng's case and US President Joe Biden pushed for the release of two Canadians, businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig, who had been detained in China for over 1,000 days. "These two leaders discussed these individuals but there were no formal negotiations," Psaki explained. She also mentioned that she was unaware if Biden was informed about the ongoing negotiations between Meng's lawyers and the Justice Department. Meng was arrested at Vancouver International Airport in Canada on a US warrant and was charged with bank and wire fraud for allegedly deceiving HSBC in 2013 about the business transactions of the telecommunications equipment company in Iran. The ongoing extradition dispute has been a major source of tension in the deteriorating relationship between Beijing and Washington, with Chinese officials suggesting that dropping the case could help resolve diplomatic issues. Psaki clarified that the recent agreement does not mean the US is easing its concerns about China's behavior. She stated that the US policy towards China remains unchanged, emphasizing that they are not seeking conflict but rather a competitive relationship where China will be held accountable for unfair economic practices, coercive actions, and human rights violations. In September, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the United States to take practical steps to improve relations by meeting a list of demands, including dropping the case against Meng, during a virtual meeting with Biden's climate envoy John Kerry. Wang stated that the United States now had the responsibility to act. US officials, however, denied that Kerry or other administration officials had negotiated Meng's release with China in exchange for other concessions. Earlier in the week, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at the United Nations that China would not build new coal-fired power projects abroad, a move that Kerry had been pushing for to uphold the goals of the Paris climate agreement. A White House official emphasized that the United States was not involved in China's decision-making process regarding this issue. An official stated that China's actions regarding coal were driven by their own interests, as they realized they wouldn't benefit from using it as leverage. Meng received a warm welcome in China, with the media suggesting her release could improve US-China relations. Some Republican senators criticized the Biden administration for giving in to China's demands, but analysts disagreed with their assessment. "I think that the agreement that the People's Republic of China reached to secure Meng's release was proposed during the Trump administration. She was required to admit to wrongdoing, which she ultimately did. I don't view this as surrender," stated Bonnie Glaser, a specialist on Asia at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, a research organization. The Justice Department has stated that they are still getting ready for the trial against Huawei. | 1 |
The Edelman Trust Barometer, a survey that has been conducted for twenty years to measure trust in governments, media, business, and NGOs, revealed increasing trust in autocratic states like China. The survey also emphasized that business, due to its efforts in developing vaccines and adapting workplace and retail practices, still maintained high levels of trust globally, though there were doubts about its commitment to social fairness. According to Richard Edelman, whose communications group conducted the survey of over 36,000 respondents in 28 countries between Nov 1-24 of the previous year, there is a decline in trust in democracies. He attributed this to the lack of economic confidence, with concerns about job losses related to the pandemic or automation. The institutions in Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the United States have experienced a decrease in public trust over the past year. On the other hand, public trust in institutions in China, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand has seen an increase. Despite the trillions of dollars spent by the world's richest nations to support their economies during the pandemic, there is still a lack of lasting confidence. In Japan, only 15% of people believe they will be better off in five years, while in China and India, a majority are optimistic about their economic futures. Edelman mentioned that in China, higher levels of public trust are not only related to economic perceptions but also to a greater sense of predictability regarding Chinese policy, especially during the pandemic. He noted that China's actions align with their words, resulting in a better response to COVID compared to the US. The United States currently leads in daily new death reports, while China has consistently reported no new deaths due to its strict "zero-Covid" approach. The latest Edelman survey reflects a trend of increasing disillusionment with capitalism, political leadership, and the media in recent years. Concerns about "fake news" have reached record highs, with three-quarters of respondents globally worried about its use as a weapon. Climate change has become the second biggest societal fear after unemployment. Business leaders are under pressure to make decisions based on their beliefs and values, with many consumers expecting them to address issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and workforce reskilling. However, a significant portion of people feel that businesses are not doing enough to tackle these challenges. | 1 |
Johnson had hoped to use the conference this week to move past over 18 months of dealing with COVID-19 and focus on his 2019 election promises to address regional inequality, crime, and social care. However, the prime minister now finds himself in a difficult position more than nine months after Britain's exit from the European Union, which he believed would give the country more economic freedom. Instead, he is dealing with issues such as fuel shortages, concerns about Christmas supplies, and rising gas prices. Despite these challenges, Johnson emphasized his government's success in addressing the public's priorities in a statement released before the conference in Manchester. He expressed his determination not to return to the pre-COVID status quo. The concept of Build Back Better involves making changes and improvements as we recover, focusing on important priorities such as social care, job support, climate change, crime prevention, and promoting equality. Despite claims of government support during the pandemic and successful vaccination efforts, critics argue that these statements ignore early mistakes in handling the virus. Some lawmakers, especially those in regions traditionally aligned with the Labour Party, may criticize the withdrawal of state benefits and job support schemes at the conference. | 1 |
The United States and France, who had strained relations due to the Iraq war, emphasized their close ties as US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited Paris for the first time since Nicolas Sarkozy became president. Sarkozy, a strong ally of the US, and Washington are hopeful that Rice's extended stay in Paris will signal a fresh start in US-French relations that were damaged by former French president Jacques Chirac's opposition to the Iraq war in 2003. Rice's visit coincided with a meeting in Darfur convened by Sarkozy, where the US believed the previous French government did not do enough to address what the US has labeled as genocide in the region. During her visit, Rice held extensive discussions with Sarkozy, as well as the French foreign and defense ministers, on various global issues such as Iran, Iraq, the Middle East, and Kosovo. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner stated at a joint news conference on Sunday that working together will lead to stronger relations between the two countries. "We had the opportunity to see how closely aligned we are on many current events, although there were times when we had differing perspectives. It is beneficial to speak candidly among friends," he stated. Rice also expressed her congratulations to Sarkozy on his election win and commended Kouchner for his work with Medecins Sans Frontieres, which she hailed as one of the best organizations ever established." Analysts pointed out that despite the friendly relations, there are still many areas where France and the United States do not see eye to eye. These include French concerns about NATO expansion, US plans for a missile defense shield in Europe, and US support for Israel. Dominique Moisi, a senior counselor, noted that while there is a new atmosphere of confidence in the relationship, it is more about style than substance. He mentioned that there is a perception in the US of a new France as a strong ally, but in France, views on the Bush administration remain unchanged. "To confirm the change in atmosphere, it is suggested to wait for a new president in Washington, preferably from the Democratic party. Despite this, US and French officials displayed warmth in their public interactions. Kouchner kissed Rice on both cheeks at the conclusion of their news conference, symbolizing reconciliation between France and the United States following the Iraq war, a process that began years ago. The French foreign minister was pleased when Rice acknowledged French support for the American revolution, emphasizing the importance of French assistance in the creation of the United States of America." | 1 |
Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine was inaugurated as president on Thursday and immediately promised to tackle corruption and poverty, as well as restore political stability in order to regain foreign support for the struggling economy. Despite a disputed election against Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, Yanukovich took the oath of office in a subdued ceremony that highlighted the deep divisions in the country. His inauguration marked a comeback from the humiliation he faced in 2004 during the Orange Revolution, when mass protests overturned an election that had been rigged in his favor. In his speech to officials, lawmakers, and foreign dignitaries, Yanukovich acknowledged the challenges of "colossal debts", poverty, corruption, and economic collapse, and emphasized the need for an innovative strategy to move the country forward. He mentioned the lack of foreign investment in Ukraine, the unstable business environment, and his efforts to restore political stability, fight corruption, and establish clear rules for the relationship between the state and businesses. He emphasized that these measures were crucial for building trust among investors and international financial institutions. The global economic downturn has severely affected Ukraine's economy, particularly its steel and chemical exports, leading to a significant devaluation of the hryvnia. The country relies on a $16.4 billion IMF bailout program, but lending was halted last year and will only resume once stability is restored. The finance ministry announced that an IMF technical mission is scheduled to visit on April 7th. This often results in a comprehensive visit from IMF officials, who will then determine whether to resume the program. Yanukovich, a former mechanic supported by wealthy industrialists, had a difficult upbringing in eastern Ukraine and had run-ins with the law in his youth. He is anticipated to mend relations with Russia, Ukraine's former Soviet ruler, following a five-year period of alienation during Viktor Yushchenko's pro-Western leadership. Yanukovich has suggested potential compromises with Moscow regarding the status of Russia's Black Sea fleet in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula and has proposed forming a consortium with Russia to manage the country's gas pipelines. However, he aims to revise a decade-old agreement on Russian gas supplies to Ukraine that was negotiated by Tymoshenko and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. He has promised to pursue a balanced foreign policy and is committed to strengthening relations with the European Union. In a speech on Thursday, he stated that his approach to foreign policy would involve maintaining equal and mutually beneficial relationships with Russia, the EU, and the United States in order to achieve the best outcomes for Ukraine. His website confirmed that he will be visiting Brussels next week and plans to visit Moscow in early March. Yanukovich defeated Prime Minister Tymoshenko by a narrow margin, winning the support of only one-third of the electorate. The voting results showed a clear divide between Russian-speaking voters in the east and south who supported Yanukovich, and Ukrainian-speaking voters in the west and center who voted for Tymoshenko. Tymoshenko withdrew her legal challenge to Yanukovich's election recently, but she still believes he was not fairly elected. She and most of her political allies boycotted the ceremony, making it seem empty. Despite Yanukovich's efforts to establish a strong executive power, Tymoshenko is refusing to step down as prime minister, leading to ongoing political tension. She is trying to rally support in parliament, while his party is trying to weaken her coalition and form a new one. Creating a coalition involves engaging in complex negotiations and may take a considerable amount of time. If Yanukovich is unable to form a new coalition, he will be forced to hold new parliamentary elections, leading to extended periods of uncertainty. | 1 |
Authorities in Germany conducted raids in six northern states on Wednesday in response to concerns about potential attacks by left-wing radicals aimed at disrupting the upcoming G8 summit in Heiligendamm next month. According to prosecutors, approximately 900 security officials participated in searches at 40 locations across Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony. The federal prosecutor's office stated that individuals linked to the militant extreme-left scene were suspected of either forming a terrorist organization or being members of one, with plans to carry out arson attacks and other disruptive actions to impede or prevent the G8 summit. German security officials also believe the group may be responsible for a series of minor attacks in Hamburg and Berlin over the past two years, including a well-known incident in December involving a car fire and vandalism at the home of deputy finance minister Thomas Mirow. Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble previously cautioned that there was a potential for left-wing extremists to carry out attacks during Germany's presidency of the Group of Eight (G8) club of industrialised nations. Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to host the leaders of several countries at the Heiligendamm summit, where discussions are expected to cover climate change, global economic coordination, and other international issues. It is worth noting that Germany has not witnessed any significant left-wing violence since the disbandment of the militant Red Army Faction (RAF) in 1998, following a brutal two-decade long campaign of killings and kidnappings. | 1 |
Charles will become Canada's head of state after Queen Elizabeth II without any changes to the country's Constitution, following the tradition of British monarchs since the nation's inception. Despite the widespread respect for Queen Elizabeth II among Canadians, recent polls indicate a decreasing number of Canadians are willing to pledge allegiance to another British monarch, particularly Charles, who is unpopular among many Canadians. The monarchy is seen as increasingly irrelevant to Canadians' lives, but it remains uncertain what actions Canadians may take to prevent Charles from becoming King Charles III. Philippe Lagassé, an associate professor at Carleton University and an expert on the monarchy in Canada, notes that both sides in Canada are currently in a state of truce regarding this issue. The monarchists maintain the formal legal status, royal tours, and symbolism, while the Republicans argue that the monarchy does not play a significant role in Canadian life. Charles and Camilla's visit, following the discovery of children's remains at a former residential school, will have an Indigenous focus, including attending a reconciliation event in Newfoundland, visiting an Indigenous First Nation near Yellowknife, and discussing climate change in Ottawa and the far north. The only question surrounding the visit is whether handshaking, which has traditionally been a major activity during Royal Tours, will be replaced by a safer form of greeting due to COVID. A recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute showed that 55% of Canadians viewed the monarchy as irrelevant, with an additional 24% stating that it was becoming less relevant. Furthermore, 67% of Canadians surveyed opposed the idea of Charles succeeding his mother. Despite being warmly received during his previous visits to Canada with Diana, his first wife, Charles' popularity dwindled after their separation in 1992. The sometimes condescending attitude of Charles does not go over well in a country that values equality. The connection between Charles’ brother Andrew and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who committed suicide in a New York jail, has further decreased support for the monarchy among Canadians. Their reputation was also affected after Meghan Markle, Charles’ daughter-in-law who resided in Toronto and British Columbia, revealed in an interview that she experienced racially insensitive remarks from members of the royal family. Despite this, Charles and Camilla are expected to attract crowds, especially in St John’s, Newfoundland, where their visit will be the main topic of conversation. The perception of the royals varies based on geography, with little support for the monarchy in predominantly French-speaking Quebec, the second most populous province, in modern times. Canada's shifting demographics have played a role in spreading anti-monarchy sentiments to other places. Immigrants from countries such as China often lack a connection to Britain's monarchy, while those with roots in countries like India may see the crown as a symbol of occupation and repression. According to Shachi Kurl, president of Angus Reid, there may come a time when Canadians question the presence of the monarch on their currency. Despite some support for the monarchy due to respect for the queen, Kurl believes this support will likely decline further after her passing. She stated that the lack of motivation to make a change is largely due to a genuine affection for the queen. Barbados recently removed the queen as its head of state and transitioned to a republic, with Prince Charles and Rihanna present at the ceremony. Other Caribbean nations are considering similar moves. Visits to the Caribbean by Prince Edward and Prince William were met with protests against the monarchy and Britain's history of slavery, leading to the cancellation of some planned stops. Instead of being concerned about potential protests, the organizers of Charles' trip to Canada have focused on ensuring he has an audience. Apart from a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, there are limited opportunities for large crowds to assemble in major cities. Instead, he will be visiting Quidi Vidi, a neighborhood and fishing village in St. John's, a city with a population of 114,000 people, where any appearance by an international celebrity is likely to be a significant event. Changing Canada's Constitution to replace the British monarch as head of state is a complex process, requiring unanimous consent from the federal government and all 10 provinces, as explained by Lagassé and Kurl. In a nation where politics are heavily influenced by regionalism, obtaining approval for constitutional changes may be extremely difficult. According to Kurl, most politicians consider any discussion of constitutional amendments to be highly controversial and would rather avoid the topic altogether. Lagassé suggested one potential solution could be to gradually reduce the monarch's role in Canada, a process that has been ongoing since 1947 when the Queen's powers were mostly transferred to the governor-general. Lagassé also mentioned that there are several actions the Canadian government can take to diminish the monarch's presence without needing to pass new legislation or amend the constitution. The queen used to be featured on all of Canada's bank notes, but there is no legal issue with removing her from the last remaining one, the 20 dollar bill, or replacing her image on coins. It is not required by law for the monarch's portrait to be displayed in government offices or for royal tours to be mandated. According to Lagassé, there are many aspects of monarchical symbolism that can be changed, and the general approach in Canada is that the monarchy is still intact. Do not engage with it, but do not give it any additional attention beyond what is necessary. © 2022 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
Activist group Egality is encouraging British voters to donate their right to vote to individuals in developing countries impacted by UK policies on war, climate, and poverty. Britons can register on www.giveyourvote.org to give their votes to Afghans, Bangladeshis, or Ghanaians. On the eve of the election, they will receive a text message informing them of who wants to vote for which party. Some individuals, like 23-year-old student Fanny Rhodes-James, believe this is an exciting way for their vote to have a meaningful impact. Egality reports that hundreds of Britons have already pledged their votes, with thousands more expected to register. The national voter turnout in Britain has decreased in recent years, dropping to around 60 percent in the last two general elections. Egality stated that when we criticize our political parties for being too similar and claim that voting is ineffective, we overlook the perspective of vulnerable individuals in developing countries who can be greatly impacted by decisions made in government offices like Whitehall. Ghanaian Kwabena Okai Ofosuhene believes that having a say in British elections is important because of Britain's influence on international financial institutions like the World Bank, which play a crucial role in Ghana's development. He also pointed out that the UK is a major global economy and one of Ghana's top trading partners. Ofosuhene, who works for an NGO, emphasized the significance of Britain's political power in this context. He stated that the United States would not have engaged in military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan without the support of the United Kingdom. The UK is a significant contributor of development and humanitarian aid, having donated 5.5 billion pounds ($8.34 billion) between 2008 and 2009. Egality allows potential voters in these countries to ask questions to British politicians, with British volunteers passing them on to their local representatives through various means. Campaign coordinator May Abdalla likened Egality's efforts to a UK election campaign, similar to the work of the Electoral Commission. An Electoral Commission spokesperson confirmed that as long as votes were not being bought, the Egality campaign was legal and unique in its approach. | 1 |
