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Leaders from countries around the Asia-Pacific rim promised to increase free trade and improve security at the conclusion of their two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. The "Hanoi Declaration" outlines key points from the meeting, including commitments to resolving the Doha trade talks deadlock, exploring the possibility of an Asia-Pacific free trade area, and establishing six model measures for free trade arrangements. It was emphasized that these measures would be voluntary and non-binding. Countries were urged to take steps to address piracy and copyright violations. The Security Council criticized North Korea's nuclear test in a private statement. There was recognition of the importance of safeguarding financial systems and a positive response to a study on trade recovery after a terrorist attack or pandemic. Collaboration on bird flu and preparation for potential pandemics was also agreed upon. * Appreciated efforts to address the terrorist threat to the APEC food supply. CORRUPTION * Will explore ways to prevent corrupt individuals from seeking refuge and profiting from their illegal actions. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE * Directed APEC ministers to provide updates in 2007 on strategies for advancing cleaner energy and boosting energy efficiency. * Will support energy policies that eliminate market distortions and bolster energy security. | 1 |
A directorate focused on climate change will be established within the environment ministry. The proposal was given preliminary approval at a meeting of the trustee board on climate change, which took place on Wednesday. Following the meeting, Hassan Mahmud, the state minister for environment and head of the trustee board, informed reporters about the approval. Five proposals were conditionally approved at the board meeting, while 33 non-government projects and 44 government projects received final approval. The junior minister also mentioned that permission was granted to purchase machinery for the Karnafuli Jute Mills and Forat Karnafuli Carpet Factory using funds allocated for climate change initiatives. He mentioned that the army's projects to build solar power plants at various military locations, including the headquarters, received conditional final approval. He also stated that non-government agencies' projects were approved after a reduction in budget, with the organizations initially requesting up to Tk 50 million. However, they will now receive between Tk 2 million and 10 million under the revised budget. | 1 |
Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency stated that despite the global financial crisis, there is expected to be continued long-term demand for new nuclear power plants. They are meeting in Beijing to discuss the future of atomic power in light of economic challenges, climate change, and concerns over the nuclear programs of certain countries. While funding for new nuclear power plants may be more difficult to secure in the short term due to the financial crisis, the overall need for energy and concerns about energy security and global warming are likely to support the nuclear energy sector. Dong Batong, a representative of China's atomic energy industry association, expressed that despite a slowdown in growth, China remains dedicated to significantly increasing nuclear power. He stated that nuclear power is being utilized as a key strategy to boost domestic demand, with numerous new nuclear units currently under construction or in the planning stages throughout the country. The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that nuclear power currently accounts for 14 percent of global electricity production, a number that is expected to rise as countries aim to lower fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of this expansion is projected to take place in Asia, with China leading the way in terms of nuclear power plant construction, followed by India and South Korea. However, the ambitious plans for nuclear power expansion in the developing world also pose a risk of compromising safety standards and measures against weapons proliferation. Yuri Sokolov, deputy director-general of the IAEA, emphasized the importance of governments ensuring that regulators are supported by effective laws and well-trained personnel when expanding nuclear energy. Despite facing criticism for recent actions, even North Korea has the right to pursue nuclear power facilities, according to Sokolov. He acknowledged that each country has the right to a civilian nuclear program, referring to North Korea as a "difficult situation." Sokolov expressed optimism that with cooperation from the international community, support could be provided for the development of civil nuclear power in North Korea. North Korea withdrew from the IAEA years ago and recently kicked out IAEA officials who were invited to monitor a closed nuclear facility that North Korea plans to reopen. Mohamed ElBaradei, the director-general of the IAEA, is scheduled to deliver the opening speech at the nuclear energy meeting on Monday. | 1 |
The European Union maintained its position on Friday that UN talks in Bali should establish strict 2020 guidelines for wealthy nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, despite opposition from the US. European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas stated that they are still pushing for a mention of an indicative emissions reduction range for developed countries for 2020. However, the EU did not reiterate their previous demand for cuts of 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. A compromise draft text, intended to kick off two years of negotiations for a global agreement to combat climate change, eliminated the goal of stringent 2020 greenhouse emissions cuts for wealthy countries but maintained a 2050 target of at least halving global emissions. | 1 |
The European Union and Group of Eight President Germany called on top politicians to collaborate in addressing global warming, which they described as one of the most significant threats facing the world. German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the urgency of taking action on climate change at a security conference in Munich, stating that the issue affects everyone and requires coordinated efforts from all nations. She compared climate change to a future war that must be addressed collectively. Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and US Senator for Arizona John McCain were present in the audience. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has made tackling global warming a priority during her dual EU and G8 presidencies. She aims to encourage nations to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy, and transition to renewable fuels. Merkel has also discussed advancing a framework agreement to reduce greenhouse gases post the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012. Germany's coalition of left and right parties is internally divided on various energy policies, and the government has opposed certain European Union proposals to reduce emissions. | 1 |
The United States' senior climate change envoy, Todd Stern, stated that he does not anticipate reaching an agreement on climate change with China during President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Beijing. Instead, Obama will focus on discussing common understanding with President Hu in order to facilitate an agreement at the Copenhagen conference in December, where negotiators will work on a new accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the Kyoto Protocol's first phase expires in 2012. Progress in the talks has been slow, with the US hesitant to commit to a deal that does not require developing countries like China to agree to mandatory CO2 reduction targets. Chinese negotiators have suggested that the industrialized world should take on most of the responsibility for reducing carbon emissions. The meeting between Obama and President Hu Jintao, leaders of the top two greenhouse gas emitters, is seen as crucial for reaching a consensus on a new global climate agreement. Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell believes that China and the US may sign a bilateral agreement during Obama's visit, but US envoy Stern has stated that they are not seeking a separate deal. Despite plans for further cooperation on issues such as carbon capture and storage, analysts believe that differences between the two countries will make it challenging to reach a substantive agreement. Paul Harris, a professor at the Hong Kong Institute of Education, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the upcoming discussions in Copenhagen, noting that many kind words and discussions may not lead to significant outcomes. With the conference just six weeks away, Stern cautioned that success is not guaranteed, emphasizing the potential for a deal but acknowledging challenges in reaching an agreement. Analysts believe that the Obama administration's efforts to pass a climate plan before the year ends will play a key role in the negotiations. The US Senate Environment Committee is currently conducting hearings on a new climate bill. The administration has been pushing Congress to make progress, and any additional postponements could harm the United States' reputation during the Copenhagen talks. | 1 |
Underneath the towering canopy of the Amazon jungle, Brazilian Indians and officials appealed to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday to garner international support in safeguarding the world's largest rainforest. Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva emphasized the need for concrete mechanisms to benefit the residents of the Amazon during a meeting with Ban under a centuries-old Samauma tree, located 30 minutes upriver from Belem, the largest city in the region. Ban, who was concluding a South American tour focusing on the potential impacts of global warming, including a recent visit to Antarctica, was urged by Amazon Indian Marcos Apurina to assist in creating incentives for forest dwellers to make a living. Ban, who also received a native plant seed necklace and viewed various forest products during his visit, expressed the United Nations' support for the cause. This is a shared resource for all people on Earth. Earlier, Ban interacted with a three-toed sloth and planted two native trees at a botanical garden in Belem. Ban is getting ready for a UN climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia, in December, where discussions will begin on reducing carbon emissions once the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012. Brazil is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, mainly because of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, as reported by environmental organizations. Ban did not address Brazil's decision not to set targets for decreasing deforestation and carbon emissions. He praised Brazil for reducing forest destruction by 50% in two years, despite the rate increasing again recently. The Amazon's carbon dioxide emissions contribute to global warming when trees are burned or decompose. Farmers and loggers clear large portions of the forest annually, with the amount depending on market prices. Silva, a former activist, asked Ban to support a proposal in the Convention on Biodiversity that would require pharmaceutical companies to pay for drugs made from Amazon plants. Ban agreed to study the proposal after meeting with Silva on Monday. Researchers warn that global warming may transform a section of the Amazon into a semi-arid savanna in the near future. Severe weather patterns, including droughts and floods, have already been observed in various regions. A planned trip by Ban along an Amazon tributary near Santarem had to be called off due to the river being too shallow. Ban commended Brazil for its efforts in developing low-emission biofuels, but emphasized the importance of further international research to assess the potential impact of large-scale production on food supplies. Over the weekend, he visited a plant in Sao Paulo state, which contributes to Brazil's status as one of the largest and most cost-effective ethanol producers. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration has escalated police operations against illegal loggers and enlarged protected regions. However, there are concerns among conservationists that the construction of roads and hydroelectric facilities could potentially lead to higher rates of deforestation in the future. | 1 |
The prime minister addressed the issue during the opening of the 'World Environment Day and Environment Fair 2017 and National Tree Planting Project and Tree Planting Day 2017' at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre. She emphasized the government's focus on protecting the Sundarbans while carrying out development projects. Despite protests from environmentalists and leftist groups regarding the construction of a coal-based power plant near the Sundarbans, the government has reassured that the plant will not cause any harm to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sundarbans were granted this status in 1997 during a previous Awami League government led by Hasina. Hasina stated that the Sundarbans have been consistently safeguarded by the government. She emphasized that Bangladesh owes its preservation to the Sundarbans. Plans are being made by the government to expand the mangrove forest using artificial methods. Hasina mentioned that the Awami League government has successfully achieved a 17 percent growth in the country's forest area and aims for a 25 percent increase. She also highlighted the government's efforts in promoting a balance between environmental conservation and socially responsible forestry. She suggested the implementation of 'smart patrolling' to safeguard the area and emphasized the importance of creating a 'green seawall' to protect against natural disasters. Additionally, efforts are being made to provide alternative employment opportunities for those who depend on the Sundarbans. The prime minister also mentioned a trust fund she established to address climate change, with Tk 31 billion allocated for it so far. However, she expressed disappointment that many developing countries have not contributed to the fund. She stated that despite receiving numerous promises, they were given little financial assistance. However, they made good use of what was received. The prime minister emphasized that Bangladesh has demonstrated self-reliance and is gaining recognition for it. | 1 |
Delegates at climate talks in Bali are nearing an agreement on guidelines for a pay-and-preserve program for forests as part of efforts to combat global warming, according to Indonesia's foreign minister. The program, known as Reduced Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries (REDD), could potentially allow poor nations to earn billions of dollars by trading carbon credits. Scientists emphasize the importance of preserving forests in the tropics, as they absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide emissions, which is a major contributor to global warming. Developed countries at the talks expressed enthusiasm for the role of forests in addressing climate change, as stated by Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda. Developed countries and countries with large forest areas have agreed to collaborate on creating a world map, which will involve not only governments but also institutions such as universities and research bodies. Curbing deforestation is a major concern for delegates at Bali, as the Kyoto Protocol does not offer incentives to developing nations for preserving tropical rainforests. The REDD scheme would allow developing nations to receive carbon credits, which can be purchased by wealthy nations to offset their emissions. The main issue at hand is whether future discussions on deforestation should be broadened to include other forms of land use, a proposition supported by the United States but opposed by most developing nations, according to an Indonesian forestry official. The official informed Reuters that the proposal could shift the focus away from forests, complicate the scheme, and cause further delays in its implementation. The Bali meeting has agreed to support individual countries in running projects to prepare for REDD, while also deciding to conduct further research on the issue. The World Bank has initiated plans for a $300 million fund aimed at combating global warming by preserving forests. This includes a $100 million "readiness" fund to provide grants to approximately 20 countries to help them prepare for large-scale forest protection projects. The grants will cover activities such as assessing current forest resources, setting up monitoring systems, and improving governance. Additionally, a separate $200 million "carbon finance mechanism" will enable some countries to implement pilot programs that earn credits for reducing deforestation. According to a recent report backed by the World Bank and Britain's development arm, Indonesia, a strong advocate for REDD, is one of the top three greenhouse gas emitters globally due to deforestation, peatland degradation, and forest fires. Indonesia possesses over 225 million acres (91 million hectares) of forest land, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of the world's remaining tropical forests, as stated by rainforestweb.org, a website focused on rainforests. | 1 |
According to a senior trade and industry official, Japan believes that 2005 would be a suitable base year for calculating reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in a future climate agreement. Japan has rejected the idea of using 1990 as the base year due to concerns about fairness to Japanese industry. However, they have not specified an alternative base year. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) stated that 2005 would be a fair base year. This proposal may face opposition from the European Union, which has committed to reducing emissions by 20 percent by 2020 from 1990 levels. Approximately 190 countries came to an agreement during UN-led discussions in Bali to begin two-year negotiations on a new agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol currently only requires wealthy nations to reduce emissions by an average of five percent between 2008 and 2012 compared to 1990 levels. The successor to the Kyoto Protocol would encompass all nations, as outlined in the "Bali roadmap," acknowledging the necessity of significant reductions in global emissions. However, there are significant differences of opinion regarding the specific targets and the baseline year for these targets. | 1 |
Next week in Washington, dozens of world leaders will come together for a unique meeting on nuclear security, organized by the United Nations. US President Barack Obama is eager for the leaders to reach an agreement on preventing nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists. While the focus of the meeting will not be on specific countries, discussions on the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea, as well as potential new UN sanctions against Iran, are expected to take place during Obama's meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other leaders. Hu's attendance at the summit is seen as a significant win for Obama, as it demonstrates China's commitment to maintaining strong Sino-US relations despite tensions over issues like Taiwan. A draft communique outlining a US proposal to secure all vulnerable nuclear material within four years has been circulated among summit attendees, with revisions expected before its adoption at the end of the meeting on April 13th. Analysts and Western diplomats believe that the summit meeting in Washington, which is one of the largest since World War Two, holds great significance beyond its official agenda. Ian Kearns of British American Security Information Council stated that many people view nuclear security as a narrow technical issue only concerning those worried about nuclear terrorism. He believes that if leaders at the summit address nuclear security properly, it could make nuclear power safer for combatting climate change, strengthen non-proliferation efforts, and increase international confidence in nuclear disarmament. The attendees include leaders such as China's Hu, Russia's Medvedev, France's Sarkozy, and Germany's Merkel, as well as representatives from India, Pakistan, and Israel, all of which have atomic arsenals but have not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran and North Korea have not been invited to the meeting due to their involvement in illicit atomic activities. Pakistan, on the other hand, has been included in the meeting because it has pledged to enhance its internal safeguards. Abdul Qadeer Khan, a disgraced Pakistani scientist, played a key role in providing atomic technology to Iran, North Korea, and Libya. Joe Cirincione, a professor at Georgetown University, believes that the plan to secure nuclear materials globally within four years could greatly improve global security. He stated that if they carry out this strategy, it could effectively prevent nuclear terrorism by preventing radicals from obtaining the one part of the bomb they cannot create themselves. Cirincione is hoping to see if the final communique is more than just a 2-page press release, if the action plan includes specific targets and deadlines, if key nations commit to securing their weapons material within four years, and if the states agree to reconvene in two years to evaluate progress. The agenda includes plans to unite various countries with nuclear programs to collect dangerous atomic material from vulnerable nuclear, defense, and medical facilities globally, a practice that Russia and the United States have been engaged in with the help of the UN atomic watchdog for years. If successful, the summit could demonstrate to the world that the international community is united in enhancing nuclear security and that the US is taking a leading role. The White House recently announced a new policy that limits the US use of nuclear weapons, while cautioning Iran and North Korea that they could still be potential targets. The Nuclear Posture Review, reversing the stance of the former US administration, stated that Washington would not be creating any new atomic weapons. Analysts believe that the US nuclear policy, along with the efforts of Obama and Medvedev in agreeing to reduce their nuclear arsenals, as well as a successful nuclear summit, could pave the way for a productive gathering of NPT signatories in New York next month. The NPT has faced challenges due to North Korea's withdrawal, Iran's pursuit of nuclear technology, and developing nations accusing major nuclear powers of not meeting disarmament commitments. A meeting in New York will focus on possible new UN sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program, with the possibility of discussing Iran on the sidelines of the summit if Obama wishes to do so. | 1 |
Despite a positive report on German business sentiment, concerns about the US economy and banking sector troubles weighed on investor confidence on Wednesday. The dollar and stocks remained under pressure, but a weaker dollar led to increased interest in commodities such as oil, gold, and industrial metals. Deutsche Bank's warning about potential credit market issues affecting profits in 2008, along with a drop in US consumer confidence and disappointing data on new orders for US manufactured goods, kept investors cautious. Wall Street was expected to open lower with major stock index futures trading in the negative. Sean Maloney, a fixed-income strategist at Nomura in London, stated that there is still anxiety in the banking sector, and Deutsche Bank's announcement serves as a reminder that JPMorgan's increased bid for Bear Stearns may not solve all the financial sector's problems. The news earlier in the week that JPMorgan had raised its takeover offer for Bear Stearns by fivefold had led to a rally in financial stocks worldwide and alleviated concerns about a sector impacted by a credit crunch. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares dropped by 0.9 percent, while Germany's DAX fell by 0.7 percent, with Deutsche Bank down by about 2 percent. London's FTSE 100 index also fell by 0.7 percent, largely due to a nearly 7 percent decline in Swiss miner Xtrata following the breakdown of takeover discussions with Vale, the world's largest iron ore miner. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei closed down by 0.3 percent, but MSCI's index of other Asian stock markets rose by 0.7 percent. MSCI's primary global stock index inched up by 0.2 percent. The dollar decreased in value against other major currencies, leading to a 0.8 percent drop in the dollar index due to concerns about the US economy. On the other hand, positive results from the German business climate index, which rose to 104.8 from 104.1, based on a survey of approximately 7,000 companies, boosted the euro. The euro increased by 0.7 percent to $1.5736 for the day, supported further by remarks from European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, which were seen as suggesting no immediate interest rate cuts. Trichet stated during his testimony to the economic committee of the European Parliament that the ECB believed the current monetary policy would help maintain price stability in the medium term. US light crude for May delivery increased by $1.25 to $102.47, gold also saw a rise to $947.70 per ounce from its previous level of around $934.60 per ounce in New York on Tuesday. Copper for three-month delivery on the London Metal Exchange was last traded at $8,155 per tonne, showing a 0.8 percent increase. Despite a negative outlook in the US, global demand for various commodities is expected to remain strong, particularly due to the growth in economies like China. The weakening dollar has led to increased buying, however, traders are hesitant to take on large positions as the quarter comes to a close. Concerns about the US economy have also resulted in a rise in demand for safe-haven U.S. Treasuries, causing the benchmark 10-year yield to decrease by about 5 basis points to 3.457 percent. German 10-year bonds did not perform as well as US bonds due to Trichet's remarks and new bond issuance. The 10-year yield remained relatively stable at 3.887 percent. | 1 |
