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The Edelman Trust Barometer has been surveying thousands of people for the past twenty years to gauge trust in their governments, media, business, and NGOs. Interestingly, the latest survey showed increased trust in several autocratic countries, particularly China. The report also noted that business, due to its efforts in vaccine development and adapting to new workplace and retail practices, has maintained high levels of trust globally, although there are doubts about its commitment to social fairness. Richard Edelman, whose communications group conducted the survey with over 36,000 respondents in 28 countries between Nov 1-24 of the previous year, commented on the lack of trust in democracies and attributed it to economic uncertainty, particularly concerns about job losses due to the pandemic or automation. In the past year, public trust in institutions has declined in Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the United States, while it has increased in China, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand. Despite the trillions of dollars spent by wealthy 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, compared to higher percentages in other democracies. In contrast, nearly two-thirds of Chinese citizens and 80% of Indians are optimistic about their economic future. Edelman stated that in China, higher levels of public trust are not only influenced by economic perceptions but also by a greater sense of predictability in Chinese policies, particularly regarding the pandemic. He noted that there is a consistency between actions and words in China, which has resulted in a more successful response to COVID-19 compared to the United States. The latest Edelman survey aligns with previous findings that show a growing disillusionment with capitalism, political leadership, and the media. Concerns about "fake news" have reached record levels, with three-quarters of respondents worldwide expressing worry about its potential use as a weapon. Climate change has become the second biggest concern for society, right after unemployment. Business leaders are under pressure to make decisions based on their beliefs and values, with many people saying they support businesses that align with their values. However, a significant number of people also feel that businesses are not doing enough to tackle climate change, economic inequality, and workforce reskilling. | 1 |
Johnson had planned to use the conference this week to move past over 18 months of COVID-19 and focus on his promises from the 2019 election to address regional inequality, crime, and social care. However, the prime minister is now facing challenges more than nine months after Britain's exit from the European Union, which he had said would allow the country to have more control over its economy. Instead, he is dealing with issues such as petrol shortages, concerns about Christmas supplies, and gas companies struggling with rising wholesale prices. In a statement before the conference in Manchester, Johnson did not mention these ongoing problems but instead emphasized his government's success in addressing the public's priorities. He stated that the country did not endure COVID-19 only to return to how things were before. The concept of Build Back Better involves making changes and improvements as we recover, focusing on priorities such as social care, job support, climate change, crime prevention, and leveling up. Despite claims of supporting businesses and protecting jobs during the pandemic, critics argue that the government failed to act swiftly in implementing lockdown measures in the early days. The removal of state benefits and the end of a COVID jobs support scheme may draw criticism from lawmakers in regions that traditionally support the opposition party. | 1 |
The United States and France, whose relationship deteriorated during the Iraq war, emphasized their strong ties as US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited Paris for the first time since Nicolas Sarkozy became president. Sarkozy, a supporter of the US, hopes Rice's extended visit will improve relations strained by former French president Jacques Chirac's opposition to the 2003 Iraq war. Rice's visit coincided with a meeting convened by Sarkozy on Darfur, where the US felt the previous French government did not do enough to help. Rice held discussions with Sarkozy, as well as the French foreign and defence ministers, on various global issues such as Iran, Iraq, the Middle East, and Kosovo. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner emphasized the importance of working together to strengthen their partnership during a joint news conference before hosting a dinner for Rice. "We had the opportunity to discuss various current events and realized that we have differing perspectives at times. It is important to have open and honest conversations among friends," he stated. Rice also extended warm congratulations to Sarkozy for his election win and commended Kouchner for his work with Medecins Sans Frontieres, which she regarded as a highly esteemed organization." Analysts noted that despite the cordial relationship between the two countries, there are still several areas of disagreement such as French concerns about NATO expansion, the U.S. missile defense shield in Europe, and U.S. support for Israel. Dominique Moisi, a senior counselor at the French Institute of International Relations, stated that there is a new atmosphere of confidence between the U.S. and France, but this is more in terms of style and tone rather than actual content. He also mentioned that while there is a perception in the U.S. of a new France as a strong ally, the French view of the Bush administration remains unchanged. "To ensure that the change in atmosphere is confirmed, it is suggested to wait for a new president in Washington, preferably one from the Democratic party." Despite this, US and French officials appeared cordial in their public interactions. Kouchner gave Rice a kiss on each cheek at the end of their news conference, creating a symbolic image of France and the United States reconciling after the Iraq war, even though this process began years ago. The French foreign minister appeared pleased when Rice acknowledged French support for the American revolution, acknowledging that without their help, the United States may not have come into existence. | 1 |
Ukraine's Viktor Yanukovich was inaugurated as president and immediately promised to combat corruption, poverty, and restore political stability to regain foreign support for the struggling economy. The low-key ceremony reflected a contentious election, still disputed by his opponent, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, and exposed deep divisions in the country. Despite this, Yanukovich's inauguration marked a comeback from the 2004 Orange Revolution, where mass protests overturned a rigged election in his favor. In his address after taking office, Yanukovich acknowledged Ukraine's significant challenges including debt, poverty, corruption, and economic collapse, and emphasized the need for a strategy for progress, developed by his team. He mentioned the lack of foreign investment in Ukraine and the unstable business environment, and emphasized the importance of restoring political stability, fighting corruption, and establishing clear regulations for state-business relationships to build trust with investors and international financial institutions. Ukraine's economy has been severely affected by the global economic downturn, leading to a decrease in exports and a significant devaluation of the currency. The country relies on a $16.4 billion IMF bailout program, which was temporarily suspended due to instability. The finance ministry announced that an IMF technical mission is scheduled to visit on April 7. This typically results in a thorough visit from IMF officials who will then determine whether to resume the program. Yanukovich, a former mechanic supported by wealthy industrialists, had a difficult childhood in eastern Ukraine and a criminal record in his youth. He is expected to improve relations with Russia, Ukraine's former Soviet ruler, following a period of estrangement under Viktor Yushchenko. He has suggested potential compromises with Moscow regarding the future of Russia's Black Sea fleet in Crimea and has proposed a consortium involving Russia to manage Ukraine's gas pipelines. However, he aims to renegotiate a decade-old agreement on Russian gas supplies negotiated by Tymoshenko and Vladimir Putin. He also stated that he intends to have a well-rounded foreign policy and has promised to work towards strengthening relationships with the European Union. During his speech on Thursday, he expressed that he is keeping all options available and wants to have "equal and mutually beneficial relationships" with Russia, the EU, and the United States, leading to the best outcomes for Ukraine. His website later confirmed that he will be traveling to Brussels next week, with the visit scheduled for Monday according to EU officials. Additionally, he plans to visit Moscow in the first 10 days of March, as announced by his Regions Party. Yanukovich defeated Prime Minister Tymoshenko by 3.5 percentage points, however, he only received the support of a third of the 37 million voters. The voting results revealed a clear division between Russian-speaking voters in the eastern and southern industrial regions who supported Yanukovich, and Ukrainian-speaking voters in the western and central areas who voted for Tymoshenko. Despite dropping her legal challenge to Yanukovich's election recently, Tymoshenko maintains that he was not rightfully elected. She and most of her parliamentary bloc boycotted the ceremony on Thursday, making it seem insincere. Despite Yanukovich's call for a competent executive power, Tymoshenko is still resisting efforts to remove her as prime minister, indicating ongoing political tension in the near future. She is working to rally her allies in parliament, while his party and its influential supporters are trying to weaken her coalition and form a new one. Creating a coalition involves complex negotiations and may take a considerable amount of time. If Yanukovich is unable to form a new coalition, he will have no choice but to reluctantly announce new parliamentary elections, leading to even more uncertainty. | 1 |
German authorities conducted raids in six northern German states on Wednesday due to concerns that left-wing radicals were planning to disrupt a G8 summit in Heiligendamm next month. The federal prosecutor's office stated that 900 security officials searched 40 sites in Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony. The targeted individuals, who are part of the militant extreme-left scene, are suspected of forming a terrorist organization or being members of one. This organization is allegedly planning arson attacks and other actions to disrupt or prevent the G8 summit from taking place. German security officials believe this group is responsible for nine minor attacks in Hamburg and three in Berlin over the past two years, including a well-known incident last December involving the home of deputy finance minister Thomas Mirow. Earlier this year, Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble cautioned about the possibility of left-wing extremists carrying out attacks during Germany's presidency of the Group of Eight (G8) club of industrialised nations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to host the leaders of seven other countries at the Heiligendamm summit, where discussions are expected to revolve around climate change, global economic coordination, and other key foreign policy issues. It is noteworthy that Germany has not seen any major left-wing violence since the disbandment of the militant Red Army Faction (RAF) in 1998, following a two-decade long campaign of killings and kidnappings. | 1 |
Charles will automatically become Canada's head of state without changing the Constitution, following the tradition of British monarchs since the country's inception. Despite Queen Elizabeth II being highly respected by Canadians, polls indicate a decreasing number of Canadians are willing to pledge allegiance to another British monarch, particularly Charles, who is unpopular and represents an institution viewed as increasingly irrelevant. It is uncertain what Canadians may do to prevent Charles from ruling as King Charles III. Philippe Lagassé, an associate professor at Carleton University and an expert on the monarchy's role in Canada, noted that both sides in Canada are currently in a state of ceasefire. The monarchists maintain the official legal status, enjoy royal tours and symbolic gestures, while the Republicans argue that the monarchy does not play a significant role in Canadian life. Charles and Camilla's upcoming visit, which includes events with Indigenous communities in Newfoundland and the Northwest Territories, has a focus on reconciliation. In addition to these Indigenous-themed events, the royal couple will also be in Ottawa and participate in climate-related discussions and visits to discuss the impact of climate change in the northern regions. One of the main mysteries surrounding the upcoming visit is whether the traditional practice of handshaking during Royal Tours will be replaced with a safer form of greeting due to COVID-19. A recent poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute showed that a majority of Canadians, 55%, considered the monarchy to be irrelevant, with an additional 24% saying it was becoming less relevant. Furthermore, 67% of Canadians surveyed expressed opposition to the idea of Charles succeeding his mother. Despite receiving a warm welcome during previous visits to Canada with his first wife Diana, public interest in Charles quickly waned following their separation in 1992. His condescending attitude is not well-received in a country that values equality. The connection between Charles’ brother Andrew and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who committed suicide in a Manhattan jail, has further diminished support for the monarchy among Canadians. Their reputation suffered even more 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 large crowds, especially in St John’s, Newfoundland, where their visit will be a major topic of conversation. Geography also influences public perception of the royals, with the monarchy historically lacking significant support in predominantly French-speaking Quebec, the second-most populous province in Canada. Canada's changing demographics have helped to spread anti-monarchy sentiment in other countries. Many immigrants in Canada come from places like China, which has no ties to the British monarchy, or from countries like India where the crown is seen as a symbol of oppression. Shachi Kurl, president of Angus Reid, suggested that Canadians may eventually question the presence of the monarchy, especially after the queen's passing. Despite this, there is still some support for the monarchy, largely due to respect for the queen. She explained that the lack of drive to make a change is largely due to a strong fondness 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. Six other Caribbean countries are considering similar moves. Visits to the Caribbean by Prince Edward and Prince William this year were met with protests against the monarchy and Britain's involvement in slavery, leading to the cancellation of some scheduled stops. Instead of being concerned about potential protests, the organizers of Charles' visit to Canada have focused on ensuring he has an audience. Beyond a ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, there are limited opportunities for large crowds to gather 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 visit by an international celebrity is sure to be a significant event. Lagassé and Kurl point out that the process to amend Canada's Constitution to remove the British monarch as head of state is very challenging, requiring unanimous consent from the federal government and all 10 provinces in order to replace the monarch with a Canadian head of state. In a country where regionalism drives politics, obtaining consent for constitutional change may be extremely difficult. According to Kurl, most politicians view any discussion of constitutional change as toxic to their careers and would rather avoid the topic altogether. Lagassé suggested one possible solution could be to gradually reduce the monarch's role in Canada, as her powers have been largely symbolic since 1947 and have been delegated to the governor-general. Lagassé also mentioned that there are various actions the Canadian government can take without needing to pass new laws or amend the constitution. The queen used to be featured on all Canadian bank notes, but there are no legal obstacles to removing her from the last 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, but the overall attitude in Canada is that the monarchy is still intact. Do not confront the issue, but also do not give it more attention than necessary. © 2022 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
Activist group Egality is encouraging British voters to give their right to vote to individuals in developing countries affected by UK policies on war, climate, and poverty. Britons can sign up on www.giveyourvote.org to donate their votes to Afghans, Bangladeshis, or Ghanaians. On the eve of the election, they will receive a text message revealing who wants to vote for which party. Student Fanny Rhodes-James, 23, plans to donate her vote, stating that it is an exciting way for her vote to have an impact. Egality reports that hundreds of Britons have already pledged their votes, with expectations for thousands more to register. In the past two general elections, national turnout in Britain dropped to around 60 percent, compared to 77 percent in 1992. Egality stated that when we express frustration with the similarity of political parties and the belief that voting is ineffective, we overlook the perspective of vulnerable individuals in developing countries. These people can have their lives negatively impacted by decisions made in the British government, referred to as Whitehall. Kwabena Okai Ofosuhene from Ghana believes that having a say in British elections is important due to Britain's influence on international financial institutions like the World Bank, which play a crucial role in Ghana's development. He highlighted the UK's status as a major global economy and trading partner for Ghana, and also mentioned Britain's political power as another significant factor. Ofosuhene works for a non-governmental organization. He mentioned that the United States would not have engaged in military actions in Iraq or Afghanistan without support from the United Kingdom. The UK is a major contributor of development and humanitarian aid, having donated 5.5 billion pounds ($8.34 billion) between 2008 and 2009. Egality allows potential voters in the three countries involved to submit questions for British politicians, who can then address them in local debates or through media outlets. The campaign coordinator, May Abdalla, likened their efforts to a UK election campaign, similar to the work of the Electoral Commission in the UK. A spokesman from the Electoral Commission stated that as long as votes were not being bought, the Egality campaign was not illegal, and he had not encountered a similar campaign before. | 1 |
President-elect Barack Obama is now focusing on filling the remaining positions in his White House Cabinet, particularly in the areas of energy, the environment, trade, and agriculture. While he has already assembled his economic and national security team, Obama has emphasized that issues such as climate change policy will also be top priorities. The names of potential candidates for these positions have not been disclosed by his transition team. Obama will address the media on Sunday, which marks the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, to acknowledge the contributions of those who have served the nation. He is also expected to discuss any future appointments during a television news program appearance. During Obama's campaign, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was a significant supporter and is now being considered for a cabinet position, possibly in energy or agriculture. Her spokeswoman stated that Gov. Sebelius is honored to be considered and will support the Obama administration in any way possible, but declined to comment on specific job possibilities. Sebelius, a popular Democratic governor, has been a strong advocate for renewable energy in Kansas, aiming for 20 percent of the state's energy to come from wind by 2020. Obama has also pledged to increase the use of renewable energy in the U.S. to reduce reliance on foreign oil suppliers. Industry insiders mentioned that Dan Reicher, climate director at Google.org and a former Energy Department official during President Bill Clinton's administration, was a strong candidate for energy secretary. In an interview with Reuters, Reicher did not comment on his potential appointment but expressed his enjoyment of being on Obama's transition team. Another source suggested that John Podesta, Clinton's former White House chief of staff and current co-chair of Obama's transition team, could also be considered for the energy secretary role or the newly created position of climate "czar." 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 a top contender for the climate chief position. A decision on these appointments is expected in the coming weeks, though vetting for the positions is not yet complete. Obama officials are still determining how a climate official in the White House would impact the roles of other policy players. Lisa Jackson and Mary Nichols are being considered for the position of EPA administrator. Obama met with Xavier Becerra to discuss the role of chief trade negotiator, potentially making him the first Hispanic to hold the job. John Salazar, Sanford Bishop, and Kathleen Sebelius are top candidates for agriculture secretary. Joe Biden has chosen Jared Bernstein as his chief economist and economic policy adviser. Bernstein was 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 could be reached at a meeting in Copenhagen next year, despite disagreements at recent talks. Yvo de Boer made this statement during a speech at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris. The European Union and environmentalists have called for action on climate change, but the United States has been hesitant to take substantial steps. The Copenhagen meeting aims to establish a new treaty on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to replace the Kyoto Protocol after it expires in 2012. De Boer believes that increasing public awareness of the consequences of inaction on global warming will pressure governments to take necessary action, especially following the agreement reached at the Bali summit on climate change in the previous year. He stated that the world is anticipating a mutually agreed upon outcome in Copenhagen, just like how politicians couldn't leave Bali without starting negotiations. He believes that politicians should not leave Copenhagen without finalizing the deal. He emphasized that the new pact should be concise and concentrated, allowing national governments to mold and execute their own policies freely. He suggested that for the Copenhagen agreement to be truly successful, it should be brief and concentrate on essential issues that require an international agreement to be effective. He expressed hope that unnecessary elements would not be added to the agreement. Earlier, De Boer told reporters that the United States had been unable to take concrete action due to the ongoing presidential election. He expressed confidence that all major candidates in the race have 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 not making commitments that could impact a future administration. He expressed optimism for progress in the coming year. | 1 |
US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke are visiting China this week to urge the country to work together with the United States to combat global warming. The two Chinese-American cabinet officials will meet with Chinese leaders in Beijing to emphasize the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions for both countries and the world. This visit is seen as a precursor to President Barack Obama's upcoming trip to China, where experts hope the focus will be on joint US-China efforts to address climate change before the Copenhagen meeting in December. Cooperation between the largest developed and developing countries is crucial for the success of a new global climate treaty. According to Kenneth Lieberthal of the Brookings Institute, the potential for collaboration is significant and the need for action is urgent. "It's not a situation where one side benefits while the other side pays." China has recently become the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases, surpassing the United States. However, its per capita emissions are still lower. Chu, a Nobel physicist with a focus on climate change, is expected to advocate for US and Chinese collaboration to address global warming in a speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He warned US senators about the unprecedented threat of climate change to our way of life, comparing it to a climatic shift as significant as the Ice Age but in the opposite direction. Locke, a former governor from Washington, aims to demonstrate opportunities for China to reduce emissions using US renewable technology such as solar, wind, and water power. A Commerce Department official stated that there are significant market opportunities for companies in China due to a high demand, but also acknowledged the challenges. China heavily depends on coal for its energy needs, while the United States has abundant coal reserves and also relies on coal for a portion of its energy needs. Both countries have a strong incentive to work together on technologies to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions underground, rather than releasing them into the atmosphere. David Sandalow, assistant energy secretary, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in a pre-trip interview with Reuters. "We believe that by working together rather than separately, we can accomplish more." The US is paying attention to China's efforts to build new nuclear power plants. President Obama is urging Congress to pass a bill to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions, with pressure to also get China to agree to emission caps at the Copenhagen meeting in December. Without China's commitment, it is unlikely that a new climate change treaty will be approved by the US Senate. Stuart Eizenstat, the lead US negotiator for the 1997 Kyoto climate treaty, which the US never ratified, emphasized the importance of cooperation with China for a positive outcome in Copenhagen. Chu and Locke will not be going to Beijing for talks on a bilateral climate deal, but the US hopes that closer collaboration with China will help in achieving a favorable result at the Copenhagen meeting, according to Sandalow. China, along with 16 other major world economies, recently agreed to aim for limiting the global temperature increase to no more than 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. However, China has declined to establish a short-term emission reduction target, citing its recent industrialization and the need to prioritize growth and urbanization efforts in a country where many people live in poorer conditions compared to the West. Despite this, China's latest five-year plan includes a goal of reducing energy intensity by 20 percent by the end of 2010 and aims to have renewable energy account for 15 percent of total demand by 2020. Eizenstat suggested that the Obama administration should encourage Beijing to turn these goals into enforceable global agreements as a starting point. He also stated that China will eventually need to commit to limiting emissions, but it is unlikely to happen at the upcoming December conference 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 highlighted that Prime Minister Hasina was the first elected leader of Bangladesh to be invited to the prestigious forum held from Jan 17 to Jan 20. Ali emphasized that this invitation was a recognition of the Prime Minister's visionary leadership and her efforts in leading Bangladesh towards stability, development, and prosperity through her 'Vision 2021'. He further stated that this recognition was reaffirmed by Prof Schwab's letter. The annual World Economic Forum meeting in Switzerland is known as the primary platform for top leaders worldwide to collaborate and shape global, regional, and industrial agendas at the beginning of each year. Leaders will be discussing their insights and innovations for navigating the future at the Forum, where newly elected UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will also be present. Hasina has been invited to participate in six sessions focusing on water, climate change, sustainable development, and the digital economy. During these sessions, she highlighted the progress made in Bangladesh and shared her views on future growth, including both opportunities and challenges. The foreign minister noted that Hasina's perspectives as a representative of the developing world helped other panelists understand the complexities of the challenges we are all facing. Ali explained that during the seminar organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MCCI in Dhaka, the challenges and limitations faced by developing countries were discussed in order to find possible solutions. He acknowledged that some may argue that the discussions in Davos may not directly apply to their situation or offer concrete solutions, but he emphasized the importance of appreciating the value of these discussions as they provide valuable insights and guidance for the development of countries like theirs. MCCI President Barrister Nihad Kabir was also in attendance at the seminar. | 1 |
Stone told Reuters that he initially did not want to make the film and was not seeking trouble. However, after meeting with Snowden in Russia, the renowned 70-year-old director, known for movies like "JFK", "Natural Born Killers", and "Wall Street", changed his mind. Despite concerns about the film being boring, Stone saw it as a compelling thriller rather than a documentary. He believed that it would not attract an audience as a documentary-type film. "Snowden" follows Snowden's transformation from a conservative CIA agent to a disillusioned NSA operative who eventually fled the United States in 2013 and exposed the government's mass surveillance programmes targeting ordinary citizens. He currently resides in Russia and is being sought by the US government for espionage allegations. Amnesty International and two other organizations recently started a campaign advocating for his pardon. Stone and Snowden had several meetings in Russia where they agreed that the film would be a dramatization. However, the project faced obstacles when Stone sought financing from studios, though he did not disclose which ones. "We are in a society where self-censorship is prevalent," Stone stated. "I don't think the NSA directly told anyone not to make this film. It's more about conforming or being left out." Eventually, Open Road Films, a collaboration between Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Entertainment, who distributed "Spotlight", decided to co-finance "Snowden" which cost around $40 million. The movie, which features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Snowden and Shailene Woodley as his girlfriend Lindsay Mills, was primarily filmed in Europe, with Germany offering production subsidies and serving as a stand-in for Maryland, Snowden's home state. Despite the challenges of making a film about computer coding and programmers engaging for audiences, director Stone managed to create excitement by focusing on understanding the world. Key scenes were shot in Washington DC and Hawaii, with Gordon-Levitt and Woodley even acting out a date scene in front of the White House. The director laughed and said that if you're going to take a risk in the US, you might as well go all out. | 1 |
Australia's government may soon finalize an agreement for its carbon trade scheme after a long period of deadlock. The opposition has expressed optimism about reaching a deal by early next week. The government aims to start carbon trading in July 2011, encompassing 75 percent of emissions and potentially becoming the second largest domestic trading platform globally. However, legislation for the scheme has been delayed due to opposition from rival lawmakers. With negotiations ongoing, the government is working to secure additional votes needed to pass the carbon laws. Opposition negotiator Ian Macfarlane is positive that his side will now support a deal. Macfarlane expressed confidence that an agreement acceptable to the party room could be reached, leading to their support. Negotiations on the laws introduced in the Senate will continue throughout the week and into the weekend. The opposition will vote early next week on whether to support or reject the laws. The government has agreed to exclude agriculture from the laws, but the opposition is seeking further concessions for coal miners. The first attempt to pass the carbon trade bills in the Senate was unsuccessful in August. If the bills are rejected a second time this month, it could lead to an early election. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is aiming to have the package of 11 bills approved before attending the global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. The Senate is set to finish for the year on Nov. 26, but Rudd is willing to extend the sitting if necessary. The opposition Liberal and National party coalition is divided on climate policy, with leader Malcolm Turnbull assuring his lawmakers they will have a say in approving or rejecting any government deal. During a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, 10 opposition lawmakers expressed their opposition to 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 currently lagging in opinion polls, is seeking a deal to prevent an early election. The government is lacking seven seats for a majority in the Senate. Junior Climate Minister Greg Combet warned that opposition divisions pose the biggest threat to the carbon trade scheme, which is a key part of Rudd's strategy to combat global warming. Combet informed parliament that the coalition is divided, with the Nationals pursuing their own agenda and the Liberal and National parties in disagreement on climate change. The carbon debate in Australia is being closely monitored abroad, especially in the United States and New Zealand. For more information on Australasian carbon risks and opportunities, Carbon Central - Australia's Climate Change Hub brings together top climate change experts and solution providers. To stay informed on global carbon markets, sign up for the free Carbon Interactive newsletter. | 1 |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his disappointment at the lack of progress at the 190-nation conference in Bali, urging delegates to make compromises in order to end the deadlock over launching talks on a new UN treaty. Ban returned from a visit to East Timor to address the delegates, emphasizing the importance of resolving the dispute over developing nations' demands for more assistance from the rich to address climate change. If the dispute is resolved, the meeting would initiate two years of talks on a new worldwide treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol and include the United States and all developing nations. Ban urged delegates to deliver a successful outcome for the peoples of the world. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also urged delegates, emphasizing the importance of having an effective road map in order to achieve their envisioned destination. He expressed concern that the project could fail if the right wording is not found, stressing the need to not disappoint the world that is closely observing the progress. | 1 |
Britain's new Prime Minister Gordon Brown will downplay any suggestion of strained US-British relations in his upcoming meeting with President George W. Bush. Despite recent speeches by Brown's ministers sparking speculation about a shift in foreign policy, Brown insists that the UK's relationship with the US remains strong. While Brown and Bush will emphasize the importance of their "special relationship" at their meeting, Brown is not expected to develop the same close personal bond with Bush as his predecessor, Tony Blair. Instead, their interactions are likely to be more focused on a professional working relationship rather than personal chemistry. The agenda will cover topics such as global trade liberalisation talks, climate change, as well as issues in Darfur, Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Russia, and Iran, according to Brown's spokesman. Brown has stated that Britain will fulfill its United Nations' obligations in Iraq and will not immediately withdraw British troops, despite some in the ruling Labour Party calling for it. However, the head of the British military has suggested that Britain may be able to hand over control of Basra to Iraqi forces by the end of the year. Regarding Iran, Brown has mentioned that military action is not ruled out, but he believes sanctions could persuade Tehran to abandon its disputed nuclear program. The close relationship between Bush and Blair was established following the September 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 a strong backlash from both voters and his own party. He handed over leadership to his longtime finance minister Brown, who is eager to distance himself from being associated with Blair as Bush's "poodle." Brown's reputation is not linked to being a poodle, unlike Blair's, according to Reginald Dale from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Brown has managed to improve the ruling party's popularity since taking office, leading to speculation of a possible early election. Brown's decision to meet with European leaders before meeting with Bush has raised eyebrows, indicating a cooler stance towards the European Union. The discussion about a change in British foreign policy started when Brown appointed David Miliband as foreign secretary. Miliband, who was believed to have doubts about the Iraq war, was seen as a key figure in this shift. Additionally, Brown also appointed Mark Malloch Brown, a former UN deputy secretary general who has been vocal in his criticism of both Britain and the United States regarding the war. Malloch Brown recently stated that the close relationship between Brown and Bush may not be as strong as it was between Blair and Bush. Another minister emphasized the importance of alliances over military power in determining a country's strength during 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, expressed confidence that the Kyoto Protocol will endure the climate conference in Copenhagen. De Boer stated that the Kyoto Protocol should continue for various reasons and emphasized the importance of working towards a second period under Kyoto and a new treaty under the convention, which would come into effect once enough countries have ratified it. He stated that it took eight years for the Kyoto Protocol to be enforced starting from when countries began signing it in 1997 until 2005. While some countries expressed a preference for a single treaty, most countries involved in the process are looking for a two-track outcome and want to see additional measures alongside the Kyoto Protocol. De Boer noted that the Kyoto Protocol already has market-based mechanisms in place, but there are currently no provisions for such mechanisms under the Convention. If someone is advocating for a new treaty, there is a noticeable lack of desire from people to see it. The Kyoto Protocol is the sole legally binding document addressing climate change, and there is no valid reason to discard it, according to De Boer. He mentioned that substantial progress has been achieved on key elements of a future agreement, and emphasized the importance of looking at the broader perspective. Bangladesh has also called for a more robust climate agreement based on the Kyoto Protocol, suggesting a new phase with updated targets. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) has requested a new 'Copenhagen Protocol' to be developed, modeled after the current legally-binding Kyoto Protocol. | 1 |