President-elect Barack Obama will be focusing on filling the remaining positions in his White House Cabinet next week, with key decisions to be made in areas such as energy, the environment, trade, and agriculture. While he has already assembled his economic and national security teams, Obama has emphasized that issues like climate change policy will also be top priorities. Names for the vacant posts have been circulating, but his transition team has not confirmed any appointments. In addition, Obama will hold a news conference on Sunday to honor those who have served the nation, coinciding with the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He is also scheduled to appear on a television news program where he may discuss his future appointments. During Obama's campaign, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was a key supporter and is now being considered for a position in the administration, potentially as energy or agriculture secretary. Her spokesperson stated that Governor Sebelius is grateful for the mention and is willing to assist the Obama administration in any way possible, but did not comment on specific job possibilities. Governor Sebelius, a popular Democrat who was previously considered for vice president, has been actively promoting renewable energy in Kansas, aiming for 20 percent of the state's energy to come from wind by 2020. Obama has also pledged to increase the use of renewable energy sources in the U.S. to lessen dependence on foreign oil suppliers. Industry sources mentioned that Dan Reicher, climate director at Google.org and a former Energy Department official in President Bill Clinton's administration, is a strong candidate for energy secretary. Reicher, speaking to Reuters on Thursday, did not comment on his chances but expressed enjoyment in being part of Obama's transition team. Another potential candidate for energy secretary or climate "czar" is John Podesta, Clinton's former White House chief of staff and current co-chair of Obama's transition team. Carol Browner, who served as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under Clinton and currently leads Obama's energy and environment task force, is also being considered for the climate chief position, according to a source familiar with the process. A decision on these positions is expected in the coming weeks, as vetting is still ongoing and Obama officials are determining how a climate official in the White House would impact other policy players. Lisa Jackson, who previously served as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection in New Jersey, and Mary Nichols, who was an assistant administrator for the EPA during the Clinton administration, are being considered for the position of EPA administrator. In terms of trade, President-elect Obama met with California Democratic Rep. Xavier Becerra to discuss the role of chief trade negotiator. Becerra, known for his cautious approach to international trade agreements, would be the first Hispanic to hold this position. Other top candidates for agriculture secretary include John Salazar of Colorado, Sanford Bishop of Georgia, and Kathleen Sebelius. Vice President-elect Joe Biden has appointed Jared Bernstein as his chief economist and economic policy adviser. Bernstein worked as the deputy chief economist for the Department of Labor from 1995 to 1996. | 1 |
The head of the UN climate change secretariat expressed confidence that a new global agreement on climate change will be reached at a meeting in Copenhagen next year, despite disagreements at talks this week. Yvo de Boer made these remarks at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, following calls for action on climate change at recent U.N.-led talks in Bonn. The United States expressed reluctance towards taking substantial steps, stating that it was too early. The Copenhagen meeting aims to establish a new treaty on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to take effect after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. De Boer believes that increasing public awareness of the consequences of inaction on global warming will pressure governments to take action, especially following the agreement reached at the Bali summit on climate change. He expressed his belief that an agreed outcome is expected in Copenhagen, just like how negotiations were launched in Bali. He emphasized that politicians should not leave Copenhagen without the deal being concluded and that the new pact should be concise and focused, allowing national governments the freedom to shape and implement their own policies. He suggested that the Copenhagen agreement should be brief and focus on key issues that require an international agreement to be effective, cautioning against adding irrelevant elements to the agreement. Earlier, De Boer informed reporters that the United States had been held back from taking concrete action due to the presidential election. However, he expressed confidence that all major candidates in the race had demonstrated a genuine understanding of the necessity for action. De Boer declined to condemn the U.S. position, stating that Washington had acted responsibly by refraining from making commitments that could potentially affect a future administration. He expressed hope for progress in the coming year. | 1 |
US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke are visiting China to encourage the country to work together with the United States in fighting global warming. The two Chinese-American officials will meet with Chinese leaders in Beijing to discuss the benefits of collaborating to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This visit is seen as a precursor to President Barack Obama's upcoming trip to China, where experts hope he will emphasize the importance of joint action between the two countries before an important meeting in Copenhagen in December. Cooperation between the world's largest developed country and the world's largest developing country is seen as crucial for the success of a new global climate treaty. Kenneth Lieberthal, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institute, emphasized the significant potential and urgent need for such collaboration. "It's not a situation where one party benefits while the other suffers." China has recently surpassed the United States as the largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other gases responsible for global warming. Even though its per capita emissions are still lower, Chu, a Nobel physicist who has focused on climate change, will advocate for US and Chinese collaboration to address rising global temperatures in a speech at Tsinghua University. He warned US senators of the unprecedented threat posed by climate change, comparing it to a climatic shift as significant as the last Ice Age but in the opposite direction. Locke, a former governor of Washington, aims to demonstrate ways for China to reduce carbon emissions using US renewable technology like solar, wind, and water. A Commerce Department official stated that there are significant market opportunities for companies in China due to a high demand in the country. However, there are also major challenges to be faced. China heavily relies on coal for its energy needs, while the United States has the largest coal reserves in the world and uses coal for about 22 percent of its energy. This creates an incentive for the two countries to work together on technology to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions underground. David Sandalow, assistant energy secretary for policy and international affairs, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. "We believe that by working together rather than separately, we can achieve more." The United States has taken notice of China's efforts to build new nuclear power plants. President Obama is urging Congress to pass a bill to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions, with pressure on China to agree to a specific emissions cap at the upcoming meeting in Copenhagen. Without China's commitment, it is unlikely that a new climate change treaty will be approved by the US Senate. Stuart Eizenstat, who led US negotiations for the Kyoto climate treaty in 1997, which was never ratified by the US, emphasized the importance of cooperation with China for a successful outcome in Copenhagen. China, along with 16 other major world economies, recently pledged to limit the global temperature increase to 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. However, China has opted not to establish a short-term emissions reduction target. The reasoning behind this decision is that China is still a relatively new industrializing country, and stringent caps on emissions could impede growth and urbanization efforts, especially in areas where living conditions are significantly poorer compared to Western countries. Despite this, China's latest five-year plan aims to reduce energy intensity by 20 percent by the end of 2010, and the country has set a goal of having renewable energy account for 15 percent of total energy demand by 2020. Eizenstat suggested that the Obama administration should urge Beijing to turn these goals into enforceable global agreements as an initial measure. He pointed out that China will need to eventually agree to set limits on emissions, but that is unlikely to happen during the upcoming December meeting in Copenhagen. | 1 |
Speaking at a seminar titled “Bangladesh in 2017 Davos: Some Reflections”, Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali mentioned that Professor Klaus Schwab had written a letter just four days prior. He noted that Prime Minister Hasina was the first elected leader of Bangladesh to be invited to the prestigious forum, which took place from Jan 17 to Jan 20. Ali emphasized that this invitation was a recognition of the Prime Minister's visionary leadership and her efforts to lead Bangladesh towards stability, development, and prosperity through her ‘Vision 2021’. He added that this recognition was further confirmed by Prof Schwab’s letter. The annual WEF meeting in Switzerland is known as a key platform for world leaders to collaborate and shape global, regional, and industrial agendas at the start of each year. Leaders will discuss their insights and innovations for navigating the future at this Forum. Newly appointed UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will be present at the meeting. Hasina will participate in six sessions focusing on water, climate change, sustainable development, and the digital economy, where she will discuss the progress made in Bangladesh. She will also share her views on future growth, including opportunities and challenges. The foreign minister noted that Hasina's perspectives as a representative of the developing world have helped other panelists understand the complexities of the challenges we are facing. Ali explained that the challenges and limitations faced by developing countries were well articulated during the seminar, in order to find possible solutions or pathways. He acknowledged that some people may argue that the discussions at Davos may not directly apply to their situation or provide concrete solutions, but emphasized the importance of appreciating the valuable insights and perspectives offered. The seminar was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) at a hotel in Dhaka, with MCCI President Barrister Nihad Kabir in attendance. | 1 |
Stone explained to Reuters that he initially did not intend to pursue the project, as he was not seeking trouble. However, after meeting with Snowden in Russia, the renowned 70-year-old director famous for movies like "JFK", "Natural Born Killers", and "Wall Street" changed his mind. Stone admitted that he had concerns about the film being uninteresting, but ultimately decided to view it as a thrilling drama rather than a documentary. He believed that a documentary-style approach would not attract an audience. The film "Snowden", which will be released in theaters on Friday, follows Snowden's transformation from a conservative CIA agent to a disillusioned NSA operative, leading to his decision to flee the United States in 2013 and reveal the government's mass surveillance programs targeting ordinary citizens. He currently resides in Russia and is being sought by the US government for espionage. Amnesty International, along with two other organizations, have started a campaign to seek his pardon. Stone and Snowden met several times in Russia and decided that the film would be a dramatization. However, the film's progress halted when Stone sought financing from studios, although the director did not disclose which ones. "We are in a situation where self-censorship is prevalent," said Stone. "I don't think the NSA directly told anyone not to make this film, but the reality is that you either conform to the norms or you are marginalized." Open Road Films, a collaboration between Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Entertainment, which distributed "Spotlight", ultimately co-financed "Snowden" for $40 million. The movie, which features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Snowden and Shailene Woodley as his girlfriend Lindsay Mills, was primarily filmed in Europe, with Germany offering production incentives and standing in for Maryland, Snowden's home state. One of the challenges was creating an engaging story about computer coding and programmers without traditional action elements like violence, chases, and guns. Director Stone addressed this by focusing on making the world of technology exciting and understandable. Additionally, key scenes were shot in Washington DC and Hawaii, including a date scene in front of the White House with Gordon-Levitt and Woodley. The director joked that if you're going to take a risk in the US, you might as well go all in. | 1 |
Australia's government may finally reach an agreement on its carbon trade scheme next week after months of deadlock. The government aims to start carbon trading in July 2011, covering 75 percent of emissions. However, laws governing the scheme have been delayed due to opposition from rival lawmakers. Negotiations between the government and the main opposition bloc are ongoing to secure the necessary votes to pass the carbon laws. Opposition negotiator Ian Macfarlane is optimistic about reaching a deal. Macfarlane expressed confidence that an agreement acceptable to the party room could be reached, which would likely receive their support. Negotiations on the laws introduced in the Senate on Tuesday will continue throughout the week and into the weekend. The opposition is expected to vote early next week on whether to support or reject the laws. The government has already agreed to permanently exclude agriculture, which makes up 16 percent of Australian emissions, but the opposition is seeking further concessions for coal miners. The Senate defeated the carbon trade bills in August, and if they are rejected again this month, it could lead to an early election. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is pushing for the 11 bills to be passed before the global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. The Senate is set to adjourn on Nov. 26, but Rudd is willing to extend the sitting if necessary. The opposition coalition is divided over climate policy, with leader Malcolm Turnbull promising lawmakers a chance to approve or reject any deal with the government. This division was evident during a recent opposition party meeting, where 10 lawmakers insisted on voting against the scheme regardless of any negotiated amendments. However, a party spokesperson stated that more than 10 lawmakers supported Turnbull's policy to negotiate changes. Turnbull, who is lagging behind in opinion polls, is aiming to reach a deal to prevent an early election. The government is lacking seven seats for a majority in the Senate. Junior Climate Minister Greg Combet expressed concerns on Tuesday about opposition divisions posing the biggest threat to the carbon trade scheme, which is a key component of Rudd's plan to combat global warming. Combet informed parliament that the coalition is clearly divided, with the Nationals pursuing their own agenda and the Liberal and National parties in disagreement on the issue of climate change. The carbon debate in Australia is attracting attention from abroad, especially in the United States and New Zealand, where lawmakers are also discussing emissions trading laws. For detailed articles on carbon risks and opportunities in Australasia, visit Carbon Central - Australia's Climate Change Hub. This platform brings together top climate change experts and solution providers in one place. For more news and analysis on global carbon markets, sign up for the free Carbon Interactive newsletter. | 1 |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made a last-minute plea on Saturday at a conference in Bali involving 190 nations to break a stalemate over a plan to begin discussions on a new UN treaty. Ban expressed disappointment at the lack of progress and urged delegates to continue working towards a resolution. He emphasized the importance of compromise, particularly in addressing developing nations' concerns about the need for more assistance from wealthier countries in dealing with climate change. If the dispute is resolved, the conference could kick off two years of negotiations on a comprehensive new global treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol after 2012, involving the United States and all developing countries. Ban urged delegates to seize the opportunity to deliver a successful outcome for the world's people. The Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, urged delegates to create an effective road map to achieve their envisioned destination. He emphasized the importance of not letting the project fail due to a lack of clear wording, as the world is closely watching and he implored them not to disappoint. | 1 |
In his upcoming first meeting with President George W. Bush, Britain's new Prime Minister Gordon Brown will downplay any rumors of strained US-British relations, despite not wanting to appear subservient to America. Recent speeches by Brown's ministers have sparked speculation that his government may be shifting away from the United States in terms of foreign policy, a claim Brown denies. Brown and Bush will emphasize the enduring "special relationship" between London and Washington during their talks at Camp David, but Brown's reserved nature suggests he may not develop the same personal rapport with Bush as his predecessor, Tony Blair, had. According to Strathclyde University politics professor John Curtice, the focus will be on maintaining good relations with America as a key ally, but the interaction is expected to be more formal and professional rather than characterized by a strong personal connection. According to Brown's spokesman, the upcoming agenda will cover discussions on global trade liberalization talks, climate change, as well as various international issues such as Darfur, Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Russia, and Iran. Brown has stated that Britain will fulfill its obligations to the United Nations in Iraq and there are no immediate plans to withdraw British troops, despite some pressure from the Labour Party. However, the head of the British military has suggested that control of Basra could be handed over to Iraqi forces by the end of the year. Regarding Iran, Brown has not ruled out military action but believes sanctions could be effective in persuading Tehran to abandon its nuclear program. The strong bond between Bush and Blair was formed in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and their joint decision to go to war in Iraq. The ongoing violence in Iraq was a major factor in Blair's resignation as prime minister, leading to criticism from both voters and his own party. He was often ridiculed in the British media as being too closely aligned with President Bush, a perception that Brown hopes to avoid. Brown, who succeeded Blair, has distanced himself from this image and has seen a boost in popularity since taking office. He has been cautious in his approach to international relations, demonstrating independence from both the US and the EU. The discussion about a change in British foreign policy started when Brown appointed David Miliband as foreign secretary, who was reportedly doubtful about the Iraq war. Brown also assigned a lower-ranking position to Mark Malloch Brown, a former UN deputy secretary general who has criticized Britain and the US over the war. Malloch Brown recently stated that Brown and Bush would not have the same close relationship as Blair and Bush did, while another minister emphasized the importance of alliances over military strength in a speech in Washington. | 1 |