At the end of UN climate talks in POZNAN, Poland, developing nations criticized the rich for their stinginess in launching a small $80 million Adaptation Fund to aid poor countries in dealing with climate-related challenges like droughts and floods. They expressed disappointment and sadness, stating that this fund size was not a good sign as negotiations continue towards a new treaty to combat global warming in Copenhagen in 2009. Colombian Environment Minister Juan Lozano highlighted the importance of considering the human impact of climate change, especially on vulnerable populations, and expressed concern about the lack of donor support due to global economic difficulties. Indian representative Prodipto Ghosh expressed his sorrow at the current climate crisis during the 189-nation talks, stating that it was one of the saddest moments he had witnessed in his 12 years of attending U.N. climate meetings. Other nations such as Brazil, Costa Rica, and Maldives echoed similar sentiments. Many delegates at the talks in Poland hoped that U.S. President-elect Barack Obama would implement more aggressive climate policies. Environment ministers at the conference established rules for the Adaptation Fund, which aims to assist developing nations in constructing flood defenses, creating drought-resistant crops, and issuing storm warnings. Polish Environment Minister Maciej Nowicki, the host of the talks, highlighted the launch of the fund as the most significant accomplishment of the Poznan conference. The fund, which may begin distributing money in 2009, currently has $80 million but could potentially increase to $300 million annually by 2012. United Nations estimates suggest that developing countries will require billions of dollars each year by 2030 to address the impact of climate change. Poland's expenditure for hosting the December 1-12 conference was 24 million euros ($31.84 million). Developing nations criticized wealthy countries for obstructing an agreement in Poznan regarding a larger funding mechanism that could generate around $2 billion per year. The decision on this matter was postponed until 2009. Yvo de Boer, who leads the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, stated that the discussions accomplished their objectives but admitted there was some discontent. He acknowledged that only half the necessary work for Copenhagen had been completed. However, he noted that Poznan successfully reviewed advancements towards a comprehensive new global climate agreement to be finalized in Copenhagen in December 2009 as a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol. Environmentalists had a different perspective. Stephanie Tunmore from the environmental group Greenpeace expressed deep disappointment in the lack of progress made in the meeting. She mentioned that the review part was straightforward, as not much was achieved in 2008. Environmentalists criticized Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand for hindering progress and not setting ambitious targets to reduce emissions. In contrast, Mexico, China, and South Africa presented proposals to address the issue of increasing emissions. European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas confirmed that discussions were progressing well, with everyone agreeing that addressing climate change aligns with addressing the economic crisis. European Union ministers in Poznan were pleased after EU leaders in Brussels reached an agreement to reduce greenhouse gases by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, despite having to make significant concessions to east European countries. Through the Adaptation Fund, funds are raised by imposing a 2 percent levy on a U.N. system of projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developing nations, generating 60 million euros ($80 million) thus far. | 1 |
Australia's conservative Prime Minister John Howard has seen a decline in support in opinion polls, with many now favoring his younger rival Kevin Rudd. Despite this setback, analysts believe that Howard still has a chance to win a fifth term in office. Howard, who has been in office since 2004, has faced criticism for his handling of parliament in comparison to Rudd, who has garnered support for his promises to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq and sign the Kyoto protocol on climate change. However, analysts suggest that Howard's focus on the economy and national security could help him regain support as the election approaches later in 2007. Monash University political analyst Nick Economou noted that the decisions of the Reserve Bank could greatly impact the outcome of the election. Howard's supporters are optimistic that Australia's record-low unemployment and decreasing inflationary pressures will lead to a halt in interest rate hikes by the central bank and possibly even a rate cut by the end of the year. Economou believes that an early rate cut could negatively impact Labour and prompt Howard to call for early elections as soon as August. However, it is more likely that the government will use the May budget to shift the focus of the debate back to the economy, possibly through significant tax cuts. The latest Reuters Poll Trend shows that Howard's Liberal-National Party coalition is trailing Labour by 13.4 points in February, marking the government's worst result since March 2001. The latest poll results show that Howard has lost his strong lead as the preferred prime minister to Rudd. This is the first time since May 2001 that Howard has not been the preferred prime minister. The polls from February seem to have unsettled Howard, as he made a rare mistake in parliament by denying a connection between greenhouse gases and global warming. He later corrected himself, claiming he misheard the question, but not before his comments were broadcasted on television news, further hurting his government's support on environmental issues. Additionally, Howard sparked controversy by criticizing US presidential candidate Barack Obama's plan to withdraw troops from Iraq in 2008, leading to backlash both at home and in the United States. This move was seen as interference in US politics and risked straining Australia-US relations due to Howard's personal ties and support for President George W. Bush. Laura Tingle, chief political correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, commented that the government has faced challenges in the past fortnight. They have emphasized their strengths in economic management, national security, and leadership, which have historically been effective against opposition leaders, but have not been as successful recently. Rudd has highlighted his youth and family image, while Howard has emphasized his experience. Greg Craven, a government professor, noted that Rudd has pointed out Howard's age as a weakness for the government. He is getting older, and it appears that he is aging faster all of a sudden. He has faced similar poll slumps in the past, but has managed to come back and win elections. Analysts and commentators caution against writing him off too soon. He is stronger on defense and foreign policy, and there is still more to be seen in the economic debate. | 1 |
Some companies are getting ready to bring employees back to the office, but the amount of office space available for lease in Manhattan has reached a record high, indicating how the shift to remote work during the pandemic is disrupting the city's commercial real estate industry. In Manhattan, which is home to the two largest business districts in the country, 18.7% of office space is now available for lease, up from 15% at the end of 2020 and more than double the pre-pandemic rate, according to a report by Newmark. Employers in New York are offering more flexibility to their employees, allowing for remote work even as the pandemic eases, leading to companies either ending their leases or looking for tenants to take them over. Some areas, like Downtown Manhattan, are particularly struggling, with 21% of offices currently vacant, according to Newmark. Kathryn Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York City, stated that New York City is currently facing its most significant crisis since the 1970s when half of the city's 125 Fortune 500 companies relocated. She emphasized that the city is on the brink of a similar scenario, with an exodus occurring and a potential lengthy recovery period. Wylde emphasized the need for the city to attract people for reasons beyond just going to work. New York, with 1.6 million daily commuters pre-pandemic, is facing unique challenges in adapting to the changing workplace, impacting various sectors of the economy from shops to restaurants to Broadway theaters. The commercial real estate sector, a key component of the New York economy, is under immense pressure as landlords scramble to reconfigure offices and offer incentives like reduced rent to retain and attract businesses. Commercial property taxes are a significant source of revenue for New York City, making up 41% of the total. Commercial areas throughout the country are facing challenges, but Manhattan's office buildings are particularly struggling as they continue to empty out. Despite this, cities like Atlanta and Los Angeles are showing some signs of recovery from the pandemic. Although New York's vacancy rate is higher than the national average of 16.2%, many other cities are also experiencing difficulty filling their office spaces. Los Angeles currently has a vacancy rate of 24.1%, while Chicago's rate is 21.9%. However, both cities had higher vacancy rates prior to the pandemic compared to New York. There are indications that the situation in New York may deteriorate further. According to CBRE, a third of leases at large Manhattan buildings will expire in the next three years, and companies have indicated they will need less space. The availability rate in New York City is currently the highest on record, dating back to the mid-1970s. Franklin Wallach, a senior managing director at Colliers, predicts that available office space in Manhattan will continue to increase due to new construction and relocation plans by large companies. Currently, 14 million square feet of office space is under construction in New York City, equivalent to double the size of Orlando, Florida. Wallach believes that the office market in Manhattan will recover unevenly, similar to the broader economic recovery. Residential areas near major transportation hubs like Pennsylvania Station and Grand Central Terminal may see a quicker recovery compared to other parts of Manhattan. According to Wallach, the overall market will eventually recover, but the timing and manner of recovery will vary depending on location. Savills, a real estate firm, predicts that the Manhattan office market won't fully bounce back to pre-pandemic levels until at least late 2022. Currently, only 12% of Manhattan's office workers have returned to their workplaces, with over 60% expected to return in September. However, many companies are allowing employees to work remotely for at least a few days a week. Throughout the pandemic, the technology sector has been the only industry signing major leases in New York, with companies like Facebook and Google able to smoothly transition to remote work. In June, Facebook's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced his plan to spend half of the following year working outside the office. Wylde noted that the tech sector's growth seems to be temporary, as employees are increasingly requesting permanent remote or hybrid work options. Many employees are hesitant to continue paying high rent in cities like New York to work in the office only a few days a week. Wylde emphasized that other cities have become more attractive due to the pandemic and the rise of remote work. She suggested that a shift in public policy is necessary to prioritize quality of life, a positive business environment, and affordability. | 1 |
The ruling Awami League and its affiliated organizations are commemorating the historic March 7 with extensive events in the capital and throughout the country. In Dhaka, party leader and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with party members, paid tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Museum at 7am. The Awami League will host a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 3pm to honor the occasion, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the keynote speaker. Special programs highlighting the importance of the day will be broadcasted on Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and other private TV channels. The day holds historical importance as it traces back to 1971 when Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman urged for liberation during a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. This led to a nine-month war in East Pakistan against the Pakistani army, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation. President Mohammad Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina both emphasized the significance of this day in separate statements. President Rahman stated, "March 7 is a memorable day in Bengali history, as we honor Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for leading the fight for an independent Bangladesh." He further mentioned that the vision of creating the 'Golden Bengal', which was a dream of Bangabandhu, has not yet been achieved. The country must combat issues such as hunger, poverty, superstitions, and the negative impacts of climate change in order to make the dream of Golden Bengal a reality. The prime minister stated that the famous speech on March 7 reflected the aspirations of the nation before the liberation war following years of oppression by West Pakistan. She also noted that the powerful speech had brought the nation together and sparked the liberation war. | 1 |
Australia has pledged to move forward with an extensive carbon trading scheme in 2010, despite concerns that it may not be sufficient in addressing global warming. The plan includes a target to reduce emissions by at least 5 percent of 2000 levels by 2020, with the possibility of increasing to 15 percent depending on international agreements. Climate Change Minister Penny Wong emphasized the importance of the scheme for Australia, which has high greenhouse gas emissions due to its reliance on coal. Wong stated that the policy aims to mitigate the economic impact of the scheme amidst the global financial crisis, as Australia's economy is at risk due to climate change. If immediate action is not taken, we will suffer severe consequences. Key industries and jobs in Australia will be lost if we do not act now. The plan includes allowing prices to be determined by the market through auctions in the first half of 2010, rather than a fixed price as previously proposed. The government anticipates a price of around A$25 ($16.70) per tonne, which is lower than the European emission allowances currently trading at 15 euros (A$30) per tonne. Additionally, the government will impose a temporary price cap of A$40 per tonne to potentially restrict the market's growth initially, according to analysts. Brett Janissen, executive manager of the consultancy Asia-Pacific Emissions Trading Forum, compared the carbon scheme to a risky balancing act, with Australia allowing polluters to import carbon permits from overseas but not permitting exports. This decision may lead to participants seeking the cheapest prices. While scientists and green groups were hoping for cuts of at least 25 percent, the government's timing for implementing the carbon scheme is politically sensitive, as elections are approaching. Greenpeace climate campaigner John Hepburn criticized the scheme as a failure. The government predicts that the scheme will slightly reduce annual growth in gross national product and cause a one-off increase in inflation. Wong mentioned that carbon trading would cover most of Australia's carbon emissions, involving 1,000 of the largest companies in the country. However, major polluters would receive a large percentage of carbon permits for free. The LNG industry, previously excluded from the plan, was happy to receive exemptions in the final version. Belinda Robinson, CEO of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, stated that the plan had improved significantly since the Green paper was first outlined. She believes that the LNG industry plays a crucial role in helping Australia reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this progress, the targets set by Australia were considered cautious on a global scale. Europe has committed to a 20 percent reduction by 2020, while the IPCC has recommended that wealthy nations aim for reductions of 25 to 40 percent by then. Martijn Wilder, a partner at Baker & McKenzie in Sydney, expressed disappointment in the proposed scheme for not meeting the IPCC's recommended reduction levels. The scheme includes a A$40 price cap, which provides companies with certainty about compliance costs but also allows them to buy their way out of compliance if the carbon price exceeds $40. Janissen noted that the scheme has a gentle start but will become more stringent in reducing emissions after the 2012-2013 financial year. He also mentioned that the scheme appears to offer significant support to industries that are concerned about their emissions intensity, including subsidies for emissions-intensive and trade-exposed industries. In the program, companies that choose to participate will be required to give up a permit for each ton of carbon they release. It is anticipated that the sale of permits will generate A$11.5 billion in the fiscal year 2010/11, and this revenue will be allocated to offset the increased expenses for electricity and transportation for businesses and households. Australian farmers, who have been adversely impacted by a prolonged drought, will be exempt from participating in carbon trading for a minimum of five years. While agriculture makes up around 16 percent of Australia's emissions, the scheme will encompass transportation and fuel. In 2009, the government plans to present carbon-trading legislation to parliament. In order for the legislation to pass, the government will need the backing of the Greens and two independent senators, or they will have to contend with the conservative opposition, who are pushing for a delay in the implementation of the scheme because of the global economic downturn. ($1 equals A$1.49) | 1 |
Similar to Trump's visit to Davos last year, Bolsonaro attempted to soften the radical message that propelled him to the presidency recently. He presented Brazil as a favorable place for business, committed to eradicating corruption and reducing regulations. However, Bolsonaro also expressed a desire to eliminate left-wing ideology from politics and society, and he prioritized economic growth despite criticism that it may harm Brazil's environment. In a packed room, Bolsonaro stated that his government represents a significant change for Brazil, emphasizing a shift away from ideological bias. He concluded his address with the motto "God above all things." Bolsonaro's speech at Davos set the tone for a conference that lacked its usual American and European leaders, as political forces in Latin America and Europe are in stark contrast with the conference's emphasis on global cooperation and a liberal world order. Bolsonaro, known for his nationalist views, strongman tactics, and controversial statements about various groups, stands in opposition to the typical "Davos Man." Despite his victory representing Brazilians' frustration with corruption, Bolsonaro has quickly implemented changes such as loosening gun restrictions and limiting LGBTQ rights. He also withdrew Brazil's pledge to host the 2019 UN climate summit, although he has not yet pulled out of the Paris climate accord as some feared during the election campaign. On Tuesday, Bolsonaro emphasized Brazil's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and working in harmony with the world, although he did not specifically mention the accord. He also stated that those who criticize Brazil can learn from them. Bolsonaro and Trump have maintained a close relationship, with similarities between them being evident. Bolsonaro boasted of his victory despite facing unfair attacks, similar to Trump's criticism of the news media. Despite speaking in a heated room, Bolsonaro was wearing a long winter coat. Trump has shown a preference for certain things, such as fast food and supporting Bolsonaro. After Bolsonaro's inauguration, Trump congratulated him on Twitter and Bolsonaro responded positively. Trump cancelled his visit to a meeting due to the government shutdown, and later denied House Speaker Pelosi and others the use of a military aircraft. Secretary of State Pompeo then delivered a summary of Trump's foreign policy in a video appearance. He informed the audience that Trump's disruptive approach was a positive reaction to voters who had become disenchanted with traditional politicians, and was in line with political upheavals in other countries such as Britain, France, Italy, and Brazil. British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron, who are both facing their own challenges, did not attend the meeting. Pompeo stated that critics of the Trump administration were not prepared to reform international institutions like the United Nations, but President Trump was up for the challenge. When asked if the United States was isolated, Pompeo disagreed, saying they were not isolated at all. However, the changing world order was evident in the snow-covered streets of Davos. Even though Silicon Valley giants like Facebook and Salesforce still had impressive pavilions at the event, the most prominent advertising was done by Saudi Arabia on the side of a hotel, urging visitors to invest in the kingdom. The Saudi investor conference, known as Davos in the Desert, faced many cancellations in October due to reports linking Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Meanwhile, advertisements for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russia's alternative to Davos, were visible on the streets. Despite a low turnout of Chinese officials, sessions focusing on China's economy, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, attracted the largest audiences. While the United States maintained a lower profile at the event, its presence continued to have a significant impact. Economic experts blamed Trump's trade conflict with China for causing them to lower their predictions for worldwide economic growth. Additionally, analysts in foreign policy highlighted Trump's unpredictable behavior as the primary risk factor globally. Karin von Hippel, a former State Department official and current director-general of the Royal United Services Institute in London, emphasized the necessity of having a replacement when challenging the international system, citing a lack of strategy in Trump's approach. | 1 |
Pope Benedict called on all Christians to aid in global efforts to address a food price crisis that is putting millions of people at risk of hunger. He emphasized the importance of not being indifferent to those who lack daily bread, drawing a parallel to the Christian Eucharist. The pontiff expressed concern over the severity of the problem and the struggle of the international community to find a solution. The upcoming summit in Rome, hosted by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, will address the challenges posed by soaring commodity prices, which have significantly increased the food import bills of the poorest nations. Discussions at the summit will also focus on the impact of climate change and the use of biofuels on food security. | 1 |