The White House has confirmed that US President Barack Obama will proceed with his plans to meet with the Dalai Lama, despite warnings from China. China has expressed its disapproval of the meeting, stating that it would further strain relations between the two countries. Beijing has urged Obama not to meet with the exiled Tibetan leader, whom they consider a separatist. During a summit between Hu and Obama in Beijing last November, the Chinese leader expressed China's strong opposition to any government officials meeting with the Dalai Lama, according to Ma. Ma also urged the U.S. to understand the sensitivity of Tibetan issues and handle related matters carefully to avoid damaging China-U.S. relations. China's anger at the White House's announcement was expected, as was the White House's confirmation of the meeting, which had been anticipated. This tension occurred shortly after Beijing criticized Washington for a U.S. weapons package for Taiwan, which Beijing considers a separatist province. It also happened amid disagreements between China and the U.S. over the value of China's currency, trade protectionism, and Internet freedom. Beijing has become more forceful in opposing meetings between the Dalai Lama and foreign leaders, which has sparked strong reactions from patriotic Chinese who view Western criticism of Chinese policies in Tibet as interference. Demonstrations over Chinese control in Tibet disrupted the torch relay for the 2008 Beijing Olympics in London and Paris, leading to backlash from Chinese citizens abroad and boycotts of French products in China. When French President Nicolas Sarkozy refused to cancel a meeting with the Dalai Lama during France's presidency of the European Union in late 2008, China cancelled a summit with the EU and called for boycotts of French goods. Recently, a Chinese Communist Party official warned that a meeting between Obama and the Dalai Lama would damage Sino-U.S. relations. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese Communist Party forces. He wants Tibet to have true autonomy while still being under Chinese sovereignty, but Beijing believes that his demands are for complete independence. Previous US presidents, such as George W. Bush before Obama, have met with the Dalai Lama, causing anger from Beijing but no real consequences. China's recent statement did not mention any specific retaliation for Obama's upcoming meeting with the Dalai Lama, suggesting their unease about the Tibet issue. The spokesman for the Tibetan government-in-exile in northern India believes that this shows the world is recognizing the problem in Tibet and that China needs to address it. Despite Beijing's warnings, the White House is not concerned and the meeting may take place this month. White House spokesman Bill Burton informed reporters that the president had informed China's leaders during his previous visit that he planned to meet with the Dalai Lama, and he still intends to do so. The United States believes that its relationship with China is mature enough to address areas of mutual concern like 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 hopes for dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama regarding the region's future. However, a Chinese foreign policy analyst, Yuan Peng, warned that Beijing's response may be more stringent than expected, as China seeks to redefine the rules of engagement. In the past, the United States has sold weapons to Taiwan and met with the Dalai Lama, which has angered us. However, this time we will express strong disapproval and take action in response. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced on Thursday that the government plans to establish a second nuclear plant in the southern region of the country. She made this announcement while inaugurating six new scientific research facilities, one of which includes a 3MV Tandem Accelerator. | 1 |
European countries such as Germany, France, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Portugal, and Malta, along with Canada, Bolivia, and Nepal, have shown support for the 2015 Paris Agreement, which has now reached the required 55 percent backing from countries representing world greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement will officially begin in 30 days, on Nov 4, just before the US presidential election, where Republican candidate Donald Trump opposes the agreement and Democrat Hillary Clinton strongly supports it. President Obama has hailed this as a historic day in the fight against climate change, stating that if countries follow through on their commitments, the Paris agreement could be a turning point for the planet. China and the United States, as the top emitters, have also recently joined forces in support of the agreement. According to the UN website, a total of 73 out of 195 countries have ratified the agreement. European Climate Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete praised this progress, while European nations hurried to submit their formal documents to the United Nations to avoid being left behind if other countries ratified the agreement first. An EU diplomat expressed concern about being overshadowed in the process. The rapid ratification of an agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions was widely praised for its potential to mitigate the effects of climate change. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed optimism about the progress, but also emphasized the need for further action. Thoriq Ibrahim, Environment Minister for the Maldives, stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that time is running out. In contrast, the previous UN climate deal, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, took eight years to gain sufficient support for implementation. The Paris climate deal only required wealthy countries to reduce emissions, leading the United States to opt out. Opposition to President Obama's climate change policies persists in the Republican-controlled Congress. House Speaker Paul Ryan criticized the agreement, calling it harmful to the American economy. On the other hand, Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, believes ratification of the deal highlights the urgent need to transition to a low-carbon economy. Despite this, current national commitments to reduce emissions are not enough to meet the Paris agreement's goal of keeping global temperatures from rising more than two degrees Celsius. According to studies by the United Nations, it is projected that global temperatures will increase by at least 3 degrees by the year 2100 if current trends continue. Furthermore, this year is anticipated to be the hottest on record since the 19th century, surpassing the previous record set in 2015. | 1 |
Representatives from the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, such as the United States, China, and India, will gather at a forum hosted by the U.S. State Department in an effort to reach a U.N. agreement on reducing global warming. This meeting of major economies aims to kickstart climate negotiations ahead of a crucial deadline in December, when world leaders will convene in Copenhagen to develop a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will deliver an opening address, and discussions are expected to cover topics such as technology cooperation. Participating countries 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. Environmentalists and others believe that the United States' commitment to combating climate change is crucial for any worldwide agreement. Jake Schmidt of the Natural Resources Defense Council activist group stated that without U.S. leadership, reaching a global warming agreement in Copenhagen would be difficult. President Barack Obama has emphasized the connection between addressing climate change and assisting the struggling economy, and he called for the meeting to restart the major economies process initiated by his predecessor George W. Bush. The Bush administration's efforts were met with doubt by many participants and were viewed as a diversion from the primary U.N. negotiations on climate change. Obama's plan to address climate change involves reducing U.S. emissions by approximately 15% by 2020, bringing them back to 1990 levels. In contrast to Bush's opposition to the Kyoto Protocol and emissions limits, Obama's team advocates for action on climate change. They have asserted 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 legislation over regulation for addressing this issue. Legislation is currently under discussion in the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, with environmental activist Al Gore urging the passage of a carbon-capping law this year. Todd Stern, the U.S. special envoy for climate change, chose not to outline the specific requirements the United States must present in December at Copenhagen to showcase U.S. leadership. However, he pointed out the notable differences in approach between the Obama administration and the Bush team. Stern mentioned that the previous administration was not primarily seeking an international agreement, while the current administration is actively pursuing one, along with seeking cooperation on a potentially transformative scale. | 1 |
The agreement reached in Paris last December by almost 200 countries aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning away from fossil fuels in order to limit global warming to less than two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. However, in order for the agreement to take effect, it must be officially ratified by countries representing at least 55 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General urged all parties to expedite their internal processes to join the agreement this year. The European Union is expected to finalize the joint ratification of the pact next week, surpassing the 55 percent threshold and putting the agreement into effect before the upcoming climate talks in Morocco in November. The approval of the United States and China last month provided further support for the Paris agreement. The United States' participation in the deal is a major concern, especially with the upcoming presidential election. It is suggested that sealing the agreement before the election on Nov 8 would make it more difficult to challenge if Donald Trump, who is against it, wins over Hillary Clinton. President Obama praised India's ratification on Twitter, linking it to Mahatma Gandhi's vision of a better world for future generations. India had pushed for further work on the agreement before ratifying it, emphasizing the need for detailed guidelines and rules for its implementation. The ministry expressed disapproval towards developed countries for their extravagant lifestyles and high carbon footprints. It emphasized the importance of addressing key issues like finance and technology transfer at the upcoming meeting in Marrakesh, where India will push for developed countries to take more action. India plans to demand a concrete roadmap from developed countries at the meeting in Morocco. | 1 |
The main point of discussion during a meeting on Sunday was the mutual accountability between the government and donors. Speakers focused on this aspect of the Joint Cooperation Strategy (JCS), which was established during a policy-making meeting earlier this year. The Bangladesh Development Forum had previously determined that this strategy would help coordinate development efforts. The session on Sunday, led by finance minister A M A Muhith, aimed to gather input on the draft framework from members of civil society, such as economists, NGO leaders, and former bureaucrats. However, the conversation mainly centered around the details of mutual accountability. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, the head of the Palli Karma Shahayak Fund and a member of high-powered committees on education policy and climate change, highlighted that issues such as unemployment, underemployment, and education were neglected in the draft JCS. He emphasized the importance of harmonizing growth projections published by various agencies to align with government forecasts. Ahmad expressed concern that development partners may not find this approach desirable. The JCS draft focuses on improving "mutual accountability" to address aid effectiveness challenges, but former caretaker government advisor A B Mirza Azizul Islam noted that the draft did not specify how this would be measured. He stated that there are no concrete criteria to assess the JCS's performance, and other participants agreed with this sentiment. Regarding aid conditionality, Islam mentioned that the conditions imposed by development partners were not pertinent. He suggested that the government create project portfolios for development partners to choose specific projects for funding. Mustafizur Rahman, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, highlighted the developed nations' pledge to donate 0.7 percent of their national income to impoverished countries. Senior Awami League leader Suranjit Sengupta emphasized the importance of accountability in regards to the commitment made. He highlighted the significance of parliament discussions on the JCS draft, stating that the framework is intended for the welfare of the people and the parliament is the representative of the people. The prime minister's economic advisor Mashiur Rahman suggested the formation of a body that includes government and development partners representatives to ensure mutual accountability by monitoring project outcomes and efficiency. The finance minister concluded the session by pointing out that the draft lacked important areas such as migration, land utilization plan, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). He emphasized the significance of having a land use plan for the country's planned growth and referred to ICT as a valuable tool for development, stating that it also aids in maintaining transparency and preventing corruption. | 1 |
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius confirmed the visit during a meeting with Bangladesh counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali. Ali returned to Dhaka after a four-day official visit to Paris. Fabius agreed to bring a high-level business delegation, including a delegation from MEDEF, the leading French chamber of commerce. He mentioned plans to inaugurate a Franco-German embassy building in Dhaka with his German counterpart. Fabius commended Bangladesh's achievements in poverty alleviation, women's education and empowerment, and reducing child and maternal mortality under the current government. The foreign ministry stated that their meeting also centered on enhancing bilateral relations, with a particular focus on economic cooperation. They talked about boosting bilateral trade, increasing French investment in Bangladesh, and speeding up cultural exchange programs between the two countries. They also addressed a range of bilateral and international matters, including their shared commitment to fighting climate change, which has a significant impact on Bangladesh. Fabius assured that France would take into account Bangladesh's concerns at the upcoming climate change conference in Paris in December, as Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. He also expressed a willingness to collaborate with Bangladesh in combating terrorism and extremism to promote global peace. Ali told him about Bangladesh's efforts to enhance connectivity and regional cooperation through various initiatives such as the BBIN-MVA, the BCIM economic corridor, and the BIMSTEC. Fabius praised Bangladesh's initiatives and offered full cooperation. During his visit to Paris, the foreign minister also visited the Bangla section of INALCO, a language and cultural research institute, where he presented them with some Bangla books. He also participated in the award ceremony 'Chevalier des arts et des lettres' where the renowned Bangladeshi artist Shahabuddin Ahmad was recognized by the French government. Additionally, Ali attended a reception organized by expatriate Bangladeshis and engaged in discussions with members of the Bangladeshi community, as reported by the foreign ministry. | 1 |
Robinson expressed concern about the United States potentially becoming a rogue country by backing out of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Despite President-elect Donald Trump's promise to withdraw from the agreement, Robinson is confident that other countries will continue to support it. "I believe that even if a large and important country decides not to participate, the overall process will not be affected," she stated during the UN climate talks in Marrakesh. However, she emphasized that the withdrawal of a country could have a significant impact on efforts to gather international finance to assist poorer nations in developing their economies without increasing their emissions. She expressed her belief that the United States, as a major emitter, has a moral obligation to remain committed to the Paris agreement, given its historical reliance on fossil fuels. Despite this, she acknowledged the hardships faced by Americans who have lost their jobs in polluting industries and called for support to help them transition to new jobs in the clean energy sector. She cautioned against reverting back to coal and increasing emissions in the United States, as it would negatively affect poor communities and countries globally. As a UN envoy for El Nino and climate change, she shared her experiences in dry regions of Honduras where women expressed their struggles with water scarcity due to worsening drought. The pain on their faces left a lasting impact, especially when one woman said, 'We have no water.' "How can people survive without water?" This question is being asked globally, according to the speaker. She also mentioned that if the US does not commit to clean energy, it would allow China to take the lead in this important new industry. She emphasized that many states, businesses, cities, academic communities, and local communities in the US do not want this outcome. She encouraged Americans who were unhappy with the suggested alterations in US policy to speak up and express their opinions. She emphasized the importance of people and businesses in the United States making their voices heard on the matter. | 1 |
Leaders of the Commonwealth, a group primarily made up of former British colonies, gathered for a three-day summit with the pressure to address human rights abuses among its members or face losing its relevance. Queen Elizabeth, 85 years old, inaugurated the meeting of leaders from the 54 states of the Commonwealth, representing 30 percent of the world's population and five of the G20 leading economies. Despite its size and economic power, the Commonwealth has struggled to make an impact on global policies. The lead-up to the summit has been focused on the need for a stronger stance on human rights and political abuses. A confidential report warned that failing to address these issues could render the Commonwealth ineffective as an organization. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard highlighted this concern in her opening speech by emphasizing the importance of member nations upholding the group's values and being open to change. There has been much discussion about the need for an independent investigation into allegations of war crimes in Sri Lanka during its civil war. Sri Lanka is waiting for the results of its own investigation and believes the pressure on human rights is a propaganda tactic by the defeated Tamil Tigers. Foreign ministers were unable to agree on a recommendation to appoint a rights commissioner from an "eminent persons" report. Canada has threatened to boycott the 2013 Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka unless there is an improvement in the host country's human rights record. Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Deputy Director, Madhu Malhotra, believes Commonwealth leaders must reform the organization to effectively address human rights violations 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 with a third of the world's population and shared values of promoting human rights and democracy. The opening ceremony was cleansed by Aborigines with a traditional smoke ceremony to welcome leaders to their homeland. Aborigines view British white settlement in Australia as an invasion, which was evident during a protest in Perth involving 500 people on various issues. The protesters were kept away from leaders by a large police presence in the central business district, which is primarily made up of office blocks of mining companies that drive Western Australia's economy. Smaller countries within the group, particularly those vulnerable to global warming, are urging for a strong statement ahead of the upcoming international climate change summit in Durban, South Africa. Additionally, there are calls for leaders to help end the practice of child brides, with twelve of the top 20 countries with the highest rates of child brides being in the Commonwealth. According to health advocates, the laws in 41 Commonwealth states that criminalize homosexuality violate human rights and impede efforts to combat HIV-AIDS. These states account for 60 percent of the global HIV-AIDS population. | 1 |
The president of the conference received a warm welcome as the Cancún climate summit neared its conclusion with a successful balance achieved. The Mexican foreign minister was able to find the balance that many countries were seeking, leading to widespread acceptance of the text she had produced. Patricia Espinosa was taken aback by the continuous applause from ministers, bureaucrats, activists, journalists, and officials. Nearly all of the 190 countries showed their support for the text without feeling pressured to make a deal. Even the typically critical Venezuelan delegation expressed their pleasure, describing the text as "amazing" and praising its "striking balance". The main hall resounded with applause as delegations took turns speaking, all offering praise for Espinosa's efforts and expressing strong support for the text. Greenhouse gases, by trapping the sun's heat in the atmosphere, lead to rising temperatures and ultimately climate change manifested in extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones, rising sea levels, and prolonged droughts. Experts warn that a temperature increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius could result in irreversible and catastrophic climate change. Espinosa ended the two-hour informal plenary just after midnight on Friday and instructed delegations to continue their discussions in their working groups to complete the necessary process. Following these meetings, there will be a closing plenary to officially adopt the outcome, unless there are any unexpected developments. Mihir Kanti Majumder, the environment secretary of Bangladesh, expressed that the draft showed progress compared to the previous climate summit in Copenhagen. He believed the draft was acceptable and could be further worked on. However, another delegate from Bangladesh stated that the text marked the beginning rather than the end, as Espinosa had mentioned 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 noted that there were aspects of the negotiations that did not align with Bangladesh's position or the interests of poorer countries, but all parties agreed to compromise. Ziaul Hoque Mukta, policy and advocacy manager for Oxfam Bangladesh and a member of the national delegation, commented that while the text was not entirely complete, it held promise for further development. He also acknowledged that the text provided a basis for serious negotiations at the next UN climate convention summit in Durban, South Africa next year. Saleemul Huq, a senior researcher at the International Institute for Environmental Development, expressed his approval of the content and production of the text in his initial reaction to bdnews24.com. He agreed with the minister's points, specifically mentioning the Adaptation Committee and the Green Climate Fund as important aspects. 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 he was pleased to see them included in the text. Huq described the text as "clean." The negotiations led by the Mexicans were conducted effectively, with openness and transparency. A long-time insider of complex climate negotiations commented positively on the 32-page document, noting that all brackets had been removed. The insider acknowledged that this progress was a step forward from Copenhagen and highlighted the compromise reflected in the text, where not everyone gets everything, but everyone gets something. He stated that the most important aspect is that it restores trust in the process and in each other. The participants' happiness and gratitude showed that they were grateful to Espinosa for this specific reason - for reinstating their trust in the multilateral process. | 1 |
After the impromptu 90-minute meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan, Abe expressed confidence to reporters that a trustful relationship could be established. However, he refrained from sharing details of the conversation as it was an unofficial discussion. The meeting took place at a time when Japan's leadership was concerned about the strength of their alliance with the US, which is crucial to Tokyo's diplomacy and security. Abe and other leaders in Asia were unsettled by Trump's campaign promises to make allies pay more for US forces' assistance, suggesting Japan should have its own nuclear weapons, and his strong opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. The upcoming transition of power from Democratic President Barack Obama to Republican President-elect Trump is scheduled for Jan 20. Abe described his discussion with President-elect Trump as open and friendly, emphasizing the importance of trust in alliances. He expressed confidence in Trump's leadership and agreed to meet again to discuss a wider range of topics. It is uncertain if this meeting will take place before Trump's inauguration. Kellyanne Conway stated that more in-depth talks about policy and the Japan-US relationship will have to wait until after the inauguration. Trump officials did not provide an immediate response after meeting with Abe. Abe, an experienced lawmaker who collaborated with Obama on the TPP trade pact, was a key part of both Obama's strategy to counter China's growing influence and Abe's economic reforms. Abe and Trump exchanged golfing gear as gifts during their meeting, as stated by the Japanese government. Photos from the meeting at Trump Tower showed Abe, an interpreter, Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn. A senior Trump official announced on Thursday that Flynn had been offered the position of national security adviser. A source familiar with the offer told Reuters that it was uncertain whether Flynn had accepted the job, but emphasized that when the president-elect asks you to serve, there is only one answer. The Pentagon spokesman mentioned that the Defense Department would conduct its first military briefing for Trump transition officials on Friday as the incoming Trump administration prepares to take office on Jan 20. Other Obama administration agencies, such as the Justice Department, were also taking similar steps. Democrats in Congress continued to criticize Trump's selection of right-wing firebrand Stephen Bannon as senior counsellor, as Trump, a political outsider, focused on filling senior positions in his administration after winning last week's election. A representative for Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, stated that she encouraged Vice President-elect Mike Pence to reconsider a certain appointment during their meeting. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has been holding meetings at Trump Tower to discuss potential candidates for key positions in his administration. Trump is scheduled to meet with Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee in the 2012 presidential election, on Saturday to possibly discuss appointing him as secretary of state, according to a source familiar with the meeting. This potential development is surprising, as Romney had previously criticized Trump and urged Republicans not to support him during the presidential nomination process. During his campaign, Trump ridiculed Romney by claiming he "choked like a dog" in his failed 2012 presidential bid against Barack Obama. Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso stated that it was advantageous for Abe to meet with Trump before he officially becomes president, emphasizing the significance of Japan-US relations. Abe's adviser Katsuyuki Kawai mentioned speaking with Trump's advisers and lawmakers in Washington, who advised not to take Trump's public statements too literally. Abe has increased Japan's defense spending and expanded the military's global role despite the constraints of the country's pacifist constitution. Defense spending in Japan remains just above 1 percent of GDP, as opposed to the United States' spending of over 3 percent. The US is expected to allocate $5.745 billion for American forces in Japan in the current fiscal year of 2017. Japan's Defense Ministry reported that Tokyo's expenses for US troops stationed in Japan amounted to around 720 billion yen ($6.6 billion) in the previous fiscal year. During his campaign, Trump's rhetoric towards Japan reflected a perception from the 1980s, when Japan was viewed as a job threat and a burden on defense by many Americans. However, a Trump adviser recently expressed a more positive outlook on Japan. "He stated that the prime minister has been more assertive and direct in attempting to make changes to Japan's global stance. Abe was scheduled to meet with Obama at a summit in Peru over the weekend. Prior to Abe's meeting with Trump, John Kerry and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met in Lima to discuss the Paris climate agreement - a deal that Trump has vowed to withdraw from. Some diplomats believe that it will be difficult to evaluate Trump's policies on security issues such as the deployment of US troops overseas, China's assertiveness in maritime matters, and the North Korean nuclear threat until he makes key appointments." | 1 |
Before adopting the non-binding resolution, there was a debate. MEP Charles Tannock stated that he believed the Bangladesh government was dedicated to upholding citizens' freedom of expression. He commended the government for its efforts in combating terrorism despite facing challenging circumstances. Tannock, a MEP from London, drew a comparison between Bangladesh's fight against terrorism and that of European countries. He noted that even though European countries have economic advantages, they are still encountering difficulties in combatting terrorism. According to a foreign ministry official who was following the debate, Tannock emphasized the importance of Parliament being aware of the delicate nature of the issue before criticizing the Bangladesh government's efforts to protect the rights of its citizens. The discussion primarily focused on freedom of expression and the press, specifically mentioning Article 57 of the ICT Act and the current restrictions on social media. MEPs denounced the escalating attacks by Islamist extremists on secular writers, bloggers, religious minorities, and foreign aid workers, expressing worries about limitations on freedom of speech, press, and civil society. Dan Preda, a Romanian politician, acknowledged the presence of numerous newspapers in Bangladesh and insisted that freedom of expression is present in the country. He condemned the killings of journalists and commended the government's strict stance against terrorism and extremism. He stated that Bangladesh was facing threats from terrorist groups and emphasized the need for the government to take necessary steps to safeguard the lives of journalists. Jean Lambert, who heads the European Parliament Delegation to South Asia, noted that Bangladesh's active media was being targeted and praised the country's progress in various areas such as gender equality, child nutrition, and climate change adaptation. She stressed the importance of reinstating a fair justice system to hold accountable those responsible for the murders of journalists. Lawmakers also called on the parliament to support Bangladesh in combating the growing influence of fundamentalism and intolerance. A non-binding resolution is a written proposal passed by a group that cannot become a law. The resolution can cover various topics, and in this case, seven drafts were combined into one. The resolution praised Bangladesh for its modern and secular values, as well as its advancements in gender equality, climate change, and efforts against terrorism and extremism. They called on the government to revise the Information and Communication Technology Act, the Cyber-Security Act of 2015, and Foreign Donation Regulation Act. According to diplomats who observed the discussion, some MEPs were firm in their stance on the death penalty and specifically mentioned the recent execution of war criminals. They noted that the EP was saddened by the executions, arrests of opposition leaders, and attacks on minority groups. However, the Bangladesh ambassador to the EU objected to these references, expressing disappointment and warning that the EP should not express regret when those responsible for crimes against humanity and genocide are brought to justice as it could harm the credibility of the institution. One of the original seven drafts included a mention of the importance of "elections and dialogue," which the ambassador opposed. However, in the final version, these issues were not included. EU Commissioner for Budget & Human Resources Kristalina Georgieva emphasized the need to prioritize combating radicalization, upholding human rights, and ensuring labor rights. She reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Bangladesh in enhancing democracy and governance. | 1 |
The royal couple visited a school and a national park in Islamabad during their five-day trip, where they interacted with children and admired their artwork. The visit, focusing on climate change and education access, is said to be the most challenging for the couple due to security concerns. They also met with Khan at his official residence, with William's late mother Princess Diana having visited Pakistan multiple times in the past. Additionally, William and Kate engaged with students at an Islamabad Model College for Girls, discussing education with older students and visiting classrooms of younger students. As they departed, a group of girls sang a Pakistani national song and the couple said goodbye to preschoolers who had gathered to bid farewell. They then went to Margallah Hills National Park near Islamabad, which is facing threats such as poaching, wildfires, invasive species, and littering. Kate wore a periwinkle blue silk shalwar kameez, the traditional clothing of Pakistan, consisting of a loose tunic over trousers, for the morning activities. Many people on social media and in the fashion industry had been hoping she would wear this outfit, which Princess Diana had worn during her visits. Designer Maheen Khan expressed her honor on Twitter for being asked to create this outfit for the Duchess. The Duchess of Cambridge's fashion choices, including a bright green tunic over white pants for a meeting with the Prime Minister, seemed to pay tribute to Diana's style with similar colors and outfits. According to foreign policy experts and officials, the recent trip by a British royal family member, 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 occurring as Britain tries to strengthen its international ties ahead of its exit from the European Union, while Pakistan is trying to enhance its global reputation in order to attract more tourism and investment. | 1 |