Maruf Mallick, bdnews24.com's environment correspondent, reported that Yvo de Boer, the executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, stated during a news conference in Copenhagen that the Kyoto Protocol is expected to endure the climate conference and continue for a second period. De Boer emphasized the importance of the Kyoto Protocol surviving and mentioned the possibility of a new treaty under the convention coming into effect once enough countries have ratified it. He stated that it took eight years for the Kyoto Protocol to come into enforcement, from when countries began signing it in 1997 until 2005. While some countries expressed interest in having a single treaty, most countries involved in the process prefer a two-track outcome, in addition to the Kyoto Protocol. De Boer highlighted that the Kyoto Protocol already has functioning market-based mechanisms, but there are currently no provisions for additional mechanisms under the Convention. If someone is interested in proposing a new treaty, there is a reluctance from people to acknowledge it. The Kyoto Protocol is the sole legally binding agreement related to climate change, and there is no valid reason to discard it, according to De Boer. He mentioned that important advancements have been made regarding key components of an agreement. "The focus should now be on the broader perspective." Bangladesh has previously called for a more robust climate agreement by building upon the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to expire in 2012. They have also suggested a new phase with fresh goals for the Kyoto Protocol. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is advocating for a new agreement called the 'Copenhagen Protocol', which would be modeled after the already established Kyoto Protocol that is legally binding. | 1 |
The White House confirmed that US President Barack Obama will proceed with his plans to meet with the Dalai Lama, despite warnings from China against doing so. China has expressed concern that the meeting will further strain relations between the two countries, already complicated by issues such as arms sales to Taiwan. Chinese officials have urged Obama not to meet with the exiled Tibetan leader, whom they view as a separatist. During a summit between Hu and Obama in Beijing last November, the Chinese leader firmly stated China's opposition to any government leaders meeting with the Dalai Lama, according to Ma. Ma also urged the U.S. to understand the sensitivity of Tibetan issues and handle related matters carefully to prevent further damage to China-U.S. relations. China's anger at the White House's announcement was expected, as was the White House's confirmation of the meeting. This incident occurred shortly after Beijing criticized Washington for a $6.4 billion weapons package to Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province. Tensions between China and the U.S. have also been rising over issues such as China's currency value, trade protectionism, and Internet freedom. Beijing has become more forceful in opposing meetings between the Dalai Lama and foreign leaders, which has become a sensitive topic for patriotic Chinese who view Western criticism of Chinese policy in Tibet as interference. Protests against Chinese rule in Tibet during the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay in London and Paris sparked backlash from Chinese abroad and led to demonstrations in China calling for boycotts of French goods. When French President Nicolas Sarkozy refused to cancel a meeting with the Dalai Lama during his country's EU presidency in 2008, China retaliated by cancelling a summit with the EU and calling for boycotts of French goods. A Chinese Communist Party official recently warned that a meeting between Obama and the Dalai Lama could harm Sino-U.S. relations. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese Communist Party forces. He wants true autonomy for Tibet within Chinese sovereignty, but Beijing believes he is actually seeking independence. Previous US presidents, including George W. Bush, have met with the Dalai Lama, sparking anger from Beijing but no significant consequences. China's recent statement did not mention any specific retaliation for Obama's planned meeting. Thubten Samphel, spokesman for the Tibetan government-in-exile in northern India, believes this shows China's nervousness about the Tibet issue and the need for action. The White House is not concerned about Beijing's warnings regarding the meeting, which could occur this month. White House spokesman Bill Burton informed reporters that the president assured China's leaders during his previous visit that he plans to meet with the Dalai Lama, and he intends to follow through on this promise. The US believes that its relationship with China is mature enough to address mutual concerns such as climate change, the global economy, and non-proliferation, as well as to have open discussions about areas of disagreement. The US acknowledges Tibet as part of China and urges Beijing to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama regarding the region's future. However, a Chinese foreign policy analyst, Yuan Peng, warned that China's response could be more stringent than expected, as Beijing is becoming more assertive on what it considers to be core issues. Yuan Peng emphasized China's desire to change the rules of the game in this regard. Even though the US has sold weapons to Taiwan and met with the Dalai Lama in the past, and we have criticized the United States for it, this time there will be strong condemnation and retaliation. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced on Thursday that the government plans to establish another nuclear plant in the southern region of the country. She made this statement while inaugurating six new advanced scientific research facilities, which include a 3MV Tandem Accelerator. | 1 |
European countries, Canada, Bolivia, and Nepal collectively provided support for the 2015 Paris Agreement, representing 56.87 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, slightly surpassing the required 55 percent threshold for implementation according to a United Nations website. The agreement is set to officially commence in 30 days on Nov 4, just four days prior to the US presidential election. Republican candidate Donald Trump is against the accord while Democrat Hillary Clinton strongly backs it. China and the United States recently united in a joint effort, marking a significant step by the world's biggest emitters. President Obama hailed Wednesday as a momentous day in the battle to safeguard the environment for future generations, stating that if the commitments outlined in the Paris agreement are upheld, history may view it as a pivotal moment for the planet. Additionally, European Union nations including Germany, France, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Portugal, and Malta, which have ratified the agreement domestically and account for about four percent of emissions, formally endorsed the agreement on Wednesday. According to the UN website, 73 out of 195 countries have ratified the agreement. European Climate Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete praised the progress, while European officials hurried to submit their documents to the United Nations before other nations could trigger the agreement's entry into force. An EU diplomat explained that they did not want to be overshadowed by other countries. The rapid approval of an agreement aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from the burning of fossil fuels, was widely praised as a way to mitigate floods, droughts, stronger storms, and rising sea levels. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the progress as something once thought impossible but now inevitable. However, many acknowledged that more efforts were necessary, with Thoriq Ibrahim, the Environment Minister for the Maldives and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, emphasizing the urgent need to act. In contrast, the previous UN climate deal, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, took eight years to gain enough support to be implemented. The Paris climate deal was not signed by the United States, with only rich nations being required to reduce emissions. Opposition to President Obama's climate change policies persists in the Republican-controlled Congress. House Speaker Paul Ryan believes the agreement would harm the American economy, while Unilever CEO Paul Polman sees it as a necessary shift towards a low-carbon economy. However, current emission reduction pledges are not enough to meet the Paris goal of limiting global temperature increase to below two degrees Celsius. According to UN studies, average global temperatures are predicted to increase by 3 degrees or more by the year 2100 if current trends continue. Additionally, this year is anticipated to be the hottest on record since temperature recordings began in the 19th century, surpassing the previous record set in 2015. | 1 |
Representatives from the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the world, such as the United States, China, and India, will be attending a forum at the U.S. State Department on Monday to work towards a U.N. agreement to address global warming. The purpose of the two-day meeting is to kickstart climate negotiations leading up to a December deadline in Copenhagen, where the international community will seek a new agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will deliver the opening remarks, and discussions are expected to cover technology cooperation and other related issues. The major economies involved in the forum include Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, and the United States. Denmark, which is hosting the December meeting, has also been invited to attend. Environmentalists and other stakeholders believe that the United States' commitment to addressing climate change is crucial for any global agreement to be successful. Jake Schmidt from the Natural Resources Defense Council activist group stated, "Without U.S. leadership, a global warming agreement in Copenhagen will be largely unattainable." President Barack Obama has emphasized the connection between combating climate change and supporting the economy in turmoil, and has called for the reinvigoration of the major economies process initiated by his predecessor George W. Bush. The efforts of the Bush administration were met with skepticism by many participants and were viewed as a diversion from the main U.N. climate change negotiations. Obama's strategy for addressing climate change involves reducing U.S. emissions by approximately 15 percent by 2020, aiming to bring them back to 1990 levels. Unlike his predecessor Bush, who opposed the Kyoto Protocol and any broad limits on greenhouse gas emissions, Obama's administration has been advocating for action on climate change. They have recently declared that carbon dioxide emissions pose a threat to human health and welfare, allowing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate them as pollutants. While no regulations have been implemented yet, Obama prefers legislative action over regulation. Legislation is currently being discussed in the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, with former Vice President Al Gore urging the passage of a carbon-capping law this year. Todd Stern, the U.S. special envoy for climate change, did not give specific details on what the United States must present in December at Copenhagen to show U.S. leadership. However, he mentioned that the Obama administration's strategy is vastly different from the Bush administration's. Stern stated that the Bush team was not primarily seeking an international agreement, whereas the current administration is aiming for a significant, potentially transformative level of cooperation in the international arena. | 1 |
The agreement reached in Paris by almost 200 countries last December aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by moving away from fossil fuels in order to limit global warming to less than two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. In order for the agreement to take effect, it must be officially ratified by countries that make up at least 55 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. The UN Secretary-General's spokesperson has urged all parties to speed up their internal processes to join the agreement this year. The European Union is expected to complete the joint ratification of the climate pact next week, which will be a significant milestone as it will push approvals past the 55 percent threshold and put the agreement into effect before the next round of climate talks in Morocco in November. The Paris agreement received a boost recently when the United States and China, the top two emitters in the world, submitted their approvals to the United Nations. Concerns hover over the deal due to the potential involvement of the United States, but finalizing the agreement before the US presidential election on Nov 8 would make it more difficult to contest if Republican Donald Trump, who has expressed opposition to the deal, wins over Democrat Hillary Clinton, a staunch supporter. President Obama praised India's ratification in a tweet, commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country for upholding Mahatma Gandhi's legacy and his vision for a sustainable world for future generations. India had urged for further work on the agreement before ratifying it, with its environment ministry stating that while the Paris agreement provided a general framework, specific guidelines and regulations were necessary for it to be fully implemented. The ministry also expressed disapproval towards developed nations, stating that their citizens lead luxurious lives that have a significant environmental impact. The ministry emphasized the importance of addressing key issues such as finance and technology transfer at the upcoming meeting in Marrakesh. India intends to push developed countries to take more action at the conference in Morocco, insisting on a clear plan of action. | 1 |
The main point of discussion during a meeting on Sunday was the mutual accountability between the government and donors, which was a key aspect of the Joint Cooperation Strategy (JCS) agreed upon at a policy-making meeting earlier this year. The Bangladesh Development Forum had established this cooperation strategy to coordinate development efforts. The session on Sunday, led by finance minister A M A Muhith, aimed to gather input on the draft framework from members of civil society such as economists, NGO leaders, and former bureaucrats, but the focus remained on mutual accountability. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, head of the Palli Karma Shahayak Fund and a member of high-powered committees on education policy and climate change, noted that the draft JCS had neglected important issues such as unemployment, underemployment, and education. He expressed concern that growth projections published by various agencies often contradict the government's forecasts, and emphasized the need for the JCS to harmonize these discrepancies. Ahmad also questioned the desirability of development partners publishing conflicting growth projections. The draft JCS stresses the importance of improving "mutual accountability" to enhance aid effectiveness, but former caretaker government advisor A B Mirza Azizul Islam observed that the draft did not outline how this would be measured. He stated that there are no clear benchmarks to assess the JCS's performance, and others in the discussion agreed with this sentiment. In regards to aid conditions, Islam mentioned that some conditions imposed by development partners are not applicable. He suggested that the government should create project portfolios for development partners to choose from for funding. Mustafizur Rahman, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue in Dhaka, brought up the commitment of developed nations to provide 0.7 percent of their national income in aid to impoverished countries. "What has happened to the accountability of that commitment?" asked Senior Awami League leader Suranjit Sengupta during parliament discussions on the JCS draft. He emphasized that the framework is intended for the welfare of the people and that the parliament is meant to represent those people. The chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on law, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry stressed the importance of accountability. The prime minister's economic advisor, Mashiur Rahman, proposed the formation of a body consisting of government and development partner representatives to monitor project outcomes and efficiency for mutual accountability. The finance minister concluded the session by pointing out that the draft lacked important areas such as migration, land utilization plans, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). He stated that having a land use plan is crucial for the country's organized development and described ICT as a valuable tool for progress, emphasizing its role in promoting transparency and combating corruption. | 1 |
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius confirmed the visit during a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali. Ali returned to Dhaka on Thursday after completing his four-day official visit to Paris. The foreign ministry announced that, at Ali's request, Fabius agreed to bring a high-level business delegation with him, including representatives from MEDEF, a prominent French chamber of commerce. Fabius and his German counterpart will also jointly inaugurate a Franco-German embassy building in Dhaka. Fabius praised Bangladesh for its achievements in poverty reduction, women's education and empowerment, and the decrease in child and maternal mortality rates under the current government. The foreign ministry stated that their meeting centered on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in terms of economic cooperation. They talked about boosting bilateral trade, increasing French investment in Bangladesh, and accelerating cultural exchange programs between the two countries. Various bilateral and international issues were also discussed, including their dedication to fighting climate change, which has a significant impact on Bangladesh. Fabius assured that France would take Bangladesh's concerns into consideration at the upcoming climate change conference in Paris, recognizing Bangladesh as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. He also expressed interest in collaborating with Bangladesh to combat terrorism and extremism in order to promote global peace. Ali told him about Bangladesh's efforts to improve connectivity and cooperation in the region through various initiatives such as the BBIN-MVA, the BCIM economic corridor, and the BIMSTEC. Fabius praised Bangladesh's initiatives for promoting regional cooperation and peace, and offered full support. During his visit to Paris, the foreign minister also visited the Bangla section of INALCO, a language and cultural research institute, where he gifted them some Bangla books. He also participated in the award ceremony 'Chevalier des arts et des letters' where the renowned Bangladeshi artist Shahabuddin Ahmad was recognized by the French government. Ali also attended a reception held by Bangladeshi expatriates and engaged in discussions with the Bangladeshi community, as reported by the foreign ministry. | 1 |
In an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Robinson expressed concern about the United States potentially becoming a rogue country by pulling out of the Paris Agreement, which aims to combat climate change. Despite President-elect Donald Trump's promise to withdraw from the agreement, Robinson believes that other countries will continue to support it, as it provides crucial funding to help poorer nations adapt to climate change impacts. She stated at the UN climate talks in Marrakesh that if a large country decides not to participate in the process, it could have a significant impact on gathering international finance to help poorer countries develop sustainably. Robinson emphasized the moral responsibility of the United States as a major emitter to stay committed to the Paris deal, despite understanding the concerns of American workers in polluting industries. She called for support to help these workers transition to jobs in clean energy. She cautioned against reverting back to coal and increasing emissions in the United States, as it would have a detrimental impact on poor communities and countries globally. As a UN envoy for El Nino and climate change, she recounted her experiences in dry regions of Honduras where women expressed their struggles with lack of water due to worsening drought. The pain on their faces left a lasting impression on her, especially when one woman said, "We have no water." "How can you survive without water?" ... I'm hearing this question being asked globally," she stated. If the United States does not move forward with clean energy, it would allow China to take the lead in an important emerging industry, she explained. "This is not the desired outcome for many states, businesses, cities, academic institutions, and local communities in the United States," she added. She encouraged Americans who were unhappy about the suggested alterations in US policy to speak out. She emphasized the importance of citizens and businesses in the United States making their voices heard on the matter. | 1 |
Commonwealth leaders, mainly from former British colonies, gathered for a three-day summit with the Queen of England opening the meeting. The group, which represents 30 percent of the world's population and five G20 economies, is facing pressure to address human rights abuses among its members or risk losing its relevance. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard emphasized the importance of member nations upholding the group's values during her address at the summit. The ongoing discussion has primarily centered on Sri Lanka and the international request for an impartial investigation into allegations of war crimes during its 25-year civil war, particularly in the final months of 2009. Sri Lanka has stated that it will await the findings of its own inquiry next month, dismissing the pressure on human rights as a propaganda campaign by the defeated Tamil Tigers. A senior Commonwealth official mentioned that foreign ministers were unable to reach a consensus on a crucial recommendation from an "eminent persons" report suggesting the appointment of a rights commissioner. Canada, which has a significant Tamil population, has declared that it will boycott the 2013 Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka unless the host country improves its human rights record. Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Deputy Director, Madhu Malhotra, warned that Commonwealth leaders must decide whether to reform the organization to effectively address human rights abuses by its members or risk losing relevance. British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected the idea that the Commonwealth was no longer valuable, emphasizing its importance as a network of 54 countries across six continents that promotes human rights, democracy, and freedom. Aboriginal people performed a cleansing ceremony at the opening ceremony in Perth, welcoming the leaders to their traditional land. Aborigines view the British white settlement of Australia as an invasion, as demonstrated by about 500 people protesting in Perth. The protesters were kept away from leaders by a large police presence in the central business district, which is dominated by office blocks of mining companies. Smaller countries within the group, many vulnerable to global warming, are urging for a strong statement at the upcoming climate change summit in Durban. There are also calls for leaders to address the issue of child brides, with twelve of the top 20 countries with the highest rates of child brides being in the Commonwealth. Health advocates argue that laws criminalizing homosexuality in 41 Commonwealth states violate human rights and impede efforts to combat HIV-AIDS, as these states account for 60 percent of the global HIV-AIDS population. | 1 |