Lars Sorensen believes that the demand for his products will continue to increase due to the rising global obesity epidemic leading to more cases of type 2 diabetes. However, he is facing challenges in negotiating prices for insulin and other diabetes treatments with cost-conscious reimbursement authorities worldwide. Sorensen acknowledges that pricing will be difficult in Europe and the United States due to healthcare reform and changes in the distribution chain. Despite facing obstacles, he remains committed to achieving double-digit sales growth and a 15 percent operating profit growth target. The delay in the approval of Novo's new insulin Tresiba by the FDA has opened the door to competition from other companies, while pushback on pricing from insurers and governments is challenging Novo's strategy of charging a premium for innovative medicines. The company's goal is to find the right balance in pricing to cater to both rich markets and developing nations. The changing climate has led to Novo losing a major US managed care contract with Express Scripts due to cheaper competition for Victoza. In Europe, where austerity measures are in place, there is resistance to paying the premium Novo is asking for its new drugs. Despite these challenges, Sorensen is determined to price innovation at a premium to fund future innovations. He believes Europe will need to find additional funding sources beyond taxation to handle the increasing healthcare burden. This stance has made investors nervous, despite Novo's stock still trading well above the sector average. Sorensen is hopeful for the future of Novo, aiming for technological breakthroughs such as oral insulin and GLP-1 pills. While Novo is behind in clinical testing compared to Oramed Pharmaceuticals, Sorensen remains confident in Novo's approach and has extended his retirement age to continue leading the company. He rides his bike to work frequently and enjoys cross-country skiing, getting ready to participate once more in the 90-km Vasa race in Sweden this winter. Sorensen believes that finding a replacement for him will be challenging, but he believes there are strong internal candidates for the position. "We have managed to create some time to focus on thorough succession planning, and that is what we are currently working on," he explained. Lars Sorensen, the CEO of Novo Nordisk, made these comments during an interview at the company's headquarters in Bagsvaerd near Copenhagen. | 1 |
She stated that this would facilitate a better exchange of parliamentary delegations and help to further strengthen cooperation in various fields such as socioeconomic, educational, agricultural, energy, and cultural. Hasina made this proposal during a meeting with Valentina I Matvienko, the Chairperson of the Council of Federation of Federal Assembly of Russia, at the Council of Federation building in Moscow. Following the hour-long meeting, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Bijan Lal Dev briefed reporters on the discussions. Hasina also mentioned the potential for collaboration between Bangladesh and Russia on counter-terrorism, and expressed gratitude for Russia's support during Bangladesh's Liberation War and post-independence development efforts. She emphasized Bangladesh's role as a connecting hub between Eastern Asia and Western countries, aiming to promote peace in the region. Matvienko, the highest-ranking female politician in Russia, agreed to cooperate with Bangladesh on counter-terrorism and praised Hasina's leadership. Both leaders agreed to address the impact of climate change together. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, State Minister for Science and Technology Yeafesh Osman, and AKM Rahmatullah MP were also present at the meeting. Hasina's visit to Russia, the first by a Bangladesh Prime Minister since 1972, resulted in the signing of six memorandums of understanding and three deals, including the financing of a nuclear power plant in Rooppur. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina embarked on a nine-day official trip to the USA to attend the 67th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). She departed for New York on Saturday night along with her entourage on an Emirates flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The flight is scheduled to arrive at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York at 8.15am (New York time) on Sunday after a two-hour stopover at Dubai International Airport. Upon arrival, Hasina and her team will head straight to Hotel Grand Hayatt in New York, where they will be staying during their visit. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Environment and Forest Minister Hasan Mahmud, Ambassador-At-Large M Ziauddin, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammad Wahid-Uz- Zaman and Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, along with other officials, will be accompanying Hasina during her trip to the USA. Additionally, a 23-member high-level business delegation led by AK Azad, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), will be joining the Prime Minister to explore new trade and business opportunities in the USA. Hasina is scheduled to participate in a high-level event on 'Rule of Law' on Sept 24 at the UN headquarters, as well as attend receptions hosted by US President Barak Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on the same day. The following day, on Sep 25, Hasina will attend a reception hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. She will also participate in the opening session of the 67th UN General Assembly on the same day. The following day, the Prime Minister will kick off an event called the 'Second Edition of the Climate Vulnerability Monitor'. Expatriate Bangladeshis will host a reception for her at the Marriott Marquis Hotel near Times Square in New York. On September 27th, Hasina will take part in a meeting on autism organized by the US First Lady at the Roosevelt House. She is also set to participate in the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) initiative. She is scheduled to give a speech at the General Assembly on September 27th at 8pm local time. The theme for this year's session is focused on resolving international disputes or situations peacefully. Prior to her departure from New York on September 30th, Hasina will participate in a press conference at 4pm. It is anticipated that she will arrive in Dhaka on the morning of October 2nd. | 1 |
President Bush and Queen Elizabeth celebrated the lasting friendship between the United States and Britain at a state dinner held at the White House. The event, which honored the British monarch during her six-day visit to the US, was attended by 132 guests. The royal couple arrived in a black Chevrolet Suburban and were greeted by President Bush and his wife Laura, who was dressed in an aqua gown. Queen Elizabeth wore a white gown with a blue sash and crown. During the dinner, Bush praised the alliance between the two countries as a positive influence for the greater good. He mentioned that they are working together to help young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan and facing global challenges such as poverty, disease, and terrorism. He expressed confidence that the friendship between America and the UK will last for many centuries. The queen stated that current leaders can take inspiration from historical figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. She also noted that today's global issues, like in Iraq or Afghanistan, climate change, and poverty, are just as complex as those faced by leaders in the 20th century. Former first lady Nancy Reagan, golfer Arnold Palmer, Kentucky Derby winning jockey Calvin Borel, and violinist Itzhak Perlman were among the guests at the dinner, where it was emphasized that by collaborating with allies in Europe and beyond, we can draw inspiration from past leaders to address threats and solve problems. The royal couple's visit to America has included commemorations of the 400th anniversary of British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, and attendance at the Kentucky Derby. They were welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony at the White House South Lawn, featuring a marching fife-and-drum corps and trumpets announcing the arrival of dignitaries. The US Air Force Band performed national anthems for 7,000 invited guests on a beautiful spring day. Bush acknowledged the queen's extensive interactions with various American administrations, almost attributing her presence back to 1776 when the American colonies declared independence from Britain. Elizabeth, who has been the British monarch for 55 years and is 81 years old, has dined with 10 US presidents. Bush expressed pride in welcoming her majesty back to the United States, a country she is very familiar with. Bush thanked the queen for her help in celebrating the nation's bicentennial in 1976. He noted that she looked at him in a motherly way, which elicited laughter from the crowd. The queen then praised the strong relationship between the US and Britain. She stated that now is the time to evaluate our current friendship, appreciating its strengths without assuming them, and to also focus on the future by reaffirming our dedication to a better world. | 1 |
The prime minister emphasized the importance of governments not only fulfilling their national commitments under the Paris Agreement, but also increasing their ambitions during her speech at the Climate Vulnerable Leaders’ Event. She stressed the need to establish climate justice for the benefit of the planet and called for major economies, MDBs, and IFIs to provide more financial support and technology access. The prime minister expressed gratitude for Bangladesh being selected to lead the Climate Vulnerable Forum for the second time, noting that the CVF represents over one billion people in the world's most vulnerable countries. CVF countries are experiencing significant challenges despite their low contribution to global carbon emissions. According to the 2019 Climate Change Vulnerability Index by German Watch, Bangladesh is ranked as the seventh most affected country in the world by climate change. The country has been dealing with frequent flooding this monsoon season, leading to extensive crop damage and displacement of many people. The situation has been worsened by super cyclone Amphan and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as mentioned by Hasina. Additionally, the presence of 1.1 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Cox's Bazar is causing further social and environmental issues. Hasina emphasized the need to focus on supporting the goal of limiting global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees, improving financing mechanisms, and addressing the issues of climate resilience and 'loss and damage'. Hasina emphasized the importance of appointing a UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and establishing a joint fund for the Climate Vulnerable Forum and V20 during her speech. As the chair of the CVF, Hasina launched the "Midnight Survival Deadline for the Climate" initiative to address the global impact of climate change. She called on leaders of all nations to demonstrate leadership and proposed the creation of an international day called "Climate Resilience Day" to promote harmony with the Earth. Hasina warned that the world is close to exceeding the 1.5 degrees Centigrade limit set by the Paris Agreement and urged G20 countries, responsible for most global emissions, to develop clear and effective plans for reducing their emissions. She stated that if the current trend of rising sea levels continues, many island and coastal nations will be submerged, resulting in millions of climate refugees with no place to go. The Bangladesh parliament has declared a "Planetary Emergency" and has urged the world to take urgent action to combat climate change. With COP 26 postponed, the deadline for extending NDCs is now December 31st, which is seen as a critical moment for survival. The prime minister emphasized the need for at least 100 billion US dollars annually to support developing countries with mitigation, adaptation, and disaster response and recovery efforts. | 1 |
Malaysia's ruling coalition brought 41 lawmakers to Taiwan for a study tour on Monday, as opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim tries to persuade MPs to defect in his bid to remove the government. Top opposition leaders met to plan their campaign to oust the government by Anwar's self-imposed deadline of Sept. 16. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi called a meeting of his Barisan Nasional coalition on Tuesday to prevent any defections that could end its 50-year rule. Anwar's efforts to change the political landscape since independence in 1957 have increased Malaysia's political risks and worried foreign investors. The country's growing fiscal deficit, partly due to spending to boost government popularity after a poor election result last March, has also impacted the ringgit, stock market, and bond prices. Adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty, Anwar is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday to address a new sodomy charge that he believes the government fabricated to thwart his political aspirations. It is anticipated that the judge will move the case to a higher court. Barisan MPs informed the media before departing for Taiwan on an eight-day "study mission" that their trip was unrelated to the Anwar situation. Bung Mokhtar Radin, an MP from Sabah, stated at Kuala Lumpur International Airport that they were going to Taiwan to learn about agriculture and that the trip had no political motives. He and a group of 40 MPs departed on Monday, with an additional eight set to leave on Tuesday. The Barisan coalition currently has 140 MPs compared to the opposition's 82. Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang expressed concerns that government MPs left Malaysia in order to avoid being involved in potential political changes on Sept. 16. He mentioned that the MPs may be closely monitored and have their mobile phones confiscated while in Taiwan. A political analyst suggested that Anwar's Taiwan trip could serve as a convenient excuse if he did not meet his Sept. 16 deadline. Columnist Suhaini Aznam wrote in the Star newspaper that Barisan was unintentionally aiding Anwar in his psychological warfare tactics. Anwar held a meeting with leaders of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance on Monday to discuss the takeover plan, according to his aides. Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, was dismissed in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis and subsequently served six years in prison on charges of sodomy and corruption. He emerged victorious in a by-election last month, enabling him to return to parliament and potentially become prime minister if the opposition alliance secures power. | 1 |
During a parliamentary discussion on poverty reduction strategies in Dhaka on Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticized the opposition for their lack of concern for the poor. Hasina expressed disappointment at the absence of the main opposition BNP and stated that they did not join the discussion because they do not have the desire to help the poor. She also mentioned that she would have been pleased if they had participated in the discussion on this important national issue. The draft of PRSP-2 was presented by Planning Minister A K Khandaker in the House on September 15 for the MPs to provide their opinions. Prime Minister Hasina discussed the draft for 38 minutes during the four-hour discussion, which was chaired by Speaker Abdul Hamid and attended by twenty-three MPs. Deputy leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury and Finance Minister AMA Muhith were also present. The planning minister mentioned that the paper would be completed by December this year at the beginning of the discussion. He also requested specific suggestions from the Members of Parliament regarding the development of the country through the five-year plan. Prime Minister Hasina mentioned that the PRSP has already been formulated and discussed in parliament, which is a rare occurrence. She stated that the PRSP will be made available online in Bangla. Additionally, she discussed various measures outlined in the strategy paper, such as developing through joint partnerships, addressing issues like Monga, creating employment for those affected by floods, utilizing water resources for environmental development, ensuring food security, improving infrastructure for the poor, and enhancing the communication system. The prime minister mentioned her government's efforts to ration essential goods for garment workers, adjust school and office schedules to ease traffic congestion, and build six flyovers and elevated roads in the capital. She noted a decrease in power outages but acknowledged criticism for mismanagement by previous administrations. On the topic of climate change, she attributed blame to developed countries and called for compensation from the United Nations. Plans are also in place to dredge rivers and allocate Tk 700 crore for potential affected individuals. The prime minister also mentioned her government's plans to establish multi-purpose cyclone centers in coastal areas. She urged the public to stay vigilant against ongoing conspiracies and false propaganda aimed at undermining the government, which she believes can help reduce poverty if people work together. Hasina expressed her desire for the people's support in order to develop the country into a prosperous nation, despite facing obstacles. In response to a recent bomb attack on AL MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, she remarked on the existence of plots to create chaos in the country through terrorist activities, but expressed confidence in the people's trust in the government. She declared that she was willing to confront any situation in order to work for the benefit of the people. | 1 |
The United States attempted to downplay a recent conflict between Chinese and US naval vessels while both countries engaged in high-level discussions about economic growth and controlling North Korea's nuclear program. The tension between the two nations escalated following an incident in the South China Sea where five Chinese ships clashed with a US Navy survey vessel near China's Hainan island. The US claims its ship, the Impeccable, was in international waters, but China argues that the US violated its sovereignty. Despite this disagreement, it is unlikely to disrupt broader negotiations on political, economic, and security issues such as the global financial crisis, North Korea, and climate change. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton mentioned that she brought up the issue with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who was set to meet with US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and President Barack Obama. Both parties agreed to work on preventing similar incidents in the future. They also discussed various topics such as human rights, North Korea, Iran, and the struggling global economy. Clinton commended China's efforts to stimulate their economy, calling it a significant and positive step. Obama is expected to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao next month during a meeting of the group of 20 nations to discuss coordinated actions to promote growth, address the banking crisis, and enhance regulation. She emphasized the importance of the G20 meeting producing collaborative efforts to stimulate global recovery. Regarding North Korea, Clinton mentioned various options, such as UN Security Council action, that could be taken against Pyongyang if they were to test a long-range ballistic missile, which she described as a provocative action. North Korea had announced plans to launch a satellite using one of its rockets, believed by analysts to be a trial of its longest-range missile, the Taepodong-2. This missile, intended to reach Alaska, failed during its only test in 2006, breaking apart after just a few seconds of controlled flight. North Korea has faced U.N. sanctions for previous missile tests and is prohibited from conducting any further tests. It contends that the missiles are a component of its peaceful space program and asserts its right to launch satellites into orbit. Additionally, it called on North Korea to resume discussions on a multilateral aid-for-disarmament agreement, expressing disappointment that Pyongyang did not allow her envoy, Stephen Bosworth, to visit. Addressing criticism from human rights groups, the U.S. Secretary of State clarified that concerns about China's human rights record should not impede cooperation on economic and other matters. She emphasized that human rights, including the situation in Tibet, are integral to their broad-ranging discussions. She told reporters that human rights is a crucial issue that should not be overlooked in discussions. The US House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary and urging Beijing to find a lasting solution. Pelosi emphasized the importance of speaking out for human rights in China and Tibet to maintain moral authority on the matter globally. | 1 |
The disappearance of Donald J. Trump's Dec 7 proposal calling for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States" was noticed on Thursday, along with other missing details such as his potential Supreme Court justice picks and economic, defense, and regulatory reform plans. The Trump campaign did not respond to inquiries about these website changes. The removed links now direct readers to a campaign fundraising page and are believed to have been taken down around Election Day when Trump won against Hillary Clinton. Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal praised Trump for removing the Muslim ban proposal and offensive statements towards Muslims from his website and Twitter account. However, some tweets attacking Muslims that Trump sent during his presidential campaign still remained on his feed. A supporter tweeted in November 30, 2015 that Muslims celebrated the 9/11 attacks, which Trump later quoted in his own tweet. The supporter suggested including footage of these celebrations in political ads. Samer Khalaf, president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, expressed concern about Trump's policies' impact on Muslims at a news conference with civil rights leaders. Khalaf thanked Trump for removing the Muslim ban proposal, but emphasized that actions speak louder than words. Despite this, most of Trump's core policy positions, such as building a wall on the Mexican border, remained on his website. The Trump campaign has previously made unexplained modifications to its website. Earlier this year, they replaced the section detailing Trump's healthcare policy with a different version. When questioned by Reuters in September, the campaign restored the original page. | 1 |
A YouTube video featuring Australian Prime Ministerial candidate Kevin Rudd dressed as Chairman Mao in a spoof Chinese propaganda film is leading a guerrilla video campaign that challenges the major parties' election advertising. The video portrays Rudd seeking votes from enthusiastic supporters, with Labour lawmakers holding up red books and flags. The clip, set to heroic Chinese music and commentary, humorously suggests that Rudd impresses and frightens Australians with his seriousness and even has control over the movements of planets. Despite his unconventional campaign tactics, Rudd, a Mandarin-speaking former diplomat, is currently ahead of conservative Prime Minister John Howard in the polls for the upcoming parliamentary election on November 24. He has been championing generational change and reforms in education, health, and labor laws. Both major political parties are utilizing the Internet to target youth voters, with online campaign announcements flooding the digital space. Despite the millions of dollars being spent on election advertising nationwide, a two-minute video mocking Rudd as Mao, created by a Sydney law student and labeled as a rejected Labour advertising concept, has gained significant traction, outperforming official party material. Other videos circulating online depict Rudd in unflattering scenarios, such as allegedly eating ear wax in parliament or starring in a comedic version of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" called "Stairway to Kevin". Even Howard, in his fifth re-election bid, has not been immune to criticism on platforms like YouTube, with a video parodying his tactics of using scare campaigns against refugees and Islamic extremists in past elections. In 2007, "Killerspudly" is strategizing on how to scare people into voting for him and is seeking a unique approach to stand out. The official party's online content is more conventional, resembling traditional TV ads. The conservatives are focusing on attacking Labour and Rudd's union connections and tax plans, while Labour is criticizing Howard for not signing the Kyoto climate agreement, which is a top concern among young voters. Additionally, smaller parties are also participating in the political discourse. The Australian Greens have utilized YouTube to share a video depicting Howard and Rudd in bed, sleeping while climate change looms. The video suggests that both politicians are closely aligned with Australia's coal industry, which is supporting China's rapid growth. Atkin, 23, who created Rudd's Mao clip, stated that he intends to vote for Labour despite making jokes about the party's leader. He mentioned to the Sydney Morning Herald that he wants Labour to win the election, but also enjoys poking fun at them. | 1 |