The Group of 20 wealthy and developing nations have promised to give emerging powers like China more influence in shaping and revitalizing the global economy. They also declared their efforts to combat the crisis a success, with plans to continue economic support until a sustainable recovery is achieved, establish a framework for coordinating economic growth, and enforce stricter regulations on banks by 2012. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown hailed the agreement reached in Pittsburgh, where leaders representing a large portion of the world's population agreed on a global plan for job creation, growth, and long-term economic recovery. US President Barack Obama's hosting of the summit was seen as a success, with leaders claiming they were able to prevent a recession from turning into a depression. The final communique stated, "It worked." Obama stated that their forceful action was effective in halting the dangerous decline in global activity and stabilizing financial markets. He emphasized the need to move away from the traditional boom-and-bust economy and work together to prevent crises. The G20 summit in Pittsburgh marked a shift towards greater economic cooperation, replacing the G7 and G8 as the primary international forums. Colin Bradford, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, described the decision as a significant symbolic gesture in international politics. He emphasized the historical importance of the decision to replace the G7 rather than expand it. On the other hand, Simon Johnson, a former IMF chief economist, expressed skepticism, calling the G7 a "zombie" that is difficult to eliminate due to its deep connections. Despite this, he acknowledged that at the summit level, the G7's influence has diminished. The decision to shift to the G20 from the G7 was a clear recognition of the growing importance of fast-developing countries like China and India in global economic growth. According to John Lipsky of the International Monetary Fund, this move reflects the economic realities of the world today. The disclosure of a second Iranian uranium enrichment plant provided an opportunity for President Obama, along with the leaders of Britain and France, to push for united action against Tehran regarding its nuclear program. Obama warned Iran that it must make a decision at the upcoming meeting with world powers in Geneva on October 1 about its path forward. The group still had tough economic tasks ahead despite progress made. The G20 pledged to avoid repeating the "reckless behavior" that triggered the financial crisis, which began with failing U.S. mortgage loans two years ago. The leaders emphasized the need to avoid complacency and strive for responsible growth without market volatility. They also targeted excessive pay for bankers, in addition to upcoming regulatory reforms set to be implemented by 2012. The leaders reached an agreement that companies should have the ability to recover pay and bonuses under certain circumstances, in order to prevent bankers from receiving large rewards for taking risky actions that result in negative consequences. Additionally, they agreed to transfer some voting power at the International Monetary Fund from wealthy nations to underrepresented countries like China, indicating a recognition of the shifting economic power dynamics. The G20 supported a plan to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies as a means of addressing climate change, and committed to intensifying efforts to finalize the Doha round of trade negotiations. Furthermore, world leaders endorsed a U.S.-led initiative to rebalance the global economy by reducing excessive surpluses in major exporting countries such as China and deficits in major importing nations like the United States. Obama is looking to move away from the traditional U.S. approach of borrowing and spending, and instead focus on saving and investing. This shift will require countries like China, who rely on exports for growth, to also make adjustments. G20 leaders have agreed to collaborate in assessing how domestic policies align and determining if they support more sustainable and balanced growth. Countries with consistent surpluses, like China, have committed to boosting domestic growth, while countries with deficits, such as the U.S., have promised to promote private savings. Economists have long warned about the risks of these large imbalances destabilizing the global economy, and previous efforts to address them have not been successful. The United States believes that the current effort to boost global trade will be successful this time because China and other major exporters experienced significant downturns during the recession, revealing their vulnerability to external shocks. Despite a display of unity, there were some points of tension, with many Europeans frustrated by the lack of agreement on funding for climate change initiatives, especially with a key summit in Copenhagen approaching. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his concern over the slow progress and called for urgent action. Meanwhile, around 10,000 protesters marched against capitalism and the G20's agenda, with some chanting slogans against the police. On Friday, there was just one person who was arrested, and the atmosphere was positive. This was a stark difference from the protests on Thursday, which saw conflicts with law enforcement and numerous arrests. | 1 |
Presidential spokesperson Rego Barros stated that the Brazilian government is willing to accept financial assistance from organizations and countries to help combat the wildfires in the Amazon. The money received will be under the control of the Brazilian people. Additionally, a diplomatic source in Brasilia confirmed that the Brazilian government has accepted 10 million pounds from Britain for this purpose. Bolsonaro's press office was unable to provide immediate comment on this matter. Earlier today, Bolsonaro stated that he would only consider accepting a $20 million offer of aid from the Group of Seven wealthy nations if French President Emmanuel Macron retracted the insults made against him. The two leaders have been engaged in a public dispute, with Bolsonaro insulting Macron's wife and accusing him of disrespecting Brazil's sovereignty, while Macron has called Bolsonaro a liar and made remarks about Brazilian women's feelings towards him. The French president's office declined to comment on the matter. Brazil's president is facing increasing isolation on the global stage due to his handling of the fires, which are seen as a critical defense against global climate change. The response of the far-right government could endanger Brazil's trade agreements and influential agribusiness sector, which is a key driver of its struggling economy. Flávio Dino, the governor of Maranhao state, emphasized the importance of not rejecting financial aid during a meeting where Bolsonaro promised to work on legislative measures with the states by Sept. 5 to prevent future forest fires. Dino warned that Brazil's anti-environment stance could make the country vulnerable to international sanctions. The number of fires in Brazil has surged by 80% compared to last year, according to data from the space research agency INPE. In the Amazon state of Rondonia, witnesses reported seeing abandoned houses due to the intense forest fires. There were scattered rain showers on Tuesday, but they were not sufficient to extinguish the fires, as stated by an individual. According to weather information and two specialists, widespread rain capable of putting out the fires may still be weeks away. A local farmer, who preferred not to reveal his identity, predicted that the fires would worsen next week, when the forest is typically at its driest. The public disagreement among G7 leaders resulted in a pledge of $20 million to aid in combating the fires in an area often referred to as "the lungs of the world". The announcement was made during a summit in France on Monday and has caused tension 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 territory. Bolsonaro angered Macron by responding to a Facebook post comparing his wife to Macron's. Macron criticized Bolsonaro for being disrespectful towards his wife and accused him of lying about climate change policy. Bolsonaro stated he would only accept G7 money if Macron retracted his comments. "Macron needs to retract his insults before we can discuss or accept anything from France," Bolsonaro told reporters in Brasilia. "Once he retracts his words, then we can have a conversation. First, he must retract, then offer aid, and then I will respond." Barros, the president's official spokesperson, later stated that Brazil is willing to accept international aid as long as they have control over how the funds are used. In response, US President Donald Trump tweeted his support for Bolsonaro, noting their shared views on the environment, China, and trade. The President of Brazil is working diligently to address the Amazon fires and is receiving full support from the United States, according to a tweet from Trump. Bolsonaro, in response, stated on Twitter that Brazil is successfully combating the wildfires and will continue to be a global leader in sustainable development. The fires are not only affecting Brazil, but also Bolivia, with approximately 10,000 sq km burning near the borders of Paraguay and Brazil. Peru and Colombia have invited Bolsonaro to a meeting on September 6 to discuss the situation and create a coordinated plan to prevent deforestation in the long term. Norway's environment minister is calling on representatives from oil company Equinor, fertilizer-maker Yara, and aluminum producer Norsk Hydro to ensure that their supply chains in Brazil are not connected to deforestation. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed concern about the impact of climate change on the lives of people in Asia and the Pacific region, warning that it could disrupt national and regional stability. She highlighted natural disasters and fuel shortages as major obstacles to development in the region, emphasizing the serious risks posed by global warming. 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 being held 23 years after the first meeting in 1987. The prime minister also noted the intensifying urbanization and increasing pressure on fuel due to globalization. She urged regional leaders to address the issues caused by climate change and globalization, warning that rural development and poverty alleviation efforts will not be effective without sustainable solutions. The prime minister expressed concern about the impact of natural disasters and the economic downturn on food security for the poor. She stressed the importance of unity and practical solutions to common challenges, emphasizing the need to increase investment and exports to counteract the negative effects of globalization. The prime minister also highlighted the importance of recognizing the challenges and opportunities of globalization from a regional standpoint, particularly in light of the threats posed by climate change to low-lying countries. Hasina detailed the poverty reduction initiatives of her government, such as creating a poverty reduction strategy paper, expanding social safety nets, raising agricultural subsidies, and ensuring consistent power supply for irrigation. She announced the upcoming implementation of the 'one-house one-farm' program. CIRDAP chairperson and local government and rural development minister Syed Ashraful Islam, state minister Jahangir Kabir Nanok, rural development and cooperatives division secretary Rokeya Sultana, and CIRDAP director general Durga P Paudyal also addressed the event. | 1 |
Biden was sworn in as the oldest U.S. president in history at age 78, with the U.S. Capitol surrounded by armed troops following a recent siege by a mob. In his inauguration speech, he emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming challenges and restoring the soul of America, calling for an end to division between red and blue, rural and urban, conservative and liberal. Biden stressed the need to open our souls instead of hardening our hearts to move forward as a nation. The inauguration ceremony was smaller and less celebratory than usual, with the National Mall covered in U.S. flags as a reminder of the pandemic. Biden spoke at the Capitol, where supporters of Trump had clashed with police in a violent attack on Jan. 6. Biden portrayed his inauguration as a triumph over those who tried to disrupt American democracy. The violence led to Trump's second impeachment by the Democratic-controlled House for incitement. Biden denounced the rioters who tried to use violence to silence the will of the people and stop the work of democracy. Jennifer Lopez performed "America the Beautiful" and "This Land Is Your Land" at President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony. Kamala Harris, the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, made history as the first Black person, first woman, and first Asian American to serve as vice president, sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump broke tradition by refusing to meet with Biden or attend his inauguration, a move seen as a departure from the peaceful transfer of power. Biden was sworn in as president with top Republicans and former presidents in attendance, while Trump left for his retreat in Florida without mentioning Biden by name in his final remarks. Biden takes office during a time of national unease, with multiple crises facing the country. He has promised immediate action, including a series of executive orders on his first day in office. Following a contentious campaign with Trump's unfounded claims of election fraud, Biden adopted a conciliatory tone, urging Americans who did not vote for him to give him a chance. Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and woman of color to be sworn in as vice president of the United States. Biden stated, "I pledge this to you: I will be a president for all Americans." Biden made a promise to fight equally hard for those who did not support him as for those who did, aiming to repair alliances damaged by Trump and be a reliable partner for peace, progress, and security. Despite not mentioning specific high-stakes disputes with North Korea, Iran, and China, he emphasized the importance of restoring America's global relationships. Biden's inauguration marks the pinnacle of his long career in public service, but he acknowledges the challenges ahead. On Trump's final full day in office, the United States reached two somber milestones in the pandemic - 400,000 deaths and 24 million infections, the highest numbers in any country. Many Americans are unemployed due to pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions. President Biden has promised to use the full power of the federal government to address the crisis, with a $1.9 trillion plan focusing on enhancing jobless benefits and providing direct cash payments to households. Lady Gaga performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Biden's inauguration. Approval of Biden's plan will be needed from a Congress that is deeply divided, with Democrats holding narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Harris was set to swear in three new Democratic senators on Wednesday, resulting in a 50-50 split in the chamber with her as the deciding vote. Biden is expected to quickly shift focus from the Trump era by signing 15 executive actions addressing various issues such as the pandemic, economy, and climate change. These actions will include requiring masks on federal property, rejoining the Paris climate agreement, and lifting Trump's travel ban on certain Muslim-majority countries. Despite Biden's ambitious agenda for his first 100 days, the Senate may be preoccupied with Trump's impeachment trial, which will proceed even though he is no longer in office. This trial could test Biden's commitment to promoting bipartisanship in Washington. In the final hours of his presidency, Trump granted over 140 pardons and commutations, including one for his ex-political adviser Steve Bannon, who faces charges for allegedly deceiving Trump supporters in a fundraising scheme for a border wall. Despite speculation, Trump did not pardon himself or his family members. | 1 |
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is set to arrive in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon for a two-day official visit aimed at discussing bilateral issues with Bangladesh. Her arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 4:10 pm will be met by foreign minister Dipu Moni. The two ministers will engage in formal talks in the afternoon, followed by a joint press briefing and the signing of a declaration on Bangladesh-US Partnership Cooperation. Clinton is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, opposition leader Khaleda Zia, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, Brac chairman Fazle Hasan Abed, and members of civil society. Bangladesh is determined to advocate for duty-free market access for its garment products in the US, as officials believe that being a least developed country gives Bangladesh the rightful claim to such access in all wealthy nations, including the US. Other priorities for Bangladesh include discussing membership in the Millennium Challenge Corporation fund and seeking the extradition of Rashed Chowdhury, the killer of Bangabandhu who currently resides in the US. The US, on the other hand, has strategic interests in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, with the country's importance growing significantly following the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) verdict in March that granted Bangladesh a large area in the Bay of Bengal. It is a participant in all four of President Barack Obama's global initiatives: global food security, global health, climate change, and engagement with Muslim countries. Other U.S. interests in Bangladesh include protecting and promoting U.S. investments, improving security ties, and increasing opportunities for exports. ConocoPhilips, a U.S. company, is currently searching for gas and oil in blocks 10 and 11 in the Bay of Bengal and is looking for six more blocks to explore. In April, Bangladesh and the U.S. held their first security dialogue to further cooperation in this area. | 1 |
Presidential candidate Barack Obama is set to travel to Berlin to deliver a public speech on transatlantic ties, which is expected to attract a large crowd. Despite initial opposition from Chancellor Angela Merkel, Obama will give his speech at the "Victory Column" in Tiergarten park, near the Brandenburg Gate. Obama hopes his speech will emphasize the importance of the relationship between the United States and Europe and how it can be strengthened. The relationship between the United States and Germany was strained during Merkel's predecessor Gerhard Schroeder's time in office due to his strong opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. However, Merkel, a conservative leader who grew up in communist East Germany, has worked diligently to mend relations and has become one of President George W. Bush's closest allies in Europe. She anticipated discussing NATO cooperation, climate change, and trade issues with Senator Obama during a meeting at the Chancellery. The meeting, expected to last about an hour, is also likely to cover Afghanistan and Iraq, where Obama began his tour of the Middle East and Europe. In Kabul, Obama described the situation in Afghanistan as precarious and urgent. Both Barack Obama and his Republican opponent John McCain have emphasized the importance of Europe increasing its efforts in Afghanistan. However, German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that she would inform Obama that there were limitations to what Germany could contribute. The upcoming visit of Obama to Germany has been heavily covered in the media, leading to disagreements between Merkel and her foreign minister over the appropriateness of a speech at the Brandenburg Gate. Merkel believes that the landmark is reserved for presidents, not presidential candidates, and suggested alternative locations for the speech. When asked if he had studied the Cold War speeches given by Reagan and Kennedy in Berlin, Obama remarked that he was simply a citizen, unlike the two former presidents. He stated that Berlin is a clear example of the successful efforts made post-war to unite the continent and the West. Approximately 700 police officers will be present for the visit, and barriers have been put up around the "Siegessaeule" since Monday. Estimates for the crowd size range from 10,000 to nearly a million. The German public television station ARD will air the entire 45-minute speech live at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT). According to a Pew Research Center poll, Germans preferred Obama over McCain by a 49 point margin. The popular weekly magazine Der Spiegel focused its weekend edition on the visit, featuring a cover photo of Obama with the headline "Germany meets the Superstar". | 1 |
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated that his main focus in 2008 will be addressing the global credit crunch and navigating through the financial instability. He emphasized that the global credit issue, originating in the United States, is the most pressing challenge for all economies. Brown highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong economy as the foundation for stability and expressed his determination to guide the country through the turbulent financial situation. Despite facing challenges such as government mistakes and economic uncertainties, Brown remains committed to his goals. Northern Rock, a prominent casualty of the credit crisis in Britain, has had to borrow a minimum of 25 billion pounds ($50 billion) from the Bank of England. Prime Minister Brown and finance minister Alistair Darling have faced criticism for their management of the crisis, but Brown remains confident that the economy will stay on track. Despite strong growth since Brown's Labour Party took office in 1997, concerns have arisen due to declining house prices and consumer confidence, leading to fears of a slowdown next year. Brown, who has been finance minister for 10 years under Blair, has pledged to prioritize stability and keep interest rates low by maintaining low inflation. He has organized a meeting in London in January with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss financial market stability. Brown's initial popularity with voters has diminished, as Labour is now trailing the Conservative opposition by up to 13 points in opinion polls. Controversies surrounding the tax agency's loss of personal data and secret donations to Labour have caused embarrassment for Brown. In his New Year's message, Brown promised that 2008 would bring significant changes to Britain, 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 is a meeting led by Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Md Shahidul Haque and Permanent Under Secretary of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Sir Simon McDonald. The UK delegation will include representatives from various government departments such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department of International Development, and Ministry of Defence. The Bangladesh delegation will consist of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, and other relevant departments. The two-day dialogue will cover a wide range of topics including bilateral relations, regional issues like Rohingya crisis and terrorism, trade and investment, and global issues such as climate change and UN peacekeeping cooperation. McDonald is scheduled to speak about the relationship between the UK and Bangladesh during the Brexit era at the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies. Additionally, he is anticipated to engage with young leaders and diplomats while in Bangladesh. The UK secretary will hold a confidential meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart, and the Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, Saida Muna Tasneem, will be present at the discussion. | 1 |
The COP26 conference in Glasgow began after the G20 countries did not agree to a 2050 target for stopping net carbon emissions. This target is seen as crucial in preventing severe global warming. The G20 meeting in Rome 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 reduce methane emissions. Greta Thunberg called out leaders for betraying the public and urged them to address the climate crisis immediately. Many leaders will be speaking in Glasgow on Monday to defend their climate change records and in some cases make new pledges at the beginning of two weeks of negotiations. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will emphasize the urgency of taking action now, stating that humanity has run out of time to address climate change. "If we do not address climate change seriously today, it will be too late for our children to address it tomorrow." However, disagreement among some of the largest emitters in the world on how to reduce coal, oil, and gas usage, and support developing countries in adapting to global warming, will only make the task more challenging. President Joe Biden of the United States specifically called out China and Russia, both of which are not sending their leaders to Glasgow, for not presenting any proposals to address climate change. Xi Jinping, the President of China, whose country is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, will deliver a written statement at the conference on Monday according to the official schedule. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will not be attending the COP26 conference 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 keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels to avoid the most severe consequences. To achieve this goal, the conference needs more ambitious emissions reduction pledges, climate-related financing for developing countries, and finalized rules for implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement. Existing emissions reduction pledges would allow the planet's average surface temperature to rise by 2.7 degrees Celsius this century, intensifying the destructive impacts of climate change. Ugandan activist Evelyn Acham explained to La Stampa that Africa, while only contributing 3 percent of global emissions, is facing the most severe consequences of the climate crisis. She emphasized that Africans are not to blame for the crisis, but are still suffering from the effects of colonialism, which exploited the continent's resources for centuries. Acham stressed the importance of fair distribution of responsibilities. Following two days of speeches by world leaders, technical negotiations will take place, with a potential agreement not expected until close to or after the event's conclusion on November 12. | 1 |
Xu, who is 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 various issues such as 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. The visit is considered to be of great importance to Bangladesh as Xu will assess the success of UNDP initiatives in reducing urban poverty, disaster management, and climate change adaptation. He will visit Dakop and Hatia in the coastal South West district, as well as the Chittagong Hill Tracts to observe UNDP-led initiatives in peace building. Prior to his current role, Xu worked in the Asia and Pacific region and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, and held positions as UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, as well as Deputy Regional Director for Europe and the CIS in New York. | 1 |
Chinese President Hu Jintao praised the increased cooperation between China and Japan and presented a pair of pandas as a symbol of goodwill during his state visit to Japan. This visit, only the second by a top Chinese leader, aims to build trust between the two wary Asian nations. The timing of the visit is crucial as China works to address global concerns about unrest in Tibet ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing. Upon his arrival, Hu was warmly welcomed by Japanese officials and Chinese supporters, although more than 1,000 protesters peacefully demonstrated in Tokyo for human rights in Tibet. Despite concerns about potential clashes, the presence of 7,000 police ensured that the visit proceeded without incident. China is looking to portray itself as a friendly neighbor to Japan after years of disagreements over Japan's handling of its wartime past. Hu, who has emphasized future-oriented goals for his five-day visit, stated that maintaining stable and friendly relations is beneficial for both countries, whose economies are closely connected. Upon arriving in Tokyo, he expressed optimism for the potential growth of relations between the two countries and expressed his desire to build mutual trust and strengthen friendship. As a goodwill gesture that may help improve relations with the Japanese public, Hu offered to gift Japan two pandas for research purposes, following the recent death of the popular Ling Ling panda at a Tokyo zoo. He extended the offer 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. China has now become Japan's top trade partner, surpassing the United States last year, with two-way trade totaling $236.6 billion, a 12 percent increase from 2006. The Chinese ambassador to Japan, Cui Tiankai, emphasized the importance of China and Japan coordinating and cooperating more to address regional economic integration and global challenges. However, Japan has concerns over Beijing's growing diplomatic and military influence, particularly regarding disputed energy resources, military strength, and the safety of Chinese exports. Despite some improvements in relations between China and Japan, further efforts are needed from both sides to fully warm relations. Hu's visit is reaching its political climax, with a summit planned for Wednesday with Fukuda to discuss a blueprint for future relations between Beijing and Tokyo. Both countries are eager to avoid a repeat of past tensions, such as Jiang Zemin's visit to Japan ten years ago which soured relations with pointed remarks about Japan's past actions. Although there were strained relations during Junichiro Koizumi's term as prime minister, ties have improved since then. Issues such as Taiwan, human rights, Japan's desire for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, and disputes over gas beds in the East China Sea are still being negotiated. Additionally, a recent incident involving Chinese-made dumplings tainted with pesticide has become a symbol of Japanese concerns about China's increasing influence. Japan is calling for more transparency regarding China's increasing defense spending, which reached 418 billion yuan in 2008, a 17.6 percent increase from the previous year. Critics believe China's actual military budget is even higher. Japan is seeking Chinese support for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a sensitive issue that has previously sparked anti-Japanese protests in China due to historical grievances. China, in turn, is urging Japan to clarify its stance on Taiwan, which Beijing insists must reunify with the mainland. Tokyo has expressed its support for a "one China" policy that recognizes Taiwan, a former Japanese colony for fifty years until 1945, and maintains strong connections with Japan. While significant progress on specific disputes is not anticipated, both parties are eager to emphasize a positive outlook and will release a joint statement on combating climate change, an important issue for Japan as the host of the upcoming July G8 summit. Hu is scheduled to address students at Waseda University in Tokyo and may relax by playing ping-pong with Fukuda. | 1 |
Biden's message about the importance of revitalizing alliances and recommitting to defending Europe was well received at the Munich Security Conference, but there was also opposition from French President Emmanuel Macron, who defended the idea of Europe's "strategic autonomy" from the US. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, while praising Biden's decision to cancel troop withdrawals, warned that interests may not always align. Despite differences, the leaders acknowledged the end of the "America First" era and welcomed Biden back. Biden also emphasized the need for a united strategy against disinformation spread by Putin and Xi. Biden emphasized the importance of proving that democracies can still effectively serve their people in the current global environment, stating that it is necessary to show that the democratic model is not outdated. The president, who has attended the Munich conference regularly both as a private citizen and as vice president, delivered his address virtually this year due to the pandemic. A previous closed meeting of the Group of 7 allies, also held virtually, was led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain. The next in-person summit is scheduled for Britain this summer, pending pandemic conditions. While Biden did not mention his predecessor, Donald Trump, he focused on moving away from Trumpism in the United States' foreign policy approach. He praised the return to the Paris climate agreement and a new initiative to engage Iran diplomatically, alongside Britain, France, and Germany. French President Emmanuel Macron participated in an Online G7 meeting in Paris on February 19, 2021. Instead of outlining an agenda, Biden emphasized the foundational principles of the Atlantic alliance and NATO's creation during the Cold War. "Democracy doesn't happen by accident," the president stated. "We must protect it. Make it stronger. Revitalize it." In a clear contrast to Trump, who discussed the possibility of pulling out of NATO and famously refused to acknowledge the United States' responsibilities under Article V of the alliance's charter to defend members under attack, Biden presented the United States as willing to fulfill its role as the cornerstone of the alliance. He assured that the US would uphold its commitment, stating that an attack on one member is an attack on all. However, he also urged Europe to approach challenges differently than during the Cold War, despite facing similar adversaries. Biden emphasized the importance of preparing for long-term strategic competition with China, particularly in areas such as cyberspace, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. He made a case for standing up to Russia, specifically mentioning the SolarWinds attack on federal and corporate computer networks. Biden emphasized the importance of addressing Russian recklessness and hacking to protect collective security. Despite the challenge of retaliating against Russia without escalating the situation, the White House is working on options to make Putin pay for the attack. The focus on Biden's relationship with Macron, who has criticized NATO, also drew interest. Macron believes NATO should function more as a political entity where European members have equal status to the United States and are not dominated by American decision-making. He argues that a more independent and capable Europe would strengthen NATO. Macron suggests that Europe should take more responsibility for its security and increase defense spending to rebalance the trans-Atlantic relationship. However, not all European states share this view as many are hesitant to increase defense spending. Central and Eastern European nations prefer to rely on the United States for security. Macron also proposes engaging in dialogue with Russia to improve NATO's security capabilities. While NATO has expressed willingness to improve relations with Russia, Moscow has shown little interest due to ongoing international sanctions following the Crimea crisis. Macron emphasized the need for Europe to take more responsibility for its own protection, acknowledging that reliance on the United States must decrease. He recognizes that building up a defense arm and increasing technological capacities will take time, but is committed to starting the process now. Angela Merkel was seen putting on her mask after a news conference following a virtual summit with G7 leaders in Berlin on February 19, 2021. Biden plans to strengthen supply chains with Western allies to reduce Chinese influence by proposing a joint project for technology companies in semiconductors and software. German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the challenges of dealing with China, which is both a competitor and a necessary partner for the West. She stated that Russia is constantly involving European Union members in hybrid conflicts, so it is crucial to develop a trans-Atlantic approach towards Russia that offers cooperation while also addressing differences clearly. Biden pledged to donate $4 billion towards speeding up the production and distribution of coronavirus vaccines globally, but there were contrasting approaches during the meeting. Macron emphasized the EU's focus on Africa and called for Western nations to provide 13 million vaccine doses to African governments promptly to protect health 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 advancing and upholding common values. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, also urged countries and drugmakers to work together to accelerate vaccine production and distribution worldwide, cautioning that leaving some countries behind could set global progress back to square one. Tedros told the Munich conference that ensuring fair distribution of vaccines is not only morally correct, but also the most strategic approach. He emphasized that delaying the vaccination of populations in any country would prolong the pandemic's uncontrolled spread. | 1 |