The president of the conference received a warm welcome as the Cancún climate summit neared its conclusion with a focus on achieving a balance. The Mexican foreign minister successfully achieved the balance that numerous countries had been aiming for. Patricia Espinosa appeared modest as applause continued from ministers, bureaucrats, activists, journalists, and officials. She managed to create a text that was generally agreed upon by all parties. With minimal pressure to reach an agreement, nearly all 190 countries stood behind her and endorsed the text. Even the typically critical Venezuelan delegation expressed their pleasure, calling the text "amazing" and praising its "striking balance". Delegations in the main hall applauded as they took turns speaking, all offering praise and strong support for Espinosa's efforts. The text highlighted how greenhouse gases trap the sun's heat in the atmosphere, leading to climate change with extreme events like floods, cyclones, rising sea levels, and persistent droughts. Experts warn that a temperature increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius could result in irreversible and catastrophic climate change. Espinosa ended the lengthy informal plenary just after midnight on Friday and instructed delegations to convene in their respective working groups to tackle the important but cumbersome process. These meetings will be followed by a final plenary session to officially approve the outcome, unless there are any unexpected developments. Mihir Kanti Majumder, Bangladesh's environment secretary, expressed satisfaction with the draft, noting it represented progress compared to the previous climate summit in Copenhagen. Despite his optimism, another delegate from Bangladesh disagreed, stating that the text marked the beginning rather than the end, as suggested by Espinosa in her closing remarks. She stated that the conference marked the beginning of a new phase of cooperation on a strong foundation, rather than an end. The delegate highlighted that there were aspects of the negotiations that did not align with Bangladesh's stance or the interests of poor countries, but all parties agreed to compromise. Ziaul Hoque Mukta, policy and advocacy manager for Oxfam Bangladesh and a member of the national delegation, expressed optimism about the text's potential for further development, despite not being fully comprehensive. He acknowledged that the text provided a solid basis for initiating serious negotiations leading up to the next UN climate convention summit in Durban, South Africa next year. Saleemul Huq, a senior researcher at the International Institute for Environmental Development, gave his initial approval of the content and production of the text in his response to bdnews24.com. He supported the points made by the minister, specifically citing the Adaptation Committee and the Green Climate Fund as important. As a lead author for assessment reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, he emphasized that these demands were crucial for poor and vulnerable countries, and expressed satisfaction with their inclusion in the text. Huq also praised the text for being clear and well-organized. The negotiations led by the Mexicans have been conducted effectively, with a focus on openness and transparency. An experienced participant in climate negotiations noted that the 32-page document had all brackets removed, indicating progress compared to previous agreements. The text reflects a compromise where everyone gains something, although not everything they wanted. He stated that the most important aspect is restoring trust in both the process and each other. Participants showed joy and gratitude, indicating that they were thankful to Espinosa for reinstating their trust in the multilateral process. | 1 |
After a quick 90-minute meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan, Abe expressed confidence to reporters that they could establish a trustworthy relationship. However, he did not give details of the conversation as it was unofficial. This conversation took place amid concerns within Japan's leadership about the future strength of the alliance that is crucial to Tokyo's diplomacy and security. Abe and other Asian leaders were troubled by Trump's campaign promises to make allies pay more for US forces' assistance, his suggestion for Japan to acquire nuclear weapons, and his strong opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. Trump, a Republican, will take over from Democratic President Barack Obama on Jan 20. Abe described his discussion with Trump as honest and friendly, emphasizing the importance of trust in alliances. He expressed confidence in Trump's leadership and agreed to meet again to discuss a broader range of topics. It is uncertain if this meeting will take place before Trump's inauguration. Kellyanne Conway stated that more in-depth conversations about policy and the Japan-US relationship will have to wait until after the inauguration. Trump officials did not offer immediate comments after meeting with Abe. Abe, a seasoned politician who collaborated with Obama on the 12-nation TPP trade pact to counter China's growing influence, was a key figure in Abe's economic reforms. According to a statement from the Japanese government, Abe and Trump exchanged golfing gear as gifts during their meeting. Pictures from inside the luxurious meeting room at Trump Tower showed Abe, an interpreter, Trump, Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, and Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn. A senior Trump official revealed that Trump had proposed Flynn for the national security adviser role. It was uncertain whether Flynn had agreed to the job, but a source familiar with the offer told Reuters that when the president-elect asks you to serve, there is only one answer. The incoming Trump administration is getting ready to take office on Jan 20, with the Defense Department planning to conduct its first military briefing for Trump transition officials on Friday. Other Obama administration agencies, such as the Justice Department, are also taking similar steps. Trump, a bold outsider with no prior public office experience, has been focused on determining who will fill senior positions in his administration since winning last week's election. Democrats in Congress continue to criticize Trump's controversial choice of right-wing firebrand Stephen Bannon as senior counsellor. A spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi, leader of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives, stated that during a meeting with Vice President-elect Mike Pence, she suggested that the appointment be reconsidered. President-elect Trump has been holding meetings at Trump Tower with individuals who could potentially fill high-ranking positions in his administration. On Saturday, he is scheduled to meet with Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate in the 2012 presidential election, and they may discuss the possibility of Romney becoming the secretary of state, according to a source familiar with the meeting. This is a surprising development, as Romney had previously criticized Trump, calling him a "fraud" and advising Republicans to support anyone other than the real estate mogul during the party's presidential nomination process. During the campaign, Trump made fun of Romney, saying he performed poorly in the 2012 election against Obama. Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso stated that it was important for Abe to meet with Trump before he became president, as Japan-US relations are crucial. Abe's adviser, Katsuyuki Kawai, mentioned that he had been in contact with Trump's advisers and lawmakers in Washington and they advised not to take everything Trump says literally. Since becoming prime minister in 2012, Abe has increased Japan's defense spending and pushed the boundaries of its pacifist constitution to allow for a more active military role. Defense spending in Japan remains just above 1 percent of GDP, in contrast to the United States' spending of over 3 percent. The US is expected to allocate $5.745 billion for its forces in Japan in the current fiscal year of 2017. Japan's Defense Ministry reported that expenses related to US troops stationed in Japan reached approximately 720 billion yen ($6.6 billion) in the previous fiscal year. Some of President Trump's campaign statements painted a negative image of Japan reminiscent of the 1980s, when Tokyo was perceived as a job threat and a burden on defense. However, a Trump adviser recently expressed a more optimistic perspective. "He stated that the prime minister has been more assertive and direct in attempting to make changes to Japan's global position," he remarked. Abe was anticipated to meet Obama at a summit in Peru over the weekend. Prior to Abe and Trump's meeting, Obama's secretary of state, John Kerry, and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met in Lima to discuss the Paris climate agreement - an agreement Trump has promised to withdraw from. Some diplomats argue that until Trump makes important appointments, it will be difficult to determine his policies on security issues such as the deployment of US troops overseas, China's assertiveness in maritime territories, and the North Korean nuclear threat. | 1 |
A debate took place before the non-binding resolution was adopted. MEP Charles Tannock praised the Bangladesh government for its dedication to upholding the rights of freedom of expression for its citizens. He commended the government for effectively combating terrorism despite facing challenging circumstances. The MEP from London contrasted this with the struggles of European countries in fighting terrorism, noting that despite their economic progress, they still face difficulties in this regard. A foreign ministry official, who was part of the debate, mentioned that Tannock advised Parliament to keep in mind the delicate nature of the issue while discussing and criticizing the Bangladesh government's efforts to protect its citizens' rights. The debate primarily focused on freedom of expression and press, specifically Article 57 of the ICT Act and the current restrictions on social media. MEPs denounced attacks by Islamist extremists on secular writers, bloggers, religious minorities, and foreign aid workers, expressing concern about limitations on freedom of speech and press, as well as space for civil society organizations. Romanian politician Dan Preda acknowledged that a significant number of newspapers are published in Bangladesh, indicating that freedom of expression does exist in the country. He condemned the killings of journalists and praised the government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and extremism. He stated that Bangladesh faced threats from terrorist groups and called on the government to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of journalists. Jean Lambert, who leads the European Parliament Delegation to South Asia, noted that Bangladesh's vibrant media was currently under siege. She praised the country for its advancements in areas like gender equality, child nutrition, and climate change adaptation. Lambert emphasized the importance of restoring a strong justice system to hold accountable those responsible for journalist killings. Additionally, some legislators urged the parliament to assist Bangladesh in combating the growing influence of fundamentalism and intolerance. A non-binding resolution is a written proposal passed by a group for discussion that does not become a law. The resolution can cover various topics and can be presented as a motion. Initially, seven drafts were submitted by different political groups and later combined into one text. The resolution, which was approved, praised Bangladesh for its modern and secular values, as well as its advancements in gender equality, climate change, and socio-economic development. The resolution also commended the government's efforts in combating terrorism and violent extremism, as well as their 'zero-tolerance policy' in this area. They called for changes to the Information and Communication Technology Act, the Cyber-Security Act of 2015, and Foreign Donation Regulation Act. During the debate, some MEPs strongly opposed the death penalty and cited the recent execution of war criminals. The EP expressed deep regret over the executions, arrests of opposition leaders, and attacks on minorities. However, the Bangladesh ambassador to the EU disagreed with these references, expressing concern that expressing regret over bringing perpetrators of crimes against humanity and genocide to justice would damage the Institution's credibility. One of the initial seven versions of the text also mentioned the importance of "elections and dialogue," which the ambassador disagreed with. However, in the final version, these issues were not included. EU Commissioner for Budget & Human Resources, Kristalina Georgieva, emphasized the need to prioritize fighting radicalization, respecting human rights, and ensuring labor rights in her closing remarks. She confirmed that the EU would continue to support Bangladesh in improving democracy and governance. | 1 |
The royal couple, during a five-day visit, also visited a school and a national park in the capital Islamabad where they interacted with children and admired their artwork. This trip, focused on climate change and education access, has been described by palace officials as the most challenging the couple have experienced due to security concerns. On Tuesday afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with Khan at his official residence. Princess Diana, who was very popular in Pakistan, visited the country multiple times in the 1990s and helped Khan raise funds for a cancer hospital. Earlier, William and Kate spoke with students at an Islamabad Model College for Girls, engaging in discussions about education with older students and exploring the classrooms of younger students. As they departed, a group of girls sang a patriotic song of Pakistan and the couple interacted with preschoolers who had lined up to say goodbye. Their next stop was the Margallah Hills National Park on the outskirts of Islamabad, facing threats from various environmental issues. Kate was dressed in a periwinkle blue silk shalwar kameez, the traditional attire of Pakistan, for the morning events. Many people in social media and the fashion industry had hoped she would wear this outfit, as Princess Diana had done during her visits. The designer, Maheen Khan, expressed her honor at creating the outfit for the Duchess on Twitter. Kate's fashion choices during the visit seemed reminiscent of Diana's, including a bright green tunic and white pants when meeting with the Prime Minister. According to foreign policy experts and officials, the recent trip by a member of the British royal family, the first in over ten years and arranged by the British foreign office, is seen as a soft power initiative that could benefit both countries in achieving their diplomatic goals. This visit is particularly significant as Britain looks to strengthen its international relationships in light of its impending exit from the European Union, while Pakistan aims to improve its global reputation in order to attract more tourism and investment. | 1 |
The Group of 20 rich and developing nations have promised to give more influence to rising powers like China in rebuilding and guiding the global economy. They also declared their efforts to combat the crisis as successful. Leaders committed to maintaining economic supports until a sustainable recovery is achieved, establishing a framework for collaborative action to balance economic growth, and implementing stricter regulations for banks by 2012. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated that leaders representing a large portion of the world's population have agreed on a global plan for job creation, economic growth, and long-term recovery. US President Barack Obama's first major summit as host ended positively, with leaders claiming success in preventing a depression and stating that their efforts had been effective. Obama stated that our strong reaction helped halt the dangerous decline in global activity and stabilize financial markets. He emphasized the need to move away from the boom-and-bust economy of the past and not wait for a crisis to work together. The new framework will enable countries to assess each other's policies, reach consensus on reform, and ensure that global demand promotes growth for everyone. The G20 declared itself the top forum for economic cooperation, surpassing the previously dominant G7 and G8 summits. Colin Bradford, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, described the decision as a significant symbolic gesture in global politics. He emphasized the historical significance of the move, noting that it does not expand the G7 but replaces it. On the other hand, former IMF chief economist Simon Johnson was more doubtful, referring to the G7 as a "zombie" that is difficult to get rid of. He acknowledged the strong connections within the group, but suggested that at the summit level, they are no longer relevant. The decision to shift to the G20 from the G7 is a clear recognition of the increasing importance of rapidly growing countries like China and India in global economic growth. John Lipsky, the deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, explained that this move reflects the economic realities of the world and the necessity of including major emerging economies in discussions about the global economy. The revelation of a second Iranian uranium enrichment plant presented an opportunity for Obama, along with the leaders of Britain and France, to push for unified action against Tehran regarding its controversial nuclear program. Obama warned Iran that it must make a decision about its future path during a meeting with world powers in Geneva on October 1. The group still had tough economic tasks ahead despite progress made. The G20 agreed not to repeat the "reckless behavior" that led to the financial crisis two years ago. They emphasized the need for responsible markets and growth without boom and bust cycles. In addition to regulatory reforms to be implemented by 2012, the G20 also addressed excessive pay for bankers. The leaders agreed that companies should have the ability to recover or take back pay and bonuses under certain circumstances. This was done to ensure that bankers do not receive large payouts for taking risky bets that result in losses. The leaders also agreed to transfer some voting power at the International Monetary Fund to countries that are underrepresented, like China, from wealthier countries, signaling a recognition of the shifting economic power balance. The G20 also endorsed a plan to gradually eliminate subsidies for fossil fuels to address global warming, and to intensify efforts to finalize the Doha round of trade negotiations. Additionally, world leaders supported a U.S.-led initiative to rebalance the global economy, aiming to reduce significant surpluses in exporting countries like China and large deficits in importing countries such as the United States. Obama is looking to move away from the U.S. tradition of borrowing and spending, and instead focus on saving and investing. However, this shift would also require countries like China, which rely on exports for growth, to make adjustments. G20 leaders have agreed to collaborate in evaluating how domestic policies align and whether they promote sustainable and balanced growth. Countries with significant surpluses, like China, have committed to boosting domestic sources of growth, while those with large deficits, such as the United States, have pledged to support private savings. Economists have long warned that these imbalances could disrupt the global economy, and previous efforts to address them have not been successful. The United States believes that this effort will be successful this time because China and other major exporters experienced significant downturns when global trade collapsed during the recession, revealing their vulnerability to external shocks. Despite a display of unity, there were some sources of tension. Many Europeans were disappointed by the lack of agreement on how to finance the fight against climate change, especially with an upcoming climate summit in Copenhagen. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed concern over the slow progress and urged for immediate action. Approximately 10,000 protesters, who were kept away from the G20 convention center, marched against capitalism and the G20's agenda, with some chanting slogans directed at the police. There was just one person arrested on Friday and the atmosphere was optimistic, unlike the previous day's protests which involved confrontations with law enforcement and numerous arrests. | 1 |