Political differences were prominent at a summit of European and Latin American leaders in Peru, posing a threat to their joint efforts to combat poverty and global warming. Bolivian President Evo Morales clashed with his regional counterparts on free trade issues leading up to the meeting, while Venezuela's Hugo Chavez escalated tensions in a dispute with Colombia. Supporters of free trade, such as Peru, are becoming frustrated with skeptics like Morales, who accused Peru and Colombia of attempting to exclude Bolivia from talks between the EU and Andean countries. Peruvian President Alan Garcia urged for progress despite differing opinions, emphasizing the need to move forward. Morales, a former coca grower, expressed concerns that free trade agreements could negatively impact peasant farmers in Bolivia. "We are seeking trade, but trade that is fair," he informed journalists in Lima. The EU is currently in talks with Mercosur, which is led by Brazil and Argentina, as well as Central American nations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was among the first leaders to arrive at the summit, mentioned that the EU is prepared to facilitate trade. Merkel did not address the recent conflict with Chavez, who accused her of being a political heir to Adolf Hitler for suggesting he had harmed relations between Europe and Latin America. Chavez often insults conservative leaders, particularly U.S. President George W. Bush. At a summit in Chile last year, Spain's king told him to be quiet. Chavez is currently involved in a dispute with Colombia that has led to concerns about potential warfare in the Andean region since March. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has accused him of supporting the leftist FARC guerrillas, and shortly before leaving for Lima, Chavez mentioned that he was reevaluating diplomatic relations with Bogota. These conflicts could be the main focus of the fifth meeting of leaders from Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. They may also face challenges in finding agreement on strategies to combat cocaine trafficking, as well as the utilization of food crops for producing renewable biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels. Many poor countries accuse Brazil of advocating for greener fuels, which they believe are driving up food prices. Despite this, these nations are becoming more concerned about climate change and are urging wealthy countries to reduce carbon emissions. Peru recently established an environment ministry to address the effects of global warming on its Andean glaciers. Peruvian representatives at the summit will advocate for stronger actions to tackle climate change, criticizing governments that only pay lip service to the issue. We are encouraging those governments to take concrete action," stated British junior Foreign Office minister Kim Howells in an interview with Reuters. | 1 |
Yvo de Boer, the head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, expressed concerns that the Bali climate talks might fail unless 190 nations resolve their differences quickly. The negotiations are currently stalled over the details of launching talks on a new global warming agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. De Boer emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement, warning that failure to do so could cause the talks to collapse. In discussions, the United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia are opposing efforts to include a recommendation for wealthy nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 as a guideline for future negotiations. The European Union, which supports this range to demonstrate that affluent countries will take the lead, has criticized Washington for being the main obstacle in Bali. This range was included in a recent draft on Thursday, outlining terms for discussions aimed at preventing famines, droughts, rising sea levels, and the melting of Himalayan glaciers. Portugal's Secretary of State for Environment, Humberto Rosa, expressed disappointment that the United States is still delaying progress at the Bali talks. Portugal currently holds the EU presidency, and Rosa is the EU's lead negotiator at the Bali talks. "The United States has been incorporating new terminology such as engagement and leadership, but mere words are insufficient. We require concrete action. This is the primary obstacle," he informed Reuters. The Washington administration, which is not part of the Kyoto Protocol, argues that setting guidelines would prematurely determine the results of the negotiations. Additionally, it claims that the 25-40 percent range is derived from limited scientific research." De Boer stated that negotiations must resolve all remaining disputes by midday on Friday, in order to allow for the translation of documents into the six official U.N. languages. U.N. climate talks often go late into the night on the final day. The Kyoto Protocol obliges 37 industrialized countries to reduce their emissions from 2008 to 2012. Developing nations, such as China and India, are not required to reduce emissions, and President George W. Bush withdrew from the agreement in 2001, citing potential harm to the U.S. economy and the absence of targets for developing countries. The United Nations aims for all nations to agree on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol by the end of 2009, to allow time for governments to ratify the new agreement by 2012 and to provide clear guidelines for investment in clean energy technology. China is pushing for negotiations on a new global agreement to continue until 2010, in order to allow the incoming American president to participate. This idea is not widely supported by other countries. The current US president, Bush, will leave office in January 2009. The Norwegian Prime Minister emphasized the importance of limiting global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius and peaking global emissions by 2015. Our actions will be evaluated by future generations. The wealthy will need to bear the majority of the expenses in assisting developing countries in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. | 1 |
China and the European Union have pledged to work towards balanced trade and collaboration on climate change during high-level meetings that were overshadowed by tensions related to Tibet protests and the Olympics. EU officials, led by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, had planned meetings with senior Chinese officials in Beijing this week in an effort to address issues surrounding China's trade deficit and to reach an agreement on sustainable economic growth. Economic tensions have escalated as China's trade surplus with the EU bloc reached nearly 160 billion euros ($251 billion) last year, according to EU data. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stated that both sides have agreed to enhance cooperation on energy conservation and reducing emissions, emphasizing that the benefits of collaboration far outweigh any conflicts. Wen expressed optimism for the future of the Sino-EU relationship, emphasizing the importance of respect, trust, and learning from each other. Barroso highlighted climate change as a key topic of discussion, noting China's willingness to address domestic emissions as part of a global agreement. Both sides acknowledged trade imbalances and agreed on the need for a rebalance. The talks, which were overshadowed by anti-Chinese unrest in Tibetan areas, also involved protests during the Beijing Olympic torch relay in London and Paris. Barroso welcomed China's decision to hold discussions with representatives of the Dalai Lama. Barroso stated that while they respect China's sovereignty, they believe that dialogue is the best way to resolve the Tibet issue. Mandelson urged an end to threats of boycotts, as both the European Parliament and China have been involved in calls for boycotts. Mandelson emphasized that these actions are not beneficial for either side. | 1 |
India has expressed dissatisfaction with a United Nations report that suggests developing countries should reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The report, released by the UN Development Programme, emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to prevent severe climate change, particularly impacting the disadvantaged. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of India's Planning Commission, criticized the report for calling on developing nations to make commitments for the first time, challenging the research team to provide further evidence to support their recommendations. Ahluwalia spoke as a guest at the Indian launch of the report, which precedes a UN climate summit in Bali, Indonesia. The summit will involve discussions on future commitments to reduce carbon emissions, which are believed to be the main cause of climate change. The UN report emphasizes the importance of quantitative commitments from developing countries for the credibility of any agreement. However, India and other developing nations argue that committing to binding cuts would be unfair and hinder their efforts to alleviate poverty. They believe that wealthy nations, which became prosperous through extensive use of fossil fuels during industrialization, should bear the responsibility for making significant cuts. Despite making up a significant portion of the global population, Indians are responsible for a relatively small fraction of total carbon emissions, according to data from the UN. India's slow progress plays a role in this, as many rural Indians, around 500 million, still lack access to electricity and rely on traditional, polluting fuels like cow dung and wood. However, there are those who believe that India can achieve both development and emission reduction by investing in more sustainable energy sources instead of relying heavily on coal. Indian scientist Rajendra Pachauri, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and member of India's Council on Climate Change, has warned against following the carbon-intensive development path of wealthier nations. | 1 |
During a speech to the U.S.-India Business Council, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that the relationship between Washington and India needed to be improved. She emphasized the importance of closer cooperation on security, trade, and various other issues. Clinton is scheduled to visit India next month and expressed hope that the two nations could collaborate on global challenges such as climate change and Afghanistan. She highlighted the need for official ties to catch up with the strong people-to-people and economic connections between the two countries. Last year, India and the United States signed a significant civil nuclear deal, ending a 30-year ban on global nuclear commerce with India. The agreement will allow India to obtain nuclear technology and fuel for its reactors from the international market. In order to strengthen their relationship, it is important for Washington and New Delhi to address and overcome lingering uncertainties and mistrust. Concerns exist among some Americans regarding potential job loss and decreased wages with increased economic ties with India, while Indians worry that a closer partnership may go against their country's tradition of independence. Closer economic and trade ties are promised, with negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty set to begin soon to create more opportunities for trade between the two countries. President Obama has emphasized that the United States has learned from past mistakes. She stated that they will not use the global financial crisis as a reason to resort to protectionism. Clinton emphasized the need for increased cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism and improving intelligence-sharing, without going into specifics. She expressed commitment to strengthening India's defense capabilities following the Mumbai attacks, where six Americans lost their lives. Clinton also welcomed the recent meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan, their first talks since the Mumbai attacks, attributed to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group. She expressed confidence that India and the United States would support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorists within its borders. | 1 |
It has been years since Iraqis last showed their purple ink-stained fingers to demonstrate their participation in a free election. Since then, the country has experienced a brutal sectarian war, but has slowly recovered from it. With anticipation, Iraq's leaders, citizens, and US officials are eagerly awaiting the upcoming elections at the end of this month. Democracy is still highly valued in Iraq, as shown by the 400 parties and groups that have registered to field over 14,000 candidates for just 440 provincial council seats. Campaigning has been in full swing, with posters covering the concrete blast walls that have become a common sight in Iraqi life. The most significant accomplishment of the election might simply be the act of conducting it. Western diplomats believe that a subsequent round of elections, like this one, can be a tougher milestone for a fledgling democracy compared to the first. U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker stated, "A single election does not establish a democracy. It is a series of elections that do." The election signifies that Iraq has moved past the peak of violence following the 2003 invasion and the escalation after the 2005 election. Just 18 months ago, it may have been impossible to hold a vote due to the high monthly death tolls from violence, which were up to 10 times higher than they are now. Many Iraqis are hopeful that the upcoming election will bring about change and reform to regional governments that are perceived as corrupt, unaccountable, and controlled by feuding sectarian groups. A senior Western diplomat noted that there is a widespread belief that the current leaders have not performed well. However, the possibility of violence remains high in a country where political disputes have historically been settled with guns and bombs. So far, two candidates have been assassinated and the deputy head of a Sunni Arab party was killed in a suicide bombing during a meeting with other candidates in his home. The upcoming provincial election will have a significant impact on the political landscape in Iraq, setting the stage for the national election later in the year where Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki will be fighting to maintain his position as leader. This election will be crucial in shaping Iraq's future after the departure of U.S. forces by the end of 2011. In the predominantly Shi'ite south, where the ruling coalition led by Maliki is based, the various parties will be competing against each other instead of as a unified bloc. The Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (ISCI), a powerful religious party, currently controls most of the southern provincial governments and is expected to maintain its dominance. However, Maliki is aiming to secure independent support for his own Dawa Party by promising improved services from a stronger central government. Supporters of Moqtada al-Sadr, a Shi'ite cleric who opposed the United States, are being cautious and not openly participating in the upcoming election as a unified group. Instead, they are endorsing independent candidates. In Sunni Arab regions of western and central Iraq, tribal groups called "Awakening Councils" are entering the election for the first time. These councils aided in removing Sunni extremists, such as al Qaeda, and are now vying for power against traditional Sunni religious parties. The majority of pre-election violence has occurred in the north, particularly in Nineveh province near Mosul, where US forces are still engaged in combat with Sunni militants who have been forced out of other regions. The last round of elections saw a boycott by many Sunni Arabs, leading to Kurds gaining control of the province's government, a situation that Western diplomats believe has contributed to unrest. While the election could eventually reduce violence by involving Sunnis in politics, the power shift in the province has sparked conflict among militant groups. The situation in Kirkuk, where Kurds view as their capital, is also volatile as the election has been postponed indefinitely due to disagreements among Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen on voting rules. | 1 |
India has introduced a national climate plan that focuses on renewable energy and sustainable development to combat global warming. The plan prioritizes harnessing renewable energy sources like solar power and improving energy efficiency. It also includes setting up a climate change fund for researching green technologies. The policy reflects India's stance on climate change and aims to make economic development energy efficient. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasized the importance of economic and social development for India's population. Despite its commitment to clean technology, coal continues to be the primary source of power in India, making up around 60 percent of generation. The government plans to add 70,000 megawatts in the next five years. A recent report by Goldman Sachs warned that climate change could have negative impacts on India's environment, including depleting cultivable land, reducing productivity, and increasing the threat of toxic waste. India argues that it needs more energy to alleviate poverty and that its per-capita emissions are much lower than those of developed nations. For example, India's per-capita emissions of carbon dioxide were 1.2 tonnes in 2004, compared to 20.6 tonnes for the United States. India's economy has been growing at a rate of 8-9 percent annually, contributing approximately 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, the country's per capita emissions are not expected to surpass those of developed nations. As a developing nation, India is not currently obligated to reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, but there is pressure from environmental groups and industrialized countries. Prime Minister Singh stated that India is open to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources gradually, emphasizing that their plan is not set in stone. "It is intended to adapt and adjust in response to changing situations." Currently, the focal points of India's strategy for addressing climate change include improving energy efficiency, utilizing solar energy, preserving water resources, promoting sustainable agriculture, protecting the Himalayan ecosystem, and creating sustainable habitats to establish a "green India." Singh emphasized that while the people of India desire improved living standards, they also prioritize access to clean water, fresh air, and a healthy environment. | 1 |
The increasing global demand for olive oil is revitalizing rural areas in North Africa, where the product has been a traditional staple for centuries. However, local producers are facing challenges such as drought, outdated production methods, and inadequate marketing as they compete in a growing market. Tunisia and Morocco, lacking the energy resources of neighboring Algeria and Libya, are turning to olive oil as a valuable export due to their dry, hot climates. The majority of the world's olive trees are found in the Mediterranean region, with Spain leading the industry followed by Italy and Greece. After making significant investments in modern machinery, the quality of Tunisian olive oil has improved to the point where industry officials in Spain note that it now fetches prices comparable to their own. Efforts by North Africa to close this gap have been well-received by European producers who are struggling to produce enough olive oil to meet global demand as middle classes around the world develop a taste for it. Despite being more expensive than other cooking oils, olive oil is preferred for its healthier mono-unsaturated fat and polyphenols. Tunisians, regardless of their wealth, have developed their expertise in olive oil over centuries, using it generously in their food and in various other products like medicines, beauty items, and soaps. A 90-year-old Tunisian man named Hamed attests to the health benefits of olive oil, stating that he drinks a glass every morning and his wife uses it in every meal. The olive oil industry is crucial for over 500,000 families in Tunisia, a country with 10 million people and 56 million olive trees spread across 1.6 million hectares of land. The olive harvest season from November to February is a significant time for rural communities, with many Tunisians returning to their hometowns to help with the crop. Women engage in traditional songs and jokes while gathering the olives dropped by men. A farmer named Haj Smida from el-Jem in eastern Tunisia expressed how a successful olive harvest benefits his entire family. Similarly, 68-year-old olive oil producer Salem Rhaim had to delay his son's wedding due to a poor crop last year. Rhaim expressed optimism about the upcoming harvest, anticipating a successful season that would allow him to cover the costs of his wedding preparations. Despite their expertise, Tunisian olive oil producers struggle to sell their high-quality product at export prices due to inadequate technology. Some believe that opportunistic businessmen are taking advantage of tax breaks in the industry, resulting in subpar products that could damage the reputation of the olive oil industry. Additionally, Abdelmajid Mahjoub, a local olive press owner, believes that insufficient packaging is hindering the export potential of their products. He stated that more effort is needed to make their products competitive with those from Spain, Greece, and Italy. In Morocco, the government is providing financial incentives to expand the olive cultivation area to 1 million hectares by 2010, up from 1,000 hectares in 1999. Some of the production will be used to meet local demand as the country imports 300,000 tonnes of vegetable oils annually. Mohamed, a 42-year-old farmer in northern Morocco, currently grows enough olives for his family but has recently planted additional trees provided by the government. He expressed a desire for more land to grow olive trees, as their prices have been increasing. Olive trees have become a symbol of hope for many Moroccans facing drought or desertification, and could be a viable alternative to illegal cannabis cultivation. The changing weather in Morocco has prompted a shift towards plants that can help preserve nature. The country, along with Algeria, is still using outdated technology dating back to the time of the Phoenicians, such as donkey-operated presses. Jose Ramon Diez, an olive expert at the Spanish farm union ASAJA in Madrid, stated that the world market has great potential for growth because olive oil currently only accounts for 2.8 percent of the fat consumed. Last year, Spain's olive harvest decreased, leading some farmers in northern Morocco to report that Spanish traders had approached them to purchase olives. Italy, the second-largest producer of olive oil, buys some oil to re-export under the "Imported From Italy" label and has been assisting the Tunisian industry in upgrading its machinery. Italian oil buyers express a desire for more consistent quality standards from North African producers and frustration at having to communicate through intermediaries rather than directly with them. Mauro Miloni, who heads the economic observatory of the Italian olive oil industry group Unaprol, mentioned that an increase in exports from North Africa could help to create a more balanced market currently dominated by Spain. He emphasized the importance of being able to purchase olive oil from various sources and expressed optimism about the potential for stronger relationships with North African producers in the future as trade becomes more liberalized. | 1 |
Gray, a senior Labor party member in resource-rich Western Australia, needs to ensure that there is continued support for the resources industry as investment in the sector slows following the peak of the mining boom. Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that the Climate Change Department, responsible for implementing a controversial carbon tax, will be merged with the Industry Department and overseen by Climate Change Minister Greg Combet. However, no changes were made to the important Treasury or Finance Ministry positions held by Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan and Penny Wong. The reshuffle was prompted by a failed leadership challenge by supporters of former leader Kevin Rudd, leading to the resignation of three cabinet ministers and two junior ministers. Gillard has called for elections on September 14, which polls suggest she is likely to lose, limiting the impact of the reshuffle. Former Resources Minister Martin Ferguson, known for his support of the mining industry in Gillard's cabinet, was among those who resigned. The Australian mining sector has seen significant investment over the last decade, with around A$400 billion in resources projects and an additional A$200 billion in liquefied natural gas projects. However, the industry's growth is slowing down. The Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) believes that Gray, a former Labor party member who has worked in the industry, will be able to attract further investment to the sector. Gray joined the Labor party in 1974 but left in 2000 to work for Wesfarmers and later as a public relations adviser for Woodside Petroleum. Shell eventually pulled out of the bid after it was considered detrimental to the national interest by Treasurer Peter Costello at the time, partially due to Gray's efforts to rally public opinion against Shell. | 1 |