The commonly held belief for many years was that Israel relied heavily on the United States for its survival. However, experts now suggest that Israel has been working towards and may have achieved a level of autonomy from the US. According to political scientist Vipin Narang, there is a noticeable increase in Israeli independence. Israel no longer relies on US security guarantees for protection from neighboring states, as it has mostly made peace with them. It also no longer sees the need for American mediation in the Palestinian conflict, which Israelis generally find tolerable and support maintaining. Israel used to depend on US arms transfers, but now produces many of its essential weapons domestically. Diplomatically, Israel has become more self-sufficient by forming alliances independent of Washington. Israelis are also less concerned with US approval culturally, and place less pressure on their leaders to maintain a good relationship with Washington. US aid to Israel has decreased in proportion to Israel's growing economy over the years. In 1981, US aid made up almost 10% of Israel's economy, but in 2020 it was closer to 1%, at nearly $4 billion. Washington's influence in the conflict has also diminished, as they called for a cease-fire only after an Egyptian-brokered agreement was almost finalized. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit the region, but he does not plan to restart formal Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. The change is happening at a time when some Democrats and liberal activists are questioning the traditional support for Israel in Washington, due to concerns about its treatment of Palestinians. Despite this, there are still a significant number of Americans who support Israel, and Democratic politicians have not fully embraced the growing support for Palestinians among their voters. The US still has influence over Israel, as it does with other countries it provides aid to. Former President Trump's strong support for Israel showed that the relationship is still beneficial for Israel. However, US leverage over Israel may be decreasing to the point where Israel may act independently of US interests, regardless of bipartisan consensus. Steps towards achieving self-sufficiency have been taken in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a shift in the dynamics of the conflict over the past 15 years. The violence has decreased significantly, with lower levels of attacks in both the West Bank and Israel. While there have been occasional outbreaks of fighting in Gaza, Israel has managed to shift 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 is a constant burden for Palestinians but is often overlooked by Jewish Israelis. Yaël Mizrahi-Arnaud, a research fellow at an Israeli think tank, believes 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 external sources. In previous years, Israel heavily relied on US-made warplanes and advanced equipment for its military, which needed approval from Congress and the White House. Now, the country has shifted to using missile defense technology that is mostly produced and maintained domestically, showing Israel's determination for self-sufficiency. Despite doubts in the past, the effectiveness of Israel's missile defense system is now at 90%, with each interceptor costing $50,000. Israel began pursuing military independence in the 1990s due to strained relations with the George HW Bush administration and perceived US inability to protect Israel from Iraqi missile attacks. This belief became stronger under subsequent presidents, as their push for peace with the Palestinians clashed with Israeli desires to maintain control of the West Bank and blockade Gaza. This led Israel to develop independent capabilities to reduce vulnerability to US pressure, including intelligence gathering. Israel no longer depends heavily on US protection and is less concerned about international isolation, as it now faces a more supportive international community. Powers that used to oppose Israel on an "anti-imperialist" basis have shifted their focus. While opinions about Israel vary internationally and are mostly negative in Muslim-majority regions, Israel has developed relationships in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Even neighboring Arab countries like Jordan and Egypt, which were once enemies, are now pursuing peace, and hostilities have decreased with other Arab states. In recent developments, the Abraham Accords, facilitated by Trump, led to Israel establishing diplomatic relations with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Israel has since also normalized relations with Morocco and reached a diplomatic agreement with Sudan. Dahlia Scheindlin, an Israeli political analyst and pollster, mentioned that there used to be discussions about an impending diplomatic crisis, but it never actually happened. Scheindlin conducts an annual poll where Israelis are asked to prioritize national challenges, with security and the economy consistently ranking highest. Foreign relations, however, are now seen as less important. European diplomats issue warnings that do not have any consequences, while Democrats discuss the future of the alliance. Despite this, Israelis perceive their international standing as strong. Israel has also aimed to distance itself from the United States in terms of diplomacy. In the mid-2010s, Benjamin Netanyahu campaigned against Obama's reelection due to disagreements on Middle East policies, causing a decline in relations. Netanyahu has since built relationships with illiberal democracies like Brazil, Hungary, and India, who support Israel's treatment of Palestinians. This strategy, referred to as the "other friends policy" by Scheindlin, has led Israelis to believe that US acceptance is no longer essential for their survival. At the same time, increasing nationalism has led to a greater willingness to ignore international criticism. Washington's backing of Israel's democratic credentials, a form of leverage traditionally used by American diplomats, is becoming less significant each year. Risking the bipartisan consensus has always been considered one of the main responsibilities of any Israeli prime minister. When Netanyahu sided with Republicans in the mid-2010s, including criticizing Obama in Congress, it was anticipated that he would face backlash at home. However, Obama and Democratic members of Congress did not significantly alter their support. Americans elected Trump, who showed more favoritism towards Netanyahu than any other president before him. This event led Israelis to feel a sense of confidence and lack of fear of repercussions from American politicians. In focus groups conducted after President Biden's election, it was found that Israelis no longer worry about potential backlash from the United States. They now view American politics with a sense of detachment and are less concerned about the impact on Israel. Many Israelis have become disinterested in the peace process, viewing it as futile and of low importance due to a perceived tolerable status quo. This shift in attitude has altered the relationship with the US, as Israeli leaders no longer feel pressured to show commitment to peace through Washington. Instead, leaders are facing increased pressure to go against American wishes, such as by expanding settlements in the West Bank or even annexing it. Israel is not the first small state to seek independence from a powerful patron, but in this case, the Americans were the ones who helped build up Israel's military and diplomatic independence, diminishing their own influence. After almost 50 years of not using this leverage to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it may be disappearing. Mizrahi-Arnaud notes that Israel feels emboldened because the United States has not pressured them recently. | 1 |
Indian defence experts are warning the government not to become complacent in strengthening ties with Bangladesh and moving towards a strategic partnership. A report released by the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses advises faster implementation of agreements made in a 2010 joint communiqué, particularly in areas such as security, trade deficit, and border issues. The report suggests that the positive momentum in bilateral relations should be maintained, especially in light of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's upcoming visit to Dhaka. The report highlights the importance of resolving longstanding issues between the two countries, such as border demarcation and river water sharing, in order to elevate India-Bangladesh relations to a strategic partnership. They suggested that the two parties should consider exploring new areas of collaboration in climate change, environment, agricultural research, water management, remote sensing, IT and communications technologies, marine technologies, medicine and health, among others. The report recommended the establishment of connections between relevant institutions, with a focus on collaborative research and capacity building. It also advised both countries to work together to address challenges related to pandemics and arsenic-contaminated water. Regarding water-sharing issues, the panel advised the government that despite minor differences, an agreement on sharing the water of Teesta and four other rivers should be signed as Bangladesh seeks an agreement on river water sharing. A finalized draft of the Teesta deal has been prepared. The report praised Bangladesh for addressing India's security concerns and stated that India has been responsive to Bangladeshi concerns by providing comprehensive assistance and cooperation. This has set the stage for improved relations between the two countries. The IDSA commends the security cooperation with Bangladesh but suggests that it should be institutionalized to ensure continuity beyond specific governments. The report also highlighted the importance of information sharing and joint border patrolling. The possibility of adopting the US-Mexico model for border management is being considered. The IDSA suggested that India could take a leading role in the proposed South Asia Task Force on terrorism, with a counter-terrorism center in Dhaka funded by India. The group recommended increased military cooperation between the two countries, including search and rescue missions, joint patrolling of piracy-prone areas in the Bay of Bengal, capacity building, and joint exercises, to enhance mutual confidence. The report proposed establishing a dialogue mechanism that includes both governments and non-governmental organizations involved in de-radicalization efforts. It emphasized that fundamentalism and extremism pose a common threat that requires close collaboration between both sides. The report also highlighted the importance of prioritizing connectivity in trade, urging both countries to work together to make it operational without delay. 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 neighboring countries. The report recommends addressing trade issues, strengthening economic ties, and suggests that Bangladesh should attract Indian investment. India is encouraged to support Bangladesh in upgrading its power infrastructure and to address the issue of illegal migration. Both parties should strive to establish a conducive atmosphere for resolving this matter peacefully. "Alternative approaches such as issuing work permits could be explored." | 1 |
Alok Sharma, the conference chairman in Glasgow, encouraged the nearly 200 national delegations to consider a deal that aims to address the needs of climate-vulnerable nations, major industrial powers, and countries reliant on fossil fuels for economic growth. He urged them to focus on whether the package is balanced and sufficient for everyone, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the texts benefit all people and the planet. Before the plenary meeting could be called to vote on the deal, delegates from India, China, the United States, and the European Union held discussions regarding the agreed phase-out of coal. The final agreement needs the unanimous approval of all the countries present, which include coal- and gas-fuelled superpowers, oil producers, and Pacific islands threatened by rising sea levels. The main goal of the meeting is to work towards the 2015 Paris Agreement's target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. A draft agreement circulated on Saturday acknowledged that current commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient, and urged nations to make more ambitious climate pledges annually instead of every five years as currently mandated. During a public discussion with key delegations, there was positive feedback for Sharma when China, the world's largest coal producer and consumer, stated that they had no plans to revise the text. The West African nation of Guinea, a strong advocate for the G77 group of developing countries seeking greater commitments from wealthy nations to provide compensation for "loss and damage" caused by unpredictable climate disasters, stated that the group would accept the progress made. However, India, reliant on its abundant coal reserves for energy, expressed dissatisfaction. Environment and Climate Minister Bhupender Yadav expressed concern that a consensus had not been reached, but did not clarify if India would obstruct a vote on the agreement. EU Climate Commissioner Frans Timmermans warned against further delays and revisions, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Scientists warn that exceeding a 1.5C temperature rise would result in severe consequences such as extreme sea level rise, devastating droughts, powerful storms, and wildfires. The current national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, would only limit the global temperature increase to 2.4 degrees Celsius. A draft released by the United Nations on Saturday urged for a phase-out of coal power and a reduction in government subsidies for oil, coal, and gas. Previous UN climate conferences have not specifically addressed the negative impact of fossil fuels on the climate. | 1 |
In Copenhagen, environment ministers worked on bridging the gap between wealthy and developing countries before the approaching deadline for a global agreement on addressing climate change. Yvo de Boer, leader of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, pointed out a disagreement between major greenhouse gas emitters China and the United States, expressing his wish for all countries to increase their efforts in the negotiations. "China is urging the United States to take further action. The United States is urging China to do the same. I hope that in the upcoming days, all nations will encourage each other to do more," he stated. The ministers were engaging in informal discussions during a one-day break in the December 7-18 meeting with 190 nations. This meeting will end in a summit of world leaders on Thursday and Friday, with US President Barack Obama participating. Danish Minister Connie Hedegaard stated to reporters that although there are numerous challenges and unresolved issues, there is a political will among ministers. The discussions involve representatives from both wealthy and developing nations who have been debating over the responsibilities for emissions reductions, the extent of these reductions, and who should provide funding for them. Countries like China and India are calling for the industrialized world to make more substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and provide financial assistance to help poorer nations transition to a more environmentally friendly economy and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh expressed optimism about reaching a fair agreement in Copenhagen if there is trust, courage, and conviction among all parties. Wealthier nations argue that developing countries need to limit their carbon emissions to avoid dangerous levels of global warming. China is aiming to reach a solid agreement before Premier Wen Jiabao attends the summit with other world leaders. Senior Chinese envoy Su Wei stated on Saturday that the leaders are expected to come and celebrate the positive outcome of the talks. On Sunday, Archbishop Desmond Tutu delivered thousands of signatures calling for climate action to the UN's de Boer. A church service with a sermon by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and attended by Danish royalty was planned at Copenhagen's Cathedral, followed by a global "bell ringing for the climate." Police have released all but 13 of the nearly 1,000 individuals detained after a peaceful march on Saturday, which turned violent in the evening when demonstrators damaged property and set fire to cars. Some individuals who were detained claimed that they were unjustly held and mistreated by the police. Hana Nelson, a 24-year-old student from Halifax, Canada, who was released without charges, stated, "They arrested us without cause. We were all peaceful." | 1 |
During the meeting on December 6, Secretary Bilateral and Consular of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kamrul Ahsan and Director General of Foreign Policy of Portuguese Foreign Ministry Pedro Sanchez Da Costa Pereira led their respective sides. They both agreed to enhance cooperation in order to strengthen and broaden bilateral relations. The discussions included topics such as trade and investment, power and energy (with a focus on renewable energy), blue economy and maritime resources, tourism and culture, employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers, regional and international issues like Brexit, Rohingya crisis, climate change, and other mutual concerns. Portugal praised Bangladesh for its socio-economic development and commended its humanitarian efforts in hosting Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Portugal also expressed interest in participating in future projects, especially in infrastructure, ICT, power, and renewable energy sectors. The two parties have decided to engage in frequent political discussions and regularly exchange visits at all levels, including political, business, civil society, and people's groups, in order to enhance their relationship. | 1 |
The foreign minister stated that Bangladesh is currently viewed as a role model for managing natural disasters, and the prime minister is aiming to increase these efforts. He emphasized that Bangladesh cannot tackle disasters alone and is open to collaborating with organizations like BIMSTEC, SAARC, Delta Coalition, Climate Vulnerable Forum, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Bangladesh is recognized globally for its advocacy on climate issues. The foreign minister made these remarks at the 2019 Thematic Meeting of PDD in Dhaka, which was attended by high-level delegations and experts. Displacement caused by slow or sudden disasters is a widespread issue globally, exacerbated by unpredictable climate change and environmental degradation. Momen recounted stories from Bangladesh, where a rickshaw puller from Sylhet had to relocate to the Southern coastal area of Barisal due to the erosion of his farmland by rivers. This forced him to move to a higher plain with his family for safety, struggling to make a living. He is not alone in this situation, as a significant portion of Dhaka's 19 million residents have been displaced due to climate change impacts, such as washed away homes and insufficient land for livelihoods. The World Bank warns that a one-meter rise in sea level could displace 25 to 30 million people in Bangladesh's coastal regions. Momen inquired about the destination for climate change migrants, noting Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina implemented measures to address climate change, such as adopting a Climate Change Strategies & Action Plan in 2009 and involving communities. Additionally, Bangladesh trained 60,000 volunteers, built 3,800 cyclone shelters, increased embankments in coastal areas, and provided irrigation in 80 percent of cultivable areas. He also mentioned that Bangladesh has developed flood-resistant and salinity-resilient crops to adapt to and cope with climate change. The country has also implemented a 100-year Delta Plan to address climate challenges, which is estimated to cost an additional 2.5 percent of GDP annually and $29.6 billion by 2031. The foreign minister highlighted the prime minister's efforts in implementing various mitigation strategies, resulting in a minimal greenhouse gas emission of less than 0.03 percent in Bangladesh. Despite being a developing country, Bangladesh has dedicated a significant amount of its own resources to climate funds, including establishing two climate funds and launching river dredging and afforestation projects. Regrettably, the recent arrival of around 1.2 million Rohingyas from Myanmar is depleting our forests and causing environmental devastation. | 1 |
The former Democratic vice president has disregarded the Republican incumbent's unlikely challenge to his win, announcing Ron Klain as White House chief of staff, marking his first major appointment. With record-breaking daily coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the US, the focus of the presidential transition will be on the pandemic's response, which has worsened since the election on Nov. 3. Trump will remain in office until Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20, with foreign allies congratulating Biden. The Elders, a group of prominent former world leaders chaired by Mary Robinson, have urged Trump to accept defeat, concerned about the impact on American democracy. Attention will now likely turn to Biden's choices for Cabinet positions, although there have been few hints from aides about when announcements will be made. Antony Blinken, a diplomat and longtime confidant, is considered a potential candidate for secretary of state or national security adviser. The treasury secretary will need to address challenges such as a recession, joblessness, wealth inequality, and climate change. Klain, who previously served as Democratic President Barack Obama's "Ebola czar," is expected to play a key role in the Biden administration's response to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Biden is bringing in Klain, a trusted and experienced operative who also worked as Democratic Vice President Al Gore's top aide during Bill Clinton's administration. Gore praised his high level of knowledge and well-grounded advice in various aspects, including policy, arguments, and political and justice contexts, in an interview with Reuters. The United States broke records again on Wednesday with over 142,000 new coronavirus cases and nearly 65,000 hospitalizations. The death toll increased by 1,464, nearing levels seen during the first wave earlier this year. Biden has secured enough battleground states to surpass the 270 electoral votes needed in the Electoral College, as well as leading in the popular vote by over 5.2 million votes and 3.4 percentage points, with some states still counting ballots. Since major news organizations declared Biden as the winner of the election on Saturday, Trump has kept a light public schedule, choosing to express his grievances on Twitter instead. He has not addressed the increasing number of COVID-19 cases nationwide. Trump is focusing on overturning the election results in closely contested states without providing any evidence of irregularities that could impact the outcome, receiving skepticism from judges. His team is busy raising funds for legal challenges, with donations over $8,000 going towards election challenges, while smaller donations go to the Republican National Committee or a newly formed political action committee for other purposes like travel expenses or political campaigns. The Democrats have accused Trump of trying to erode public confidence in the US election system and invalidate Biden's win. Throughout his nearly four years in office, Trump has caused political divisions and broken democratic norms. According to Edison Research, Biden has secured 279 electoral votes. Although some news outlets have already added Arizona's 11 electoral votes to Biden's total, Edison Research has not yet declared the traditionally Republican state for the Democrat, who is currently leading by a 0.3 percentage point margin. Results in Georgia, another historically Republican stronghold with 16 electoral votes, also show Biden in the lead by 0.3 percentage points. In order for Trump to stay in office, he would have to win Arizona and Georgia, as well as reverse the results in one or more states where Biden is currently ahead, before the Electoral College vote on December 14th. This is seen as a very improbable scenario. Trump mentioned on Twitter that if they can audit all the votes, he believes they would also win Arizona. However, Arizona's Secretary of State, Katie Hobbs, stated that the margin of victory was not small enough to warrant a recount. With around 25,000 ballots still left to count, Trump would need to win 65 percent of the remaining votes in order to surpass Biden's lead. Hobbs told CNN on Thursday that there is a possibility of a recount happening, but he believes it is unlikely. Georgia has opted to conduct a manual recount of its votes. Despite this decision, Georgia's Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, expressed doubt that many errors would be discovered from the initial machine count. Raffensperger assured Fox News Channel on Thursday that regardless of the outcome, the recount will be accurate and provide a clear understanding of the vote totals. | 1 |
US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping joined forces on Monday with other nations to emphasize the importance of reaching an agreement to slow the increase in global temperatures, which is causing floods, heat waves, and rising sea levels. However, as the leaders departed from Paris, negotiators from 195 countries were left to hash out a draft text exceeding 50 pages which still contained unresolved disagreements. The primary issue at hand is how to generate the necessary billions of dollars to fund cleaner energy sources crucial for the development of emerging countries without heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Despite the challenges, many delegates viewed the large turnout at the UN climate summit in Paris as a hopeful sign, especially following the failure of the previous summit in Copenhagen in 2009. French President Francois Hollande expressed optimism for the ongoing talks scheduled to continue until December. "It started off well, but it also needs to reach its destination," he informed the reporters. He mentioned that there were two obstacles: either the vessel will sink if overloaded, or it will not move if emptied. The technical discussions did not echo the extravagant language used on Monday. Countries reaffirmed their stances in negotiations, with little indication of potential compromise. China's representative Su Wei expressed concern over the wealthy nations' lack of dedication to making significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and providing financial assistance to developing countries in addressing global warming. Alden Meyer of the Union of Concerned Scientists described the discussions as getting down to the essential details, noting that while the opening day went well, critical issues remained unresolved. Peruvian Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar Vidal stated that the draft agreement still offered various choices, but all parties demonstrated their commitment to reaching an agreement. Positive developments included India and France's pledge to raise $1 trillion for solar power initiatives for impoverished communities and a private sector initiative spearheaded by Bill Gates to secure substantial funding for new energy research and development. Yvo de Boer, the former UN climate chief in Copenhagen, stated that leaders are still affected by the memories of the Copenhagen summit. He noted that the presence of many leaders on the opening day of the Paris summit shows their commitment to taking action. A potential agreement in Paris would be the most robust yet in terms of binding both wealthy and developing nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are causing global warming. Liz Gallagher from the E3G environmental think-tank believes that the opening day of the summit has increased the likelihood of reaching an agreement, but identified climate finance as a major point of contention. Developing countries are calling for wealthier nations to commit to increasing their financial contributions beyond the current target of $100 billion annually by 2020 in order to support their transition to clean energy sources and adaptation to the impacts of climate change. Disputes also exist over establishing a long-term plan for phasing out fossil fuels. The G7 nations recently agreed to a goal of decarbonizing the global economy by 2100, but China and India argue that they still need to utilize coal to alleviate poverty and prefer a gradual shift towards low-carbon development. Despite pledges from approximately 170 countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions post-2020, these commitments are deemed insufficient to prevent global temperatures from increasing beyond 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This is commonly seen as a point at which significant and possibly disastrous alterations in the Earth's climate system could occur. | 1 |
Bankrolled by Russian owner Roman Abramovich, Mourinho led Chelsea to back-to-back league titles in 2005 and 2006 during his previous tenure with the English Premier League club. However, with the changing financial landscape and Uefa's push for clubs to adhere to Financial Fair Play regulations, Mourinho emphasized the importance of making strategic decisions to ensure the club's long-term success. He stressed the need for closer collaboration with the board on financial matters, as well as a different approach to player recruitment and development. Chelsea's recent signing of Andre Schuerrle for a reported £18 million marked their first acquisition since Mourinho's return, as the club aims to maintain stability and secure qualification for the lucrative Champions League. | 1 |
The election results on Tuesday marked a significant change, as Shahana Hanif, a former City Council employee, emerged victorious in a Brooklyn district encompassing Park Slope, Kensington, and parts of central Brooklyn. Hanif, who is of Bangladeshi American descent, made history as the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Council, despite the city's 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 a statement on Tuesday, acknowledging her groundbreaking achievement as the first Muslim woman and woman of any faith to represent District 39. She mentioned the support of volunteers and endorsements from the community and progressive groups, such as the left-leaning Working Families Party. She expressed the goal of creating an inclusive and equitable city that protects its most vulnerable, provides fair education, prioritizes local climate solutions, ensures immigrant neighbors feel welcomed and safe. She emphasized the importance of continued community involvement beyond the election. In the upcoming year, the City Council will have its first openly gay Black women members, Kristin Richardson Jordan in Harlem and Crystal Hudson in Brooklyn. Other LGBTQ candidates, like Tiffany Cabán in Queens, also secured victories. Chi Ossé in Brooklyn and Erik Bottcher in Manhattan have both won their elections without any competition. Lynn Schulman is likely to win a seat in Queens. These candidates are part of a larger trend in New York City Council, which is expected to be almost as diverse as the city itself next year. Over 25 women are set to hold the majority of seats in the Council for the first time. | 1 |
President Barack Obama urged the world to take immediate action to combat global warming during a special U.N. summit, but did not introduce any new proposals to revive stalled discussions on a UN climate agreement. Chinese President Hu Jintau also committed to reducing the carbon intensity of China's economic growth in his address following Obama's. Obama emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that failure to address the issue swiftly and decisively could lead to irreversible consequences for future generations. He stressed that time was running out to reverse the effects of global warming. Activists were optimistic that the United States and China would provide a boost before the climate change summit in Copenhagen, where 190 nations will convene to finalize an agreement. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who organized the meeting, expressed concern over the slow progress in negotiations. Ban stressed the importance of reaching a comprehensive agreement in Copenhagen, warning that failure to do so would be morally unacceptable, economically foolish, and politically unwise. He emphasized the interconnectedness of global issues and the need for collective action. Discussions leading up to the December 7-18 meeting have caused tension between developed and developing countries regarding how to allocate emissions reductions. Developing nations are urging developed countries to provide significant financial assistance to help them address the impacts of climate change. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed concern that the talks are close to a standstill and could collapse in a contentious manner. Obama and Hu, scheduled to meet separately after the summit, could potentially help resolve the deadlock. If China were to take a proactive stance in reducing emissions, it could ease criticism from U.S. lawmakers hesitant to commit to emission cuts without assurance of Chinese cooperation. Obama's efforts to decrease U.S. emissions through legislation have been less prominent than his focus on healthcare reform. However, he stated in a speech that the United States has made more progress in the past eight months in reducing carbon pollution than ever before. | 1 |
Despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's congratulations to Trump on his election and his promise to collaborate with him on trade and international security, the media has described the victory as a 'stunning upset'. A commentator from the Globe and Mail, a prominent daily in Toronto, noted that the election results have disrupted the traditionally stable Canada-US relations. The focus of Trump's campaign on strengthening borders in various aspects such as trade, immigration, and security has raised concerns for Canada, which relies heavily on cross-border dealings. The commentator pointed out that Canada is facing potential challenges due to Donald Trump's promise to undo many agreements that Canada has worked hard to establish. Despite Canada's efforts to mitigate the threat of protectionist US actions through free-trade agreements, Trump has vowed to dismantle NAFTA. Canada is the largest trading partner of the US, with over 75 percent of its goods and services being exported to the US. Canada shares approximately 4,000 miles of territorial boundary with America, excluding Alaska. A potential NAFTA termination would have negative consequences for the Canadian economy. During his campaign, Trump focused on the idea of stricter border control, which could lead to slower traffic and trade, something Canada cannot afford. Trump promised to bring back jobs to various states and criticized NAFTA as a "disaster" that he would consider renegotiating or breaking. However, many economists and analysts believe that the protectionist rhetoric in the US election may not necessarily translate to the same policies once in office. In addition to criticizing NAFTA, Trump has also raised concerns about NATO and suggested that allies should contribute more towards US protection. Canadian officials are reportedly preparing for potential challenges ahead as the shockwaves of the election outcome continue to be felt. Experts anticipate that there will be significant changes in various areas such as economics, trade, environment, security, defense, and international relations under the new US administration. Prime Minister Trudeau is continuing to push for climate-change policies aimed at reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, but the presence of President Trump in power may make it more difficult for him to gain support for these policies in Canada. Trudeau refrained from criticizing Trump during the election campaign, likely in an effort to prioritize Canada's interests and foster a strong relationship between the two countries. Despite challenges posed by Trump's "America First" stance, there are still areas of cooperation such as cross-border security arrangements and NORAD, a military air defence alliance. However, it remains to be seen how successful Trudeau will be in advancing the Canadian agenda under a protectionist US president like Trump, leading to questions about whether Trump poses a new dilemma for the Canadian PM. It will require some time before we receive the answer. | 1 |
During a meeting with Bangladesh journalists, Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali announced that they would reconvene after an official dinner, marking an unprecedented event in SAARC foreign ministers-level discussions. The focus was on signing an energy cooperation deal, despite Pakistan's reluctance to sign road and railway connectivity agreements. The signing would symbolize a commitment to connectivity, although past promises like implementing a South Asian free trade regime have not been fulfilled. The upcoming summit, themed 'Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity', will be closely monitored, especially after India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed a desire to strengthen relations with SAARC countries. Bangladesh emphasized the need for timely implementation of regional projects during the meeting, which also covered various other topics such as poverty reduction, climate change, and combating terrorism. The ministers discussed launching new initiatives and reports, as well as making the SAARC food bank operational without a threshold limit for members. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of the South Asian University in New Delhi and recognized the South Asian Women Development Forum as a SAARC body. The meeting concluded with a decision to continue the moratorium on accepting new SAARC observers. | 1 |
The top diplomats of Pakistan and India met in Islamabad on Thursday and discussed their joint resolve against militant extremism. They hinted at the possibility of more comprehensive discussions in the future. This was the second meeting in four months between Foreign Secretaries Salman Bashir and Nirupama Rao of Pakistan and India, respectively. Their last meeting in New Delhi was seen as achieving little progress following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. However, both sides described their recent talks as cordial, sincere, and earnest, paving the way for a more comprehensive dialogue and signaling a potential thaw in relations. Rao emphasized the importance of working together to combat terrorism and prevent it from affecting the improvement of relations between the two countries. The issue of security is a top concern for India when it comes to Pakistan, as New Delhi believes Islamabad is backing militant groups to gain control of Kashmir and counter Indian influence in Afghanistan. India has made it clear that addressing militant groups like LeT, responsible for the Mumbai attack, is a prerequisite for resuming talks on various disputes. Despite India's stance, Pakistan has been hesitant to take action against LeT's leader, Hafiz Saeed. There are indications that India may be more open to dialogue in the future, as hinted by Rao. "There was a significant amount of introspection," she commented. "The 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 meeting, I am feeling more hopeful and positive about a positive result at the ministerial level and the potential for a strong relationship between the two countries," Bashir stated. Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani of Pakistan and Prime Minister Monmohan Singh of India came together in Bhutan in April during a regional summit, aiming to kickstart discussions between the two nations who possess nuclear weapons. The Mumbai attack caused a strain in relations and hindered efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan. The two prime ministers have instructed their foreign ministers and secretaries to meet promptly to rebuild trust and continue the dialogue. Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi noted a positive shift in the climate of talks and mentioned that both sides were surprised by the progress in the dialogue. The recent meeting was a positive move and reflected a positive attitude. However, concerns remain that internal issues may prevent the necessary compromises for progress. There is a fear that a potential militant attack in India could disrupt the dialogue and put pressure on the government to halt talks. India's Intelligence Bureau issued a warning about a potential attack, with local media reports suggesting it was intended to derail negotiations. Onkar Kedia, a spokesperson for the Home Ministry, confirmed to Reuters via telephone that a terror alert has been issued by the Intelligence Bureau. | 1 |