Presidential spokesperson Rego Barros stated that the Brazilian government is willing to accept financial assistance from organizations and countries to help fight the wildfires in the Amazon rainforest. Barros emphasized that once the money is received, it will be under the complete control of the Brazilian people. Additionally, a diplomatic source in Brasilia revealed that the Brazilian government has accepted 10 million pounds from Britain for this cause. Bolsonaro's press office was unavailable for immediate comment on this matter. Earlier on Tuesday, Bolsonaro stated that he would only consider accepting a $20 million offer of aid from the Group of Seven wealthy nations if French President Emmanuel Macron stopped insulting him. Bolsonaro and Macron have been engaged in a very personal and public exchange of insults recently, with Bolsonaro mocking Macron's wife and accusing the French leader of disrespecting Brazil's sovereignty. Macron has called Bolsonaro a liar and suggested that Brazilian women are embarrassed by him. The French president's office declined to provide a comment. Brazil's president is facing growing isolation on the international stage due to his handling of the wildfires, which many see as a crucial defense against global climate change. The response from the far-right government could potentially jeopardize Brazil's trade agreements and influential agribusiness industry, which plays a crucial role in the country's struggling economy. Governor Flávio Dino of Maranhao state expressed concern about rejecting financial assistance, stating that now is not the time to do so. He also warned that Brazil's anti-environment rhetoric could result in international sanctions. Data from the space research agency INPE shows an 80% increase in the number of wildfires in Brazil this year compared to the same period in 2018. A witness in the Amazon state of Rondonia observed houses abandoned due to the intense forest fires, located about 90 km (55 miles) from Porto Velho. He stated that there were scattered showers on Tuesday, but they were not sufficient to extinguish the fires. According to weather data and two experts, widespread rain that could put out the fires is likely weeks away. An unnamed local farmer predicted that the fires would worsen next week when the forest is typically at its driest. Following discussions about the fires destroying an area often referred to as "the lungs of the world," G7 leaders pledged $20 million at a summit in France on Monday. This offer has caused controversy within Bolsonaro's nationalist government. Some officials appreciate the much-needed assistance, while others see it as a colonial act that undermines Brazil's sovereignty over its lands. Bolsonaro sparked Macron's anger by making disrespectful comments about Macron's wife on social media. Macron, who has criticized Bolsonaro's stance on climate change, called the comments disrespectful. Bolsonaro later stated he would only consider accepting G7 funds if Macron withdrew his previous remarks. Bolsonaro stated that Macron must retract his insults before any discussions or acceptance of aid from France can take place. Brazil is open to accepting international aid as long as they have control over how the funds are used. Trump showed his support for Bolsonaro on Tuesday, noting their shared ideologies on the environment, China, and trade. The Brazilian president is putting in a lot of effort to address the Amazon fires and is doing a commendable job for the people of Brazil, according to a tweet from Trump. Bolsonaro, in response on Twitter, stated that Brazil is successfully fighting the wildfires and will continue to be a global example of sustainable development. The fires are not only affecting Brazil, with a significant area burning in Bolivia near its borders with Paraguay and Brazil. Peru and Colombia have requested Bolsonaro to attend a meeting on September 6 to discuss the situation and create a coordinated long-term plan to prevent deforestation. Norway's environment minister is advising oil firm Equinor, fertiliser-maker Yara, and aluminium producer Norsk Hydro to ensure that their supply chains in Brazil are not connected to deforestation. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed concerns about the impact of climate change on the lives of people in Asia and the Pacific region, as well as on national and regional stability. She highlighted natural disasters and fuel shortages as major obstacles to development in the region, stating that global warming poses a serious risk. Hasina made these remarks during the opening session of the CIRDAP second ministerial meeting on 'Rural development in Asia and the Pacific' in Dhaka. The meeting, attended by representatives from 14 member states of CIRDAP and several non-member countries, is taking place 23 years after the first meeting in 1987. Hasina also noted the challenges posed by urbanization and increasing pressure on fuel resources due to globalization. She emphasized to the leaders of the region the importance of addressing the problems caused by climate change and globalization, warning that without doing so, rural development and poverty eradication efforts will not be successful in the long term. The prime minister highlighted the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the current economic crisis, which are jeopardizing the food security of poor populations. She stressed the need for unity and practical solutions to tackle these common challenges. Additionally, she called for increased investment and exports to counteract the negative effects of globalization, and underscored the importance of recognizing both the challenges and opportunities that globalization presents from a regional perspective. She also noted the threats that climate change poses to low-lying countries. Hasina outlined the poverty reduction efforts of her government, such as creating a poverty reduction strategy paper, enhancing social safety nets, raising agriculture subsidies, and guaranteeing continuous power supply for irrigation. She announced the upcoming launch of the 'one-house one-farm' initiative. Other speakers at the event included CIRDAP chairperson and minister Syed Ashraful Islam, state minister Jahangir Kabir Nanok, division secretary Rokeya Sultana, and director general Durga P Paudyal. | 1 |
With thousands of armed troops surrounding the U.S. Capitol two weeks after a mob attacked it, Biden, at age 78, was sworn in as the oldest U.S. president in history by Chief Justice John Roberts. In his inauguration speech, he emphasized the need for unity in order to overcome the challenges facing America, stating that it requires more than just words. Biden called for an end to the division and conflict that exists between red and blue states, rural and urban areas, and conservatives and liberals, urging people to open their souls instead of hardening their hearts. The inauguration ceremony was smaller than usual and lacked its usual festive atmosphere. Instead of crowds of supporters, the National Mall was filled with U.S. flags as a reminder of the pandemic that President Biden will have to address. Biden spoke at the Capitol, where Trump supporters had clashed with police in a violent attack on Jan. 6. Biden portrayed his inauguration as a sign that the attackers had not succeeded in disrupting American democracy. The violence led to Trump's second impeachment by the Democratic-controlled House, accusing him of inciting the riot. Biden emphasized the resilience of democracy in the face of violence and attempts to undermine it. Jennifer Lopez performed "America the Beautiful" and "This Land Is Your Land" at President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony. Kamala Harris, daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, made history as the first Black person, first woman, and first Asian American to serve as vice president, being sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court's first Latina member. On his way out of the White House, Trump defied the norm by refusing to meet with Biden or attend his inauguration, breaking a tradition that symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power. Trump did not mention Biden by name in his final remarks as president, instead focusing on his administration's achievements and hinting at a potential return to politics. He then departed for his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida. In contrast, top Republicans, including Vice President Mike Pence and congressional leaders, as well as former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, attended Biden's inauguration. Biden assumes office during a time of significant national challenges, including the pandemic, economic crisis, climate change, and racial inequality. He has pledged to take immediate action, including issuing a series of executive orders on his first day in office. Following a contentious campaign marked by Trump's unfounded claims of election fraud, Biden adopted a conciliatory tone rarely heard from his predecessor, urging Americans who did not vote for him to give him a chance. In breaking news, Kamala Harris has made history as the first woman and first woman of color to be sworn in as vice president of the United States. "I pledge this to you: I will be a president for all Americans," he stated. Biden assured that he will fight just as hard for those who didn't support him as he will for those who did, aiming to repair alliances damaged by Trump and serve as a trusted partner for peace, progress, and security. He did not address specific disputes with North Korea, Iran, and China. Biden's inauguration marks the peak of his long public service career, but he faces significant challenges ahead. On Trump's last full day in office, the United States hit two grim milestones in the pandemic - 400,000 deaths and 24 million infections. The country has the highest numbers compared to any other nation. Many Americans are unemployed due to pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions. President Biden plans to use the federal government's resources to address the crisis, with a $1.9 trillion proposal to increase jobless benefits and give direct cash payments to households. Lady Gaga performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Biden's inauguration. However, the plan will need approval from a Congress that is deeply divided, with Democrats holding slim majorities in both the House and Senate. Harris is set to swear in three new Democratic senators on Wednesday, resulting in a 50-50 split in the chamber with her as the tie-breaking vote. Biden is planning to quickly move on from the Trump era by signing 15 executive actions on Wednesday, covering issues such as the pandemic, the economy, and climate change. These actions will include requiring masks on federal property, rejoining the Paris climate accord, and ending Trump's travel ban on certain Muslim-majority countries. Despite Biden's ambitious agenda for his first 100 days, the Senate may be focused on Trump's impeachment trial, which will proceed even though he is no longer in office. This trial could be an early test of Biden's pledge to promote bipartisanship in Washington. In his last moments in office, Trump granted over 140 pardons and commutations, one of which was for his ex-political adviser Steve Bannon. Bannon is facing charges for allegedly scamming Trump supporters to raise money for a border wall in Mexico. Despite speculation, Trump did not pardon himself or his family members. | 1 |
The US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will be arriving in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon for a two-day official visit to discuss bilateral issues with Bangladesh. She is expected to land at 4:10 pm at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where she will be received by foreign minister Dipu Moni. The formal talks between the two foreign ministers will take place in the afternoon, followed by a joint press briefing and the signing of a declaration on Bangladesh-US Partnership Cooperation. During her visit, Clinton will also meet with prime minister Sheikh Hasina, leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, Brac chairman Fazle Hasan Abed, and members of the civil society. Bangladesh is keen on advocating for duty-free access to the US market for its garment products and believes that as a least developed country, it has a rightful claim to such access. Other key topics for discussion include gaining membership to the Millennium Challenge Corporation fund and the extradition of Rashed Chowdhury, the killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is currently residing in the US. The US, on the other hand, has strategic interests in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, with its significance growing following a March ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) that granted Bangladesh a large portion of the Bay of Bengal. It is also involved in all four global initiatives of President Barack Obama - global food security, global health, climate change, and engagement with Muslim countries. Other US interests in the region include protecting and promoting US investment, strengthening security ties, and increasing exports. ConocoPhillips, a US company, is currently conducting gas and oil exploration in blocks 10 and 11 in the Bay of Bengal and is looking to explore six additional blocks. In April, Bangladesh and the US held their first security dialogue to further cooperation in the region. | 1 |
Presidential candidate Barack Obama is set to deliver a public speech in Berlin on Thursday as part of his week-long foreign tour. The outdoor address on transatlantic ties is expected to attract a large crowd. Obama, who is very popular in Germany and often compared to former President John F. Kennedy, will also meet Chancellor Angela Merkel for the first time. Although Merkel initially opposed his plan to speak at the Brandenburg Gate, Obama will instead give his speech at the "Victory Column" in Berlin's central Tiergarten park, near the Gate. The landmark, which was once a symbol of the Cold War, holds great significance. Obama hopes his speech will emphasize the importance of the relationship between the United States and Europe and highlight the need to strengthen it. Relations between the United States and Germany were strained during Merkel's predecessor Gerhard Schroeder's term due to his strong opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. However, Merkel, a conservative leader who grew up in East Germany, has made efforts to mend the relationship and has become one of President George W. Bush's closest allies in Europe. Merkel mentioned that she planned to discuss NATO cooperation, climate change, and trade issues with Obama during their meeting at the Chancellery, which is expected to last about an hour. They are also likely to talk about Afghanistan and Iraq, the first stops on Obama's Middle East and European tour. Obama expressed his concern about the situation in Afghanistan, describing it as precarious and urgent during his visit to Kabul on Sunday. Limits have been set by Merkel on what Germany can do in terms of stepping up efforts in Afghanistan, despite pressure from both Obama and McCain. The Obama visit to Germany has been highly anticipated, with debates arising over whether he should give a speech at the Brandenburg Gate, a location historically reserved for presidents rather than candidates. Merkel's advisers suggested a more low-key location for the speech, but Obama stated that he was not preparing to deliver a Cold War-style speech like Reagan and Kennedy. He stated that Berlin symbolizes the success of post-war efforts to unite the continent and the West. There will be around 700 police officers present for the visit, and barriers have been set up around the "Siegessaeule" since Monday. Crowd estimates for the event range from 10,000 to nearly a million people. The German public television station ARD will broadcast the entire 45-minute speech live at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT). According to a Pew Research Center poll, Germans prefer Obama over McCain by a 49-point margin. The popular German magazine Der Spiegel focused its weekend edition on the visit, featuring a photo of Obama on the cover with the headline "Germany meets the Superstar". | 1 |
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated that his main focus in 2008 would be addressing the global credit crunch and navigating through the financial instability. He emphasized that the current credit issue originating in America is now the primary challenge for all economies, and it is crucial to tackle it as a top priority. Brown expressed confidence in the strong economy as a solid foundation and vowed to lead with unwavering determination to ensure stability amidst the global financial turmoil. Despite facing criticism for government mistakes and economic challenges such as the Northern Rock crisis, Brown remained committed to steering the country through these difficult times. Northern Rock, a prominent victim of the credit crisis in Britain, has had to borrow a minimum of 25 billion pounds from the Bank of England. Prime Minister Brown and finance minister Alistair Darling have faced criticism for their handling of the crisis, but Brown remains optimistic that the economy will remain on track. Despite solid economic growth since the Labour Party took office in 1997, concerns have arisen due to declining house prices and consumer confidence, leading to fears of a slowdown in the coming year. Brown has assured that stability will not be compromised, pledging to maintain low interest rates by keeping inflation in check. He has also arranged a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in January to discuss financial market stability. Brown's initial popularity with voters quickly faded, and Labour now trails the opposition Conservatives by as much as 13 points in opinion polls. Controversies such as the tax agency losing personal data and secret donations to Labour have caused embarrassment for Brown. In his New Year's message, Brown promised significant changes for Britain in 2008, including new laws addressing energy, climate change, health, pensions, housing, education, and transport, as well as continued efforts to combat global terrorism. | 1 |
The Strategic Dialogue, led by Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque of Bangladesh and Permanent Under Secretary Sir Simon McDonald of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, will involve a delegation of 15-20 members from the UK side, representing various departments. The Bangladesh side will include representatives from multiple ministries as well. The two-day dialogue will cover bilateral relations, regional and multilateral issues such as Rohingya crisis, terrorism, trade and investment, regional connectivity, and global issues like climate change and UN peacekeeping. McDonald is scheduled to speak about UK-Bangladesh relations in the midst of Brexit at the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies. He is anticipated to engage with young leaders and diplomats while visiting. Additionally, the UK secretary will have a confidential meeting with his counterpart from Bangladesh, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem will be present at the event. | 1 |
The COP26 conference in Glasgow began after the G20 nations failed to agree on a 2050 target to stop net carbon emissions, which is seen as crucial in preventing severe global warming. Instead, they only acknowledged the importance of stopping net emissions by mid-century, did not set a timeline for phasing out coal domestically, and weakened commitments to reducing methane emissions. Greta Thunberg called out world leaders for betraying their promises and urged citizens to demand action on the climate crisis immediately. The leaders will be speaking in Glasgow on Monday to address their climate change efforts and potentially make new commitments at the beginning of crucial negotiations. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will emphasize the urgent need for action, stating that humanity is running out of time to address climate change. If we do not address climate change seriously today, our children will not be able to do so tomorrow. Disagreements among major polluting countries on how to reduce coal, oil, and gas usage and support poorer nations in adapting to global warming will complicate the task. US President Joe Biden criticized China and Russia for not presenting proposals at the Glasgow conference, where they are not sending their leaders. Jinping, the leader of the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter, will deliver a written statement at the conference on Monday. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will not be attending the COP26 summit in Glasgow due to Britain's failure to meet Ankara's security and protocol demands. The conference, delayed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this goal, more ambitious emissions reduction pledges, climate financing for developing countries, and finalizing rules for the Paris Agreement are needed. Without stronger commitments, the planet's average surface temperature is projected to rise by 2.7 degrees Celsius, worsening the destructive impacts of climate change. Ugandan activist Evelyn Acham stated in an interview with Italian newspaper La Stampa that Africa, despite being responsible for only 3 percent of global emissions, is bearing the brunt of the most severe consequences of the climate crisis. She emphasized that Africans are not to blame for the crisis, but are still suffering due to the historical exploitation of Africa's resources during colonial times. Acham called for a fair distribution of responsibilities. Following two days of speeches by world leaders beginning on Monday, technical negotiations will take place. It is possible that a deal may not be reached until close to or even after the event's conclusion on November 12. | 1 |
Xu, who serves as the assistant administrator of the region and the UN Assistant Secretary-General, will be in Bangladesh until May 21, according to UNDP in Dhaka. During his visit, Xu will meet with senior ministers and key officials to discuss a variety of issues including economic growth, innovation, and the country's resilience. UNDP stated that his visit will provide the international community and global development partners with a better understanding of Bangladesh and its future goals. His visit is considered significant as he will evaluate the success of UNDP projects aimed at reducing urban poverty, disaster management, and climate change adaptation in Dakop and Hatia, as well as observe peace-building initiatives in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. Prior to his current role, Xu has held positions in Asia, the Pacific, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union. | 1 |