The finance minister emphasized the importance of the United Nations taking action on climate change and food security to alleviate poverty in the current global situation. He highlighted the impact of natural disasters such as cyclones and floods on countries like Bangladesh, affecting food production and poverty reduction efforts. The minister urged the UN to prioritize addressing these issues alongside the eradication of poverty for a peaceful world. | 1 |
Leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, known as "the three amigos," are meeting in Mexico to discuss trade issues and the threat of drug gangs. President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Mexican President Felipe Calderon will have dinner on Sunday night followed by discussions on Monday. The main topics of discussion include boosting their economies, ensuring smooth trade, and addressing the issue of Mexican drug gangs operating across borders. While major agreements are not expected, the summit will serve as a step towards future agreements. Obama may face pressure from Calderon to resolve a cross-border trucking dispute. According to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican trucks are allowed to enter the United States, but American trucking companies claim they are not safe. This issue has been ongoing for years, leading to Mexico imposing retaliatory tariffs on $2.4 billion worth of U.S. goods in March. The dispute escalated when Obama cancelled a program allowing Mexican trucks to operate beyond the U.S. border zone. U.S. business groups have been urging the White House to resolve the conflict, warning that the ban could result in the loss of thousands of American jobs. Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan, expressed the need for a final resolution to the trucking issue. He expressed his desire for an agreement to be reached by the end of the year. A high-ranking official from the White House, Michael Froman, informed reporters that the Obama administration is heavily focused on the matter and is collaborating with the U.S. Congress to address safety concerns. Canadian officials are anticipated to express their worries regarding the "Buy American" components of a $787 billion economic stimulus bill, which they fear could exclude Canadian companies from U.S. construction contracts funded by the stimulus. Canada is the largest trading partner of the United States. Froman stated that the Obama administration is in discussions with Canada and other countries to implement the "Buy American" provision in a manner that aligns with the law and international obligations, while minimizing disruptions to trade. Obama addressed concerns about potentially reopening the NAFTA treaty during his trip, stating that it is not the right time to add enforceable labor and environmental protections due to the weakened economies of the nations involved. He expressed interest in improving the treaty but emphasized that the focus is currently on the difficult economic situation. Another key issue at the summit is how to address the escalating violence caused by Mexican drug gangs, despite President Calderon's efforts to combat them. The death rate from the violence has increased significantly compared to the previous year, with Mexican traffickers being blamed for crimes in the United States and Canada. Obama is supporting Calderon's actions, stating that he is commendable for his courage in going after drug traffickers. Obama has pledged his full support to Calderon, but Mexico is frustrated with the slow arrival of anti-drug equipment and training. The leaders plan to discuss the H1N1 swine flu and climate change at the summit in preparation for the international talks in Copenhagen in December. | 1 |
EU countries have taken weeks to agree on the details of a new measure, and discussions will continue over the weekend before the European Commission finalizes a proposal for approval by EU ambassadors. The ambassadors are expected to meet on Wednesday and give their final approval by the end of the week, according to several EU officials and diplomats involved in the process. The officials and diplomats requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks. The oil embargo will be a significant aspect of the EU's sixth package of sanctions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. This package will also include sanctions against Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, and additional measures targeting prominent Russians. Unless Hungary makes a last-minute demand, the process of completing the embargo on Russian oil should not require an EU leaders' meeting, saving time and effort. The embargo is expected to impact Russian oil transported by tankers faster than oil delivered by pipeline, which could take several months. It is likely that the EU will allow its members to phase out existing contracts with Russian oil companies, similar to the approach taken with the coal ban. Germany's role has been crucial in finalizing the new measure, as the country was importing a significant amount of oil from Russia prior to the Ukraine invasion. Germany's energy minister, Robert Habeck, stated that Germany has successfully reduced its reliance on Russian oil imports to just 12%, making a full embargo "manageable." Habeck mentioned that the problem seemed much larger a few weeks ago but has now become smaller. He also mentioned that Germany is close to achieving independence from Russian oil imports, without providing details on how this was achieved so quickly. Russia is Europe's main oil supplier, providing a quarter of the bloc's annual needs. As the oil embargo is implemented, the EU plans to increase imports from other sources like Persian Gulf countries, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan to make up for the shortfall. However, the embargo, even with a gradual phase-in period, is expected to impact global oil prices and worsen already high energy costs worldwide. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen suggested a way to reduce the impact, which was to impose tariffs or set a price cap on Russia's oil rather than implementing a complete embargo. However, European officials stated that this proposal did not receive much support. | 1 |
The world's longest serving monarch has appointed Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to represent him in receiving new ambassadors' letters of credence. The Bangladesh mission in Bangkok confirmed that Ambassador Tasneem presented the credentials and goodwill messages from President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the King at Ambara Villa. She pledged to enhance bilateral relations during her term. Additionally, she serves as the non-resident ambassador of Bangladesh to Cambodia and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UNESCAP. In November last year, she introduced herself as Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to UNESCAP to its executive secretary upon arriving in Bangkok. This year in June, she officially became the non-resident ambassador of Cambodia by presenting her credentials. In Thailand, the process of submitting credentials in Bangkok can take some time, but ambassadors are able to start their duties soon after joining the mission. During discussions, the Crown Prince complimented the people of Bangladesh for being hard-working and resilient in the face of various challenges, such as climate change. He emphasized that both Bangladesh and Thailand face similar challenges, especially in regards to climate change and reducing disaster risks. The Crown Prince mentioned his sister Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's visits to Bangladesh in 2010 and 2011 and showed interest in continuing Thai Royal development projects in the country. Ambassador Tasneem emphasized the need to improve connectivity among Buddhist followers in both nations and to further develop their shared Buddhist heritage through expanding Buddhist circuit tourism. | 1 |
WASHINGTON, Sun Nov 2,(bdnews24.com/Reuters) - As the US presidential candidates race towards the end of the campaign, the Bush administration is rushing to implement changes to environmental policies before their term ends. These proposed changes, which include removing wolves from the Endangered Species List, allowing power plants near national parks, relaxing regulations for factory farm waste, and easing restrictions on mountaintop coal mining, have been met with opposition from environmental groups. However, the one change most environmentalists are calling for - a mandatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - is not part of these last-minute regulations. Due to bureaucratic constraints, it is unlikely that any comprehensive action to combat global warming will be taken by the current administration. Both Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama have promised to address this issue if elected in Tuesday's presidential election. Some free-market organizations have also joined conservation groups in urging a halt to the last-minute rules proposed by agencies such as the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency. Eli Lehrer of the Competitive Enterprise Institute stated that the Bush administration, which has been in office for eight years, has implemented more regulations than any other administration in history. Lehrer and John Kostyack of the National Wildlife Federation are calling for a ban on last-minute rules due to concerns about the negative impact of rushing through regulations in the current economic situation. Kostyack highlighted the lack of citizen involvement in the process, which has led to changes in U.S. law that the public opposes, such as weakening protections under the Endangered Species Act. The Bush administration is pushing for these regulations to be finalized by Saturday so they can take effect before President George W. Bush's term ends on January 20. According to Matt Madia of OMB Watch, if these regulations are put into place, it will be difficult for the next administration to reverse them. Madia believes that industry will benefit from these rules, particularly in sectors such as electricity, mining, and agriculture, as they will be able to pollute more without government restrictions, ultimately harming the public. The quick progress of some environmental measures is surprising, with one rule from the Interior Department receiving over 300,000 public comments to review in just a week. This pace has been criticized as unreasonable. The rush is due to the fact that rules must be in effect 30 to 60 days after finalization, and if not, the next president can choose not to implement them. Despite accusations of rushing regulations, White House spokesman Tony Fratto denied any hasty push from the Bush administration. Fratto dismissed claims that the administration is attempting to undermine regulations that benefit businesses. He explained to White House reporters that the aim is to prevent a rush of last-minute rules from the previous administration. One positive environmental proposal from the Bush administration is the plan to establish the largest marine wildlife sanctuary in the Pacific Ocean, which could be implemented on January 20th. | 1 |
Malaysia's ruling coalition sent 41 lawmakers to Taiwan for a study tour, as opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim attempts to persuade MPs to defect in his campaign to overthrow the government. Opposition leaders are strategizing to remove the government by Anwar's deadline of September 16. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called a meeting of his coalition to prevent defections that could end its 50-year rule. Anwar's efforts to disrupt Malaysia's political order have increased political risks and worried foreign investors. The country's ballooning fiscal deficit, partially due to spending to boost the government's popularity after a general election loss last March, has also negatively impacted the ringgit currency, stock market, and bond prices. Adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty, Anwar is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday to confront a new sodomy charge that he believes has been fabricated by the government to sabotage his political aspirations. It is anticipated that the judge will transfer the case to a higher court. Members of the Barisan party informed the press before departing for Taiwan on an eight-day "study mission" that their trip was unrelated to the situation involving Anwar. Bung Mokhtar Radin, an MP from Sabah, stated at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, "We are going to Taiwan to learn about agriculture. This trip has no political motives." He departed along with 40 other MPs on Monday, with an additional eight scheduled to leave on Tuesday. The Barisan coalition currently has 140 MPs compared to the opposition's 82. Lim Kit Siang, an experienced opposition leader, suggested that the government MPs left Malaysia to prevent them from participating in potential political changes on September 16. He remarked that "the birds have flown" and mentioned the possibility of the MPs being closely monitored in Taiwan, with their mobile phones confiscated. According to a political analyst, the Taiwan trip could serve as a convenient excuse for Anwar in case he does not meet his deadline of September 16. Columnist Suhaini Aznam wrote in the Star newspaper that Barisan is falling into Anwar's psychological warfare tactics. Anwar met with leaders from the opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance on Monday to discuss the takeover plan, as reported by his aides. Anwar was expected to release a statement following the meeting. Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, was dismissed in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis and later imprisoned for six years on charges of sodomy and corruption. He was victorious in a special election last month, which enabled him to return to parliament and potentially become the prime minister if the opposition alliance secures power. | 1 |
The leaders of Japan and the European Union announced plans to increase collaboration in assisting Afghanistan and addressing piracy off the coast of Somalia. They also expressed intentions to enhance trade relations through upcoming discussions. EU president Herman Van Rompuy emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between Asia's largest economy and the 27-nation bloc in order to have a greater global political and economic impact. Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama stated that they have agreed to work together on peacebuilding efforts in Afghanistan and Somalia, as well as establishing a group of experts to discuss economic ties in the coming months. Tokyo is keen to establish a free-trade agreement similar to the one the EU made with South Korea, Japan's high-tech export competitor. However, Brussels has raised concerns about non-tariff barriers to Japan's market. Van Rompuy has also urged for closer collaboration on various issues including climate change, poverty, terrorism, global economic stability, nuclear non-proliferation, and human rights. He emphasized the importance of working together to address challenges and stated that the EU and Japan, with their combined economic and political power, can make a positive impact in a globalized world. Van Rompuy also highlighted the importance of international network security and the threat of disruptions to the free flow of goods, people, and information. The networks are at risk, cyber-attacks are a real threat that can occur daily and cause harm. It is important to strengthen our ability to withstand these attacks. Japan and Europe are interconnected in global networks, so it is crucial for us to work together on this issue. Van Rompuy also discussed economic connections at a previous briefing at the Japan Press Club, suggesting that a free-trade agreement could help increase trade between the two regions. However, he noted that there are still obstacles to trade, such as non-tariff barriers, that need to be addressed. He suggested that both parties should take the time to clearly identify their objectives before moving forward. The EU has requested that Japan address non-tariff barriers, such as product safety and government procurement rules, before proceeding with discussions. Toshiro Tanaka, a professor at Keio University, noted that the EU has criticized Japan for non-tariff barriers, but is hesitant to sign a free-trade deal, while Japan is eager for an agreement. Tanaka mentioned that Japan's interest in a deal with the EU was sparked by the agreement between the EU and South Korea in October. At the moment, the European Union applies a 10 percent tariff on vehicle imports and a 14 percent tariff on electronics. However, South Korean companies like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai Motor will eventually be exempt from these tariffs. This exemption puts Japanese manufacturers at a significant disadvantage when trying to sell their products in the European market, according to Tanaka who spoke to AFP. The EU delegation will soon travel to China for a summit in Shanghai, coinciding with the start of the World Expo on Saturday. | 1 |
The government has designated specific ministry focal points to address climate change. Finance minister AMA Muhith stated in parliament that progress on establishing the climate cell was going well, with one focal point identified in each ministry. Muhith also mentioned that the Climate Change Trust Fund and Policy had been created, and various programs were being implemented in accordance with the policy. The government has allocated Tk 7 billion for the climate change fund. | 1 |
According to Simon Shuster in Moscow, Russia is planning to increase greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020, as announced by President Dmitry Medvedev. This plan aims to reduce emissions by 10-15 percent from 1990 levels, when Russia was part of the Soviet Union and had much higher emissions. Environmentalists are upset by this target, as it falls short of expectations from developing countries. The announcement is seen as a starting point in United Nations negotiations for a new climate treaty in December to replace the Kyoto Protocol. In the talks, wealthy nations are expected to propose emissions targets for the mid-term. Russia is the final major country to do so. Environmental organizations and developing nations are urging industrialized countries to reduce their emissions by 25-40 percent below 1990 levels, as recommended by a U.N. panel of climate experts. President Medvedev stated that based on the current situation, emissions could be reduced by 10-15 percent by 2020. Kremlin's chief economic adviser clarified that this reduction would be measured from 1990 levels, before the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's heavy industry. Since then, Russia's carbon emissions have increased again due to its industrial growth, solidifying its position as the world's third largest emitter after China and the United States. President Medvedev stated that the goal set on Friday requires a reduction of 30 billion tons of greenhouse gases from 1990 to 2020. This means that Russia is expected to emit around 3 billion tons of greenhouse gases in 2020, up from 2.2 billion tons in 2007. Medvedev emphasized that Russia will not compromise its development potential. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Russia is obligated to bring its emissions back to 1990 levels by 2008-2012. Green groups and developing countries were disappointed by Japan's proposals for a 2020 target that was only slightly stronger than its Kyoto Protocol goal. They were also not pleased with Russia's announcement last Friday. Medvedev emphasized that Russia would approach greenhouse gas emissions responsibly and expected other countries to do the same. Dvorkovich later mentioned that Russia needed to find a balance between addressing climate change and achieving its economic goals. Experts view the goal set on Friday as the beginning of six months of intense negotiations leading to a new climate agreement in Copenhagen this year. Nina Korobova, head of Global Carbon in Russia, believes that while it is a positive first step, other countries will likely push for larger emissions reductions from Russia, leading to further discussions. Korobova is confident that Russia could easily achieve a 20 percent reduction by 2020, even in the worst-case scenarios. Under Vladimir Putin's previous presidency, Russian officials were reluctant to commit to mandatory emissions cuts, citing concerns about impacting the country's middle class and industrial development. | 1 |
Finance leaders from the top industrialized nations met in Tokyo and expressed solidarity in the face of an economic slowdown, acknowledging that the situation could worsen due to the weakening U.S. housing market. In a statement released after their meetings, the Group of Seven admitted that economic growth prospects had deteriorated since their last gathering in October, although they believed that the fundamentals were still strong and the U.S. economy would likely avoid a recession. Italian Economy Minister Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa noted that there was a greater sense of pessimism and concern compared to their previous meeting. The finance ministers and central bankers from Japan, the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Italy, and France stated that growth in their countries was anticipated to slow to varying degrees in the near future, citing risks from the U.S. property market decline and the resulting tightening of credit conditions which has impeded the flow of money to consumers and businesses that drive the global economy. Debt-ridden banks have reduced their lending due to losses exceeding $100 billion, mainly from failing U.S. home loans. This has led to concerns about a cycle of decreased consumer spending, business contraction, and job cuts. Glenn Maguire, Asia Pacific chief economist at Societe Generale in Hong Kong, observed that the G7 did not provide much detail on coordinated efforts to support the economy. He stated that the economic crisis is primarily caused by U.S. domestic issues and cannot be fixed through global coordination. U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson warned of potential long-term market instability. Paulson stated that the current financial crisis is severe and ongoing in a prepared statement released after the meeting. He also mentioned that as the financial markets recover from this challenging period, there will be continued volatility as risk is reassessed. The G7 leaders emphasized the importance of banks being transparent about their losses and strengthening their balance sheets to help restore the normal operation of markets. German finance minister Peer Steinbrueck estimated potential writeoffs of up to $400 billion. The leaders pledged to closely monitor developments and take necessary actions, both individually and collectively, to ensure stability and growth in their economies. Promises to collaborate to stabilize the financial system were overshadowed by disagreements on fiscal and monetary policies prior to the G7 meeting. Concerns arose in Europe about the U.S. Federal Reserve's rapid interest rate cuts and fiscal stimulus package, causing tension among allies on how to address the credit crisis. However, tensions eased after the European Central Bank hinted at possibly cutting rates to support economic growth and combat inflation. French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde welcomed this move but expressed a desire for further actions. European leaders were particularly worried about the euro strengthening against the dollar, reaching a record high after the Fed started cutting rates in September. However, the currency lost ground after the ECB changed its stance. Foreign exchange issues were put on hold at Saturday's meeting due to more urgent economic concerns. The communique echoed the October statement, emphasizing the need for China to let its yuan appreciate faster. G7 leaders believe the undervalued yuan gives China an unfair trade advantage and have urged Beijing to increase domestic investment to help rebalance the global economy. The announcement also encouraged oil producers to increase their production following a brief surge in oil prices to over $100 per barrel last month. Although prices have decreased since then, they rose by 4 percent to $91.77 on Friday, marking the largest increase in nearly two months. This increase was influenced by supply issues and the approaching cold weather in the United States. | 1 |