Business leaders worldwide praised President George W. Bush for recognizing climate change as a significant issue and urged for long-term emissions standards to aid in their planning. Despite not endorsing mandatory caps on carbon gases, Bush supported the development of 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 regulations to be implemented. Duke Energy CEO James Rogers emphasized the importance of future regulations for current investment decisions, noting that power plants built now will be in use for the next 50 years. Rogers stated that they are actively working to be prepared for a new regulatory regime, rather than waiting on the sidelines. Alain Belda, Alcoa's CEO, agreed that it is not sustainable for individual states like California to dictate the American climate change agenda. Belda emphasized the need for a unified standard across the country, which could help companies reduce the risks associated with adopting costly emissions-cutting technologies. He also mentioned that strong leadership from the United States, a major source of greenhouse gases, could motivate less affluent 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 positive indication that attitudes toward climate change in the U.S. are evolving. Former German environment minister Juergen Trittin also expressed optimism that the speech could enhance transatlantic cooperation in combating climate change. However, some critics viewed the speech as insufficient and overdue. Renewable energy expert Sven Teske of Greenpeace criticized the lack of a comprehensive plan and described the speech as a collection of technical suggestions without a real policy shift. Diane Wittenberg of the California Climate Registry, an organization that assists companies in monitoring their emissions, labeled the Bush speech as disappointing. "He fell behind early on and never caught up," she stated, pointing out that the 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 on the winning side," she explained. A recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers at Davos revealed that 40 percent of 1,100 global chief executives are worried about the risks posed by climate change, with only 18 percent expressing the same concern in the United States. Mark Spelman, head of European strategy at Accenture, stated that the increased focus on environmental issues by corporations is partly a PR tactic to attract eco-conscious consumers, but also reflects strategic planning for future energy costs. "Forward-thinking CEOs understand that carbon prices will rise in the future, impacting long-term profitability, so staying ahead of the curve will benefit the company in the long run," Spelman explained. Some people view the transition to a cleaner, low-carbon economy as a chance for business opportunities. Citigroup has identified 74 companies that could benefit from a shift towards a more environmentally friendly global economy, such as clean energy firms, water utilities, and automakers. | 1 |
An increase in anti-Western rhetoric is not expected to deter foreign investors from Libya because Muammar Gaddafi has assured that his political beliefs will not hinder economic reform. Gaddafi criticized Western corporate "colonialism" in speeches commemorating the 30th anniversary of his state of the masses Jamahiriyah system, which prohibits elections and political parties. This criticism is seen as an attempt to appease hardline aides concerned about being marginalized by economic liberalization, and may also indicate Libya's dissatisfaction with what it perceives as insufficient recognition from the West for giving up its weapons of mass destruction program in 2003. However, analysts believe that despite being sincere, Gaddafi's views will not jeopardize the pro-business reforms he has introduced in the OPEC member country known for its oil and gas exports. Gaddafi has consistently expressed his disapproval of the Western economic order, but acknowledges that Libya must cooperate with it to avoid economic collapse. Analysts believe that his speeches are primarily meant for domestic audiences, as oil companies continue to operate without being deterred by his rhetoric. According to Monica Enfield of PFC Energy consultants, Gaddafi's behavior is seen as eccentric. Western companies may have concerns, but Gaddafi warned that Libyans will be prepared to defend against any attempts by Western oil companies to manipulate their government. Gaddafi stated that any attempts to colonize Libya will be met with resistance, as evidenced by the willingness of American companies to support a puppet ruler in exchange for oil profits. "Why not?" Analysts believe that influential revolutionary committees may be offered millions in order to gain billions. The speeches are targeted towards those who fear losing their place in a new Libya that is becoming more open to the world. The committees of Gaddafi supporters are responsible for promoting attendance at grassroots congresses and ensuring loyalty to his no-party ideology. However, some committee members have benefited financially from their connections to the state, and they may view a more transparent business environment as a challenge. "He is appealing to the original supporters who rose to power with him," explained Mansour el-Kikhia, a Libyan political expert at the University of Texas. "These loyalists fear that any change in his stance could impact them, so he must reassure them of their continued importance." Ashour Shamis, an experienced Libyan commentator based in the UK, suggested that Gaddafi's statements should be understood within the framework of a debate over economic reform, with both sides unsure of his allegiance. He is attempting to reassure the committees by suggesting that there may be some upcoming changes, but they will not impact the main structure of the system. Some believe that the increasing business connections with the West signal that the reformists are gaining momentum. A group of leading 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 by the positive and productive discussions we had with the government," said David Goldwyn, director of the association. In February, Ahmed Fituri, head of Libya's foreign ministry's Americas department, became the highest-ranking official to visit Washington since the 2003 announcement. Rex Tillerson, the chairman of Exxon Mobil, the world's largest publicly listed oil company, visited Tripoli in February to participate in the signing of an energy exploration agreement. Claire Spencer from Britain's Royal Institute of International Affairs suggested that the speeches given during the visit may have been a way to show that Libya still requires attention and remains significant. She mentioned that Libya feels neglected since the weapons of mass destruction incident in 2003 and believes that the US may think it has already dealt with the country. Spencer also noted that Libya sees attention being drawn to Iran and Venezuela due to their provocative rhetoric. The United States lifted a trade embargo on Libya in 2004 and reestablished diplomatic relations in 2006. The two parties have disagreed on Libyan payments to compensate the families of those who died in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland, which was connected to Libyan agents and resulted in the deaths of 270 people. Some relatives of the victims believe that Tripoli has not finished making restitution payments. | 1 |
Rescuers are searching for over 800 individuals who went missing in the southern Philippines due to flash floods and landslides. The disasters swept houses into rivers and out to sea, resulting in the deaths of more than 650 people in areas that were not well-prepared for such storms. The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan on Mindanao island were severely affected by Typhoon Washi, which hit while residents were asleep, causing water and mud to rush through villages and leave mountainsides bare. The Philippine National Red Cross reported that 652 people were killed in eight provinces in the southern Mindanao region, and over 800 are still missing. Gwendolyn Pang, the secretary-general of the PNRC, stated that their office received numerous requests for help in locating missing relatives, and they are working with local government, army, police, and other aid agencies to coordinate search efforts. Floods swept away entire homes with families inside in numerous coastal villages in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Mayor Vicente Emano expressed that this was an unprecedented event for their city in a radio interview. He mentioned that local officials were not given sufficient warning before the typhoon hit. The state disaster agency, however, stated that proper warnings were issued to both officials and residents three days prior to the typhoon's arrival on Friday. Soldiers were working to construct coffins as bodies continued to accumulate, posing challenges for disaster and health authorities. Some bodies were piled on top of each other in mortuaries that did not have enough staff to handle the large number of dead. Vice President Jejomar Binay witnessed bloated bodies of women and children, numbering at least 100, during his visit to the severely affected areas in Cagayan de Oro. Binay provided food aid and ordered the relocation of families living in dangerous areas. Brigadier General Roland Amarille, leading an army task force in Iligan, mentioned that soldiers were tasked with retrieving bodies and constructing coffins. Amarille expressed the need for body bags and lime to prevent the spread of disease due to the high number of corpses. He mentioned that local mortuaries are no longer accepting bodies and are urging people to bury the dead immediately due to the overwhelming number of corpses, some even being stored in hallways. The majority of the deceased were from a slum area on an island between two rivers in Iligan, where approximately 70 percent of homes were swept into the sea. Mindanao, the southernmost island in the Philippines known for its minerals, rice, and corn production, typically does not experience the average 20 typhoons that hit the country each year. "This presents challenges for us ... We must educate the public about the changing climate," Pang added. The amount of rain that typically falls in a month occurred within a single day. A cargo ship rescued Carmelita Pulosan, along with her family members and neighbors, after they were stranded on top of their tin roof when floodwaters swept through their village. Pulosan, a resident of Cagayan de Oro, told Reuters that her family ended up in the river and were carried out to sea by a strong current. She expressed gratitude to God for saving them, as only one 3-storey building remained standing in their village. Red Cross representative Pang stated that both officials and residents were caught off guard by the large amount of water flowing from the mountains into the river systems, as the area is not typically affected by typhoons. She mentioned that Cagayan de Oro had not seen significant floods since 2009, with minimal damage and no casualties. Many residents returned to find their homes destroyed in the aftermath. Hillary Clinton, the U.S. Secretary of State, expressed readiness to assist the Philippines, a key ally. The Chinese embassy announced a $10,000 donation to aid in relief efforts. Washi, which has been weakened to a tropical storm with wind speeds reaching up to 80 km per hour (50 miles per hour), was located approximately 60 km (40 miles) west of the southwestern city of Puerto Princesa. It is forecasted to exit Philippine waters by late Sunday. | 1 |
An African Union summit began on Monday with Sudan facing criticism for its desire to assume the chairmanship despite ongoing violence in Darfur. Sudan is determined to take on the role, despite opposition from rights organizations and Western governments due to the atrocities in Darfur. Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol believes that responsible AU leaders will not be swayed by external pressure, as the chairmanship was promised to President Omar al-Bashir a year ago, despite concerns over the violence in Darfur. Critics argue that rather than decreasing, the violence in the past year has actually intensified, with government-supported Arab militias being responsible for the deaths of thousands. Sudan's President, Bashir, has consistently prevented the deployment of UN peacekeepers to assist the African Union's military mission in Darfur, which currently consists of 7,000 soldiers and monitors. During the summit's opening speech, the AU's top diplomat, Alpha Oumar Konare, accused Sudan of targeting civilians in Darfur. Amnesty International warned that the AU would lose credibility if it elected Bashir as chairman while human rights violations continued in Darfur. Chad has threatened to leave the AU if Sudan's President Bashir is elected as chair, due to strained relations following the Darfur conflict. Egyptian Foreign Minister expects a struggle over Sudan's candidacy but believes the decision should be implemented unless the summit decides otherwise. Nigerian President is optimistic that a solution to the chairmanship issue will be easier to reach this year compared to last year. Diplomats stated that there has been no final decision made yet. Efforts are being made to endorse Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as a potential option instead of Bashir. Western governments are reportedly advocating for Kikwete. British Africa minister David Triesman emphasized the importance of the African Union's success in international relations and urged careful consideration of decisions before the summit. A committee of seven esteemed individuals, which includes Obasanjo, will be addressing the Sudan issue on Monday during the AU summit in Addis Ababa. They will then present their recommendations to the full summit. The meeting will also cover topics such as raising a peacekeeping force for Somalia, addressing unrest in Guinea, discussing climate change, and reviewing the AU military mission in Darfur. However, the focus is expected to be on Sudan, as there is growing opposition to the country among AU governments. One African delegate expressed concerns about asking a country dealing with internal conflict to address all the other issues on the continent, but reassured that leaders are considering this factor and will find a solution. | 1 |
Australia's two main political parties are trying to attract independent lawmakers following an inconclusive election that resulted in the nation's first hung parliament since 1940. Financial markets are expected to experience a sell-off when trading resumes on Monday, as both the Labor party and the opposition struggle to secure a majority. The uncertainty surrounding the election outcome is likely to have a negative impact on the Australian dollar and shares, with economist Craig James warning of potential market volatility. With 78 percent of votes counted, a hung parliament appears to be the most likely outcome, leading to the possibility of a minority government either led by conservatives with the support of rural independents or by Labor with the backing of Green MPs. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has expressed openness to discussing policies with the diverse group of lawmakers in order to form a government. Gillard stated that she aims to negotiate in a sincere manner to establish a successful government, emphasizing that her Labor party is more capable of providing stable leadership due to winning more votes than the conservatives. Similarly, Abbott also met with some crossbench MPs and expressed his intention to be pragmatic while staying within the policy boundaries discussed during the election. Lawmakers from the Green party and two independent candidates elected in the recent election have a range of policy goals, including higher taxes, more transparency in government, and limiting banana imports. The Green party, expected to have a key role in the Senate, is focused on addressing climate change, while Labor and conservatives have differing views on carbon pricing. Greens leader Bob Brown has proposed a temporary carbon price before a full emissions trading scheme is implemented. Treasurer Wayne Swan has assured stability from the current caretaker government until a new administration is formed. He stated that Australia's economy is one of the strongest globally, with a secure financial system and top-notch regulators who have effectively served both political parties. UBS chief strategist David Cassidy mentioned that investors would prefer a minority conservative government over a Labor-Green coalition, as conservative leader Abbott has promised to eliminate Labor's proposed 30 percent mining tax. This tax has negatively impacted mining stocks like BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, as well as the Australian dollar. Cassidy predicted that there would be moderate selling in response to the uncertainty, stating that markets would not be comfortable with a Labor government supported by the Greens. Greens leader Brown met with Gillard, who had removed former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in a party coup in June, for initial discussions on Sunday. Brown later stated that no agreements were made, no policies were talked about, and no demands were put forward. He also expressed readiness to meet with Abbott, emphasizing the Greens' track record of responsibly working with larger parties to achieve positive outcomes in a balance of power situation. Election analysts predicted that both Gillard's Labor party and the conservative opposition would likely not have enough seats to govern independently, necessitating the support of four independents and a Green MP. One independent candidate, Andrew Wilkie, who leans towards Green and center-left policies and has a chance of winning a lower house seat, confirmed receiving a call from Gillard but did not reveal which major party he would support. Wilkie stated that he is open-minded and will back the party that can deliver stable and "ethical" governance. Another independent, Bob Katter, a maverick from the outback who wears a stetson hat, stated that he would back the party that he believes will prioritize the needs of rural communities and protect their rights to engage in activities such as fishing, camping, hunting, and shooting. Independent Tony Windsor was reported by local media as saying he would be open to discussions with any party once the final election results were determined. Some of these independent candidates hold protectionist views and are vocal about their concerns regarding Chinese investment in Australian resources. | 1 |
However, Trump's victory in the election could potentially give Moscow a valuable opportunity - the removal or reduction of Western sanctions. These sanctions were imposed by the US and the EU as a response to Moscow's actions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine in 2014. Removing these sanctions could attract more investment to Russia's struggling economy, which would help Putin address the budget deficits caused by low oil prices and sanctions. This could also boost Putin's chances of winning a fourth presidential term in 2018 by demonstrating economic growth. "The likelihood of sanctions being lifted on Russia has significantly increased," noted Charles Robertson, the global chief economist at Renaissance Capital. This change would create a more favorable investment environment for Russia. Russia's currency and stocks saw a boost following Trump's election win, while Ukraine's dollar-denominated bonds fell to multi-month lows due to concerns about how a Trump presidency will impact the country. The Kremlin had anticipated strained relations with a Clinton presidency, as she was seen as anti-Russian, but Trump was viewed more positively, with Putin calling him "very talented" and portrayed as a political maverick in Kremlin-backed media. Despite the disbelief of many in Moscow, a group of Trump-supporting nationalists gathered in a bar adorned with images of Putin, Trump, and Marine Le Pen before the election. When Trump's victory was confirmed, Russia's parliament cheered and Putin expressed readiness to mend ties with Washington. State TV aired a skit featuring a Russian lookalike of Trump teasing a defeated Clinton, and the head of RT, the Kremlin's English-language news channel, vowed to drive around Moscow with a US flag in celebration. However, Russia's excitement was tempered by the realization that Trump's campaign promises may not all come to fruition, and that significant differences between Moscow and Washington will persist, despite a friendly public demeanor between Trump and Putin. Additionally, Trump's efforts to lift sanctions on Russia could face opposition from Congress, which has shown little tolerance for the Kremlin's military actions. Executives from Western companies believe that the main barrier to making deals with Russia is not the sanctions themselves, but the fear of additional sanctions being imposed and the strict enforcement of existing sanctions. If a Trump administration were to indicate to businesses that it was taking a more lenient approach, investments could resume despite the sanctions remaining in place. A softer stance from the US could also undermine the determination of European countries to uphold sanctions. Some member states within the bloc have already begun to find ways to bypass the sanctions, while others are calling for discussions on moving forward. Additionally, certain business groups in countries like Germany are lobbying against the sanctions. Up until now, Washington has played a role in strengthening European unity on this issue. When Russia issued a Eurobond in May, several European banks opted out to avoid displeasing US financial regulators. Political analyst Masha Lipman believes that America's influence has kept Europe united on sanctions, but with Donald Trump as president, there may be potential changes that could benefit Russia. Putin is eager to have sanctions lifted to avoid negatively impacting his chances of re-election. Russia's central bank predicts economic growth of up to 1 percent next year, which is lower than what Russian households are accustomed to. After previous economic downturns, foreign lending and investment have driven recoveries. There are indications that the economy's struggles are affecting support for Putin, a trend that is expected to continue leading up to the Russian presidential election in 18 months. Analysts monitoring the Kremlin believe that even with potentially improved US relations under Trump, any agreements would involve tough negotiations. Russia is pushing for global acceptance of Crimea as part of its territory, with only a few countries recognizing it so far. Additionally, Russia wants Kiev to take more action to enforce a peace agreement in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists are in control. In Syria, Russia is assisting President Bashar al-Assad in a war through air strikes and military support. Russia is urging the West to abandon plans to change the government, cease support for what it deems as extremist groups, and stop discussing potential no-fly zones. There is a possibility of a trade-off, where Russia could make concessions on Syria in exchange for the United States giving ground on Ukraine and sanctions. According to Georgy Bovt, editor of Russkiy Mir magazine, Russia's main focus is Ukraine, and if the US indicates that it does not prioritize Ukraine, Russia would be satisfied. This could make it easier to negotiate a deal on Syria. I believe that Russia may be willing to compromise on Assad because Ukraine holds more importance for them. There has been a lot of discussion in both Russian and Western media about the similarities and differences between Putin and Trump, even though they have never met. Both leaders are known for their tough rhetoric, and some Russian politicians have speculated that they could develop a close working relationship similar to the one Putin had with former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Trump has mentioned the possibility of meeting Putin before he officially takes office, but Putin's spokesperson has stated that there are currently no plans for such a meeting. Individuals who are familiar with the leadership styles of both men cautioned that both Putin and Trump are sensitive to criticism. Andrey Kortunov, director general of the Russian International Affairs Council, expressed concerns to Reuters about Trump being an untested politician and unpredictable. Additionally, there were worries that Putin and Trump might have similar personalities as they are both seen as macho. Sergei Markov, a Kremlin-connected analyst, highlighted this issue to Reuters. "They could attempt to gauge each other's capabilities. We cannot allow that to occur." | 1 |
Italy's political deadlock and the possibility of an extended period of political uncertainty have caused concern throughout Europe, particularly in light of the recent tensions over bank deposits in Cyprus reigniting fears of a resurgence of the euro zone debt crisis. Center-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani, who won a majority in the lower house but not in the Senate, holds the largest bloc in parliament but cannot govern without support from another party. Despite efforts, no agreement seems likely with either Silvio Berlusconi's center-right alliance or the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement led by Beppe Grillo. If no resolution is reached, Italy may face a brief period with a caretaker government before going back to the polls, possibly as soon as June. Bersani is pushing for a limited package of reforms focused on fighting corruption and creating jobs, hoping to gain support from the 5-Star Movement. The country, already deep in recession, can't afford a prolonged political crisis given its high debt and unemployment rates. Despite this, cooperation among parties seems unlikely, with tensions escalating between them. Berlusconi has even proposed naming the next president in exchange for supporting a government led by Bersani, a suggestion that was swiftly rejected by the PD. The current political climate has only exacerbated hostilities among parties, with no clear path forward. | 1 |
Hogir Fathi, a 24-year-old fighter in the peshmerga forces of autonomous Kurdistan, was eagerly anticipating a visit home to his village when he was killed by a bomb on the frontline against Islamist militants. His father, Mehdi, also a peshmerga fighter, expressed pride in his son's sacrifice for an independent Kurdistan. The dream of an independent Kurdish state, long denied after World War One, seems closer as internal strife in Iraq raises the possibility of partition. The Kurds of Iraq have already seized the opportunity to expand their territory and have even called for a referendum on secession, despite potential economic and external pressures hindering their progress. Kurdistan Vice President Kosrat Rasul Ali, a veteran peshmerga commander, stated that all Kurdish people support independence, but it is important for leadership to carefully consider the timing. He emphasized that if the political climate is not favorable, it may be necessary to wait for years to avoid any misadventures. Several leaders echoed this caution, suggesting that the mere threat of secession has benefited the Kurds in negotiations with Shi'ites and Sunnis in post-Saddam politics. Despite facing hostility from Turkey and potential challenges from Iran, Iraqi Kurds, who predominantly identify as Sunni but prioritize their language and culture, already have significant autonomy, including their own armed forces and oil exports which has irked Baghdad. Turkey, once opposed to Kurdish independence due to its own Kurdish conflict, may now be more accepting, while Iran, supporting Shia parties in Baghdad, views Kurdish secession as a ploy to claim an unfair share of Iraq's resources. The competing interests of Iran and Turkey within Iraqi Kurdistan have led to tensions within Kurdish politics, with the KDP aligning more with Turkey and the PUK closer to Iran, each controlling separate territories and peshmerga units. A senior figure in the PUK warned that failure to maintain a balanced relationship between Iran and Turkey could have damaging consequences. The PUK, which is led by Iraq's President Jalal Talabani and Kurdistan Vice President Rasul, accused the KDP of collaborating with Turkey in a Sunni conspiracy to support the Islamic State. The United States is pressuring the Kurds to remain part of a unified Iraq, but Kurdish leaders may use this leverage to negotiate concessions, such as the ability to export oil independently. Despite financial challenges and the desire for independence, many Kurds are willing to work towards unity with Iraq to secure a better future. A practical Kurdish leadership may wait and observe how Iraq's other factions and their international supporters handle the Islamist attack before making any decisions. According to a Western diplomat familiar with Iraqi politics, the Kurds are currently in a favorable position, and pursuing independence could lead to more drawbacks than benefits. | 1 |
Democratic lawmaker Gary Ackerman commented this week that while the Obama administration may be dealing with issues in Afghanistan, the real threat lies in nuclear-armed Pakistan. In order to defeat al Qaeda, President Barack Obama must focus on Pakistan and its border with Afghanistan, which Obama referred to as the "epicenter" of violent extremism. Ackerman raised questions about the value of risking lives in Afghanistan when the true strategic prize is in Pakistan. Ex-CIA analyst Bruce Riedel added that getting Islamabad to cooperate in the fight against extremists is a challenge due to the complex political situation in Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari's government is in a precarious position and public opinion remains strongly against the United States, although less so than during the Bush administration. The pressure from the US is making Zardari's position even more tenuous, especially with the army and police. According to Riedel from the Brookings Institution, changing Pakistan's strategic behavior is a difficult and long-term task that won't happen quickly. The Pakistanis are feeling unsettled by the United States' actions in Afghanistan, as they have conflicting views on not wanting a surge of 30,000 more U.S. troops across the border while also being concerned that a quick withdrawal by Washington could further destabilize the region. Robert M. Hathaway, director of the Asia program at the Wilson Center, pointed out that Pakistan is hesitant to support American and NATO efforts in Afghanistan while also not wanting them to surge or leave. Congress and Democratic Senator John Kerry have been urging the Obama administration to put more pressure on Pakistan, citing the presence of al Qaeda in the country, its ties to the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the dangers of an unstable, nuclear-armed Pakistan. Senior US officials, including national security adviser James Jones, have been in discussions with Pakistan in recent weeks regarding the new Afghan strategy, with President Obama urging Islamabad to take more action. Obama has proposed a variety of incentives to Zardari, including increased intelligence sharing and military cooperation. Experts predict that there will be more CIA-operated drone strikes on suspected al Qaeda and Taliban targets as part of this new strategy. There have been nearly 50 drone strikes in northwestern border regions this year, resulting in approximately 415 deaths, many of whom were foreign militants. The United States has provided over $10 billion in military aid to Pakistan since 2001, with additional funds being rushed to the military in recent months. The Pakistani government has requested more F-16 fighter jets, as well as jets capable of operating at night. During the strategic review, Vice President Joe Biden advocated for a greater focus on Pakistan, including discussions about the possibility of conducting more "unilateral operations" within the country, a move considered risky by most experts. Hathaway stated that while there may be exceptional circumstances where limited operations could be necessary, continuous military actions in this manner would likely have negative repercussions. Nick Schmidle, a fellow at the New America Foundation, warned that any radical, unilateral actions, such as deploying special forces, would only serve to further alienate pro-Western factions in Pakistan. Schmidle also highlighted the long-standing trust issues between the United States and Pakistan, noting that even a proposed $7.5 billion non-military aid package has been met with skepticism, particularly from the Pakistani army, who believe it comes with too many stipulations. Democratic Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey stated that they do not appear to desire a strategic partnership. While they are interested in the financial and equipment benefits, they are not willing to invest in a relationship that requires significant effort. | 1 |
A senior State Department official stated that industrialized nations are increasing their efforts to assist countries affected by the Arab Spring in rebuilding their economies. The focus is on providing more access to international credit markets, investment, and trade. The G8 leaders' summit highlighted the need to stabilize the transition economies of Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia, in addition to addressing the economic crisis in the euro zone. The Deauville Partnership, involving global lenders like the IMF and World Bank, was established last year in response to the uprisings in these countries. While there have been political and economic advancements since the Arab Spring, financial conditions remain challenging, with a need for increased exports and foreign investment. The meeting aimed to provide political support to these countries and emphasize the importance of continued development. "Although there are changes happening, significant financial challenges remain and resources are still needed. The economic weaknesses in their major Mediterranean markets are not helping the situation," he said, referring to the euro zone economic crisis. To address this, the G8 has agreed to establish a capital markets access initiative to assist the five countries in accessing international capital markets on favorable terms to meet their financing needs and facilitate government investment in job-creating projects. Additionally, G8 donors will establish a transition fund to bolster government institutions crucial for economic development. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is also working to amend its charter to establish a $4 billion special fund for investment in the region over the next three years, according to Hormats. "We would like to have it completed within the next month or so, but definitely by September," he stated regarding the plans. Hormats mentioned that additional meetings regarding the Deauville Partnership would occur at a G20 leaders' summit in Mexico next month, on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York in September, and at October meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Tokyo. He expressed his intention to travel to Paris and Tunis in the coming days to promote more investment and trade opportunities. Despite budget limitations preventing the United States from providing new aid to the countries, Hormats noted that support could be extended through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and the Overseas Private Investment Corp. He also highlighted G8 efforts aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the countries to improve the business environment. This would facilitate the recovery of stolen assets through the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative, or StAR, led by the World Bank and United Nations, which involve funds hidden abroad by former high-ranking government officials." Political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa has led to economic challenges, prompting governments to invest heavily in job creation and combating rising costs to prevent further protests. The region has also been affected by the debt crisis in the euro zone, resulting in global economic uncertainty and reduced demand. Key revenue sources like tourism in countries like Tunisia and Egypt have suffered, and worker remittances have declined. Egypt is currently in negotiations with the IMF for a $3.2 billion loan, despite estimates suggesting the country needs around $15 billion in financing. The IMF has indicated it could provide up to $35 billion to support emerging Arab democracies. | 1 |
The parliamentary standing committee on the environment ministry has established a watchdog body to oversee the allocation of Tk 400 crore from the government to address the impacts of climate change. The sub-committee, led by Md Ekabbar Hossain MP, includes members Sohrab Ali Sana, Manaranjan Sheel Gopal, Md Golam Sabur, and Giasuddin Ahmed. Chairperson Abdul Momin Talukder stated that Tk 300 crore will be utilized by various ministries, while the remaining funds will be distributed among non-governmental organizations. Over 5000 NGOs have applied for funding under this climate change program. Talukder stated that the sub-committee's main focus is to monitor the allocation of funds in ministerial projects. However, their primary responsibility is to oversee the spending of money by NGOs. He mentioned that the sub-committee will present their initial report in the following two months. Talukder also mentioned that the standing committee had asked the home ministry to conduct a collaborative operation involving RAB and police to combat piracy in the country's forest regions. | 1 |