Chinese President Hu Jintao praised the increased cooperation between China and Japan during his state visit to Japan, offering a pair of pandas as a friendly gesture. This visit, only the second ever by a top Chinese leader, aims to build trust between the two countries. The visit comes at a time when China is trying to address international concerns about Tibetan unrest ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August. Hu was welcomed at the airport by Japanese officials and well-wishers, while protesters in the capital peacefully marched for human rights in Tibet. Right-wing activists also drove around the city with anti-China slogans, but there were no reports of violence as 7,000 police were deployed to ensure security during the visit. China is looking to improve its image as a friendly neighbor, especially after years of disagreements with Japan over its handling of wartime aggression. Hu, who has emphasized the importance of positive relations during his five-day visit to Japan, believes that stable and friendly ties are beneficial for both countries due to their closely linked economies. Hu expressed optimism for the future of the two countries' relationship and hoped that his visit would help build trust and strengthen friendship. As a goodwill gesture, Hu offered to gift Japan two pandas for research purposes, which could help improve public perception in Japan following the recent death of a popular panda at a Tokyo zoo. During an informal dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda at a Tokyo restaurant with historical ties to Sun Yat-sen, known as the "father" of modern China, he extended an offer. China has surpassed the United States as Japan's leading trade partner, with trade totaling $236.6 billion last year. The Chinese ambassador to Japan, Cui Tiankai, emphasized the importance of China and Japan working together to address various global challenges in a recent interview. However, Japan remains concerned about China's increasing diplomatic and military influence, particularly regarding disputed resources, military strength, and the quality of Chinese exports. Despite improvements in relations between the two countries, further efforts are needed to fully strengthen their ties. Hu's visit will culminate in a summit with Fukuda on Wednesday, where they plan to unveil a strategy for managing future relations between China and Japan. Both countries are eager to prevent a repeat of the tension that followed Jiang Zemin's visit to Japan ten years ago, during which he criticized Japan's past actions in China. While relations between China and Japan were strained during Koizumi's term as prime minister due to his visits to a controversial war shrine, tensions have since eased. Negotiations are still ongoing regarding sensitive issues such as Taiwan, human rights, and Japan's desire for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council. Additionally, the two nations are disputing the ownership of gas reserves in the East China Sea, and a recent incident involving Chinese-made dumplings contaminated with pesticide has highlighted Japanese concerns about China's increasing influence. Japan is concerned about China's increasing defense spending, which has surpassed Japan's budget and is suspected to be even higher than reported. Japan is seeking transparency from China on this issue while also hoping for Chinese support for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. This request has previously caused tension between the two countries due to historical conflicts over Japan's wartime occupation of China and differing views on Taiwan's reunification. Tokyo has expressed its backing for a "one China" policy that encompasses Taiwan, a former Japanese colony for fifty years until 1945 with strong connections to Japan. While major progress on specific disagreements is not anticipated, both parties are eager to emphasize a positive outlook and will release a joint statement on combatting climate change, an important issue for Japan as the host of the upcoming July G8 summit. Hu is set to address students at Tokyo's Waseda University and may relax by engaging in a game of ping-pong with Fukuda. | 1 |
His message emphasizing the importance of revitalizing alliances and recommitting to defending Europe was well received at the Munich Security Conference session where Biden spoke from the White House. However, there was pushback, particularly from French President Emmanuel Macron, who passionately defended his concept of "strategic autonomy" from the United States, arguing that Europe should not rely too heavily on the US as it shifts its focus to Asia, particularly China. Even German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who will be leaving office soon, tempered her praise for Biden's decision to cancel plans to withdraw 12,000 US troops from Germany with a warning that "our interests will not always align." This seemed to refer to Germany's hesitancy in confronting China, a key market for its products, as well as the ongoing disagreement with the US over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Russia. Despite these differences, all three leaders acknowledged that their first virtual meeting marked the end of the "America First" era and welcomed Biden back, recognizing him from his time as a senator and vice president. Biden also used the opportunity to highlight the importance of a united strategy in countering an Internet-driven narrative, promoted by both Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China, that the chaos surrounding the American election was a sign of democratic weakness and decline. Biden emphasized the importance of proving that democracies can still meet the needs of their people in today's world, stating that they must show their model is not outdated. The president, a regular attendee at the Munich conference, spoke at the event which was held virtually due to the pandemic. He also participated in a video meeting with the Group of 7 allies, hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The next in-person summit is scheduled to take place in Britain this summer. Biden did not mention his predecessor, Donald Trump, but focused on moving past Trumpism in the US's global strategy. He marked the return to the Paris climate agreement and a new initiative to engage Iran diplomatically, along with recalling the foundational principles of the Atlantic alliance and NATO's creation during the Cold War. French President Emmanuel Macron participated in an Online G7 meeting on February 19, 2021, in Paris, France. Thibault Camus/Pool via REUTERS. Biden emphasized that democracy is not a coincidence. "We must protect it. Enhance it. Revive it." In a clear opposition to Trump, who discussed pulling out of NATO and famously refused to acknowledge the United States' duties under Article V of the alliance's charter to assist members under attack, Biden portrayed the United States as prepared to fulfill its role as the core of the alliance. "We will uphold" this obligation, he stated, emphasizing that "an attack on one is an attack on all." However, he also urged Europe to consider challenges in a fresh manner — unlike the Cold War era, despite the familiar presence of the two primary geostrategic opponents. "We need to jointly prepare for prolonged strategic rivalry with China," he stated, identifying "cyberspace, artificial intelligence and biotechnology" as the new domains for competition. He made the case for standing up to Russia, specifically mentioning the need to respond to the SolarWinds attack on federal and corporate computer networks. Biden emphasized the importance of addressing Russian hacking in the US, Europe, and worldwide to protect collective security. While he did not discuss how to hold Russia accountable without escalating tensions, a White House cyberofficial mentioned that they are still studying the extent of the intrusion and struggling to find options to make Putin pay for the attack. The focus shifted to Biden's interaction with Macron, who has been critical of NATO and questioned its relevance since the end of the Warsaw Pact. Macron is advocating for NATO to become more of a political entity where European members have equal status to the United States and are less dominated by American decision-making. He believes that a more autonomous Europe would strengthen NATO, and wants Europe to take more responsibility for its own security by increasing defense spending. However, many European states are reluctant to spend more on defense, and Central and Eastern European nations prefer to rely on the United States for security. Macron also suggests that NATO should engage in dialogue with Russia, despite Russia's lack of interest in improving relations as long as sanctions remain in place following its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Macron emphasized the need for Europe to become more self-reliant in terms of defense and technology, as he believes the continent can no longer rely as heavily on the United States. He acknowledged that it will take time for Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities, but he is determined to start the process now. Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, also emphasized the importance of increasing the European Union's technological capacities to reduce its reliance on American and Chinese supply chains. Biden aims to strengthen supply chains with Western allies to reduce Chinese influence, proposing a joint project for European and American tech companies. German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the challenges of managing relations with China, recognizing its importance as both a competitor and partner for the West. She stated that Russia consistently involves European Union members in hybrid conflicts. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a trans-Atlantic approach towards Russia that includes cooperative gestures while clearly addressing differences. During the meeting, Biden pledged to fulfill a $4 billion donation towards expediting the production and distribution of coronavirus vaccines globally, a decision supported by both Democrats and Republicans last year. Macron emphasized the EU's focus on Africa and urged Western nations to donate 13 million vaccine doses to African governments promptly to protect healthcare workers. He warned that failure to do so could lead African countries to seek vaccines from other sources. Macron stated that vaccine donations would demonstrate a shared commitment to progress and shared values. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the WHO also urged countries and drugmakers to accelerate vaccine manufacturing and distribution globally to avoid leaving some countries behind and potentially starting over from the beginning. Tedros stated at the Munich conference that ensuring fair distribution of vaccines is not only morally correct, but also the most sensible approach. He emphasized that delaying the vaccination of populations in all countries would prolong the pandemic's uncontrolled spread. | 1 |
According to common belief, Israeli leaders and voters have long viewed Washington as crucial for their country's survival. However, experts suggest that Israel may now have achieved a level of independence from the United States, despite still benefiting from US assistance. Vipin Narang, a political scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, noted that Israel appears to be moving towards greater autonomy. Israel no longer relies on US security guarantees for protection from neighboring states as it has mostly made peace with them. It also does not see the need for American mediation in the Palestinian conflict, which Israelis support maintaining as it is. Israel used to depend on US arms transfers but now produces many essential weapons domestically. It has also become more self-sufficient diplomatically, forming alliances independent of Washington. Israelis are less concerned with gaining US approval culturally and put less pressure on their leaders to maintain good relations with Washington. US aid to Israel has remained high in absolute terms, but Israel's economic growth over the years has made the country less dependent on it. In 1981, US aid made up nearly 10% of Israel's economy, but in 2020, it was only around 1%. The US government's diminishing influence in the conflict was evident when it called for a cease-fire after an Egyptian-brokered agreement was almost finalized, and Israeli leaders had achieved their military objectives in a ten-day conflict with Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be visiting the region this week, but has stated that he does not plan to restart formal Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. The shift is occurring as a segment of Democrats and liberal activists, who are upset by Israel's treatment of Palestinians and attacks on Gaza, are questioning the longstanding consensus on Israel in Washington. Despite this, there is still a notable level of American support for Israel, albeit diminishing, and Democratic leaders have not fully embraced their constituents' increasing backing of the Palestinians. The US still holds influence over Israel due to its provision of arms and diplomatic backing, as seen during Donald Trump's strong support for the Israeli government. However, this leverage may be weakening to the point where Israel may act independently regardless of bipartisan agreements. Steps towards becoming self-sufficient in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been taken over the past 15 years. The Second Intifada, characterized by violence such as Israeli tanks in Palestinian towns and bombings in Israeli cafes, is now in the past. Israel has made changes to the conflict that its citizens and leaders can tolerate, with lower levels of violence in the West Bank and even less in Israel itself. While there have been occasional outbreaks of fighting with Gaza-based groups, Israel has managed to shift much of the burden onto Gazans. The ratio of conflict deaths between Palestinians and Israelis has shifted from 3-to-1 to 20-to-1. Many Israelis have lost faith in the peace process and see periodic fighting as the best option. The occupation remains a heavy burden for Palestinians, but most Jewish Israelis are able to ignore it. Yaël Mizrahi-Arnaud, a research fellow at an Israeli think tank, noted that Israelis have grown comfortable with this situation and are willing to accept the costs. Israel is able to maintain this status quo without much assistance from outside sources. In previous years, Israel heavily relied on US-made military equipment like warplanes and high-end gear, which needed approval from Congress and the White House. However, now Israel has shifted to using missile defense technology that is mostly produced and maintained domestically, showcasing their determination for self-sufficiency. Despite initial skepticism, the effectiveness of Israel's missile defense system against short-range rockets and ballistic missiles has surprised many experts. While the system was initially supported by heavy US funding during President Obama's tenure, it now operates at a cost of $50,000 per interceptor. Israel's pursuit of military autonomy began in the 1990s, influenced by strained relations with the George HW Bush administration and the belief that American support may not always be guaranteed. This belief was strengthened during the terms of subsequent presidents, as their efforts to make peace with the Palestinians clashed with Israeli desires to maintain control of the West Bank and impose strict blockades on Gaza. As a result, Israel has pursued independent capabilities to reduce vulnerability to US pressure, including independent intelligence gathering. Israel has achieved this goal, according to Narang. Israel no longer heavily relies on US protection for another existential threat: international isolation. In the past, Israel sought acceptance from Western democracies that required it to meet democratic standards, but now Israel is facing a more favorable international environment. Powers that were once considered "anti-imperialist" and posed a challenge to Israel have now shifted their focus. While global opinions towards Israel vary, with predominantly negative views in Muslim-majority regions, Israel has strengthened relationships in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Even neighboring Arab countries like Jordan and Egypt, once fierce adversaries, are now pursuing peace, while tensions have eased with other Arab states. The Abraham Accords, facilitated during the Trump administration, led to the normalization of relations between Israel and Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Israel also established normalized relations with Morocco and reached a diplomatic agreement with Sudan. Israeli political analyst and pollster Dahlia Scheindlin noted that there was once talk of an impending diplomatic crisis, but it never came to fruition. Scheindlin conducts an annual poll where Israelis rank national challenges, with security and the economy consistently being top priorities while foreign relations have fallen to the bottom of the list. European diplomats issue warnings that never materialize, Democrats discuss the future of the alliance, but according to the speaker, Israelis believe their international reputation is strong. Israel has also strived for autonomy in diplomacy, distancing itself from the US. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even indirectly opposed Obama's reelection due to his Middle East policies, causing a rift in relations. Netanyahu has since built relationships with authoritarian democracies like Brazil, Hungary, and India, who admire Israel's treatment of Palestinians. This approach, dubbed the "other friends policy" by Scheindlin, has led Israelis to no longer see US approval as essential for their survival. Rising nationalism has led to a greater willingness to ignore international criticism, diminishing the importance of Washington's support for Israel's democratic credentials. Despite the traditional belief in Israel that one of the prime minister's main responsibilities is to maintain bipartisan support from the US, Netanyahu faced little political backlash at home for aligning with Republicans and criticizing Obama. Americans elected Trump, who showed more favoritism towards Netanyahu than any other president before him. This has led to a feeling of confidence among Israelis, who believe they can navigate any tensions in the relationship. Recent focus groups have shown that Israelis no longer worry about backlash from American leaders, as they see it as just a part of dealing with America. Many Israelis have lost faith in the peace process, considering it doomed and of low priority. This shift in attitude changes the relationship with the US, as Israeli leaders no longer feel pressured to engage in peace talks and can now pursue policies like expanding settlements in the West Bank without needing to please the Americans. Israel is not the first small state to seek independence from a powerful ally, but in this case, it was the Americans who helped Israel build up its military and diplomatic independence, thus weakening their own influence. After close to 50 years of not using this leverage to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it may soon be completely gone. Israel now feels emboldened to act without consequences, as the United States has not pressured them in recent memory. | 1 |
Indian defence analysts are warning the Indian government not to become complacent in strengthening India-Bangladesh ties and moving towards a strategic partnership. A report released by the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) called for faster implementation of issues outlined in a 2010 joint communiqué, such as security, trade deficit, and border issues. The report highlighted the importance of maintaining the positive momentum in bilateral relations following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit, and suggested that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's upcoming visit to Dhaka presents an opportunity to elevate India-Bangladesh relations to a strategic partnership by addressing legacy issues like border demarcation and river water sharing. They suggested that both parties should consider exploring new areas of collaboration in fields such as climate change, environment, agricultural research, water management, remote sensing, IT and communications technologies, marine technologies, medicine, and health. The report recommended establishing connections between relevant institutions, with a focus on collaborative research and capacity building. It also urged both countries to work together to address challenges related to pandemics and arsenic-contaminated water. Regarding the water-sharing issue, the panel advised the government that despite minor differences, an agreement should be signed as Bangladesh seeks an agreement on sharing river water, with both countries having nearly reached an agreement on sharing the water of Teesta and four other rivers. A preliminary version of the Teesta agreement has been completed. The report commends Bangladesh for addressing India's security concerns and acknowledges India's efforts to assist and cooperate with Bangladesh. The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) praises the security cooperation with Bangladesh but suggests that it should be formalized to ensure continuity beyond individual governments. It also highlights the importance of information sharing and joint border patrolling. The IDSA suggested that the US-Mexico border management model could be applied to Bangladesh's proposed South Asia Task Force on terrorism. They recommended establishing a counter-terrorism center in Dhaka, with India potentially funding it. The group also emphasized the need for increased military cooperation between the two countries, including search and rescue operations, joint patrolling of piracy-prone areas in the Bay of Bengal, capacity building, and joint exercises, to build mutual confidence. The text proposed establishing a dialogue system that includes both governments and non-governmental organizations focused on de-radicalization. It emphasized that fundamentalism and extremism are mutual threats that require close collaboration to address. In terms of trade, the report highlighted the importance of prioritizing connectivity and urged both countries to work together to put it into action promptly. A public campaign promoting the benefits of connectivity for both sides could be initiated. Regional countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Thailand stand to gain from trade and transit connectivity between the neighboring countries. The report recommends addressing trade issues and enhancing economic ties, with a specific emphasis on Bangladesh attracting Indian investment. India is encouraged to assist in modernizing Bangladesh's power infrastructure and to address the issue of illegal migration. Both parties should work towards establishing a conducive atmosphere for resolving this issue peacefully. One possible approach could be to explore alternative solutions such as utilizing work permits. | 1 |