The foreign ministry stated that she had a courtesy meeting with the new Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen at his office on Sunday. She mentioned that the UK will maintain its assistance in helping Bangladesh achieve its goal of becoming an Upper Middle Income Country by 2021 and reaching the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. High Commissioner Blake reaffirmed her government's commitment to collaborating in order to strengthen their relationship. Momen urged the UK to continue supporting Bangladesh in various areas even if a Brexit deal is finalized. Both parties agreed to cooperate on trade and investment, improving governance, enhancing economic partnerships, addressing the Rohingya crisis, managing migration, and combating climate change. British investors are very eager to engage in a variety of sectors in Bangladesh, with a particular interest in infrastructure, according to a statement. The speaker praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government for its significant contributions to women's empowerment, poverty reduction, and economic and social development. In response, the UK was thanked for its assistance in the Rohingya crisis and encouraged to continue aiding the safe return of those displaced by violence in Rakhine to Myanmar. Bangladesh was commended for hosting the largest number of forcibly-displaced Rohingya and was assured of continued support from the British government and people in resolving the crisis. The new foreign minister also acknowledged the support provided by the British people and government during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. | 1 |
The meeting took place at the office of Jhalakathi Deputy Commissioner Md Johor Ali on Monday, with the presence of additional secretaries from the ministry of environment, forest and climate change, Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik and Md Mizanul Haque Chowdhury, as stated by the UNDP. During the discussion, Malik Fida A Khan, executive director of the CEGIS, emphasized the importance of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), describing it as a process driven by the country and involving participation from various stakeholders. He highlighted that NAP aims to address Bangladesh's medium to long-term adaptation needs, ultimately transforming the country into a climate-resilient nation. Khan also mentioned that NAP will focus on addressing the climate vulnerability of coastal regions, bridging existing capacity gaps, and establishing a knowledge management system for climate change adaptation. The consultation focused on discussing the significant climate-related dangers in various coastal districts, the strategies farmers are employing to adapt, and the factors influencing their decisions. Coastal districts like Jhalakathi are particularly vulnerable to rising salinity levels in both groundwater and surface water due to sea level increases caused by global warming. Participants acknowledged that smallholder farmers' livelihoods are at risk from climate-related hazards such as cyclones, soil and water salinity increases, storm surges, heavy rainfall, flooding, and waterlogging. They emphasized the importance of a comprehensive plan to tackle these challenges. AKM Azad Rahman, a program officer for climate change at the UNDP, stated that "UNDP will fully support Bangladesh in its efforts to combat climate change." Sanjay Bhowmik emphasized the importance of collaborating with the government to develop sustainable projects in coastal areas. He stated that the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) will guide their efforts and be integrated into national planning. Ownership of the NAP will be shared through consultation. Success will require partnerships at both national and local levels. Mizanul, the national project director of the NAP Formulation Project, highlighted the need to align NAP with national planning processes and emphasized the importance of awareness to address climate change and protect the environment. Johor Ali suggested rainwater harvesting as an effective strategy for adaptation in coastal regions. The event was organized by the ministry, Economic Relations Division, and the UNDP with assistance from the Green Climate Fund. | 1 |
Leaders of 16 Asian countries, including major polluters China and Japan, came to an agreement on climate change during a meeting in Singapore. The pact, signed by leaders of the East Asia Summit (EAS), aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the long term. Despite lacking specific targets on reducing emissions, the agreement will serve as a foundation for climate change discussions at an upcoming UN conference in Bali. The EAS countries also agreed that all nations should contribute to addressing climate change, taking into account their individual responsibilities and capabilities. Singapore's Prime Minister explained that the agreement is a statement of intent rather than a binding treaty with specific restrictions. Australia believes that the agreement will facilitate negotiations for a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations is optimistic that the Bali meeting will mark the beginning of discussions over a new global framework to combat climate change, spanning over two years. Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer noted a shift in China and India's stance on emissions stabilization, with both countries acknowledging the need for action. Despite their refusal to commit to specific targets, China and India are calling for developed nations to lead the way in reducing emissions and financing cleaner energy technology. Downer expressed some skepticism about the situation, but acknowledged the limitations of the circumstances. Emmanuel Fages, a carbon analyst at French bank Societe Generale, stated that countries like China and India are not yet prepared to take the same approach as Japan. He emphasized that Asia is not uniform. The only specific target in the climate agreement was related to increasing forest cover. The group agreed to strive for an EAS-wide goal of expanding forest area by at least 15 million hectares by 2020. The focus on climate change and trade was overshadowed by concerns about Myanmar's lack of democracy during ASEAN's 40th anniversary celebrations. Myanmar's behavior was a point of contention as the group adopted a legal charter. The Philippines stood out from other Association of South East Asian Nations members by asking for the prompt release of detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed strong disapproval of Suu Kyi's treatment and demanded her immediate release. Arroyo also warned that the Philippine Congress may not approve the charter unless Myanmar demonstrates a commitment to democracy and frees Suu Kyi. The charter, which establishes ASEAN's legal identity and upholds democratic principles and human rights, must be ratified within 12 months after being signed on Tuesday. Singapore's Lee emphasized that all countries must ratify it for it to take effect. He also noted that Western sanctions imposed on Myanmar have been ineffective as the regime has opted to isolate itself from the international community. Lee expressed that refusing to do business in Myanmar has had no impact on the regime. | 1 |
Delegates at U.N. talks in Ghana suggested that a planned treaty to combat global warming may include capping emissions of new greenhouse gases produced during the manufacturing of flat-screen televisions and refrigerants. These recently developed industrial gases, such as nitrogen trifluoride and fluorinated ethers, only account for 0.3 percent of emissions from conventional greenhouse gases in rich nations, but their emissions are increasing rapidly. Yvo de Boer, head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, expressed support for the idea of adding these new gases to the group of six already regulated by the Kyoto Protocol to address global warming. He stated during the talks in Ghana that it is logical to address all gases contributing to climate change in order to provide countries with more options for reducing emissions. De Boer emphasized that governments have the authority to make decisions regarding this issue. Over 190 nations have agreed to develop a comprehensive new agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol as part of efforts to prevent the negative impacts of global warming such as heatwaves, floods, desertification, and rising sea levels. Initially, the European Union had advocated for limiting the treaty to carbon dioxide during negotiations leading up to the Kyoto Protocol. The speaker noted that while carbon dioxide is the primary gas contributing to emissions, the addition of five other gases like nitrous oxide and methane from livestock or rotting vegetation in landfills has strengthened the Kyoto agreement. These new gases, including nitrogen trifluoride and fluorinated ethers, have various industrial uses such as in semiconductor manufacturing and as refrigerant replacements. Additionally, gases like iodotrifluoromethane and methyl chloroform are utilized in the electronics industry or are produced as by-products of industrial processes. A technical report presented to delegates stated that there is very limited knowledge about the sources, current and future emissions, and atmospheric levels of these gases. The report mentioned that emissions in 1990 were assumed to be close to zero but are now increasing exponentially. It estimated that current annual emissions are equivalent to less than 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is only 0.3 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in wealthy nations. The report also mentioned that the impact of adding new gases on carbon markets is uncertain, but it could potentially increase the demand for tradable units under the Kyoto Protocol. However, it highlighted that setting up new monitoring systems could be costly and could divert attention from more significant gases. Harald Dovland, a Norwegian official leading a group in Accra examining new commitments from supporters of Kyoto, stated, "I'm pressing this matter to gain a better understanding." The Kyoto agreement requires 37 wealthy nations to reduce emissions by 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-12. Dovland noted, "Currently, there are not significant amounts of these new gases being emitted. However, many parties are eager to guarantee that there are no increases." | 1 |
In March, South Africa's business confidence slightly decreased, remaining just above a four-year low reached in January, according to the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The organization reported that its business confidence index (BCI) was at 93.9 in March, down from 94.0 in February. This was a slight drop from the lowest level recorded in October 2003, which was 93.8 in January. SACCI attributed the decline in confidence to factors such as a weaker exchange rate and high inflation, but noted that strong share prices and lower real financing costs helped prevent a larger decrease in the index. The organization stated that due to the uncertain global economic climate and lower economic growth prospects both locally and globally, the BCI remained unchanged. However, the conditions were difficult and confidence was low. The chamber noted that despite strong inflation being a concern, the central bank's tightening of monetary policy seemed to be impacting consumer spending. The Reserve Bank faces a challenging decision on interest rates next week, having kept the repo rate at 11 percent in January after multiple increases since June 2006. While the rate hikes were paused due to worries about economic growth, inflation has continued to rise, with CPIX reaching a five-year high of 9.4 percent in February. SACCI stated that balancing the risks of inflation and economic activity poses a tough challenge for monetary policy. Lower global oil and food prices may provide temporary relief, but a depreciating rand and South Africa's tendency to import could contribute to inflation. There is uncertainty about business confidence, so economic policy decisions should be made cautiously. | 1 |
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has described the upcoming summit as a "pivotal moment" aimed at moving past the tense years under former President Donald Trump, who criticized the alliance as "obsolete." The 30 allies meeting in Brussels believe that NATO, founded in 1949, is crucial in addressing threats such as extreme weather, Russian interference in Western democracies, and other emerging challenges. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasized the importance of NATO evolving to confront new threats in order to protect the billion people it defends every day. Discussions at the summit are expected to focus on Russia's attempts to divide the West, ahead of a meeting between President Biden and Russian President Putin in Geneva. Despite NATO's efforts to modernize its defenses since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, the alliance remains susceptible to cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns. The European Leadership Network (ELN) research group warned that cyber threats could arise at any time during a crisis, leading to misunderstandings and unintended signals that may escalate into war. Diplomats are eager for President Biden to reaffirm the United States' commitment to NATO's collective defense following the confrontational approach taken by Trump towards allies at previous summits. Leaders are also concerned about China's increasing military and economic influence in the Atlantic, as well as the possibility of joint military drills with Russia. Additionally, there is an expectation for a commitment to make NATO militaries carbon-neutral by 2050. The leaders of the G7 countries have agreed to increase their contributions in order to fulfill a commitment to provide $100 billion annually from wealthy nations to assist developing countries in reducing carbon emissions and addressing the effects of climate change. | 1 |
President George W Bush will host German Chancellor Angela Merkel at his Texas ranch to discuss unity on Iran's nuclear program, despite Tehran's defiance. The invitation to Crawford, Texas, signifies a close relationship, and Merkel will spend two days at the ranch engaging in talks on various global issues, possibly going hiking as well. This visit follows a similar treatment of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who toured Mount Vernon earlier in the week. Bush, with limited time left in office, is focused on maintaining pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear activities. Iran has rejected the United Nations' request to stop its nuclear activities, which could be used for both civilian and military purposes. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claims that Iran's nuclear program cannot be reversed and that the country has 3,000 centrifuges at the Natanz plant. While German companies continue to do business with Iran, the United States has increased its opposition to Tehran. The White House National Security Council spokesman, Gordon Johndroe, stated that strategically they agree but there are some minor tactical differences. Earlier in the week, Merkel announced that Germany would back stricter UN sanctions against Iran if they did not address concerns about their nuclear program. Bush has also increased his criticism of Iran, mentioning the possibility of World War Three if they were to acquire nuclear weapons, which caused concern among some European allies. The Bush administration claims to be dedicated to pursuing diplomacy, while also keeping all options open. Perino stated that the two leaders would discuss working together diplomatically to urge Iran to stop uranium reprocessing and enrichment. Additionally, they will talk about various other topics such as Afghanistan, the Middle East, Iraq, climate change, and economic issues like the Doha trade round. According to a senior German official who spoke anonymously, Merkel and Sarkozy have decided to express a unified stance on Iran, the Middle East peace process, and climate change in talks with Bush. It is anticipated that a meeting will be held this month with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States to review reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding Iran's adherence to global demands. Daniel Benjamin, a Brookings Institution analyst, noted that relations between the U.S. and Germany have seen improvement since Merkel succeeded Gerhard Schroeder. | 1 |
The oldest adornments ever found, perforated shells discovered in a limestone cave in eastern Morocco, demonstrate that humans in Africa used symbols 40,000 years before Europe. The small oval Nassarius mollusc shells, some of which were dyed with red ochre, were likely pierced for use in necklaces or bracelets around 82,000 years ago. This discovery in Pigeon's Cave at Taforalt predates similar finds in Algeria, South Africa, and Palestine, according to the Culture Ministry. The find is significant in the study of cultural innovations and their impact on human history. Despite yielding important prehistoric discoveries, such as one of the oldest known dinosaur skeletons, little is known about the humans who lived in Morocco before Berber farmers settled over 2,000 years ago. A group of scientists from Morocco, Britain, France, and Germany discovered and analyzed shells to determine the impact of climate and landscape changes on human behavior from 130,000 to 13,000 years ago. Their research is part of a larger investigation into whether the Strait of Gibraltar served as a pathway or obstacle for early humans migrating between Africa and Europe. | 1 |
Trump, using the "America First" message that helped him win the presidency, stated that the Paris accord would harm the US economy, lead to job losses, weaken American sovereignty, and put the country at a disadvantage compared to other nations. He made these remarks during a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, fulfilling a promise he made during his campaign. Trump emphasized that he did not want other countries to mock the United States, and pointed out that the same nations urging the US to remain in the agreement have cost America trillions of dollars through unfair trade practices and insufficient contributions to military alliances. Republican leaders in the US Congress supported Trump's decision to withdraw from the climate accord. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Trump for his actions, which he believes will help the domestic energy industry and create jobs. On the other hand, supporters of the agreement, including prominent US business leaders, criticized Trump's move as damaging to global efforts to combat the threats of climate change. Former President Barack Obama, who played a key role in negotiating the deal, expressed disappointment over the US withdrawal. Despite this setback, Obama remains optimistic that states, cities, and businesses will continue to take action to protect the planet for future generations. Despite previously dismissing climate change as a hoax, Trump announced that his administration would start discussions to rejoin the Paris agreement or create a new deal that benefits the United States. He criticized the terms set by China in the agreement. This decision was met with disappointment and frustration from international leaders, who believed it was a rejection of global cooperation. Japanese Environment Minister Koichi Yamamoto expressed his anger at a news conference, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni issued a joint statement affirming that the climate agreement could not be renegotiated. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged disappointment in the US decision but remained hopeful about global efforts to combat climate change. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang affirmed China's commitment to fighting climate change during a summit with European Union officials in Brussels, resulting in the first-ever joint statement between China and the EU on full implementation of the Paris accord. Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich stated that the decision to join the Paris accord was made and is unlikely to be changed. In India, a top advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed the intention to transition to renewable energy sources despite the US withdrawing from the agreement. The United States will now stand alone, as Syria and Nicaragua are the only other countries not participating in the accord. Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who is set to lead the UN Climate Change Conferences, expressed disappointment over Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 pact. Fiji, along with other small island nations, is considered highly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming and rising sea levels due to melting polar ice. US business leaders criticized the move, with Goldman Sachs Group Inc CEO Lloyd Blankfein calling it a setback for the environment and US leadership. Following Trump's decision, Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk and Walt Disney CEO Robert Iger announced they would be leaving White House advisory councils. The Paris accord, a long-negotiated agreement, involved both wealthy and developing countries pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, which scientists believe contribute to global warming. President Trump stated that he was elected to represent Pittsburgh, not Paris, prompting a response from Pittsburgh's mayor, Bill Peduto, who pointed out that the city has supported the Paris accord. The UN Secretary-General's spokesperson expressed disappointment in the decision, while the UN climate negotiation body stated that the accord could not be renegotiated at the request of one country. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull expressed disappointment in the US decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord during a speech in Singapore on Friday. He stated that Australia remains committed to its Paris commitments. South Korea's foreign ministry also expressed regret over the US withdrawal, stating that it will undermine international efforts to combat climate change. Trump announced that the US would stop payments to the UN Green Climate Fund, which assists developing nations in dealing with the impacts of climate change. The White House confirmed it would adhere to UN rules for withdrawing from the agreement, which require a three-year waiting period before formally seeking to leave. The country will have to wait another year as a result. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, expressed his disappointment in an email to employees, mentioning that he had spoken to Trump in an attempt to convince him to remain in the Paris agreement. Cook stated that his efforts were unsuccessful. Other corporate executives cautioned that the US economy would lose its technological edge. Jeff Immelt, the CEO of General Electric, also expressed disappointment, emphasizing the reality of climate change. The industry should take the lead instead of relying on the government, according to Democrats who criticized Trump's decision. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called it one of the worst policy moves of the 21st century due to the significant harm it will cause to the economy, environment, and geopolitical standing. The United States had previously committed to reducing emissions by 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025, as the country is responsible for over 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, second only to China. Leading climate scientists are stating that greenhouse gas emissions are causing the atmosphere to trap heat, resulting in a warmer planet, rising sea levels, droughts, and more frequent violent storms. A recent report titled "Global Trends" from the US Director of National Intelligence's office issued a warning on Jan. 9, emphasizing that climate change presents security risks due to extreme weather events, water and food scarcity, and global tensions over how to address these changes. Last year marked the warmest year on record since the 19th Century, with global temperatures continuing to rise over several decades due to greenhouse gases. Frank Rijsberman, Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute in Seoul, expressed concerns that international funding for climate change mitigation efforts may decrease, citing a $1 billion cut in US funding for the Green Climate Fund in South Korea. Economists have also noted that the US withdrawal from climate change initiatives could potentially have negative impacts on US employment. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), both China and the EU have more workers in the renewable energy sector than the United States. Peter Kiernan of the Economist Intelligence Unit warns that if the US scales back its climate agenda, it will fall behind other global players like Europe and China in transitioning to clean energy and creating jobs to combat climate change. | 1 |