The German embassy stated that the new German ambassador, Holger Michael, met with President Zillur Rahman on Wednesday. In a letter of credence, German President Horst Kohler conveyed friendly greetings to the people of Bangladesh and emphasized the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Germany and Bangladesh. Ambassador Michael praised Bangladesh's progress in combating poverty and recognized the country's challenges, including climate change. He mentioned that Germany remains a significant development partner for Bangladesh and expressed optimism about enhanced trade and investment between the two countries. He stated that there is potential for further growth in trade and investment in both directions and emphasized their commitment to expanding trade links. The diplomat affirmed Germany's support for efforts to enhance democracy and human rights in Bangladesh and commended Bangladesh for its positive contributions to international politics. Michael expressed Germany's backing for Bangladesh's initiatives to enhance regional cooperation and stability in South Asia, as well as its involvement in UN peacekeeping missions and leadership role among the Least Developed Countries. Before being stationed in Dhaka, Michael held the position of head of Trade Promotion at the Federal Foreign Office. He also served as deputy head of mission in Bangkok and Hong Kong, and has worked in countries such as Korea, Nicaragua, and Turkey. | 1 |
His shiny leather shoes made a crunching sound as he walked on the dusty ground, which was littered with cobalt-laden rocks spilled by miners from nylon bags. Albert Yuma Mulimbi, a prominent figure in Congo and the chairman of a government agency that collaborates with international mining companies to exploit the nation's copper and cobalt reserves for use in combating global warming, was at the site. Yuma aims to transform Congo into a dependable cobalt supplier for electric vehicles and to improve its reputation by cracking down on the dangerous and exploitative practices in the mining industry. Despite his ambitions, Yuma is viewed as a problem by many in Congo and the United States. In his role as chairman of Gécamines, the state-owned mining company in Congo, he has been accused of participating in the diversion of billions of dollars in revenue. This information comes from confidential State Department legal documents obtained by The New York Times, as well as interviews with a number of current and former officials in both countries. High-ranking State Department officials have attempted to remove him from his position at the mining agency and have advocated for his inclusion on a sanctions list, alleging that he has used his position to benefit friends, family members, and political allies. Despite these accusations, Yuma denies any wrongdoing and is actively working to clear his name through lobbying efforts and legal strategies in both Washington and Kinshasa. Additionally, he is moving forward with plans to restructure cobalt mining operations. Yuma has established his own foreign policy network by hiring influential lobbyists, sending $1.5 million to a former White House official, providing the United States with intelligence on Russia and critical minerals, and making a visit to Trump Tower in New York. During his visit in 2018, Yuma met with Donald Trump Jr for a brief introductory meeting. Although he had significant access to high-level officials in the Trump administration, he was prohibited from entering the United States just two months later. His influence in the mining industry has created challenges for Congo in attracting new Western investors and maintaining its position in the clean energy revolution. Congo's vast mineral wealth, including cobalt, plays a crucial role in fueling this revolution by enabling the production of batteries that reduce overheating in electric cars and increase their range. However, due to the high price of cobalt and the dangerous working conditions in Congo, it has earned the nickname "the blood diamond of batteries." Automakers are now seeking alternative sources for cobalt in electric vehicles to avoid backlash from consumers, turning to countries with smaller cobalt reserves as potential suppliers. If Congo does not address human-rights violations in its mines, there is a risk that its role in the global economy could diminish. Yuma may strive to address the problems in Congo's mining industry, but this may not be sufficient for new American investors who seek reassurance that the country is actively combatting corruption. President Felix Tshisekedi has attempted to undermine Yuma by appointing his own people to Gécamines, but he has not taken further action against him. Tshisekedi stated during an interview in Kinshasa that he has his own plan to improve the mining conditions, asserting that the government will ultimately make the decisions, not Yuma. The conflict between Yuma and the president reflects power struggles that have plagued resource-rich African nations in the past. The outcome of this situation has significant implications beyond the continent, as the fight against climate change on a global scale requires a shift from gasoline-powered vehicles to battery-powered ones. For Congo, the crucial question is whether Yuma will help the country embrace the international push towards sustainability and prosperity, or contribute to further conflict and instability. Statues in a mining hub in Congo's Copperbelt depict the country's two mining economies: industrial and artisanal. High-tech, industrial mines operated by global corporations such as China Molybdenum employ a large number of workers in Congo's cobalt sector, and although they have their own issues, they are not primarily responsible for the country's negative reputation internationally. The artisanal sector, on the other hand, is a different story. Yuma intends to focus his proposed reforms on this sector, which is made up of regular adults with no formal training, and sometimes even children. Artisanal mining is largely unregulated and often involves individuals trespassing on land owned by industrial mines. Along the main highway that cuts through many of these mines, there are constant streams of diggers on motorbikes carrying bags of stolen cobalt, each valued at around $175, evading checkpoints by emerging from sunflower thickets. Due to a lack of other employment opportunities, many parents send their children to search for cobalt. A group of young boys were seen on a recent morning picking up rocks that had fallen off trucks on a road between two industrial mines. The area they were working in is known to be dangerous, with some children having lost their lives in makeshift mines where they climb deep into the earth through unstable tunnels. Kasulo, where Yuma is presenting his plans, is an example of the reckless mining practices that can be sparked by a gold-rush mentality. The mine, approved by Gécamines, consists of large holes in the ground that used to be a rural village until someone discovered cobalt deposits underneath a home. The finding caused excitement, leading to many individuals searching their yards. Currently, only a mango tree and some purple bougainvillea bushes remain from the village gardens. Tarps in orange, held down by worn ropes, prevent rainwater from filling the hand-dug shafts where workers mine cobalt. Georges Punga, a frequent visitor to the mine, began working in diamond mines at the age of 11 and is now 41 years old. Since then, he has been traveling throughout the country in search of treasures hidden in Congo's vast resources, starting with gold, then copper, and most recently, cobalt. One afternoon, Punga took a break from digging and pulled his dusty blue pants away from his sneakers, revealing scars on his shins from years of work-related injuries. Despite earning less than $10 per day, he manages to support his family and ensure his children stay in school instead of sending them to work in the mines. "If I could find another job, I would take it," he remarked. "I am exhausted from digging." Officials in Congo have initiated measures to address the reckless practices of miners, improve safety, and eradicate child labor, which is already illegal. One of the steps taken is the establishment of a subsidiary of Gécamines to oversee operations like at Kasulo, where miners will soon be required to wear protective gear, prohibit tunnelling, and regulate pit depths to prevent accidents. Payment methods will also be revamped to prevent fraud. Yuma, as the chair of the board of directors, is leading these reforms. With the increasing demand for cobalt, Western investors and mining companies in Congo have no choice but to collaborate with him, as small-scale mines, which contribute up to 30% of the country's output, become more crucial. After the cobalt is extracted from the mines, a new organization will purchase it from the miners and establish consistent pricing to ensure that the government can levy taxes on the sales. Yuma has a vision of creating a fund to provide financial assistance to workers in case cobalt prices decrease. Currently, miners typically sell the cobalt at a row of tin shacks stretching for a mile where the sound of sledgehammers breaking rocks overpowers all other sounds. At this location, international traders roughly evaluate the metal's quality before making a purchase, leading to complaints of deception from the miners. Yuma recently took journalists from the Times on a tour of Kasulo and a newly built warehouse and laboratory complex nearby, which is intended to replace the buying shacks. Yuma, who was described as walking around a new complex with pride, stated that cobalt is a crucial product during an economic transition. The International Energy Agency suggests addressing artisanal mining issues rather than completely avoiding Congo to prevent additional hardships for miners. Critics argue that Yuma's plans, apart from constructing new buildings, have not significantly improved conditions for miners. Some government officials question Yuma's leadership abilities, suspecting that his actions are more about personal gain than addressing issues such as child labor and work hazards in the cobalt trade. In Yuma's Gécamines office, bottles of Dom Pérignon were seen cooling beside him, while chunks of valuable metals and minerals from Congo's soil were displayed in glass. Before his interview with the Times, he drank an espresso while being surrounded by contemporary Congolese art from his personal collection. He stated that his lifestyle, which was on full display, was proof that he did not need to cheat or steal in order to succeed. Yuma, one of Congo's wealthiest businessmen, dismissed allegations of embezzling money from the government by pointing out that he was driving a BMW in Belgium at the age of 20. He acquired a prime piece of riverside real estate in Kinshasa where his family operates a textile business that produces military uniforms for the nation. Known for his constant extravagant presence, he is still remembered for his daughter's opulent 2019 wedding, which was reminiscent of a Las Vegas show with dancers in light-up costumes and large white giraffe statues as table centerpieces. He has been a member of Congo's central bank board and was recently reelected as president of the country's influential trade association, similar to the US Chamber of Commerce. The large mining agency he chairs was nationalized and renamed under President Mobutu Sese Seko after Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Gécamines, which used to have a monopoly on copper and cobalt mining, was once one of the top copper producers in the world during the 1980s. Jobs at Gécamines provided employees with a competitive salary, healthcare benefits, and education for their families. However, during Mobutu's 32-year rule, he misappropriated the company's funds for personal gain and to benefit his associates. This behavior continued with subsequent leaders, leading to a significant decline in production by the 1990s. The company failed to reinvest profits into operations, resulting in a debt of over $1 billion and the eventual layoff of half of its workforce. In order to survive, Gécamines underwent a restructuring, partnering with private investors, many of whom were foreign, with the agency holding a minority share. Yuma assumed control in 2010 with promises to restore Gécamines to its former status. However, according to anti-corruption organizations, mining profits began disappearing shortly after. The Carter Centre, a nonprofit organization, reported that approximately $750 million went missing from Gécamines' funds between 2011 and 2014, with some of the responsibility falling on Yuma. Among the beneficiaries of Gécamines' partnerships under Yuma was Dan Gertler, an Israeli billionaire involved in diamond trading. Gertler faced US sanctions for engaging in corrupt mining and oil deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars, as reported by the Treasury Department. An investigative report submitted to the State Department and Treasury, obtained by the Times, accused Yuma of nepotism and having financial interests in textile and food-importing businesses that received funding from a government agency he oversaw. He was also accused of favoring a mining contractor in which he had shares. US authorities suspected Yuma of using funds from the mining sector to support supporters of Joseph Kabila, the former president of Congo. The State Department's 2018 report on human rights in Congo highlighted suspicious financial transactions linked to Yuma, with research from the Carter Centre. Yuma claimed to have brought billions of dollars in revenue to the country and denied accusations of cheating Congo out of $8.8 billion. Yuma has aggressively fought back against watchdog groups and critics by accusing them of being "new colonialists" who conspired with mining companies to hinder his efforts to reform the industry. He believes that such actions have resulted in the Congolese population being subjected to a form of modern slavery. Yuma has sent a detailed 33-page document to the Times defending himself and highlighting the smear campaigns aimed at tarnishing his reputation and downplaying his significant role in reforming the country's mining policy. In 2018, Yuma spoke at the Atlantic Council in Washington, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with American companies to secure the US supply chain and develop mineral projects. Despite facing allegations of misusing the country's revenues, Yuma's team of lobbyists and lawyers, including Joseph Szlavik and Erich Ferrari, have been working to improve his image internationally and position him as a crucial figure in Congo's minerals and metals sector. Staying at the Four Seasons, he conducted meetings during two trips that spring with officials from the World Bank and the departments of Defence, Energy, and the Interior. He also visited New York, where he had a meeting with Donald Trump Jr. He was accompanied by Gentry Beach, a Texas hedge fund manager who was a major campaign fundraiser for the former president and a close friend and former business partner of Trump Jr. Beach has been attempting to secure a mining deal in Congo and had previously worked with Trump on a mining project there. Beach did not respond to requests for comment. Yuma downplayed the meeting with the president's son, stating that someone just wanted to introduce him to say hello. Trump claimed he could not remember the meeting. Yuma consistently emphasized that America required his assistance and he was prepared to provide it. He shared important information in Washington about Russia's attempts to obtain Congolese niobium, a durable metal used in fighter jet engines. Yuma stated he had prevented the sale to benefit the US, as reported by two American officials present at the meeting. Issues arose during one of the trips. One of his lobbying team members was warned by a State Department official that Yuma was under investigation for corruption by the United States and would face consequences. In June 2018, the State Department officially banned him from returning to the US, with a statement emphasizing the US government's commitment to fighting corruption. Although Yuma was not directly named in the statement, it was confirmed that he was one of the "several senior" officials from Congo mentioned. This action made Yuma realize he needed to strengthen his position even further. He planned to hire Herman Cohen, a former assistant secretary of state for African affairs under Bush, and George Denison, who had worked for President Gerald Ford. Joseph Gatt, a former Congolese airline and telephone executive living in Virginia and close to Yuma, also supported his cause by organizing meetings with lobbyists to advocate for Yuma's visit to the United States. Gatt described Yuma as a powerful figure and denied the allegations against him. Meanwhile, Yuma worked on improving his reputation in Congo by collaborating with the exiting president, Kabila, to become prime minister, according to State Department officials. A top US diplomat visited Yuma at his home in Kinshasa to express the United States' strong opposition to his plan. During the meeting, Yuma and the diplomat discussed political events in Congo, but tensions arose when the diplomat warned Yuma that his daughters studying in the US could be deported if he continued with Kabila's scheme. Despite the warning, Yuma remained determined and even enlisted the help of an aide to Rep Hank Johnson to arrange a visit to the US to discuss his work in Congo. The invitation was also extended to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, but the State Department rejected it, viewing it as an attempt to bypass the visa ban. Yuma continued to gather influencers to support his cause, including Denison who briefly joined the Washington lobbying team to help ensure Yuma's ability to travel to the US without facing legal consequences. State Department officials were considering placing Yuma on a sanctions list, which could potentially freeze his assets in international banks. The $3 million contract between the men did not specify the assignment, instead stating that Denison was to enhance the business climate in Congo. After receiving $1.5 million, Denison was instructed to transfer most of it to an associate of Yuma's, prompting concerns about potential involvement in money laundering. Denison hired a lawyer, resigned from the job, and returned all the funds, referring to Yuma as a "huge crook." Yuma did not provide a response to a question regarding the matter. Tshisekedi and Yuma, who are rival presidents, were seen walking near a large terraced canyon at one of Glencore's cobalt mines in the Copperbelt region, known for its mining industry. The outing in May was uncomfortable for the political adversaries. Tshisekedi, a former opposition member who won office in a disputed election in 2019, has received support from the Biden administration for his efforts in combating global warming. He has appeared alongside President Joe Biden at various international events, including meetings in Rome and Glasgow. In his hometown, Tshisekedi has declared his goal of establishing Congo as the global hub for strategic minerals. However, some Congolese and American officials believe that Yuma must be removed for this to become a reality. Despite efforts to pressure his removal, Yuma continues to hold significant sway, leaving the State Department puzzled. Yuma, who is widely recognized for his business acumen, carries on as usual with a team of aides who refer to him as President Yuma, reflecting his influence and aspirations in Congo. He discusses plans to add seven additional floors and a helipad to his office building in downtown Kinshasa. He even had a lobbyist locate Tshisekedi in New York during the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September to urge him to support Yuma. Yuma conducted a nationwide tour in Congo this year that resembled a political campaign, visiting every province with his first stop in Tshisekedi's hometown. During the visit, he met with a group of pineapple juice vendors and gave them $5,000 in cash to help their business get started. In an interview, he stated that he wants to demonstrate his support for others, similar to the president. Yuma hopes to be recognized for his efforts in attracting more US investors and believes that his reforms will have a positive impact. He expressed his friendship with America and his commitment to working in good faith to facilitate US investment in DRC, emphasizing his love for the country. My kids were studying at the university in that area. In the future, I hope people will recognize that I am a strong supporter of America and will continue to offer my assistance. If his success hinges on revamping the mining industry, the challenge will be significant. Throughout the day, a main highway lined with numerous industrial mines sees trucks carrying copper and chemicals for metal extraction. However, weaving among them are motorcycles carrying stolen cobalt, with one man driving and another acting as a lookout on top of large bags. | 1 |
US President Barack Obama acknowledged that disappointment over the results of the Copenhagen climate change summit was justified. He expressed that although the outcome was not ideal, it was better than a complete collapse of the conference. Other leaders, such as Sweden and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, criticized the accord as a disaster for the environment and flawed, respectively. The agreements reached at the summit did not meet the original goals to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming, as differences between wealthy nations and developing economies proved difficult to overcome during negotiations. Some people specifically blamed China for the lack of progress in agreeing to significant reductions in global emissions. British Environment Minister Ed Miliband accused China of sabotaging efforts, while Beijing accused London of trying to create division among developing countries on the issue of climate change. Although Obama did not accuse anyone directly, he mentioned that the Chinese delegation was not participating in negotiations until he intervened. Obama stated that when tensions were high and negotiations were on the verge of collapse, calmer heads ultimately prevailed. Obama reached an agreement with China, India, Brazil, and South Africa during the last hours of the conference after arranging a one-on-one meeting with the leaders of these nations. He mentioned that they were able to agree on non-binding targets for all countries, including China and India, which are expected to be the world's biggest emitters in the future. | 1 |
Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday to discuss climate change and a long-standing dispute over a group of Pacific islands. A senior Japanese official mentioned that Fukuda plans to push Russia to speed up negotiations to resolve the territorial disagreement, which has hindered the signing of a peace treaty ending World War Two. Putin acknowledged the progress in their relations over the past few years and expressed commitment to continuing dialogue on the peace treaty. He also noted that bilateral trade has increased significantly, but there are still many issues that need to be addressed. Fukuda is scheduled to hold discussions with Dmitry Medvedev, who will be inaugurated as the head of state on May 7, later on. Despite stepping down as president after eight years, Putin will continue to serve as prime minister and leader of the largest political party. A Japanese foreign ministry official stated that Fukuda's primary objectives for the visit are to build a trusting relationship with President Putin and president-elect Medvedev and to prepare for the upcoming G8 summit. The disputed islands, known as the Southern Kuriles in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan, were occupied by Soviet forces in the final days of World War II. These islands are located just north of Hokkaido, where Japan will host this year's Group of Eight summit. Japan is prioritizing the search for a more efficient alternative to the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, which will end in 2012, at the forefront of the summit agenda. Tokyo aims for the G8 summit to assist in creating a climate change agreement that would involve major polluters like the United States, China, and India, none of which have agreed to the Kyoto Protocol's emission restrictions. Russia, a G8 nation, was among the significant developing economies that agreed to the Kyoto commitments. Japanese authorities are optimistic that Moscow will back a follow-up agreement in Hokkaido. A senior Japanese government official stated that Prime Minister Fukuda will encourage Russian leaders to speed up discussions aimed at resolving the territorial dispute. The official mentioned that Fukuda is likely to emphasize the importance of advancing negotiations in a concrete manner to improve bilateral relations. Despite Russia expressing willingness to discuss the issue, they have shown no intention of relinquishing the islands. A Kremlin official stated that their stance remains unchanged and they do not anticipate any major progress in the talks with Fukuda. In 2007, trade between Russia and Japan reached a value of $20 billion, driven by companies like Toyota Motor Corp establishing factories to access the growing Russian market. However, this trade volume is significantly lower compared to Russia's trade with the European Union. Japanese companies have invested in large oil and gas projects on Sakhalin island in Russia's Pacific region, and there is ongoing construction of a pipeline to transport oil from eastern Siberia to the Pacific coast. | 1 |
In an interview with the New York Times, Trump acknowledged a connection between human activity and global warming, despite previously calling climate change a hoax. A source on Trump's transition team had stated that he was looking for ways to withdraw the US from the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. However, when asked recently about withdrawing from the agreement, Trump said he was considering it carefully and keeping an open mind. A US withdrawal from the agreement, which almost 200 countries have signed, would hinder international efforts to combat rising temperatures and the resulting impacts on the environment. Trump, who will become president on January 20, discussed his concerns about climate change and American competitiveness during a recent interview. Two members of Trump's transition team expressed surprise at his comments. This shift in stance on global warming suggests that Trump may be moving away from some of his campaign promises as he prepares to take office. Additionally, Trump mentioned the possibility of building a fence instead of a wall on certain parts of the US-Mexico border to prevent illegal immigration. He also indicated a lack of interest in pursuing investigations against Hillary Clinton, his Democratic rival in the presidential campaign. During a meeting with reporters, editors, and other newspaper officials at the Times headquarters in Manhattan, Trump expressed reluctance to harm the Clintons, particularly mentioning the hardships Hillary Clinton has endured. However, he declined ruling out the possibility of investigating Clinton for issues related to her family's charity foundation or her use of a private email server while serving as US secretary of state. Trump's decision to potentially abandon his campaign promise of appointing a special prosecutor for Clinton marks a stark reversal from his previous stance, where he frequently criticized her as "Crooked Hillary" and encouraged chants of "Lock her up" at his rallies. These remarks about Clinton have upset some of Trump's most zealous conservative supporters. Breitbart News, previously overseen by Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist, recently ran a story titled "Broken Promise: Trump 'Doesn't Wish to Pursue' Clinton email charges." Despite the FBI investigation into Clinton's email practices concluding that while her actions were careless, there were no grounds for charges, the Clinton Foundation has faced scrutiny for donations received. However, there is no evidence that foreign donors received special treatment from the State Department during Clinton's tenure. President Trump, a businessman with no prior political experience, has dismissed concerns about conflicts of interest between his presidency and his family's businesses, stating that the law is on his side and that a president cannot have a conflict of interest. Trump stated that his company is not important to him compared to his current responsibilities. While conflict-of-interest rules do not apply to the president, he will still be subject to bribery laws, disclosure requirements, and a constitutional provision preventing elected officials from accepting gifts from foreign governments. Ethics lawyers from both parties emphasize that the president is not exempt from the law, and question whether it is appropriate for the leader of the United States to only do the minimum required. Trump's daughter Ivanka, who is a businesswoman, joined her father in a phone call with Argentine President Mauricio Macri and attended a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Trump expressed confidence that House Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republicans in Congress would support his trillion-dollar infrastructure plan, stating that they are currently very supportive of him. Since winning the election on Nov 8, Trump has been meeting with potential candidates for key positions in his administration. Ben Carson, a former Republican presidential candidate who dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump, has been offered the role of secretary of housing and urban development, according to Carson's spokesperson Armstrong Williams. Carson, a former surgeon who had a meeting with Trump on Tuesday, will consider it during the Thanksgiving holiday, according to Williams. Trump arrived in Florida on Tuesday evening to celebrate the holiday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. | 1 |
British officials stated that cyber attacks, terrorism, inter-state conflict, and natural hazards are the main threats to British security. The government emphasized the dangers posed by groups like al Qaeda and Northern Ireland-linked organizations in a new National Security Strategy. This strategy aims to show that the upcoming military review is policy-driven rather than solely focused on budget cuts. The UK is facing a significant budget deficit while also striving to maintain its strong military presence in Europe and remain a valuable ally to the United States. The National Security Strategy report outlines clear priorities including counter-terrorism, cyber security, international military crises, and disaster response. Insurgencies abroad that could lead to terrorist attacks in the UK were classified as a lower priority in the report. The document emphasized the threats posed by non-state and unconventional actors, in addition to those from other states. This emphasis is expected to be used as a justification for reducing major military hardware purchases. The Ministry of Defiance's budget of 36.9 billion pounds ($58.62 billion) is set to be cut by less than 10 percent, which is significantly lower than the average 25 percent cut applied to other government departments. However, these cuts are still likely to have significant political, industrial, and diplomatic implications. The National Security Strategy also identified nuclear proliferation as a growing threat, and highlighted the vulnerability of British security to the impacts of climate change on food and water supply. ($1=.6295 Pound). | 1 |
Xi did not provide specific details, but the implementation of the policy could have a significant impact on the financing of coal plants in developing countries. China has been facing pressure to stop its coal financing overseas in order to help the world meet the goals of the Paris climate agreement. Xi's announcement came after similar actions by South Korea and Japan, with the UN Secretary-General and US climate envoy urging China to do the same. Xi emphasized in his address at the UN that China will increase support for developing countries in developing green and low-carbon energy and will not construct new coal-fired power projects abroad. Kerry praised Xi's announcement as a positive step towards success at the upcoming COP26 conference in Glasgow. "We have been in discussions with China for a considerable amount of time regarding this issue. I am very pleased to hear that President Xi has made this significant decision," Kerry stated. Alok Sharma, the leader of COP26, also praised the announcement. "It is evident that the end is near for coal power. I am glad that President Xi has pledged to halt the construction of new coal projects overseas - a major focus of my conversations during my trip to China," he tweeted. Xi spoke following the first United Nations address by US President Joe Biden, who outlined a new phase of intense competition without resorting to another Cold War despite China's growing power. In a composed speech, Xi avoided directly mentioning China's often strained rivalry with the United States, where the Biden administration has prioritized policies for mitigating climate change and sought cooperation with Beijing. Xi reiterated commitments made last year that China would reach a peak in carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. While some experts have criticized these targets as insufficiently ambitious, they have allowed Beijing to claim the moral high ground on the issue, particularly in contrast to former US President Donald Trump who dismissed climate change as a "hoax" and withdrew from the Paris climate agreement. China, the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, continues to heavily rely on coal for its energy needs. Shortly after taking office in January, Biden made it a priority to reestablish US leadership on climate change by rejoining the Paris agreement. Justin Guay, director of global climate strategy at the Sunrise Project, praised China's decision to stop public financing of coal, stating that it will significantly impact global coal expansion. UN Secretary-General Guterres also applauded Xi's move on coal and Biden's commitment to doubling funds to $11.4 billion annually by 2024 to assist developing nations in addressing climate change. In a statement, he emphasized that speeding up the global elimination of coal is the most crucial action to achieve the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement. Prior to this, Biden spoke about the importance of democracy and the need to allow people to live freely, indirectly referencing China. He also condemned the mistreatment of minorities, mentioning Xinjiang in China as well as other regions where abuses are occurring. China denies any wrongdoing in Xinjiang. Relations between the world's top two economies have deteriorated significantly in recent years due to various issues including human rights and lack of transparency regarding the origins of COVID-19. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of avoiding forming exclusive groups or engaging in zero-sum games, possibly alluding to the US-led Quad forum. China has expressed concerns about an escalating arms race in the region following the announcement of the AUKUS alliance between the US, UK, and Australia. Despite criticism of his handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, President Biden has stated that this will allow the US to focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Xi Jinping criticized military intervention and attempts to impose democracy from outside, appearing to take a swipe at the US. | 1 |
This will be the final budget of the current Awami League-led grand alliance government, which will not have the entire fiscal year of 2013-14 to implement it. The Minister of Finance stated that the allocation for the annual development programme (ADP) is estimated at Tk 656 billion, with an overall budget deficit of Tk 563 billion. The Minister shared this information in an interview with bdnews24.com at his Secretariat office. The Ministry of Finance has prepared the budgetary framework, and bdnews24.com has a copy of it. The targeted GDP growth for the next fiscal year is 7.2 percent, and the Minister also proposed to reduce the overall inflation rate to below 7 percent on average. The next budget includes allocations of Tk 68.52 billion, Tk 19.83 billion, and US$ 608 million in foreign currency for the construction of the Padma Multipurpose bridge. The Finance Minister will present the proposed budget in Parliament on June 6. The size of the national budget for the upcoming fiscal year has not been finalized yet, but the Minister anticipates it will exceed Tk 2 trillion. The budgetary framework sets the targeted annual revenue income at Tk 1674.60 billion. To cover the budget deficit, Tk 211.1 billion will come from foreign assistance, and Tk 351.8 billion will be borrowed internally. The revised budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year has been adjusted to Tk 1893.30 billion, with no change to the targeted revenue income of Tk 1396.70 billion. The budget for the ADP has been revised from Tk 550 billion to Tk 523.66 billion, and the budget deficit has been reduced from Tk 520.68 billion to Tk 496.60 billion. The new budget will prioritize power, energy, roads, ports, and infrastructure development, as well as human resources development, agriculture, rural development, employment creation, social safety net strengthening, climate change, and building 'Digital Bangladesh.' The ruling Grand Alliance government has also prioritized these sectors in the last four national budgets. The budgetary framework states that the next budget will be the government's final step in fulfilling its election pledges. The upcoming budget will reinforce the foundation of economic and social development established by the government in the previous four budgets. It will also outline a path for development for the next administration and introduce a new framework for improving the railway sector. | 1 |