Alok Sharma, the conference chairman, encouraged the nearly 200 national delegations gathered in Glasgow to agree on a deal that aims to address the needs of climate-vulnerable nations, major industrial powers, and countries reliant on fossil fuel consumption or exports for economic growth. In the final hours of a two-week conference that had already gone over schedule by a day, Sharma urged the delegates to consider if the proposed package is fair and sufficient for everyone. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the texts ultimately benefit all people and the planet. Prior to a plenary meeting to vote on the deal, representatives from India, China, the United States, and the European Union met to discuss language regarding a mutually agreed upon phase-out of coal, as stated by a member of the Indian delegation. The final agreement must receive unanimous approval from the countries present, which include coal- and gas-fueled superpowers, oil producers, and Pacific islands threatened by rising sea levels. The primary objective of the meeting is to work towards achieving the 2015 Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. A preliminary agreement circulated on Saturday acknowledged that current commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient and called for nations to set more ambitious climate goals annually, rather than every five years as currently mandated. During a public discussion with key delegations, there was support for Sharma when China, the largest producer and consumer of coal, stated that they had no intention of revisiting the text. The West African country of Guinea, representing the G77 group of developing nations, advocated for richer countries to provide compensation for "loss and damage" caused by climate disasters. Guinea acknowledged the progress made but India, reliant on coal for energy, expressed dissatisfaction. Environment and Climate Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that consensus was still uncertain, while EU Climate Commissioner Frans Timmermans warned against delaying progress by requesting more changes. Scientists warn that exceeding a 1.5C temperature rise would lead to severe consequences such as extreme sea level rise, droughts, storms, and wildfires. However, current commitments by countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from coal, oil, and gas, would only limit global temperature rise to 2.4 degrees Celsius. A recent draft from the United Nations urged for the elimination of coal power and reduction of government subsidies for fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. Past UN conferences on climate change have not specifically targeted the harmful effects of fossil fuels. | 1 |
In Copenhagen, environment ministers are working to resolve differences between wealthy and developing countries before the deadline for a global agreement on addressing climate change. Yvo de Boer, head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, emphasized a disagreement between China and the United States, urging all nations to increase their efforts in the negotiations. He expressed hope that in the upcoming days, all countries would urge each other to take stronger actions. The ministers were engaged in informal discussions during a one-day break in the December 7-18 meeting that involved 190 nations. This meeting will end with a summit of world leaders on Thursday and Friday, including US President Barack Obama. Danish Minister Connie Hedegaard informed reporters that despite numerous challenges and unresolved issues, there is a political determination among ministers as they begin to arrive. The discussions involve representatives from both wealthy and impoverished nations who have been debating over the responsibility for reducing emissions, the extent of the cuts required, and who should provide the funding for them. Countries such as China and India are calling for developed nations to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide financial assistance to poorer countries in order to transition to more sustainable practices and adapt to a changing climate. Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh expressed optimism about reaching a fair agreement in Copenhagen, emphasizing the importance of trust, courage, and conviction. Developed nations argue that developing countries need to commit to emissions reductions to avoid reaching dangerous levels of global warming. China is aiming to finalize a solid agreement before Premier Wen Jiabao attends the summit with other world leaders. Senior Chinese envoy Su Wei stated that the leaders are coming to celebrate the positive outcome of the talks. Archbishop Desmond Tutu handed over thousands of signatures to the UN's de Boer calling for climate action. A church service at Copenhagen's Cathedral was planned, with a sermon by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and attended by Danish royalty. Police have released all but 13 of nearly 1,000 people detained after a peaceful march turned violent. Some of the individuals who were detained claimed that they were unjustly arrested and mistreated by the police. Hana Nelson, a 24-year-old student from Halifax, Canada, who was released without being charged, stated, "They arrested us without cause. We were all behaving peacefully." | 1 |
During the meeting on December 6, Secretary Bilateral and Consular Kamrul Ahsan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director General of Foreign Policy Pedro Sanchez Da Costa Pereira from the Portuguese Foreign Ministry led their respective sides. They both agreed to increase cooperation in order to strengthen and broaden the bilateral relations. The discussions included topics such as trade and investment, power and energy - specifically renewable energy, blue economy and maritime resources, tourism and culture, employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers, regional and international issues including Brexit, Rohingya crisis, climate change, and other issues of mutual interest. Portugal commended Bangladesh on its socio-economic progress and appreciated its significant humanitarian efforts in hosting over a million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Portugal also expressed interest in participating in future projects, particularly in infrastructure, ICT, power, and renewable energy sectors. The two parties have decided to have frequent political discussions and regular visits at various levels such as political, business, civil society, and people's group in order to enhance their relationship. | 1 |
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has proposed to increase efforts in managing natural disasters, as the country is already seen as a role model in this area. The government is open to collaborating with regional and global initiatives such as BIMSTEC, SAARC, Delta Coalition, Climate Vulnerable Forum, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Bangladesh is also recognized as a champion in promoting climate issues globally, as mentioned by the foreign minister during the 2019 Thematic Meeting of PDD in Dhaka, which was attended by high-level delegations and experts. The global issue of displacement caused by slow or sudden onset disasters is exacerbated by unpredictable climate change and environmental degradation. Momen recounted stories from Bangladesh, where a rickshaw puller in Sylhet explained that he had to relocate to the Southern coastal belt of Barisal due to the erosion of his land. This man is not alone, as many residents of Dhaka are also forced to move due to climate change impacts. The World Bank warns that a 1 meter rise in sea level could leave 25 to 30 million people in Bangladesh without homes or jobs, as 20 percent of the coastal region could be inundated. Momen inquired about the destination for climate change migrants, noting that Bangladesh is highly susceptible to climate-related issues. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina implemented measures in 2009 to address climate change, including the adoption of a "Climate Change Strategies & Action Plan" and the involvement of communities. Additionally, 60,000 trained volunteers were created, along with the construction of 3,800 cyclone shelters and afforestation efforts. Bangladesh also built embankments in 70-80% of coastal areas and provided irrigation in 80% of cultivable land. He also mentioned that Bangladesh has developed flood-resistant, salinity-resilient crops to adapt to and thrive in the face of climate change. The country has also implemented a 100-year Delta Plan to address the challenges posed by climate change, which is projected to cost an additional 2.5 percent of GDP each year and a total of $29.6 billion by 2031. Despite being a non-wealthy nation, Bangladesh has made significant contributions to climate funds through various mitigation strategies, resulting in minimal greenhouse gas emissions. The prime minister has spearheaded initiatives such as establishing two climate funds and launching projects for river dredging and green afforestation. Regrettably, the recent arrival of approximately 1.2 million Rohingyas from Myanmar is depleting our forests and causing an environmental crisis. | 1 |
The former Democratic vice president has dismissed the Republican incumbent's unlikely challenge to his win and announced Ron Klain as his White House chief of staff, marking his first significant appointment. The surge in daily coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the United States following the November 3 election has shifted the focus of the presidential transition to pandemic response. Trump will remain in office until Biden's inauguration on January 20, with foreign allies congratulating Biden and The Elders group urging Trump to accept defeat to avoid jeopardizing American democracy. Attention has now turned to Biden's potential choices for Cabinet positions, although there have been few hints about when these announcements will be made. Antony Blinken, a diplomat and longtime confidant, is being considered for secretary of state or national security adviser. The treasury secretary will need to address economic challenges such as recession and joblessness, while also addressing wealth inequality, climate change, and other issues. Klain, who previously served as Barack Obama's "Ebola czar" during the 2014 outbreak, is expected to play a key role in the Biden administration's response to the current surge in COVID-19 cases. Biden has chosen Klain for his experience and trustworthiness, as he previously worked as Al Gore's top aide during the Clinton administration. Gore told Reuters that he always had a wealth of knowledge and his advice was always well-informed, with a strong grasp of the policy process, argument merits, and the political and justice context. The United States set new records on Wednesday with over 142,000 new coronavirus cases and nearly 65,000 hospitalizations, with the death toll rising by 1,464. Biden has secured enough battleground states to surpass the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency in the Electoral College, and is also leading in the popular vote by over 5.2 million votes. Since major news outlets declared Biden the winner of the election on Saturday, Trump has chosen to keep a low public profile and vent his frustrations on Twitter instead. He has not acknowledged the rising number of coronavirus cases across the country. Trump has been focusing on trying to overturn the election results in states where the outcome was close, despite lacking any evidence of wrongdoing that could impact the results. Judges have been skeptical of his claims. His team has been actively fundraising for legal challenges, but donations under $8,000 will not go towards these efforts. Instead, smaller donations will go to the Republican National Committee or a new political action committee for other uses such as travel expenses or future political campaigns. Democrats have accused Trump of trying to undermine public trust in the US election system and discredit Biden's victory. Trump's time in office has been characterized by political divisions and the breaking of democratic norms. Edison Research has given Biden 279 electoral votes so far. While some news outlets have added Arizona's 11 electoral votes to Biden's total, Edison Research has not yet confirmed this traditionally Republican state for the Democrat, who is currently leading by 0.3 percentage points. In Georgia, another historically Republican state with 16 electoral votes, Biden also has a 0.3 percentage point lead. In order for Trump to stay in office, he would have to win Arizona and Georgia, as well as overturn one or more states already in Biden's favor before the Electoral College vote on December 14th. This is considered a highly unlikely scenario. Trump tweeted on Thursday that if they can audit all the votes cast, they would easily win Arizona. However, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs stated that the vote margin was not close enough to warrant a recount. There are still around 25,000 ballots left to count, and Trump would need to win 65 percent of these remaining votes in order to surpass Biden's lead. Hobbs told CNN on Thursday that the possibility of a recount happening is there, but he believes it is unlikely. Georgia has chosen to conduct a manual recount of its votes. Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Republican secretary of state, stated that it is improbable that many errors will be found in the previous machine count. Raffensperger assured Fox News Channel on Thursday that regardless of the outcome, the recount will be accurate and provide the exact vote totals. | 1 |
US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping joined forces on Monday with other countries to emphasize the importance of reaching an agreement to slow the increase in global temperatures, which are causing floods, heat waves, and rising sea levels. However, as the leaders departed from Paris, negotiators from 195 countries were left to finalize a draft text of over 50 pages that still contained many disagreements. The primary issue at hand is how to generate the necessary funds to support cleaner energy sources, which are essential for developing countries to progress without depending heavily on fossil fuels. Despite the challenges, many delegates were optimistic about the high attendance at the UN climate summit in Paris, following the failure of the 2009 summit in Copenhagen. French President Francois Hollande expressed his encouragement for the ongoing talks scheduled to continue until December. He told reporters that the beginning was good, but it also needs to reach its destination. He mentioned that there are two obstacles: either overloading the vessel causing it to sink, or emptying it and not reaching anywhere. The technical discussions did not echo the grand language used on Monday. Countries reiterated their negotiating stances with little indication of possible compromise. China's representative Su Wei expressed concern over the rich nations' lack of dedication to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide financial assistance to developing countries to combat global warming. Alden Meyer of the Union of Concerned Scientists described the discussions as getting down to the essential details, stressing that while the initial day went well, critical issues remain unresolved. Peruvian Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar Vidal acknowledged that there are many options in the current text, but everyone has demonstrated their commitment to reaching an agreement. Positive developments included a $1 trillion initiative by India and France to promote solar power for impoverished populations, as well as a private sector effort led by Bill Gates to raise billions of dollars for new energy research and development. Yvo de Boer, who led the UN's climate talks in Copenhagen, mentioned that leaders still carry emotional and mental scars from that event. He noted that the presence of many leaders on the opening day of the Paris talks shows their determination to make progress. A potential agreement in Paris would be the most robust yet in terms of binding rich and poor nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which have caused significant climate change impacts. Liz Gallagher from the E3G environmental think-tank added that the opening day of the talks increased the likelihood of an agreement, but noted that the main challenge lies in reaching an agreement on climate finance. Developing countries are requesting that wealthier nations pledge more money beyond the current target of $100 billion per year by 2020 in order to assist them in transitioning to clean energy sources and handling the impacts of climate change. There are also disagreements over establishing a long-term plan for phasing out fossil fuels. The Group of Seven (G7) agreed in June to aim for decarbonizing the global economy by 2100, but China and India argue that they need to continue using coal to alleviate poverty and would prefer a gradual shift towards low-carbon development over the course of this century. However, the commitments made by approximately 170 countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions after 2020 are not strong enough to prevent global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as desired. It is commonly seen as a point at which dangerous and potentially catastrophic alterations in the Earth's climate system may occur. | 1 |
Bankrolled by Russian owner Roman Abramovich, Mourinho led Chelsea to back-to-back league titles in 2005 and 2006 in his previous stint with the English Premier League club. However, with Uefa pushing for clubs to operate at a breakeven level or face potential exclusion from competitions like the Champions League, Mourinho emphasized the importance of making strategic financial decisions. He stressed the need for closer collaboration with the club's board on financial matters, as well as a different approach to handling loaned players and youth development. Mourinho's recent comments reflect a more subdued approach compared to his earlier brash persona upon arriving in London in 2004. Chelsea recently made their first signing since Mourinho's return, acquiring 22-year-old winger Andre Schuerrle for a reported £18 million. Mourinho highlighted the significance of qualifying for the Champions League, not only for the team and fans but also for the club's financial stability in the era of Financial Fair Play regulations. | 1 |
On Tuesday, Shahana Hanif, a former City Council employee, made history by winning her election in a Brooklyn district that includes Park Slope, Kensington, and parts of central Brooklyn. Hanif, who is Bangladeshi American, became the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Council, despite the fact that New York City has a large Muslim population. Another South Asian candidate, Shekar Krishnan, also made history by winning a seat in Queens. Hanif expressed her gratitude and pride in becoming the first Muslim woman and the first woman of any faith to represent District 39. She mentioned the support of volunteers and endorsements from various community and progressive groups, such as the Working Families Party, in her speech. She expressed the goal of creating an inclusive and equitable city that prioritizes protecting vulnerable populations, providing fair education, implementing community-driven climate solutions, and ensuring that immigrant neighbors feel welcome and safe. She emphasized the importance of continued community involvement beyond the election. The upcoming City Council will see historic representation with the first out gay Black women, Kristin Richardson Jordan and Crystal Hudson, elected in Harlem and Brooklyn districts respectively. Several other LGBTQ candidates, including Tiffany Cabán in Queens, also secured victories. Chi Ossé in Brooklyn and Erik Bottcher in Manhattan did not face any opponents in their races. Lynn Schulman was predicted to secure a seat in Queens. These candidates are part of a trend in New York City's City Council, which is set to become almost as diverse as the city itself next year. Over 25 women are expected to hold the majority of seats in the Council, marking a historic first. | 1 |