Europe reached a significant agreement to combat climate change by incentivizing east European countries to accept changes that will penalize their heavily polluting power sectors and increase electricity prices. Despite the economic crisis, the deal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2020 was achieved by granting numerous exemptions for industry, leading to criticism from environmental organizations. While some view the policy as lacking leadership and effectiveness, French President Nicolas Sarkozy described it as historic, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the binding rules adopted by the continent. The agreement was reached after a lengthy dispute between eastern and western Europe over the expenses involved. The nine eastern European countries were the final obstacle to reaching an agreement on measures to address climate change, which would increase costs for their coal-fired power industries. A portion of funds will be allocated to them from 12 percent of the revenues generated by the EU's emissions trading scheme, which requires industries to purchase permits to pollute. This financial support is intended as recognition for the significant reduction in emissions that occurred when their industries collapsed after the end of communism. Additionally, their power sectors will gradually begin to pay for emissions permits from the ETS, starting at 30 percent in 2013 and reaching 100 percent by 2020. Hungary and Italy both fought during negotiations for more money, with Italy protecting its various industries and eventually dropping its threat to block the deal. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi stated that he couldn't veto the climate question as it would make him appear as the bad guy politically. Measures were put in place to ensure that carbon curbs wouldn't harm European industry's ability to compete internationally. Industries at risk, such as steel, aluminum, cement, and chemicals, will receive free emissions permits if they see a 5 percent increase in costs, covering over 90 percent of EU industry. A British diplomat stated that Britain successfully obtained increased funding for advanced technology aimed at capturing and storing emissions from power plants underground in exhausted North Sea gas fields. The diplomat emphasized that Prime Minister Gordon Brown viewed this initiative as a top priority due to its environmental advantages and the potential for Europe to take the lead in creating jobs and promoting economic growth. | 1 |
On Thursday, leaders from the world's largest wealthy and developing nations will come together to discuss ways to support the economic recovery and create safeguards for future disasters. US President Barack Obama, hosting his first Group of 20 summit, has outlined an agenda that includes addressing the significant imbalances between countries like China and the US. Expectations for the summit are not very high in the short term, as there is limited agreement on how to achieve goals such as creating a more balanced global economy and preventing risky lending practices by banks. The two-day meeting in Pennsylvania will begin with bilateral talks on Thursday. Obama is hosting a reception and working dinner in the evening, marking the third gathering of the G20 leaders since a meeting held shortly after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. This event marked the beginning of a severe global recession, impacting even countries that had initially avoided the banking crisis due to a significant drop in global trade. As many countries are now seeing the end of the recession, there is a need for the G20 to maintain the same level of urgency seen in April when they agreed to collaborate in order to rescue the world economy and provide financial support to the International Monetary Fund. Despite various distractions, the importance of global economic cooperation remains paramount. Obama is dealing with various domestic issues, including his efforts to reform the U.S. healthcare system. Angela Merkel is preparing for an upcoming election. US Treasury Secretary Geithner emphasized the need for the United States to increase savings, indicating that countries relying on US consumption for their growth will need to find alternative sources. Geithner made these remarks ahead of a meeting with G20 officials. However, some countries were hesitant to impose strict limits on trading imbalances and were resistant to the idea of outside interference in domestic economic policies by entities like the G20 or the International Monetary Fund. Geithner clarified that this was not the goal, but due to these concerns, it was unlikely that the G20 would agree to anything more than basic ideas for rebalancing. To illustrate the magnitude of the issue, China's private consumption is only around a third of its economy, while in the US and UK, consumption made up almost three-quarters of the economy during prosperous times. On the other hand, Chinese and Indian households saved approximately 40% and 32% of their disposable incomes last year, in contrast to the US savings rate of just 3.2%. Many European leaders were advocating for the G20 to prioritize cracking down on excessive pay and bonuses for bankers whose risky investments resulted in losses. They also hoped to see more effort from the United States regarding climate change, but were not expecting significant progress at this particular meeting. The United States is running out of time to implement concrete policies before an international conference on reducing global warming in Copenhagen in December. Emerging economies like Brazil, despite having limited exposure to bad assets during the financial crisis, were eager to reach consensus on stricter regulatory measures at the G20 summit. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized the economic models that downplayed regulation as outdated and ineffective. | 1 |
A Japanese ministry official stated that Japan will urge for a prompt resolution to a disagreement with China regarding disputed gas fields during upcoming talks in Beijing. Despite recent improvements in relations between the two countries, the issue of developing natural gas in the East China Sea remains unresolved. The official expressed hope that China will make a political decision to reach a final agreement on the matter, as both sides are aware of its importance. Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura is expected to address this issue in discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Saturday. The upcoming talks will cover various topics such as macro-economic policies, Beijing's currency reforms, climate change, and trade and investment. Despite the lack of progress in the 11th round of talks regarding natural gas development in the East China Sea, Japan's Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's visit to China may still proceed as planned. China has denied any potential impact on the visit due to the gas dispute. Although resolving the gas feud is not a prerequisite for Fukuda's visit, both sides had agreed to report on a compromise to their leaders in the autumn. "This is the moment for us to increase our efforts," he stated. "It is not just about the economic consequences, but also about Japanese public opinion." Both parties are keen to secure fresh oil and gas resources but have conflicting views on the location of the maritime boundary that separates their exclusive economic zones. China's state-controlled CNOOC Ltd announced in April that it had started gas production from the Tianwaitian field and was prepared to commence production from the larger Chunxiao field in the region, causing concerns in resource-poor Japan that such production could divert gas from what Tokyo considers its part of the zone. | 1 |
President Barack Obama expressed his disapproval of WikiLeaks' actions to Turkish and Mexican leaders on Saturday, as the US administration worked to address the fallout from the release of secret US cables. In calls with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Obama and the leaders agreed that the WikiLeaks' disclosures would not harm their countries' relationships with the US. The leaked documents have caused tensions with allies around the world, prompting US officials to try to prevent foreign partners from reducing cooperation on sensitive issues. US diplomats' doubts about Turkey's reliability and portrayal of its leadership as divided were revealed in the leaked documents. During his call with Erdogan, Obama emphasized the importance of the US-Turkish partnership and their commitment to working together on various issues. The president expressed regret for WikiLeaks' deplorable actions, but assured that it will not disrupt the close cooperation between the United States and Turkey. Obama also praised Calderon for the outcome of an international climate change conference in Cancun. The importance of the US-Mexico partnership across various issues was emphasized by both presidents, who also agreed that the irresponsible actions of WikiLeaks should not distract from their important cooperation. According to State Department documents released by WikiLeaks, a top Mexican official expressed concern about the government losing control of certain parts of the country to drug cartels. | 1 |
Italy is one of Bangladesh's major trading partners and home to over 200,000 Bangladeshis, second only to the UK. Despite having diplomatic ties for over 40 years, the two countries have never held a bilateral meeting. However, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Vedova is scheduled to visit Bangladesh for such a meeting with Md Shahriar Alam. This visit is seen as a new beginning in the relationship between the two countries, which has been smooth and expanding. This effort to strengthen relations with friendly countries is also evident in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to New Zealand, and Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali's planned visit to Portugal. Usually, ministers from EU countries visit Bangladesh for development aid, but these bilateral meetings mark a new approach. A senior official at the foreign ministry, who requested anonymity, stated that the focus now is on conducting more bilateral talks, which have received a positive response. The official mentioned that a variety of bilateral issues will be discussed during the meeting. In the previous fiscal year, Bangladesh exported over $1.3 billion to Italy, an increase of 30 percent from the year before. Dhaka and Rome have similar perspectives on various global issues such as counterterrorism and climate change. The Prime Minister participated in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) held in Italy in October last year. Her Italian counterpart has invited her to visit Italy again during the upcoming 'Expo Milano' from May 1 to October 31, which is expected to be the largest show in the world. The official also stated that the Italian counterpart has been invited by the Prime Minister as well, indicating that the relationship is advancing in a positive direction. | 1 |
World leaders put in long hours to meet a deadline for a deal on reducing emissions and helping developing countries deal with the effects of global warming. The United States helped revive the talks by supporting a $100 billion climate fund for poor nations. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that a group of influential leaders had productive discussions overnight to overcome the stalemate in the negotiations. Despite concerns about potential failure, the final push began with a gala dinner for world leaders hosted by Denmark's Queen Margrethe. French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated that time is running out and there is no time for pretending during the talks. He emphasized that a failure in Copenhagen would have severe consequences for everyone. Approximately 28 people were arrested during a Greenpeace protest near the palace, including three who managed to evade security and enter the premises. Activists carrying signs criticizing politicians for talking without taking action walked up the red carpet before U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's arrival. U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to face demands to commit to further reducing emissions as the world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his high expectations for an announcement from President Obama during the upcoming climate summit. Barroso emphasized that Obama's visit is not just to repeat what is already in their draft legislation, particularly referring to a climate bill awaiting approval in the U.S. Senate. Despite progress being made between the United States and China on key issues, officials could not confirm if a deal would be reached once Obama joined the talks. One U.S. official noted advancements in monitoring, reporting, and verification requirements for emissions reductions by China and other major developing countries. China has not agreed to meet these requirements. The United States has boosted morale by committing to support a $100 billion annual fund for developing nations starting in 2020. This amount would exceed current aid levels to poor nations and align with requests from African nations. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the U.S. pledge as positive. However, a U.S. official indicated that President Obama is not expected to provide further details on U.S. funding commitments. An agreement on financial matters is just one piece of a larger puzzle, which also involves efforts to save rainforests, enhance carbon markets, and strengthen global carbon emission regulations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the importance of everyone contributing a little more to achieve these goals. She mentioned that the European Union is prepared to do more, but only in collaboration with other countries. However, any agreement reached must have unanimous approval. Some small island nations and African countries, which are particularly at risk from climate change, have stated that they will not support a weak agreement. "We are discussing the future of our country," stated Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia of Tuvalu, a Pacific island nation, in reference to the ongoing negotiations that started in Bali, Indonesia two years ago. The proposed goals in the negotiation drafts include reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2050 or requiring developed countries to decrease their emissions by 25 to 40 percent by 2020. "We are making progress towards a compromise, partly due to the financial assistance offered by the United States," remarked Kim Carstensen, who leads the global climate initiative at the WWF environmental group. Earlier in the week, the chances of a strong U.N. climate agreement seemed unlikely as countries pointed fingers at major emitters China and the U.S. for the impasse on carbon reduction targets. Ministers and leaders emphasized the need for increased urgency, stating that the outcome of the Copenhagen conference is crucial and cannot afford to be unsuccessful, according to China's climate change ambassador Yu Qingtai. | 1 |
Researchers have found that Australia's mining boom is contributing to a concerning rise in HIV infections among wealthy heterosexual miners and businessmen in resource-rich states who travel to Asia for holidays. According to a recent national HIV-AIDS report, rates of HIV infections in Australia have increased by nearly 50 percent in the last eight years. The report, released by the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, revealed that in the year leading up to December 2007, Australia had 27,331 cases of HIV infection and 10,230 cases of AIDS. While homosexual men still make up the majority of new infections, a significant number of new cases are now being seen among heterosexual men in the mining states of Western Australia and Queensland. Many miners have a schedule where they work for several weeks in a row, followed by a few weeks off. Researchers have found that some of these miners are traveling to Asia during their time off, and engaging in risky behavior such as unprotected sex. Don Baxter, executive director of the Australian Federation of AIDS, stated that a notable number of new infections are among heterosexual men from wealthy resource states who are vacationing in Asia. Baxter mentioned that men from Western Australia are likely visiting Southeast Asian countries, while those from Queensland are traveling to Papua New Guinea, which is at risk of an HIV-AIDS epidemic. He noted that there has been a significant increase in infections among heterosexual males in Western Australia in recent years. Baxter mentioned that the Western Australia state government and AIDS council were collaborating with mining companies to introduce safe sex education programs for miners. Health authorities revealed on Wednesday that a group of men in Cairns, Queensland had contracted HIV after engaging in unprotected sex with women in Papua New Guinea, located north of Queensland. Six businessmen between the ages of 47 and 66 tested positive for HIV in the past 10 months at the Cairns Sexual Health Service. Dr. Darren Russell, the director of the service, expressed concern that this small cluster of cases could be the start of a larger outbreak, as the HIV epidemic in Papua New Guinea is spreading more widely. Australia's AIDS federation is urging the government to boost funding for AIDS prevention programs in order to address the increasing rate of infections. According to Baxter, New South Wales, which has a large homosexual population centered in Sydney, has seen minimal change in infection rates over the past ten years due to sustained funding for safe sex programs. On the other hand, infection rates have spiked in states that have cut back on funding, such as Victoria with a 131 percent increase and Queensland with a 55 percent rise. Baxter emphasized that investing in these programs has been shown to at least stabilize the rate of HIV infections. | 1 |
This week, Barack Obama embarks on his first trip to Asia as president, acknowledging the region's economic and diplomatic significance to the United States amidst a backdrop of domestic issues. The visit includes attending an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Singapore, but the most crucial part will be in China. Here, Obama will need to navigate a complex relationship with a country that holds the largest amount of U.S. foreign debt and is the second-largest trading partner. In an interview before the trip, Obama emphasized the importance of viewing China as both a partner and a competitor, advocating for friendly competition within established international rules to promote responsible behavior worldwide. Ben Rhodes, a deputy national security adviser, stated that America recognizes the importance of Asia in the 21st century and will be actively engaged in addressing various critical issues for prosperity and security during President Obama's visits to Japan, South Korea, and China. These issues include North Korea, Iran, global economy, trade, climate change, energy, human rights, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Obama will also discuss U.S. engagement with Asia during his stop in Tokyo. In China, he will visit Shanghai and Beijing, hold bilateral meetings with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. The purpose of the trip is to emphasize the strong involvement of the United States in Asia, shifting focus from Islamic militancy. However, Obama's attention is likely to be diverted by domestic issues such as healthcare reform, unemployment, and the decision on troop levels in Afghanistan. These concerns may hinder progress on climate change and trade agreements, as Obama needs support from groups that are skeptical of these initiatives. Therefore, Obama is not expected to aggressively pursue deals like a free trade agreement with South Korea. The administration has hinted that they will revisit trade agreements in the future, according to Ernie Bower, director of the Southeast Asia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. He questioned whether Asian leaders hold that belief, expressing uncertainty. Despite Obama's widespread popularity in the countries he is visiting, achieving tangible outcomes may not be the main focus. Observers and government officials emphasize that Obama's presidency is still new, and view this trip as primarily setting the stage for future collaboration. It is noted that President Obama is well-liked in all the countries he is traveling to. Jeffrey Bader, senior director for East Asian affairs at the National Security Council, mentioned that he has not viewed the most recent polls, but the figures he has seen are remarkable. He emphasized that having someone with a high level of respect and admiration delivers a more impactful message compared to someone with a low approval rating. | 1 |
In Atlantic, Iowa, Senator Barack Obama defended his foreign policy experience by stating that his rivals, including Senator Hillary Clinton, were portraying traditional Washington practices as experience. Despite facing criticism for his perceived lack of experience, a CBS poll revealed that Obama is seen as offering innovative ideas, while Clinton enjoys a 20-point lead due in part to her perceived experience. Obama has been criticized by Clinton for his willingness to engage with hostile nations, support strikes against al Qaeda in Pakistan, and reject the use of nuclear weapons in such attacks. Obama argued that Clinton and other candidates may appear experienced simply because they are adhering to traditional candidate expectations. During a five-day tour of Iowa, Obama told reporters that many of his opponents, including Senator Clinton, rely on reciting the conventional wisdom in Washington as a measure of experience. He argued that this approach to foreign policy led to the Iraq War and must be changed. The Clinton campaign responded by stating that Hillary Clinton has a history of fighting for change and has the strength and experience to make it happen. Obama emphasized the need for a new administration to break away from traditional thinking that fosters fear. He criticized the current administration for confusing and distracting the American people with fear tactics in foreign policy. Obama highlighted his commitment to not use nuclear weapons in attacks on al Qaeda in Pakistan, while Clinton has emphasized the importance of nuclear deterrence for maintaining peace. Obama stated that numerous military experts have informed him that in the event of an attack on a terrorist cell in Pakistan, nuclear weapons would not be used. He emphasized that conventional weapons would be utilized instead. Despite being labeled as inexperienced, Obama received enthusiastic support and standing ovations in Council Bluffs and Atlantic for his message of change. He stated that when individuals mention experience, they are essentially asking about one's ability to make sound judgments. Although Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney had extensive experience, their lack of good judgment in foreign policy was evident. One of his strengths is his ability to exercise good judgment. | 1 |