During the dry season, cattle herders like Lobunei prepare to lead their herds across the region to reach water sources, negotiating with communities along the way. This long-standing tradition, essential for the survival of the Karamojong people in a harsh environment with unpredictable rainfall patterns exacerbated by climate change, is becoming more difficult due to limited access to land, increased security concerns, and greater government involvement in resource allocation. Some herders fear that government interference is threatening their traditional way of life and forcing them to turn to less sustainable options like crop farming, which is susceptible to extreme weather events. Lobunei, in Nakapiripirit district, is finding it increasingly challenging to navigate around large farms and a wildlife reserve that used to be accessible to herders in the past. He also has to request written permission from an increasing number of government officials who oversee movement across the grasslands where his ancestors used to freely graze their cattle. He questioned whether they were the Karamojong or if it was the government. According to a 2017 report by the Ugandan government and partner organizations, Karamoja has experienced longer dry periods and more frequent heavy rainfall since 1981. The report also warned that in the future, a warming planet will cause the region's rainfall to become more unpredictable, unreliable, and intense. Local residents have noticed that the seasons have changed, causing the names of the months to no longer match up with the natural events they used to represent. For example, the month of "lomaruk" used to be associated with white mushrooms appearing in March, but now they show up months later. In the past, herders in the region were able to adjust by relocating their animals and arranging for access to water and pasture through a process called etamam, which means "sending a message". Emmanuel Tebanyang, a policy analyst at the Karamoja Development Forum (KDF), a civil society organization, explained that elders would first hold meetings to decide if they should migrate that season, and then scouts would be sent out to find suitable grazing areas. If a host community was willing to accommodate them, a bull would be sacrificed as a symbol of peace. Tebanyang stated that etamam is currently experiencing significant change, with discussions now primarily involving local government officials who must grant written permission for migration to take place. The state has long aimed to regulate movement in Karamoja, but pastoralists believe its control has become more established in recent years. Alex Lemu Longoria, a Karamojong elder and former mayor of Moroto town, mentioned that everything is now governed by the government in this new culture. The number of districts in Karamoja has increased from four to nine since 2005, leading to herders needing authorization from a wider range of officials before crossing boundaries. "They no longer go there because of that issue," Longoria mentioned. There is a significant amount of questioning from officials about why they are relocating there. A new challenge is the increase in armed cattle-raiding since 2019, with firearms coming in from Kenya and South Sudan, causing herders to be more fearful and authorities to be more strict. Karamoja police spokesperson Michael Longole stated that herders have freedom of movement, but traders transporting cattle across districts are facing numerous restrictions. Longole mentioned that authorities are intensifying measures due to the increase in cattle raids. One strategy to close the gap between informal grassroots discussions and official procedures involves forming committees focused on peace and resource-sharing, composed of community representatives, according to Denis Pius Lokiru, a program manager at Mercy Corps. Since 2019, this organization has assisted in the signing of four agreements in Karamoja, overseen by government officials and integrated into local regulations. These agreements outline how water and other natural resources can be shared peacefully, as Lokiru explained. Additionally, these new committees now include more young people and women, remarked Cecilia Dodoi, vice-chair of the Kotido Women's Peace Forum. Dodoi noted a significant improvement in having women's voices heard, especially from widows who have experienced the repercussions of conflict. Tebanyang from the KDF questions the purpose of written agreements, whether they are meant for herders or bureaucrats. He believes that herders do not need these documents as they rely on traditional methods such as thumbprints for agreements. President Museveni has pushed for sedentary farming in Karamoja, arguing that modern commercial agriculture is more productive than pastoralism. While many of Karamoja's 1.2 million residents have traditionally practiced agropastoralism by combining cattle-keeping with small-scale crop farming, recent research indicates a shift towards a heavier reliance on agriculture in the past twenty years. Satellite data analyzed by researchers at the University of Maryland revealed a significant increase in cultivated land area between 2000 and 2011. A 2018 study conducted by the Karamoja Resilience Support Unit found that nearly 60% of households no longer possess enough livestock to sustain a sufficient food supply. However, local experts caution against focusing solely on crops amidst the growing impacts of climate change. Simon Peter Lomoe, executive director of the Dynamic Agro-Pastoralist Development Organisation, emphasized that no one wants to completely abandon livestock in Karamoja. In the event of a drought in this area, it is possible to relocate livestock in search of water. However, crops cannot be moved. | 1 |
Britain, which is co-hosting the virtual summit in advance of climate negotiations in Glasgow next year, has been criticized for funding oil and natural gas projects abroad, despite their efforts to address climate change. Prime Minister Johnson stated that taking bold action now will lead to job creation, economic recovery from COVID-19, and protection of the environment for future generations. Over 70 world leaders, including those from China, India, Canada, and Japan, are expected to announce more ambitious climate commitments at the summit. Britain is set to become the first major economy to stop public financing for overseas fossil fuel projects, a move praised by Louise Burrows of consultancy E3G as setting a new standard for serious climate action. Britain has been given the authority to encourage other countries to do the same. The UK Export Finance agency has provided guarantees worth billions of dollars to support the expansion of British oil and gas companies in various countries, including Brazil, Iraq, Argentina, and Russia. Critics have targeted Prime Minister Johnson for UKEF's involvement in a large liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique. The government has announced a new policy that will end state support for overseas oil, natural gas, and coal projects, with few exceptions for gas-fired power plants that meet strict criteria aligned with the Paris agreement. | 1 |
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reappointed Pascal Lamy as director-general for a second four-year term. Lamy, a 62-year-old Frenchman, was the only candidate for the position and was approved by consensus at a meeting of the WTO General Council. This marks the first time in the WTO's history that the candidacy was uncontested. Lamy's first term focused on efforts to conclude the Doha round, a seven-year-old initiative aimed at liberalizing world trade and promoting economic prosperity in developing countries. Lamy believes that finalizing the Doha round is crucial for boosting business confidence and protecting against protectionism in the current economic crisis. He said that in addition to the necessary compromises to complete the Doha round and the benefits of market access it will provide, there is a significant systemic value. He emphasized that the main advantage of the Doha round is the assurance, consistency, and steadiness it will offer to international trade. He stated that during times of crisis like the present one, the importance of this safety net becomes even more apparent. Lamy, who will begin a new term in September, mentioned that the 153-member state body must also address other crucial issues like climate change, food security, energy, labor, and financial protectionism. However, he stressed that serious discussions on these matters should wait until progress is made on the Doha deal. He believed that 80 percent of a Doha agreement was already guaranteed. Lamy mentioned that the WTO's dispute settlement system, which resolves trade disputes involving large sums of money, was functioning effectively. However, he emphasized the importance of providing more support to developing countries in utilizing the complex and costly dispute processes. Additionally, there is a need for greater enforcement of WTO dispute panel decisions by all countries. Lamy suggested the idea of holding a regular ministerial conference this year to assess the organization's performance and establish a strategy, as the last conference was in 2005. WTO regulations mandate a review every two years. Lamy is often recognized for his role in revitalizing French bank Credit Lyonnais, which is now a part of Credit Agricole, after it faced financial crisis. He assumed the position of director-general of the WTO in September 2005. | 1 |
US President Barack Obama has decided to attend the end of the Copenhagen climate change summit, a change of plans that the White House announced on Friday. The decision was made due to increasing momentum towards a new global accord. Originally, Obama was set to attend the summit in Denmark on December 7-18 before heading to Oslo to receive his Nobel Peace Prize. Some European officials and environmentalists were surprised by the initial plan, as most of the important negotiations on reducing greenhouse gas emissions were expected to happen towards the end of the summit when many other world leaders would also be present. The White House stated that progress is being made towards a meaningful agreement at Copenhagen where all countries would commit to taking action against climate change. Danish officials have confirmed that over 100 world leaders will be attending the conference with the hopes of laying the groundwork for a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. The White House stated that the president believes that his participation at the end of the Copenhagen conference on December 18th, rather than on December 9th, will be most productive based on his discussions with other leaders and the progress made in negotiations. The Obama administration is pleased with recent commitments from China and India to reduce emissions and the increasing agreement on providing financial assistance to developing nations to address climate change, which has been a significant obstacle in reaching a new UN deal. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and a spokesman for British Prime Minister Gordon Brown welcomed Obama's decision, noting that it reflects the growing political momentum towards reaching a successful climate agreement in Copenhagen. The United States plans to pledge in Copenhagen to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. It was the final major industrialized nation to set a target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a UN-led effort to combat global warming, which could lead to more extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Experts anticipate that the Copenhagen conference will result in a political agreement that includes emission reduction goals for wealthy countries by 2020, with discussions on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol postponed until 2010. The White House confirmed that President Obama had conversations with leaders from Australia, Germany, France, and the UK regarding the ongoing negotiations. There is a growing consensus that a key aspect of the Copenhagen agreement should be securing pledges of $10 billion per year by 2012 to assist developing countries in addressing climate change. It was stated that the United States will pay its fair share of the amount, with other countries also making substantial commitments. Environmentalists praised Obama's decision and some urged him to adjust his administration's emissions reduction target. Martin Kaiser, Greenpeace International's political climate coordinator, expressed approval for Obama's change of plans, stating that he needs to align his targets and financial contribution with climate science. | 1 |
The business community has asked the government to create a long-term and achievable policy to enhance the investment environment, as part of their suggestions for establishing a Better Business Forum. The president of FBCCI, Mir Nasir Hossain, stated that they have urged the government to finalize this policy within a few months to prevent future changes by subsequent administrations. These recommendations were made in response to the government's proposal to establish a 'Better Business Forum' to restore business confidence and boost economic growth. The private sector's recommendations were presented to the chief adviser, Fakhruddin Ahmed, by Nasir, who is coordinating representatives from the business and industry sectors. The proposed forum will have a central body consisting of senior advisers, top business leaders, and representatives from government agencies such as the Bangladesh Bank, National Board of Revenue, and government secretaries. The government initiated the formation of the forum in response to a decline in business confidence, which has led to a decrease in both domestic and foreign investment. This decline in business confidence has also impacted the demand for credit from banks, which currently hold over Tk 140 billion in excess liquidity as of July. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh decreased by 6 percent to $792 million in 2006 from $845 million the previous year, largely attributed to political unrest, volatility, and changes in government, as reported in the World Investment Report 2007. Additionally, local investment proposals have also decreased according to figures from the Board of Investment. The proposed forum, led by chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and executive chairman Mirza Azizul Islam, will have sub-forums on various topics like ports, export, import, banking, and investment. Advisers from relevant ministries will chair committees, with leaders from associations and government officials as members. The forum will address business community issues and propose solutions and action plans. Businessmen are urging the government to involve private sector representatives and form working groups promptly. He stated that we have also suggested making amendments to laws in order to streamline business operations. | 1 |
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is urging India to enhance collaboration in the fight against terrorism during his visit to New Delhi. He is advocating for India's participation in the Financial Action Task Force, an international organization that targets terrorist financing, and is also offering assistance in obtaining advanced screening technology for detecting weapons and explosives at ports and airports. Brown emphasized the importance of major countries like India, China, and Pakistan working together to combat terrorism and disrupt terrorist networks. He believes that India's involvement in the Financial Action Task Force would strengthen global efforts to combat terrorist financing. He also advocated for a campaign to win over people's hearts and minds in order to counteract "extremist ideologies". Brown recently visited China to focus on increasing trade and investment and collaborating on addressing climate change. During his visit to India, Brown plans to engage in discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, meet with business leaders, and deliver a speech on the importance of reforming international institutions. Brown brought with him promises of substantial development aid to combat poverty in India, where a significant portion of the population lives on less than $1 a day despite the country's rapid economic advancement. Britain announced that it will provide India with 825 million pounds ($1.6 billion) in development aid over the next three years, with a majority of the funds allocated towards improving health and education. The British government announced that the funds will go towards hiring 300,000 additional teachers and allowing four million more children to attend school by 2011. This demonstrates the deepening economic relationship between Britain and India, as evidenced by Tata Steel Ltd's acquisition of Corus and Ford Motor Co's consideration of Tata Motors Ltd as a potential buyer for Jaguar and Land Rover. Prime Minister Brown is also expected to address trade issues and propose an international early warning system to prevent another financial crisis like the U.S. subprime lending collapse that has had global repercussions, including the collapse of Northern Rock in Britain. Brown has called for renewed efforts to reach a global trade agreement. Negotiations for a new trade agreement aimed at increasing trade liberalization have advanced slowly over the years. (1 pound is equivalent to $1.945). | 1 |
Ukraine is currently investigating around 7,600 potential war crimes and over 500 suspects in response to Russia's invasion on February 24th. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss stated that Russia has committed barbaric acts and atrocities, including against women, and that British expertise will help uncover the truth and hold President Putin's regime accountable. Truss is currently in The Hague meeting with the International Criminal Court President and her Dutch counterpart to discuss the investigation. A specialist team will be assisting the Ukrainian government in gathering evidence and prosecuting war crimes, with a focus on conflict-related sexual violence. Moscow refers to its actions as a "special operation" with the goal of weakening Kyiv's military capabilities and safeguarding Russian-speaking residents in the eastern part of the country. | 1 |
Britain, which recently hosted the COP26 UN climate conference and will continue leading efforts until the 2022 gathering in Egypt, is being urged to collaborate with activists and environmentally conscious businesses to adjust plans and maintain pressure on countries falling behind in climate action. This could involve expanding funding programs to help countries like South Africa transition away from coal dependence, as well as increasing political pressure on nations such as Australia, Russia, and Brazil to be more ambitious in their climate goals. According to Richard Black from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, current efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius - a threshold recommended by scientists to protect people and nature - are at a critical juncture. Black stressed the importance of moving beyond mere pledges and focusing on concrete actions and policies to address the climate crisis. The recent summit, which concluded on Saturday, made several significant commitments, such as increasing financing for climate adaptation, reducing coal power, eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, and halting deforestation by 2030. However, despite these pledges, many advocacy groups expressed disappointment, stating that the actions were insufficient to ensure global safety. Asad Rehman from the COP26 Coalition criticized the summit for ignoring scientific evidence and justice. Emission reduction targets for 2030 are projected to lead to a 2.4C temperature rise, well above the 1.5C target recommended by Climate Action Tracker researchers. David King, a former British chief scientist, believes that the agreement does not fully acknowledge the severity of the crisis. On the other hand, the government of Bangladesh, representing the Climate Vulnerable Forum, acknowledged the progress made during the talks. "The urgency of the situation in Glasgow has been acknowledged by the world - now it is time to start the hard work back home," stated the C40 Cities network executive director Mark Watts after the meeting. He emphasized the need for significant progress in implementing climate action on the ground. As global leaders leave Glasgow, the responsibility now falls on others to continue the efforts, as stated in a press release. The Glasgow Climate Pact calls for countries to return by the end of 2022 with more ambitious plans to reduce emissions by 2030, aiming to maintain the 1.5C target. While the 2015 Paris Agreement required nations to update their carbon reduction plans every five years, the urgency now calls for faster action. The new demand for quicker progress, coupled with pressure from climate activists and businesses seeking clearer market signals for promoting green initiatives, is causing leaders to feel pressured to take action, according to Chris Stark, head of Britain's independent Climate Change Committee. Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of Energy UK, noted that the references to phasing out coal and fossil fuel subsidies in the Glasgow deal are a strong signal for businesses, potentially leading to shifts in private investments that could have a greater impact on emissions than government climate finance. However, the long-awaited rules for carbon markets agreed upon in Glasgow raise concerns that companies and countries may rely too heavily on offsetting emissions rather than reducing them. Pinchbeck stated that the effectiveness of carbon trading systems in reducing global emissions remains uncertain and requires further observation. One important change at the COP26 talks, according to her, is that more leaders have realized that climate change not only poses a real threat in their own countries but also that calls for action are coming from a wider range of society. Countries now understand the physical threat of climate change as well as the social and business pressures pushing for action. Amber Rudd, a former UK secretary of state for energy and climate change, emphasized the importance of maintaining public pressure for climate action, especially as politicians consider the impact of swift emissions cuts on their chances of re-election. She noted that leaders often prioritize future climate action that falls outside of their term in office, known as NIMTOO. "Politicians are aware of what needs to be done." She mentioned that politicians struggle with getting re-elected after taking action, which could be alleviated by clear public support for climate action. | 1 |
Thailand has decided to move the venue of ASEAN's annual meeting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai seven weeks before the event. The official reason for the change is the pleasant climate in December and a desire to show delegates another part of Thailand. However, officials privately acknowledge that the decision is actually to avoid trouble with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the protest movement occupying the Prime Minister's compound in Bangkok. Some believe the last-minute venue change reflects concerns about losing face and appearing unstable, with speculation that the PAD may target the summit venue to embarrass the government. Government leaders from the 10 Association of South East Asian Nations countries, along with China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, are attending the meeting in Bangkok. Diplomats based in Bangkok are unhappy about the sudden change in location, especially during the busy tourist season. It will be challenging for a city of 200,000 people to accommodate the influx of government officials and foreign media. When Laos hosted the meeting in Vientiane four years ago, they restricted entry to foreign visitors to make room for the summit. A diplomat in Bangkok described the situation as a major inconvenience. The budget for this has not been planned and it will be difficult to find hotel rooms at this time of year. We may have to share rooms and even sleep on the floor. The Shangri La hotel in Chiang Mai, where the meeting is taking place, has already reserved the entire hotel from Dec. 11-19. However, tourists with existing reservations will not be asked to leave. The original venue for the meeting, the Centara Grand hotel in Bangkok, seems to be unaware of the change in location. | 1 |
Developing countries that are key players have come together to support the EU's plan for a binding agreement to combat global warming. However, draft agreements at the UN climate talks show that there are still significant disagreements, and Europe has warned that the negotiations could break down. The EU's proposal aims for a new deal by 2015 that would require major emitters to make binding cuts to their greenhouse gas emissions, with the pact taking effect within five years. EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard noted that Brazil and South Africa, both major polluters, now back the idea of binding emissions cuts. Despite this, she cautioned that reaching an agreement by the end of the talks in Durban was uncertain, as a few countries have yet to commit to the EU's roadmap and its essential components. If there is no additional progress by 4 o'clock this morning, it is unlikely that a deal will be reached in Durban. This is the current situation we are facing. A draft agreement has been proposed that would require more than 30 industrialized nations to reduce emissions as part of the second phase of the Kyoto Protocol. However, this agreement would only be accepted if all major emitters, including China, India, and the United States, agree to legally binding targets in a separate, broader agreement. Many climate experts are skeptical that the wording of this second agreement will be acceptable, as it only mentions a "legal framework" rather than a binding treaty, which is what the European Union and many developing countries are pushing for. Rene Orellana, chief negotiator for Bolivia and part of the ALBA group of Latin American nations, expressed concern that without a legal regime to control emissions from big emitters like developed countries, there would be no framework to enforce compliance. He warned that if the proposed texts were approved, it would not only mean the end of the Kyoto agreement but also pose a threat to the planet. Critics also point out that the texts lack clarity on when emissions cuts should be implemented and the extent of the reductions. The EU's approach at the conference is to create a coalition of willing countries to put pressure on China, the United States, and India to agree to enforceable reductions in carbon emissions. These three countries are not obligated by the Kyoto Protocol. The US will only commit to binding cuts if all major polluters also agree to do so. China and India argue that it would be unfair to expect them to make the same level of cuts as developed countries, which have historically been the main contributors to global warming. Many delegates anticipate that the climate talks in Durban will result in a weak political agreement, with countries agreeing to begin discussions on a new system of mandatory greenhouse gas reductions. They claim that anything less than achieving change would be catastrophic. Recent U.N. reports indicate that time is running out to make a difference, as a warming planet will worsen droughts, floods, crop failures, and sea level rise, putting several island nations at risk of extinction. The Durban talks, set to conclude on Friday, are anticipated to continue late into the night and possibly into Saturday. Delegates from small islands and African states expressed frustration with the slow progress of the talks and participated in a protest with green groups outside of the main negotiation room. "You must rescue us, the islands must not go under. Our survival is our right, you cannot determine our fate. We will need to be rescued," stated Mohamed Aslam, the climate negotiator for the Maldives. Karl Hood, the foreign minister of Grenada and leader of the 43-nation Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) who are at the forefront of climate change, expressed frustration that the discussions were not addressing the core climate issues. "We are getting caught up in minor matters instead of focusing on the major problem, such as emphasizing adaptation over mitigation," he explained. I believe that Durban could ultimately bring an end to UN climate negotiations. | 1 |
Labour MP Rushanara Ali criticized the current British government for not giving enough attention to the issue of climate change. She expressed her disappointment during a press conference in Dhaka, where she arrived to participate in a climate change tribunal organized by Oxfam International. The tribunal, coordinated by an NGO alliance called Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods (CSRL), is set to take place on Monday at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. The purpose of the 'Shadow Climate Tribunal' is to explore ways to protect those affected by climate change within a legal framework, according to a statement from the organizers. The opposition MP criticized the current UK government for not increasing aid for the next two years, despite committing to reaching 0.7 percent of gross national income by 2013. She also noted that the previous Labour government was more focused on addressing climate change, passing the world's first Climate Change Act with binding carbon emission targets. In her role as a member of the shadow cabinet, Ali emphasized their commitment to raising awareness about climate change. Ali emphasized the importance of keeping climate change on the agenda, stating that the Labour Party will continue to back adaptation programs and work towards ensuring that funds are utilized effectively. She expressed her desire to advocate for countries like Bangladesh, which are severely impacted by climate change. Ali acknowledged that the international community is falling short in addressing the issue, particularly calling on developed nations to step up their efforts. This aligns with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent criticism of the international community's lack of seriousness in tackling climate change. She, however, disagreed with the idea of allowing people affected by climate change in developing countries to migrate to developed nations. Finance minister AMA Muhith suggested in an interview with the Guardian that developed nations should accept climate change victims, but Ali argued that migration is not the solution to climate change. She emphasized the importance of implementing preventive measures. In May 2010, Rushanara Ali became a Member of Parliament for Bethnal Green and Bow, where one-third of the population is British-Bangladeshi. She is the first person of Bangladeshi descent to be elected to the House of Commons and one of the first three Muslim women MPs elected in 2010. | 1 |
Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai announced his withdrawal from a run-off election against President Robert Mugabe, citing the impossibility of a free and fair poll due to the current climate of violence. Tsvangirai made the decision after his opposition Movement for Democratic Change rally was disrupted by pro-Mugabe youth militia. He called for intervention from the United Nations and African Union to prevent "genocide" in Zimbabwe and stated that the MDC would no longer participate in what he described as a violent and illegitimate election process. Tsvangirai and the MDC have accused government security forces and militia of intimidation tactics to ensure Mugabe's victory in the upcoming poll. Tsvangirai expressed concern for the safety of voters, stating that holding the election on June 27 could put their lives at risk. He mentioned that 86 MDC supporters had been killed and 200,000 displaced, while also noting that Mugabe has refused to relinquish power to the opposition, which he accuses of being influenced by Britain and the United States. Mugabe denies any responsibility for the political violence and economic decline that has occurred under his leadership since 1980. Millions of people have left their country due to the political and economic crisis, seeking refuge in neighboring states. The MDC reported that thousands of youth militia supporting Mugabe disrupted an MDC rally in Harare by attacking journalists and forcing election observers to flee. Despite the police initially banning the rally, a high court overturned the ban, allowing the event to proceed. Tsvangirai, the opposition leader, claims he won the March vote and only agreed to a run-off under international pressure. The state-run media has refused to air opposition political ads, and police have obstructed some opposition rallies. Tendai Biti, a high-ranking MDC official and close associate of Tsvangirai, is currently in custody facing charges of treason and other serious offenses, including the possibility of the death penalty. A magistrate has ruled that he must remain in custody at least until July 7. Pressure is mounting on Mugabe's government to stop the violence, with a growing number of African leaders expressing concerns about the legitimacy of the upcoming election. Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, a longtime supporter of Mugabe, has called on the Zimbabwean leader to ensure that the election is conducted with tolerance and in accordance with democratic principles. | 1 |
President Barack Obama promised on Tuesday to hold BP Plc accountable for its negligence in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and urged the public to channel their outrage into a national effort to reduce America's reliance on fossil fuels. Obama declared that every effort would be made to combat the spill and ensure that BP takes responsibility for the harm caused by their actions. The President's firm stance towards BP, conveyed with seriousness, was a key element of his televised address addressing the crisis in order to restore confidence in his leadership. The response to this environmental catastrophe will not only impact BP, but also influence the future of offshore drilling in the US and Obama's efforts to advance climate change legislation in Congress. Obama encouraged Americans to take advantage of the current opportunity to break free from dependence on fossil fuels, without providing a detailed plan or timeline for achieving this goal. He emphasized the importance of American innovation and taking control of the country's future. Although he supports comprehensive energy legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and believes in putting a price on carbon pollution, he did not specifically address climate change in his speech, likely due to political challenges. Obama expressed willingness to consider ideas from both Democrats and Republicans to reduce oil dependency, but emphasized that he will not tolerate inaction. Obama's decision to address the nation from the Oval Office emphasized the seriousness of the situation at hand. Previous presidents, such as Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, have utilized this setting to respond to national tragedies. In an election year, it is crucial for Obama to appease frustrated voters as his party's control of legislative power is at stake. Public opinion suggests that many Americans feel Obama has not been sufficiently engaged in handling the crisis and has not been strong enough in dealing with BP. In an effort to combat criticism of his leadership, Obama took a tough stance against BP, although he stopped short of repeating his earlier statement about wanting to hold someone accountable. He stated that he will meet with the chairman of BP tomorrow and instruct him to allocate necessary resources to compensate those affected by the company's negligence. The fund will be managed independently to ensure fair distribution of payments. Oil company executives admitted at a congressional hearing that BP did not follow industry standards in building the well responsible for the massive oil spill. Democratic lawmakers criticized industry plans for handling deepwater oil disasters as inadequate. Investors were also hoping Obama would push forward alternative energy initiatives like solar, wind, and geothermal that have been stalled in Congress. Shares in US solar companies increased before the speech. In his first nationally televised address from the Oval Office, Obama aimed to demonstrate his control over the oil spill crisis that has tested his presidency and overshadowed his efforts to reduce US unemployment and reform Wall Street. Most Americans believe Obama has not been involved enough in handling the spill, and he has been under pressure to show more leadership. Additionally, a team of US scientists recently raised their estimate of the amount of oil flowing from the well by 50 percent. | 1 |
Antonio Guterres, the secretary general of the UN, stated that we are currently dealing with a dangerous situation that could severely harm the economies of numerous developing nations. The UN's first official report on the impact of the war in Ukraine highlighted the negative effects it is having on the global economy, which is already suffering from the COVID-19 crisis and climate change. The report indicated that up to 1.7 billion people, a third of whom are already living in poverty, are now experiencing disruptions in food, energy, and finance. The rising energy prices, inflation, and stalled development are putting many countries at risk of defaulting on their debts. The report emphasized that these countries struggle to afford basic needs, rely on imports for food and energy, and have limited resources to handle the challenges of global financial conditions. According to the report, 107 countries are severely exposed to at least one of the three dimensions of the crisis, with 69 of those nations experiencing severe exposure to all three dimensions. Ukraine and Russia contribute approximately 30% of the world's wheat and barley. The conflict has led to a surge in commodity prices, with food prices up 34% compared to last year and crude oil prices up around 60%. The report warns that vulnerable populations in developing countries are at risk due to these price increases, which could lead to social unrest. However, the report suggests that swift action, political will, and available resources could help mitigate the impact, recommending measures such as not hoarding food supplies, supporting small farmers, stabilizing freight costs, and lifting export restrictions. Governments are urged to make strategic fuel reserves accessible to the global market and reduce the use of wheat for fuel. Text = Copyright The New York Times Company. | 1 |