President Barack Obama urged the world to take immediate action against global warming during a U.N. summit, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Chinese President Hu Jintau also committed to reducing carbon intensity in his country's economic growth. Obama warned that failure to address the issue quickly and collaboratively could have catastrophic consequences for future generations. He stressed that time is running out to reverse the effects of climate change. Activists were optimistic that the United States and China would provide a much-needed boost before the upcoming climate change conference in Copenhagen, where representatives from 190 nations will try to finalize a deal. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who arranged the meeting, expressed concern that negotiations were progressing too slowly. He emphasized the importance of reaching a comprehensive agreement in Copenhagen, stating that failure to do so would be ethically unacceptable, economically unwise, and politically foolish. Ban stressed the interconnectedness of global issues and urged countries to work together to address the challenges ahead. Discussions leading up to the December 7-18 meeting have caused disagreement between developed and developing countries regarding how to allocate emissions reductions. Less affluent nations are urging wealthier ones to provide substantial financial assistance annually to help them deal with increasing temperatures. Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, warned that the talks were nearing a deadlock and could collapse in a hostile manner. President Obama and President Hu, who are set to have a one-on-one meeting following the summit, may be able to resolve the stalemate. China taking aggressive steps to limit emissions, even if not implementing a strict cap, could ease tensions in Washington, where many lawmakers are hesitant to commit to U.S. emission reductions without assurance that China is also taking action. Obama's efforts to decrease U.S. emissions through legislation have been less noticed compared to his focus on healthcare reform. However, he stated in a speech that in the last eight months, the United States has made more progress in reducing carbon pollution than ever before. | 1 |
Despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's congratulatory message to Trump after his election victory and his promise to collaborate on trade and international security, the media has described Trump's win as a surprising upset. The victory has disrupted the traditionally stable Canada-US relations, with a commentator from the Globe and Mail noting that the US electorate's decision has thrown a wrench into the predictability of these relations. The focus on building borders in various aspects by the new US president poses a threat to Canada, which heavily relies on cross-border dealings. The commentator remarked that Donald Trump, the unexpected victor of the US presidential election, has vowed to undo many of Canada's efforts. He mentioned the potential risk of protectionist actions by the US that could sever important trade ties. Canadian leaders have signed free-trade agreements to mitigate this threat, but Mr. Trump has promised to revoke the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Canada is the largest trading partner of the US, exporting more than 75 percent of its goods and services to its southern neighbor. It shares approximately 4,000 miles of border with the United States, excluding Alaska. If NAFTA were to end, this would have negative implications for Canada's economy. During his campaign, Trump focused on the idea of stronger borders, which could result in slower trade and traffic movement, something Canada cannot afford. Trump promised to bring jobs back to various states and criticized NAFTA, calling it a disaster that he would renegotiate or potentially end. However, many economists and experts believe that while protectionist rhetoric is common in US elections, the reality of governing may be different. In addition to questioning NAFTA, Trump has also raised concerns about the value of NATO and has stated that allies should pay more for US protection. Canadian officials are preparing for potential challenges ahead as the impact of the surprising election outcome is felt. Experts agree that the future may bring significant changes in areas such as economics, trade, environment, security, defense, and international relations under the new US administration's "America First" policy. Prime Minister Trudeau is determined to move forward with a climate-change policy aimed at reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, however, the presence of Trump in power may make it more difficult to garner support for these policies in Canada. Despite avoiding criticism of Trump during the election campaign, Trudeau likely did so in the interest of building a strong relationship with the United States. While there are other areas of cooperation such as cross-border security arrangements and NORAD, the question remains as to how successful Trudeau will be in advancing the Canadian agenda with a protectionist US president focused on 'America First'. Is Trump posing a new challenge for the Canadian Prime Minister? It will require some time before the answer is obtained. | 1 |
Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali informed Bangladeshi journalists at around 6.30pm that they would reconvene after the official dinner, marking an unprecedented event in SAARC foreign ministers-level meetings where the meeting had been adjourned after completing all agendas. Ali mentioned efforts to finalize the energy cooperation deal, while stating that Nepal had canceled its scheduled briefing for foreign journalists. He ruled out the possibility of signing two other deals related to road and railway connectivity during the summit, hinting at Pakistan's reluctance to sign those agreements. The signing of the deals does not guarantee implementation, but would signify a commitment to connectivity and a common goal of deeper integration for peace and prosperity. The upcoming 18th summit, where member state leaders will gather amid tight security, will focus on setting the agenda. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the summit is seen as a positive sign of cooperation within the region. Bangladesh emphasized timely implementation of regional projects during the foreign ministers-level meeting, approving various proposals to enhance the effectiveness of the regional grouping. The meeting also discussed initiatives in trade, economy, communications, energy, poverty reduction, climate change, combating terrorism, education, culture, youth development, and regional cooperation. Additionally, decisions were made to launch research papers, action frameworks, and publications related to poverty alleviation, sanitation, nutrition, and the South Asian Economic Union. The meeting instructed the SAARC Secretariat to organize the summit at a specific time and requested member states to submit their lists for sensitive list reduction under SAFTA. Bangladesh also sought investments in tourism and proposed innovative projects in energy and communications. Plans were made to publish a biennial SAARC Development Report and to make the SAARC food bank operational by removing the threshold limit for members. The meeting emphasized on the South Asian University in New Delhi as a 'Center of Excellence', recognized the South Asian Women Development Forum as a SAARC body, and decided to continue the moratorium on accepting new SAARC observers. | 1 |
The top diplomats of Pakistan and India met in Islamabad, expressing a shared commitment to combat militant extremism and suggesting that more in-depth discussions may be on the horizon. This was the second meeting in four months between Foreign Secretaries Salman Bashir and Nirupama Rao of Pakistan and India, respectively. Their previous meeting in New Delhi, following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was considered unproductive. However, the recent talks were characterized by cordiality, sincerity, and earnestness, setting the stage for a broader dialogue and potentially improving relations between the two countries. Rao emphasized the need to work together to address the threat of terrorism and prevent it from hindering progress in bilateral relations. The issue of security is of utmost concern for India in relation to Pakistan, as New Delhi accuses Islamabad of supporting militant groups in order to gain control of India's part of Kashmir and counteract India's influence in Afghanistan. India has made it clear that addressing militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which was responsible for the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, is a prerequisite for restarting comprehensive talks on various disputes including water and Kashmir. Pakistan, however, has been reluctant to take action and has not pursued LeT's founder, Hafiz Saeed, who remains free. There are indications that India may be softening its stance on future talks. "There was a significant amount of introspection happening," she stated. "Our focus is now on what lies ahead, rather than dwelling on the past." Pakistan was pleased with India's apparent shift in attitude. "Following this discussion, I am feeling more hopeful and positive about a positive result at the ministerial level and the promising future of the relationship between the two countries," Bashir commented. Prime Ministers Yusuf Raza Gilani of Pakistan and Monmohan Singh of India convened in Bhutan in April during a regional summit to kickstart negotiations between the two nuclear-armed adversaries. The Mumbai attack caused a strain in relations and hindered U.S.-led peace efforts in Afghanistan. The two prime ministers have instructed their foreign ministers and secretaries to meet soon to rebuild trust and continue the dialogue. Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi noted a positive change in the talks and stated that both sides were surprised by the progress. The meeting on Thursday indicated progress and positive intentions, suggesting both parties are open to improving relations. However, there are concerns that internal issues may hinder necessary compromises for a breakthrough. One obstacle to reconciliation is the potential for a terrorist attack in India, which could lead to political pressure and the cessation of dialogue. India's Intelligence Bureau issued a warning about a possible attack, with reports suggesting militants may target talks. Onkar Kedia, a spokesperson for the Home Ministry, confirmed to Reuters over the phone that the Intelligence Bureau has issued a terror alert. | 1 |
Global business leaders praised President George W. Bush for recognizing climate change as a significant issue and urged for long-term emissions standards to aid in planning. Despite not endorsing mandatory caps on carbon gases, Bush supported new technologies to reduce gasoline consumption in the U.S. Corporate executives at the World Economic Forum in Davos supported the White House's promotion of alternative energies but called for stricter U.S. emissions standards to be implemented. Duke Energy CEO James Rogers emphasized the importance of future regulations for current investment decisions, especially in the construction of power plants that will be in use for decades. Rogers and Alcoa CEO Alain Belda both emphasized the need for proactive preparation for new regulations, rather than waiting on the sidelines. Belda stressed the importance of having a unified national climate change agenda instead of individual state policies like California's. He suggested that a single rule could lower the risks for companies investing in emissions-cutting technologies. Additionally, Belda mentioned that strong leadership from the U.S. could encourage other countries to strengthen their emissions regulations. In Japan, the head of the United Nations Climate Secretariat Yvo de Boer praised Bush's environmental messages as a signal that attitudes towards climate change are evolving in the U.S. Former German environment minister Juergen Trittin noted that the speech could enhance cooperation between Europe and the U.S. in combating climate change. However, some critics felt that the speech was insufficient and overdue. Renewable energy expert Sven Teske of Greenpeace stated that the president's speech lacked a comprehensive plan and only offered technical suggestions without a real policy change. Diane Wittenberg of the California Climate Registry, an organization that helps monitor emissions, expressed disappointment in Bush's speech. "He fell behind early on and never caught up," she observed, pointing out that a majority of climate change leadership in the U.S. has been driven by state governments and the private sector, who are working to influence future environmental policies in their favor. "Businesses recognize that climate change will create winners and losers in the business world, and they want to be among the winners," she explained. A recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers at Davos revealed that 40% of global chief executives are worried about the risks posed by climate change, while in the United States, only 18% share this concern. Mark Spelman, head of European strategy at Accenture, suggested that the increased focus on environmental issues by corporations is partly a PR tactic to attract environmentally-conscious consumers, but also a strategic move to prepare for potential increases in energy costs in the future. "Forward-thinking CEOs understand that the cost of carbon emissions will likely rise in the future, impacting long-term profitability. Being proactive will position the company more favorably," Spelman stated. Some individuals view the transition to a cleaner or low-carbon economy as a chance for business growth. Citigroup has identified 74 companies that could profit from a shift towards a more environmentally friendly global economy, such as clean energy firms, water utilities, and automobile manufacturers. | 1 |
An increase in anti-Western rhetoric is not expected to deter foreign investors from investing in Libya, as Muammar Gaddafi has stated that his political beliefs will not hinder economic reform. Gaddafi recently criticized Western corporate "colonialism" during speeches commemorating the 30th anniversary of his state of the masses Jamahiriyah system, which does not allow elections or political parties. Some analysts believe these comments were made to appease hardline aides concerned about losing power due to economic liberalization, and to express Libya's dissatisfaction with what they see as insufficient recognition from the West for giving up their weapons of mass destruction program in 2003. However, experts believe that Gaddafi's strong opinions, while genuine, will not impede the pro-business reforms he has introduced in Libya as an oil- and gas-exporting member of OPEC. Gaddafi has consistently expressed his disapproval of the pro-Western world economic order but acknowledges that Libya must cooperate with it to avoid economic disaster. Analysts believe his speeches are intended for domestic audiences, and oil companies are not deterred by his rhetoric. This behavior is seen as characteristic of Gaddafi's quirkiness, according to experts at Eurasia Group and PFC Energy consultants. Western companies may have concerns about the situation, but Gaddafi warns that Libyans need to be prepared for potential threats from Western oil firms trying to manipulate the country. Gaddafi stated that anyone promoting colonization will face consequences, and suggested that American companies would support a puppet ruler who promises them a large share of oil revenues. "Why not?" Analysts suggest that they will offer him a large sum of money in exchange for even greater profits. The speeches seem to be directed at members of powerful revolutionary committees who are concerned about their future in a more globally connected Libya. The primary role of these committees, made up of loyalists to Gaddafi, is to promote participation in government grassroots congresses and maintain adherence to his non-party beliefs. However, some members of these committees have benefited financially from their connections to the state, leading them to view a fairer and more transparent business environment as a challenge. "He is appealing to the original supporters who have been with him since the beginning," explained Mansour el-Kikhia, a Libyan political expert at the University of Texas. "These loyalists are worried that any change in his stance could impact them, so he needs to reassure them that they still have a role to play." Ashour Shamis, an experienced Libyan commentator based in the UK, suggested that Gaddafi's remarks should be viewed within the framework of a battle between those pushing for economic reform and those resisting it. "Both factions are unsure if they have his support." He is attempting to reassure the committees by stating that there may be some upcoming changes, but they will not impact the core of the system. Some believe that the increasing business connections with the West suggest that the reformists are gaining momentum. A delegation of top companies, led by the US-Libya Business Association, traveled to Tripoli in December 2006 and were informed about $25 billion in investment opportunities. "We were very impressed with the positive and productive discussions with the government," stated association director David Goldwyn. In February, Ahmed Fituri, the head of the Americas department at Libya's foreign ministry, became the highest-ranking official to visit Washington since the announcement in 2003. Rex Tillerson, the chairman of Exxon Mobil, visited Tripoli in February to attend the signing of an energy exploration venture. Claire Spencer of the Royal Institute of International Affairs in Britain suggested that the speeches made during the visit were also meant to indicate that Libya still needs to be courted and remains important. She mentioned that Libya feels it has been ignored since the weapons move in 2003, suspecting that the US believes it has already dealt with the country. Spencer also noted that the attention-grabbing rhetoric from Iran and Venezuela has shifted focus away from Libya. In 2004, the United States lifted a trade embargo on Libya that had been in place since 1986, and diplomatic ties were restored in 2006. However, there have been disagreements between the two parties regarding the Libyan government's payments of compensation to the families of the victims of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland. The attack, which was carried out by Libyan agents, resulted in the deaths of 270 individuals. Numerous relatives of the victims claim that Tripoli has not fulfilled its obligation to make full restitution payments. | 1 |
Rescuers are searching for over 800 individuals who are missing in the southern Philippines following flash floods and landslides that swept homes into rivers and the sea. More than 650 people have been killed in areas that were not prepared for such storms. Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities on Mindanao island were the most severely impacted by Typhoon Washi, which struck while residents were asleep, causing water and mud to flood villages and destroy mountainsides. The Philippine National Red Cross reported that 652 people died in eight provinces in the region, with over 800 still missing. Gwendolyn Pang, the secretary-general of the PNRC, stated that their office has been overwhelmed with requests to help locate missing loved ones, and they are working with local authorities, the military, police, and other aid organizations to coordinate search efforts. Flooding caused by a typhoon washed away entire houses with families inside in numerous coastal villages in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Vicente Emano, the mayor of Cagayan de Oro, expressed that this was the first time such a disaster had occurred in their city, noting that officials did not receive sufficient warning before the typhoon hit. Despite this, the state disaster agency claimed that officials and residents had been adequately warned three days prior to the typhoon's landfall on Friday. In the aftermath, disaster and health officials were faced with the difficult task of handling the numerous bodies that had been recovered, prompting soldiers to construct coffins. Some bodies were piled on top of each other in mortuaries that didn't have enough staff to handle the high number of dead. Vice President Jejomar Binay witnessed bloated bodies of women and children, numbering at least 100, as he visited the hardest hit areas in Cagayan de Oro. Binay provided food aid and ordered the relocation of families living near waterways and other dangers. Brigadier General Roland Amarille, leading an army task force in Iligan, mentioned that soldiers were working to recover bodies and make coffins. Amarille emphasized the need for body bags and lime to manage the large number of bodies and prevent disease outbreaks. He stated that local mortuaries are no longer accepting bodies and are urging people to bury the deceased immediately due to the overwhelming number of bodies, some even being stored in hallways. The majority of the casualties were from a slum area on an island located between two rivers in Iligan. Amarille mentioned that approximately 70 percent of the houses on the island were swept into the sea. Mindanao island, the southernmost in the Philippines, is known for its mineral resources and agricultural output, but is not typically affected by the average 20 typhoons that hit the country annually. Pang highlighted the challenges posed by these events and emphasized the need to educate the public about climate change. In just one day, the amount of rain that typically falls in an entire month came down. Carmelita Pulosan, along with her family and neighbors, managed to survive by clinging to the tin roof of their house as it floated away in the floodwaters. They were eventually saved by a cargo ship after being swept out to sea. Carmelita described the terrifying experience as a loud noise followed by a sudden surge of water. Pulosan, a resident of Cagayan de Oro, shared with Reuters that her family ended up in the river and was carried out to sea by the strong current. Despite the difficult situation, she expressed gratitude to God for saving her family. She also mentioned that their village was mostly destroyed, with only one 3-storey building remaining standing. Red Cross official Pang stated that both officials and residents were caught off guard by the unexpectedly large amount of water flowing down from the mountains into the river systems, as the area was not typically affected by typhoons. She mentioned that the last flooding in Cagayan de Oro occurred in 2009 with minimal damage and no fatalities. Pang reported that many residents returned to find their homes destroyed. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered assistance from the United States, a key ally of the Philippines. Additionally, a Chinese embassy official announced a $10,000 donation to aid in the relief efforts. Washi, which was weakened to a tropical storm with winds reaching 80 km per hour (50 mph), was located approximately 60 km (40 miles) west of the southwestern city of Puerto Princesa. It was projected to exit Philippine waters by late Sunday. | 1 |
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