However, if theatre owners and operators, in light of the current conversations surrounding racial injustice, were interested in showcasing more work by Black artists, there are numerous plays and musicals with Black writers that could potentially make their way to Broadway. These productions have already been written, had successful runs elsewhere, and have the backing of either commercial producers or non-profit organizations. Despite the challenges faced by producers and artists who may have less experience in commercial theatre than the established industry figures who typically dominate Broadway, there is hope for a more diverse and inclusive Broadway landscape when theatres reopen. Playwright Lynn Nottage, who struggled to bring her Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Ruined" to Broadway, is now working on three shows with hopes of reaching Broadway. She envisions a Broadway that reflects the world she wants to live in, rather than the current reality. It is worth noting that the majority of Broadway theatres are controlled by the Shubert, Nederlander, and Jujamcyn organizations. In order to put on a Broadway show, producers typically need to rent a theater and agree to share box office earnings with one of the theater owners. In recent years, it has been difficult to find available theaters due to the thriving Broadway scene, but industry experts anticipate a change next year due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. The Shuberts, who own the most theaters, plan to bring back a variety of shows, including those with Black writers, directors, and subject matter. Some of the productions looking for theaters include a well-received revival of Ntozake Shange's "For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf," a revival of Charles Randolph-Wright's "Blue," and a new play by Keenan Scott II called "Thoughts of a Coloured Man." Stephanie Ybarra, the artistic director of Baltimore Centre Stage, believes "Thoughts of a Coloured Man" would be successful on Broadway. The play, which follows seven Black men through a day in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, was co-commissioned by Baltimore Centre Stage and Syracuse Stage. Several musicals are in a promising position, including "A Strange Loop" by Michael R Jackson, which won the Pulitzer Prize for drama this year. Despite not heading directly to Broadway, the show is described as a reflection on universal human fears and insecurities. Commercial producer Barbara Whitman attempted to secure a Broadway house last year, but with no success. Instead, she is planning a non-profit run at Woolly Mammoth in Washington next summer, with hopes of trying again in New York afterwards. Additionally, two musicals with Black writers are aiming for theatres next spring: "Born for This," which tells the story of gospel singer BeBe Winans, and "Paradise Square," which explores Irish-Black relations in 19th-century New York. "The musical 'Born for This,' which has been performed in Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, is being produced by Ron Gillyard, a music executive. 'Paradise Square,' which had a production at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, has Marcus Gardley as one of its book writers and is led by the experienced Canadian producer Garth Drabinsky, who is making a comeback after serving time in prison for fraud. Gillyard, along with longtime theatre industry player Jenny Gersten, is determined to navigate Broadway with new ideas. Nonprofit theatres control six of the 41 Broadway houses, with two of them planning plays by Black writers for the 2021-2022 season. The Roundabout Theatre Company will be staging 'Trouble in Mind,' a 1955 play by Alice Childress that addresses racism in theatre, that winter. Roundabout artistic director Todd Haimes expressed a commitment to showcasing lesser-known classics by artists of colour." He mentioned that the play is exceptional and not completely unknown but rather partially discovered and undervalued due to fear. Second Stage Theatre is planning to present a new comedic play by Nottage in the fall of 2021, which revolves around a sandwich shop that hires formerly incarcerated individuals. The play, previously titled "Floyd's" after a production at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, will be renamed to avoid any association with George Floyd. Increasing diversity on Broadway is crucial for artists as it offers higher salaries and career opportunities, as well as wider exposure for their work. Playwright Jocelyn Bioh, known for "School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play," is working on a new Afrobeat musical called "Goddess" based on a Kenyan myth, with plans to bring it to Broadway. Bioh highlights the importance of addressing diversity on Broadway and encouraging a new generation of fearless producers. Next year, three jukebox musicals with Black writers are expected to debut, including "Ain't Too Proud" and "Tina," which were delayed by the pandemic. The new show is "MJ," focusing on Michael Jackson, with a book by Nottage and plans to open in April. While musicals often rely on popular song catalogues for success, plays on Broadway now depend heavily on having well-known actors in the lead roles. For instance, producer Robyn Goodman is hoping to bring "Jar the Floor," a play by Cheryl L West about four generations of Black women, to Broadway but is facing challenges with casting. Another play, "Blue," by Charles Randolph-Wright, is being produced by Brian Moreland, who also has "Thoughts of a Coloured Man" in the works. Moreland tried to secure a Broadway theatre for "Blue" before the pandemic, but ultimately settled for the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. There is now talk of potentially reconsidering whether the Apollo could be considered a Broadway venue. He believes that the situation is changing and is feeling optimistic once again. He expressed interest in securing a Broadway theater for the show "For Coloured Girls." Ron Simons, the main producer, has teamed up with seasoned Broadway producer Nelle Nugent in hopes that her expertise will assist in securing a theater. The show, originally premiered on Broadway in 1976, was recently brought back at the Public Theatre. Camille A. Brown, who was the choreographer, will now take on the role of director on Broadway, taking over from Leah C Gardiner who directed the show downtown. There are a number of shows created by Black writers making their way through nonprofit theaters, such as "Pass Over" and "Toni Stone," as well as "Gun & Powder," which tells the story of Black twin sisters who became bank-robbing outlaws. Additionally, there are projects like "Dreaming Zenzile," about Miriam Makeba, and a musical adaptation of "Hidden Figures" being developed by Disney Theatrical Productions. Scott Rudin is also looking to revive August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson" and produce a commercial version of "The Black Clown." Some of the new faces on Broadway come from different areas of the entertainment industry. Film producer Lauren Shuler Donner is working on a stage adaptation of "The Secret Life of Bees," while film and television producer Lee Daniels is preparing to bring "Ain't No Mo'" to Broadway. Daniels faced resistance when discussing the show with Broadway producers, but he is determined to bring it to Broadway with the help of British producer Sonia Friedman after the pandemic. He stated that it is the heart of New York City, and we should be located in the center of New York City. ©2020 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
During her visit to the office of Sayeeda Warsi, the Senior Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, Sheikh Hasina stated that all polls conducted during her five-year rule were fair and impartial, and she expected the same for the upcoming one. The Prime Minister's Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad, briefed the press following the meeting where the two leaders discussed bilateral interests. Sheikh Hasina expressed satisfaction with the historical ties and partnership between Bangladesh and the UK, hoping for further deepening of the relationship. She also acknowledged the support received from the British people and Prime Minister Edward Heath during the War of Liberation in 1971. Additionally, a delegation led by Ambassador Luo Zhaohui from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China, met with the Prime Minister to discuss One China Policy, Chinese investment in various sectors, regional connectivity, and trade deficit reduction between Bangladesh and China. Various officials were also present during the meetings. Later in the day, Warsi met with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. | 1 |
The latest results from Iraq's March 7 election show former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi surpassing current Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, potentially leading to prolonged political negotiations and a dangerous power vacuum. These results, which contradict earlier counts where Maliki was leading, were revealed amidst twin bomb attacks in Mussayab that killed eight people. The bombings highlighted Iraq's vulnerability as it faces the possibility of significant political change and the withdrawal of US troops. These recent attacks, following a car bombing in Anbar province that killed seven, raise concerns about Iraq's security amidst anticipated lengthy and contentious discussions among politicians to form a new government. Allawi's slight lead over Maliki's predominantly Shi'ite State of Law bloc, which is dominant in seven provinces but lacks support in Sunni regions, underscores Iraq's division following years of sectarian conflict. Allawi, a secular Shi'ite leader whose multi-sectarian, secular Iraqiya list is currently leading in five provinces, has garnered support from Sunni minorities looking to regain their lost influence since Saddam Hussein's rule ended in 2003. With 80 percent of approximately 12 million votes counted, there is only a narrow margin of about 9,000 votes between Maliki's coalition and Allawi's. It may take weeks to get final results. One of the blocs is likely to form an alliance with the largely Shi'ite Iraqi National Alliance (INA) or with the Kurdish parties that dominate the Kurdish north. While Maliki, known for his efforts to prevent civil war in Iraq, has significant support, supporters of Allawi, a sophisticated physician critical of the Shi'ite religious parties that have controlled Iraq since 2003, are feeling confident. Thaer al-Naqeeb, a close associate of Allawi, expressed confidence that Allawi would ultimately be shown to be ahead of Maliki in the final election results, despite Maliki currently leading in Baghdad, which has the most seats in Iraq's parliament. He questioned how Maliki could surpass them, stating the results are very close and favorable for their team. Joost Hiltermann, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, warned that defeat may not be accepted gracefully in a post-election environment already marred by fraud allegations. He emphasized that the outcome is still uncertain, and the losing party may try to challenge the winner after the votes are counted. How Iraq can create a government that is acceptable to rival leaders like Maliki and Allawi, as well as other factions in the country, will be crucial for maintaining security as the US plans to withdraw by the end of 2011. The leading alliance in three Kurdish provinces is made up of the two main Kurdish parties, while Allawi's bloc is slightly ahead in Kirkuk, a province with significant oil reserves that is at the center of tensions between Arabs and Kurds. Toby Dodge, an expert on Iraq at the University of London, suggested that Iran's influence could play a key role in forming a new government alliance involving Maliki, the INA, and the Kurds. He mentioned that this could be seen as a revival of the coalition that governed Iraq poorly from 2006 to 2010. The Iranian government, wanting a Shi'ite representative to lead Iraq, commended the elections. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast stated that all international monitoring has verified the legitimacy of the Iraqi elections, calling it a success and congratulating the Iraqi people. | 1 |
Britain and France promised to address financial market issues on Thursday and urged banks to disclose the full extent of damage caused by the credit crunch. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown described his relationship with President Nicolas Sarkozy as strong, while the French leader concluded a two-day state visit to Britain that both leaders praised for initiating a new era of cooperation. They agreed to work towards expanding the U.N. Security Council by securing permanent seats for Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, and representation for Africa. In contrast to past suspicions in Anglo-French relations, the body language between the two leaders was very positive, with compliments exchanged during a press conference held at Arsenal's stadium in north London. The team is overseen by Frenchman Arsene Wenger and includes several French-speaking players. Sarkozy expressed gratitude for the warm reception his new wife, Carla Bruni, received after their recent marriage, despite the impact on his popularity. Global leaders are working to ease concerns about a potential economic downturn caused by a credit crisis linked to U.S. housing loans. However, wealthy nations have not yet reached a consensus on a collective strategy. Brown and Sarkozy emphasized the importance of financial market transparency to ensure banks disclose write-offs promptly and fully. Banks have recorded losses of more than $125 billion in assets due to the credit squeeze, with some estimates suggesting bad debts on banks' books could be as high as $600 billion. Central banks have injected funds into the financial system to boost confidence among commercial banks, who are hesitant to lend money to each other. The two leaders called for further discussions with the United States and others to address the crisis. During a speech in London's financial district, Sarkozy criticized the strength of the euro, stating that the value of the U.S., Japanese, and Chinese currencies did not accurately reflect the strength of their economies. He has consistently expressed concerns about the euro's strength, which reached a new high above $1.59 last week, as it negatively impacts French exporters. Sarkozy has also raised worries about the high costs of oil and other commodities. While the U.N. Security Council's expansion efforts have come to a standstill, Britain and France, both permanent members, have proposed the idea of granting some countries longer, renewable terms on the council, potentially leading to permanent seats. Sarkozy is aiming to strengthen ties with Britain in addition to the longstanding Franco-German partnership that has historically influenced the European Union. Analysts suggest that Brown's difficulties with German Chancellor Angela Merkel may have contributed to his previous criticisms from Brussels for Britain's reluctance to fully engage with the European Union, including not adopting the common currency. Despite this, Brown showed solidarity with Sarkozy during a joint press conference, emphasizing the importance of both Britain and France being central to a reformed, global, and outward-looking Europe. The two leaders also agreed on taking action on various issues such as trade between wealthy and impoverished nations, combating illegal immigration, addressing climate change, and facilitating dialogue between China and Tibet to resolve ongoing tensions. | 1 |
The Dalai Lama stated that US President Barack Obama is not lenient towards China and expressed his hope for a discussion on Tibet with the Indian prime minister in Washington. The Dalai Lama mentioned in an interview with NDTV news channel that Obama's approach towards China may be different but not soft. Obama had urged for a dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and China to resolve the Tibet issue during his recent visit to Beijing. The Tibetan government-in-exile showed willingness to engage in talks with China following Obama's remarks. Despite eight rounds of discussions between Chinese officials and the Dalai Lama's envoys, there has been little progress in resolving the issue. The Dalai Lama, who left Tibet for India in 1959 following an unsuccessful rebellion against China's control, expressed that he was not upset about missing the opportunity to meet with Obama during his trip to the U.S. in October. Referred to as a "splittist" by Beijing, the Dalai Lama claims he is only striving for self-governance for Tibet, which experienced unrest and demonstrations against the Chinese occupation last year. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is scheduled to visit the U.S. this week to address regional concerns, climate change, and a nuclear agreement. | 1 |
During a severe drought in the United States, a government agency reported on Wednesday that a heat record from July was broken, surpassing the record set during the Dust Bowl summer of 1936. Midwest farmers, who suffered crop damage in July, were relieved by forecasts of rain over the next 10 days, which could help stabilize grain prices and alleviate concerns about global food inflation. July was confirmed as the hottest month in the continental United States on record, surpassing the previous record set in July 1936, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The period from January to July was also the warmest since record-keeping began in 1895, and marked the warmest 12-month period, breaking the previous record set just a month earlier. This was the fourth consecutive month that U.S. temperatures broke the record for the hottest 12-month period, according to NOAA. Experts predict that the current drought, the most severe since 1956, will result in the smallest corn harvest in six years. This has led to high prices and limited supplies. Despite large plantings, this would mark the third consecutive year of decreasing corn production. In July, drought and heat exacerbated each other, causing a vicious cycle of dry conditions and high temperatures. Although some rain and cooler temperatures are expected in the drought-affected US Midwest, it may come too late to significantly improve the already damaged corn crop. Jason Nicholls, a meteorologist for AccuWeather, stated that the current weather outlook is an improvement from previous conditions, but he is still cautious about calling it a drought-buster. He mentioned that there is a possibility of 0.25 inch to 0.75 inch of rain, with some areas experiencing heavier amounts, in about 75 percent of the Midwest from Wednesday to Friday morning, with a similar weather pattern expected next week. Nicholls also noted that while there may be slightly less rain in southeast Iowa, there is an anticipated increase in rainfall in Missouri. According to meteorologist Drew Lerner from World Weather Inc., there will be some more rain in the northwest this weekend. Temperatures in the Midwest are expected to be in the 80s Fahrenheit for the next few days, which is a relief as the previous high temperatures in the 90s and low 100s were damaging corn and soybean production. The crops are essential for livestock feed, so high grain prices will lead to increased consumer prices for products like milk, cheese, beef, fish, and poultry. Producers are already reducing the size of their herds to cut costs and avoid significant losses. Corn and soybeans are also used in a wide range of products, including biofuels, starch, edible oils, and lubricants. US corn prices have increased by over 50% in the past two months and reached a record high on July 20th. Soybeans, which were planted later than corn, also rose by more than 20% during the same period and hit a record high on the same day. However, harvest-time delivery prices have decreased by around 7% due to light rains in parts of the Midwest over the last two weeks. Analysts believe that these rains could benefit the crops as they are currently in the pod-filling stage. Unfortunately, the rains came too late for the corn crop, which has already passed its crucial pollination phase. Despite an initial dip in grain prices at the Chicago Board of Trade on Wednesday, they eventually increased. The government is set to announce its initial assessment of the autumn harvest on Friday. Projections for corn yields have already been reduced by 12 percent due to the effects of hot, dry weather in the Farm Belt. The drought has become a political issue in an election year, with President Obama urging Congress to pass a farm bill that will provide aid to farmers and ranchers affected by the disaster. The administration is committed to helping minimize the impact of the drought. "It is a significant drought with wide-reaching effects on farmers and ranchers in multiple states," stated Obama. He emphasized the urgency of Congress finishing the new five-year farm bill before the upcoming election. Republican leaders in the House of Representatives, who were unable to pass the farm bill, suggested a $383 million aid package for livestock producers before their summer break. Obama expressed his desire for lawmakers to receive feedback from their constituents during the recess and to return in September ready to promptly finalize the farm bill. | 1 |
Yvo de Boer, head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, stated that despite the global financial turmoil, a new world climate deal should not be hindered as high energy prices continue to incentivize improvements in energy efficiency. De Boer emphasized that the current credit crisis is not having a larger impact on the global economy than current oil prices. However, he acknowledged that the uncertainty and lack of trust in financial markets are obstacles to developing green energy projects, even with oil prices around $100 a barrel. De Boer believes that lack of capital is not the main issue despite the current situation. Investment uncertainty is causing concern, and clear government action on climate change could help reduce this uncertainty. For example, if a company is planning to build a 500 million euro power plant but is unsure of their government's greenhouse gas emissions targets, it creates a risky situation. Despite some analysts' doubts, De Boer is optimistic about the United States joining a new global warming agreement in Copenhagen in December 2009. He believes it is possible for the US to sign up to the agreement. De Boer stated that the reasons for Washington's refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, such as concerns about potential harm to the U.S. economy and the absence of emission reduction targets for developing countries, remain just as relevant today. The Kyoto Protocol requires 37 industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-2012, with no obligations for developing countries. In order to persuade the United States, now surpassed by China as the top emitter of greenhouse gases, the United Nations must involve developing countries. De Boer emphasized the need to protect their economic growth and minimize the costs of ambitious climate policies in order to achieve this. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a method used to attract developing countries by allowing industrialized countries to increase their emission quota if they invest in clean energy technology in developing economies. The debate within U.N. talks revolves around whether the CDM should encompass coal power plants that have the ability to store carbon dioxide. De Boer believes that carbon capture and storage would be crucial for coal-based economies like China and India, and suggests storing CO2 underground in locations such as empty gas fields. De Boer is optimistic that the upcoming talks in Poznan could lead to a new agreement in Copenhagen to replace the Kyoto Protocol, despite doubts from many. | 1 |
During a meeting at his office in The Hague on Wednesday, Dutch Foreign Minister Timmermans discussed with his Bangladesh counterpart Mahmood Ali about King Willem-Alexander's interest in Bangladesh's flood-control efforts and climate change adaptation. Timmermans expressed his government's commitment to working with Bangladesh on addressing climate change challenges and highlighted the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. Mahmood Ali appreciated Dutch development projects in water management and agriculture, as well as their contribution to improving working conditions in Bangladesh's garment sector. The ministers also discussed the Global Oceans Action Summit and agreed to explore regular bilateral consultations. Mahmood Ali thanked the Netherlands for training Bangladeshi diplomats and invited the Dutch King to visit Bangladesh. The ministers also discussed reciprocal services for their respective missions in each other's capitals. Bangladesh's ambassador to the Netherlands, Sheikh Mohammed Belal, was also present at the meeting. | 1 |
In Copenhagen on December 18, efforts were made by world leaders to salvage a global climate agreement. However, the lack of new proposals from major greenhouse gas emitters such as China and the United States hindered the chances of a comprehensive deal. US President Barack Obama and other leaders are working towards reaching agreements on carbon emission reductions, financial assistance for developing nations, temperature limits, and international monitoring of emissions reductions. While there has been some progress in certain areas, disagreements still exist regarding emission targets and monitoring methods, according to conference delegates. Obama expressed readiness to finalize the agreement, emphasizing the need for all parties to take action rather than just talk. He noted that despite nearly two decades of international discussions on climate change, there has been little tangible progress, with climate change continuing to worsen. The period for discussion has ended. What is at risk is a pact for united worldwide efforts to prevent climate change, which could lead to increased occurrences of flooding and droughts. Negotiations in Copenhagen have been marked by mistrust between wealthy and developing nations regarding the distribution of emission reductions. Developing countries, especially those most susceptible to climate change, argue that affluent nations should assume a greater responsibility. The environment minister of Sweden, representing the EU presidency, pointed out that the cooperation of the United States and China is crucial for reaching an agreement. He mentioned that the United States was slow in making commitments to address climate change. China's reluctance to be monitored was a major challenge. Carlgren stated that the main sufferers in this situation are developing countries. The EU had intended to support developing countries, but this was hindered by the powerful nations. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Copenhagen and pledged that the United States would contribute to mobilizing $100 billion a year to assist developing countries in dealing with climate change, on the condition that a deal was reached. However, President Obama did not make any new commitments and remained focused on the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent by 2020 compared to 2005 levels, which equates to 3-4 percent compared to 1990 levels, in contrast to the EU's target of 20 percent. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also reaffirmed existing targets, though he suggested that China, the world's largest carbon emitter, may surpass them. "We will follow through on our promises with tangible actions," stated Wen. Despite the uncertain results of the conference, we are dedicated to not only meeting but surpassing the set goals." After their meeting, Obama and Wen were described as making progress by a White House representative. The two leaders had a productive conversation covering all major topics and have instructed their negotiators to collaborate with other nations to potentially reach an agreement. Sweden's Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has called on China and the United States to take action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as they account for 40 percent of global emissions. Reinfeldt emphasized the importance of these two countries doing their part in order to meet the 2 degree target. A British official, commenting after Obama's speech, expressed pessimism about the prospects for a deal. Several important countries are resisting the proposed overall agreement, and there is limited time left. Negotiators were unable to reach an agreement on carbon reductions during recent talks. Even after discussions on Friday morning, President Obama and other leaders were unsuccessful in achieving a breakthrough. French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated that Chinese opposition to emission monitoring was a major obstacle. He mentioned that while talks are ongoing, no final decision has been reached yet. A preliminary document obtained by Reuters proposed a target of $100 billion per year by 2020 to assist developing countries in addressing the effects of climate change. It also endorsed providing $30 billion to the least developed nations between 2010 and 2012, and suggested that global warming should be limited to 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. Scientists believe that a 2 degrees limit is necessary to prevent severe consequences of climate change such as rising sea levels, species extinction, and crop failures. The goal of the two-week conference in Copenhagen is to reach an agreement on climate action that can be transformed into a legally binding treaty next year to replace the expiring Kyoto Protocol. The United States did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol, and it does not apply to developing countries. The draft text for Friday anticipates ongoing negotiations to establish one or more new legal treaties by the end of 2010. | 1 |
During his first national address as prime minister, Khan outlined his vision for a "New Pakistan" and emphasized the importance of implementing an Islamic welfare system, reducing poverty, and decreasing high debt levels. Khan criticized the country's reliance on loans and aid from other nations, stating that a country must be self-sufficient. A former cricket legend, Khan, 65, was inaugurated as prime minister following his party's victory in the recent election. Despite his popularity due to his anti-corruption efforts, Khan faces challenges such as a currency crisis and strained relations with the United States. Khan did not provide details on how Pakistan plans to address its currency issues, which analysts believe will require another IMF bailout. Instead, he discussed debt and appointed Ishrat Husain to lead a task force focused on austerity measures. Khan criticized the luxurious lifestyles of Pakistan's ruling class and announced his intention to live in a modest three-bedroom house rather than the opulent prime minister's residence. He plans to have only two servants instead of the usual 524 and will sell off bullet-proof vehicles to address Treasury deficits, a risky decision in a country still facing threats from Islamist militants. He stated, "I will lead a modest life and save money for my people." Khan called on overseas Pakistanis to invest in the country and urged the wealthy to fulfill their obligation to pay taxes, a longstanding issue in a country known for tax evasion. He emphasized the importance of paying taxes for the country's development, describing it as a necessary struggle. Khan also expressed concern about the threat of climate change to Pakistan and vowed to address the high maternal and infant mortality rates. Additionally, he highlighted the urgent need to assist the 22.8 million out-of-school children in Pakistan, where the literacy rate is just above 40 percent. Khan, who lacks experience in government, announced his 21-person cabinet over the weekend, mostly consisting of seasoned politicians. Critics raised concerns about half of the cabinet members having previously served under former military dictator Pervez Musharraf, labeling them as part of the old guard. Khan revealed on Sunday that he will personally oversee the interior ministry. Once known as a playboy in London, Khan has now embraced a more religious image and aims to transform Pakistan into a welfare state similar to those in the West, inspired by the teachings of Prophet Mohammad in Medina. He expressed his commitment to providing for those in need, saying, "I will spend money on those who God has not given enough to." | 1 |
Myanmar Labour Minister Aye Myint and Bangladesh ambassador to Naypyidaw Anup Kumar Chakma greeted her at 10.15am local time Monday. Hasina was welcomed with a red carpet reception at the airport and then transported to the Royal Naypyidaw Hotel in a motorcade. Children from Myanmar in traditional attire lined the road, waving flags from both countries as her motorcade passed by. The Prime Minister and her team will be staying at this hotel for the duration of her two-day tour. She is set to hold bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan on the sidelines of the summit. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) includes seven member countries from South Asia and South East Asia. The group was established in 1997 to promote economic cooperation, and has since grown to focus on 14 priority sectors of development and common concerns. Bangladesh is the lead country in trade, investment, and climate change within the group. During her visit, the Prime Minister will meet with Myanmar President Thein Sein, visit the country’s parliament, meet with Speaker Thura Shwe Mann, have a meeting with Nobel laureate Aung Sang Suu Kyi, and attend a dinner hosted by the Myanmar President. She will also attend the inauguration of the BIMSTEC summit and participate in a joint press briefing on the second day of her visit. The most recent summit was held in 2008 in New Delhi, while the first was in 2004 in Bangkok. The summit is expected to result in the signing of three agreements. These agreements include a memorandum of association (MoA) for the establishment of a climate change center in India, a memorandum of understanding for the creation of a Cultural Industries Observatory in Bhutan, and a MoA for the establishment of a permanent secretariat in Bangladesh, which was approved over two years ago. The city of Dhaka has already provided a location in Gulshan for the Secretariat. The Rohingya issue has caused tension between Bangladesh and Myanmar, with bilateral trade between the two countries currently at only $100 million. Bangladesh has provided refuge to many Rohingya Muslim refugees who had fled Myanmar due to violence. Officials estimate that there are hundreds of thousands of unregistered Rohingyas in Bangladesh. The Prime Minister is expected to return to Dhaka on March 4, according to officials. (File Photo) | 1 |
Ambassador Tran Van Khoa met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka on Thursday, as confirmed by the prime minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim. During the meeting, the ambassador expressed his satisfaction with the extension of the memorandum of understanding on rice trade between Bangladesh and Vietnam. He also mentioned that the first shipment of rice from Vietnam is expected to arrive in Chittagong within 15 days. Prime Minister Hasina emphasized the importance of preserving extra food to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. She also commended Vietnam for its impressive socioeconomic development post-war. She stated, "Vietnam serves as a model for us and we look up to them. We had to struggle for independence just like Vietnam." The prime minister highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity and economic collaboration between Bangladesh and Southeast Asian countries. She mentioned that Bangladesh and Vietnam could exchange knowledge in various sectors such as trade and culture. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with the new Vietnam Ambassador to Bangladesh Tran Van Khoa at her office in the parliament. Photo: PID
Hasina characterized poverty as a shared issue among developing nations and urged for collective efforts to eradicate this 'curse'. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with the new Vietnam Ambassador to Bangladesh Tran Van Khoa at her office in the parliament. She expressed optimism about achieving success through collaboration. The Vietnamese ambassador commended Bangladesh's efforts in fighting terrorism and tackling climate change, stating that the two countries have much in common and can learn from each other. Tran Van Khoa also praised Bangladesh for achieving a 7.24 percent GDP growth in the previous fiscal year and conveyed best wishes from the Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to the Bangladesh premier. He also gave Hasina a book that detailed the life of Vietnamese communist revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, along with 'unforgettable memories' of the War of Liberation. Khoa mentioned that both countries had acknowledged their respective Wars of Liberation and stressed the importance of high-level delegation visits. The newly appointed envoy expressed his intention to enhance bilateral relations and continue cooperation in various sectors. The event was attended by PM's Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and Senior PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum. To recover from damage caused by unseasonal downpours in April, Bangladesh plans to import a quarter million tonnes of rice from Vietnam. Official estimates indicate that the crops that were lost would have produced approximately 600,000 tonnes of rice. Unofficial estimates suggest that the number is closer to 2.2 million tonnes of rice. In response, the government has reduced import duties and issued new tenders in an attempt to lower local prices. | 1 |
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