None of the words used to describe their first clash in Cleveland could be applied to their latest debate. Trump, who had been criticized by Republicans for being overly aggressive in the past, arrived in a more restrained manner in an attempt to revive his struggling campaign. However, his subdued performance was not expected to significantly alter the course of the race, which has remained unaffected by major global events. Here are six key points from the final 2020 presidential debate, where they actually engaged in a debate. Following the chaotic first debate, a mute feature was implemented by the debate commission for the opening statements of both candidates in each segment, which proved to be beneficial. Despite this, Trump restrained himself from interrupting and avoided directly mentioning Biden's son Hunter leaving the military. He even complimented Kristen Welker, the debate moderator from NBC, for maintaining control over the proceedings. With the absence of cross-talk, viewers were able to distinguish the differences between the candidates on various important issues such as the pandemic, climate change, systemic racism, economic recovery, federal spending, and health care. Trump's advisers believe that he needs the presidential race to be a clear choice between himself and Biden. However, the contrasts between the two candidates only became apparent in the final debate after the first one was chaotic and the second one was cancelled due to Trump contracting COVID-19. With Trump trailing in the polls and over 48 million Americans having already voted, he still lacks a convincing response to the pandemic. In contrast, Biden, who entered the debate wearing a mask, immediately addressed the issue of COVID-19, which has claimed the lives of more than 220,000 people in the United States. In his first chance to speak, Biden expressed his belief that anyone responsible for a large number of deaths should not continue as president of the United States. This sentiment was previously shared by Sen. Kamala Harris during the vice presidential debate, and Trump was unable to provide a satisfactory response. Trump mentioned that models had predicted up to 2.2 million deaths if no action was taken, highlighting the global nature of the pandemic and pointing out the decrease in mortality rates. Trump also stated that the situation is improving and that the pandemic is coming to an end. Hospitalizations and cases are increasing. Trump referenced his own hospitalization with the virus during the first debate, leading to the cancellation of the second debate. He mentioned that he learned a lot from the experience. However, leading up to the debate, he criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease specialist. Biden confidently stated his plan to end the virus, countering Trump's accusations of being a radical socialist with a casual shrug. Despite being labeled as a "Teflon Don" by some, Biden has maintained strong approval ratings and emerged as the front-runner for the 2020 election. "He declared himself as the party during the first debate. On Thursday, Trump repeatedly tried to connect Biden to Harris’ stance on health care during the primary, associating him with "AOC plus three" and Bernie Sanders on health care. In response, Biden used his "Come on, man!" strategy and called Trump a confused individual who believes he is running against someone else." He is competing against Joe Biden in the election. The Democratic candidate appealed to the audience, asking them to trust their own judgment based on his eight years as vice president. He emphasized that the viewers are familiar with both candidates' characters. Biden continues to have confidence in himself and believes that Trump's criticisms of his character and agenda are not credible. This strategy has been successful for him so far. Trump finally delivered the 'all talk, no action' punch that many Republicans had been eagerly anticipating. He continued to attack Biden for being a career politician in Washington for almost 50 years, questioning why he hadn't implemented promised changes sooner. Trump repeatedly criticized Biden for talking about his plans without taking concrete action. Biden struggled to respond effectively to Trump's attacks, despite similar criticisms being brought up in the first debate. He even went as far as to distance himself from President Barack Obama because they were unable to pass an immigration overhaul, describing it as a mistake that took too long to correct. Dave Kochel, a Republican strategist, noted that the criticism of why the overhaul wasn't completed was strong. Despite Trump's ability to make a case against Biden after the first debate disaster, he has only sporadically pursued this argument. Additionally, Trump's image as an outsider has weakened now that he is a politician and an incumbent with unfulfilled promises. Trump emphasized that he decided to run for president because of Biden's shortcomings, but he also struggled to communicate effectively during the debate, making references that may have been lost on many viewers. He mentioned various names, numbers, and events without providing much context, such as criticizing the Obama administration for "selling pillows and sheets" to Ukraine and attacking the Biden family's business dealings. Trump seemed to assume that viewers were as well-versed in right-wing media controversies as he is, which may have hindered his ability to connect with a broader audience. Biden did not seem to have done what Trump accused him of. Trump continued to use out-of-context references, particularly about Hunter Biden, as if they were strong evidence. Trump claimed that the new information made the situation even more serious, referring to emails about money being received by Biden and his family. However, the discussion concluded without any significant confrontation. It served as a reminder of the differences between running against Biden and Clinton for Trump. Trump had years of attacks on Clinton that had influenced voters, but that was not the case with Biden. According to Democratic strategist Meredith Kelly, Trump focused on right-wing theories that appealed to his base without trying to persuade others. Despite this, the two candidates had substantial disagreements, particularly regarding the extent to which the economy and schools should be closed to control the virus. Trump strongly pushed for reopening as soon as possible, while Biden argued that it should only be done when it is truly safe. Trump mentioned his own hospitalization and recovery as proof that we need to learn to live with the virus, to which Biden responded incredulously, "Learning to live with it? Come on." "We are dying because of it." Trump criticized Biden for mostly campaigning from home this spring and summer, saying "We can't isolate ourselves in a basement like Joe does." He made fun of the Plexiglas dividers in restaurants in New York and other places, calling the idea of diners sitting "in a plastic-wrapped cubicle" ridiculous. "We cannot close our nation," he insisted. "Otherwise, we will not have a nation." Biden, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of public health and warned of a "dark winter" ahead. "We need to stop the virus, not shut down the country," he declared, repeating one of the evening's rehearsed lines. The candidates had a civil disagreement on healthcare and the environment. Biden stated his intention to move the country away from the oil industry and eliminate federal subsidies, which Trump responded to by urging voters in states like Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma to remember his words. Progressives applauded Biden's stance, but Democrats in states reliant on energy, like Oklahoma and New Mexico, distanced themselves. Republican strategist Colin Reed viewed the debate as a tie. The speaker mentioned that both candidates were well-prepared, not just in their demeanor and approach, but also in terms of substance. He noted that Biden would benefit from making a strong effort, while Trump was the one who needed a decisive victory. | 1 |
However, their diplomatic efforts at a scaled-down UN General Assembly were overshadowed and complicated by the legacy of President Donald J. Trump. President Biden worked to mend strained relations with France by talking to President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, while Secretary of State Blinken met with his French counterpart in New York on Thursday. French officials compared the Biden administration to Trump's, criticizing them for not informing them about a deal with Britain and Australia that affected a submarine contract. President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran also drew parallels between Biden and Trump in his speech to the global body, noting their differing foreign policy slogans. Additionally, Beijing's Global Times newspaper warned that ambitious targets set by Biden to reduce global carbon emissions could be rescinded if a Republican administration takes over, a concern also echoed by the Iranians regarding a potential return to the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump withdrew from. During a news conference wrapping up a week of diplomacy, Blinken provided a favorable evaluation. He mentioned that US officials had engaged with representatives from over 60 countries and highlighted American leadership in addressing climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to recent criticisms of US foreign policy, including the withdrawal from Afghanistan, stalled nuclear discussions with Iran, and strained relations with France, the secretary of state stated that he had not directly heard such complaints in New York this week. Blinken expressed that the feedback he had received following the president's speech and the direction the country is heading in has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive of the United States. This statement was made before he left a week-long diplomatic gathering that had cautiously transitioned back to in-person meetings after last year's virtual UN event due to the pandemic. Several foreign leaders, such as the presidents of Russia, China, and Iran, did not attend this year's event. Their absence meant there was no suspense about whether the US president would have an unplanned meeting with a foreign adversary. President Biden only made a brief appearance, leaving shortly after his speech on Tuesday. In his address, he portrayed America as moving on from 20 years of war following the September 11, 2001 attacks with its withdrawal from Afghanistan. He stated that the US was now entering a new phase of collaborative diplomacy to address global issues like climate change, the pandemic, and the increase in authoritarianism. The speech was a significant tribute to global cooperation and stood out in comparison to Trump's aggressive and unpolished rhetoric. However, criticism has emerged that some of Biden's key policy decisions resemble Trump's approach. French officials were caught off guard by the US submarine deal with Australia, a move for which Biden's team could not provide a satisfactory explanation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian expressed frustration, likening the decision to Trump's behavior and expressing anger and disappointment. This had been somewhat alleviated by Thursday, following Biden's conversation with Macron and Blinken's meeting with Le Drian, but the French diplomat's remarks indicated that the issue had not been completely resolved. Resolving the current crisis will be a gradual process that will necessitate effort and time, he stated. The incident with Paris may have been seen as a singular event, but it echoed concerns from some NATO allies about Biden's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, which was done without proper consultation or notification of the timeline. Trump was known for catching longstanding allies off guard with sudden or independent decisions. Blinken expressed that he met with NATO officials in the spring to hear their opinions on Afghanistan, however officials in countries like Germany and Britain stated that their advice for a slower withdrawal was not taken into consideration. Biden supporters believe the comparisons are exaggerated, but some acknowledge the valid concerns around the world about the possibility of someone like Trump undoing Biden's efforts. Loren DeJonge Schulman, who served in the National Security Council and the Pentagon during the Obama administration, stated that it is ridiculous to think there is any similarity between Trump and Biden in terms of their views on allies, international negotiations, and national security. Schulman admitted that other countries have legitimate concerns about how the Biden administration can maintain sustainable international commitments post-Trump era and garner more public support for foreign alliances. DeJonge Schulman, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, stated that trust cannot be the sole basis for decisions. Not only frustrated allies, but also adversaries have recognized similarities between Biden and Trump, using it as a weapon against Biden. The Global Times, known for echoing the Chinese Communist Party's views, mentioned that Biden's China policies are almost the same as Trump's. This includes maintaining trade tariffs that Democrats criticized before Biden's presidency, but his officials now see as a negotiating tool with China. Iranian officials are also upset that Biden has not removed the economic sanctions imposed by Trump after withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Some European allies suggested to the Biden administration early in his presidency to lift certain restrictions in order to restart nuclear talks, but Biden officials decided against it. Recently, Iran's supreme leader accused the current administration of being similar to the previous one in their demands regarding the nuclear issue. With negotiations paused and a new hard-line government in power in Tehran, Biden officials are warning Iran that time is running out to return to the nuclear agreement. The Biden team's handling of situations has been criticized, especially after a US military drone strike in Kabul resulted in the deaths of 10 civilians, including seven children and an aid worker. Some Biden officials acknowledge the challenges in diplomacy due to the retirement of many experienced Foreign Service officers during the Trump administration. Senator Ted Cruz has also hindered the confirmation of Biden's nominees for senior State Department positions and ambassadorships. Biden is facing comparisons to Trump in various areas, such as immigration. Marisa Franco, from the Latino civil rights organisation Mijente, raised the question of how Biden is different from Trump in these situations. | 1 |
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A group of rapidly growing carbon emitters, which is important for a global climate change agreement, is now open to discussing the future of the Kyoto Protocol in order to bring the United States on board. The Kyoto Protocol currently obligates around 40 wealthy countries to reduce emissions by 2008-12, but developing nations are pushing for a stricter second commitment phase. This is opposed by many developed nations who want to abandon Kyoto in order to include emerging markets like India and China. The upcoming meeting of environment ministers from Brazil, South Africa, India, and China - known as the BASIC nations - will focus on building trust with wealthy nations, as outlined in the meeting's agenda obtained by Reuters. The question remains, how much longer will the Kyoto Protocol remain in effect? The agenda for the upcoming meeting in South Africa on April 25-26 includes discussions on the possibility of a shorter second commitment period focused on carbon markets. Another question to be addressed is what would replace the Kyoto Protocol if there is no second commitment period. Negotiations for a global deal to combat climate change have been hindered by deep mistrust between wealthier and less wealthy nations regarding their respective responsibilities. Officials are not as optimistic about reaching a comprehensive agreement in Mexico in November. In order to break the stalemate in negotiations and gain the support of the United States, which did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol, it would be helpful for the BASIC nations to show a willingness to compromise on the protocol. An Indian negotiator described the agenda as "realistic" and focused on exploring all possible options for a fair deal. The BASIC meeting agenda also mentioned considering how aspects of the Copenhagen Accord, a non-binding agreement aimed at limiting global warming and providing aid, could be incorporated into the current negotiations. The text outlines the steps taken by many countries, including major greenhouse gas emitters, to reduce their emissions by 2020. Originally, the Copenhagen conference was supposed to establish a global agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The upcoming South Africa meeting will also discuss the possibility of expanding the BASIC bloc and using groups like the G20 and Major Economies Forum for negotiations. Developing nations are pushing for dual-track negotiations on a Kyoto successor and long-term climate change actions for all countries. | 1 |
The European Union's unity, solidarity, and global reputation are in jeopardy due to various factors, including Greece's debt crisis, Russia's involvement in Ukraine, Britain's desire to alter its relationship with the EU, and the issue of Mediterranean migration. Failing to effectively address any of these challenges would exacerbate the others, increasing the risks facing the overall "Project Europe". Of these challenges, Greece's potential default and the possibility of it leaving the euro currency, known as 'Grexit', pose the most immediate threat to the long-held idea of a united Europe. According to Fabian Zuleeg and Janis Emmanouilidis of the European Policy Centre think-tank, the long-term consequences of Grexit would have a significant impact on the EU as a whole, setting a precedent and further weakening the EU's fundamental purpose. Even though Greece only makes up a small portion of the euro zone's economy and population, its declaration of bankruptcy after receiving two bailouts totaling nearly 200 billion euros has had a significant impact on the EU's reputation. The blame game has already begun, with Greeks pointing fingers at Germans, others blaming Greeks, and Keynesian economists criticizing austerity measures. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Greece's future, it has already proven that the idea of an unbreakable single currency is flawed. EU officials may now focus on strengthening ties among remaining members to prevent similar crises in the future, but opposition from Germany may hinder any progress on joint government bond issuance. This Greek crisis will serve as a reminder to markets when the next economic downturn hits the euro zone. Destabilizing Greece economically could have far-reaching consequences, not only causing suffering and financial losses for European taxpayers but also exacerbating Europe's other crises and destabilizing the fragile southern Balkans. With existing tensions in the eastern Mediterranean region due to various conflicts and disputes, a collapsed Greece might seek assistance from Russia, potentially impacting EU sanctions against Moscow or offering access to naval facilities formerly used by the United States. Additionally, Greece is currently dealing with an influx of refugees from conflicts in Syria and Iraq, who are seeking passage to more prosperous countries in Europe, further straining the already cash-strapped Greek authorities. Imagining a scenario where a government expelled from the euro zone uses migrants to pressure EU countries is not difficult. The "boat people" crisis has caused division in the EU, with Italy and other frontline nations criticizing their northern and eastern counterparts for lacking solidarity in refugee support. Britain has also declined to accept refugees. The unresolved Greek debt crisis, after five years of negotiations, portrays the EU as weak and divided to leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping who seek to increase their influence. Brussels officials admit that the euro zone crisis has led to more national decision-making on certain policies and weakened Europe's model of rules-based supranational governance. The EU's position in global trade and climate change talks has been compromised due to Britain's potential exit from the EU. This uncertainty is causing concern in Brussels, as the loss of the UK could mean losing a major economy, financial hub, and military power. Despite polls indicating majority support for staying in the EU, there is still anxiety over the potential consequences of Britain's renegotiation and referendum plans. The unpredictability of the situation has created a sense of unease in European capitals. Ever since his win, Cameron has faced opposition from Eurosceptic members of his own party. The ongoing Greek economic crisis, whether within or outside the euro zone, could support the argument that the UK economy is tied to a failing system. Russia's historical animosity towards Britain, which is viewed in Moscow as a close ally of the US, could lead Putin to welcome the UK leaving the EU. This move would weaken the EU's ability to respond firmly to Russian actions in Ukraine and Georgia, and would also separate Britain from its close relationship with the US, even though it would still be a part of NATO. This could potentially give Putin more leverage in negotiations with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has been leading European efforts to resolve the situation in Ukraine. Rem Korteweg from the Centre for European Reform likens the current crises to the four horsemen of the apocalypse in the New Testament, representing conquest, war, famine, and death. He believes that if the EU's leaders cannot find a solution, chaos and instability will persist within the EU. | 1 |
Quotes from Morrison, Albanese, and Frydenberg were shared regarding the election results. Morrison congratulated Albanese on his victory and announced he was stepping down as party leader. Albanese expressed his intention to unite the nation, emphasizing the need to come together. Frydenberg acknowledged the challenges in winning in Kooyong but remained hopeful. Albanese, described as a pragmatic leader with a working-class background, aims to end divisions in the country. The Parliament consists of the House of Representatives, which has 151 seats. A majority of 76 seats is needed to form the government. With 55% of the vote counted, Labor had 72 seats, the coalition had 52, and independents and the Greens held 11, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. There are 16 seats that are still undecided. The Senate has 76 seats, with 12 for each of the six states and two each for two territories. In total, there are 40 Senate seats up for election: six from each state and four from the territories. Economic challenges facing the winner include high inflation, rising interest rates, and impending budget deficits due to pandemic spending. However, unemployment is at its lowest in almost 50 years and global prices for Australian commodities are high. On the climate front, the major parties face a difficult path as people want action on climate but are hesitant to pay for it, especially in an election where the cost of living is a central issue and retail power prices are a factor. Foreign policy unexpectedly became a focus during the election campaign, as Morrison emphasized his national security expertise and criticized Labor's capabilities, only to be challenged by the Solomon Islands forming a security agreement with China. Morrison acknowledged the need to adjust his governing approach, admitting to being too forceful, while Albanese presented a different approach rooted in his working-class background and practical approach. | 1 |
The head of the UN climate change organization is urging governments to take concrete steps towards a new treaty to combat global warming, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize negotiations. Delegates are currently meeting in Tianjin to discuss the future of the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. Issues such as lack of trust between rich and poor nations, transparency over emissions cuts, and disagreements over the size of cuts offered by wealthy nations have hindered progress. Postponing an agreement would leave less time to address greenhouse gas emissions and create uncertainty for companies unsure of future climate policies and carbon markets beyond 2012. Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres stressed the importance of finding common ground during the talks in Tianjin. The discussions taking place now are the final major round of negotiations before the main climate conference in Cancun, Mexico on November 29. Almost 200 government representatives were unable to reach an agreement on a new legally binding climate treaty last year. The meeting in Copenhagen in 2009 resulted in disagreements between wealthy and developing nations, leading to a non-binding agreement that left many important issues unresolved. Governments are working to build trust and transform a complex draft treaty into a legally binding document, possibly by late 2011. A successful outcome in Cancun is necessary to renew confidence in the process and prevent it from stalling indefinitely, according to a speaker at the meeting. Wendel Trio, the climate policy coordinator for Greenpeace, stated that recent devastating floods in Pakistan and severe drought in Russia are examples of extreme weather events that could worsen with rising temperatures if countries do not significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Trio emphasized the need for developed countries to show commitment to the pledges they made in Copenhagen in order to build trust among nations. At the Tianjin talks, Christiana Figueres expressed hope for agreement on key aspects of a future climate pact, such as managing adaptation funds, green technology for poorer countries, and supporting carbon-absorbing forests. She believes there is a good chance that governments will agree on creating a climate fund, although it may take time to decide on funding sources. Even if negotiations progress, the current commitments by governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will not be sufficient to prevent the world from experiencing dangerous global warming, which is generally defined as a temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 F) above pre-industrial levels, according to Figueres. She stated in an interview that these commitments are not enough to ensure even a two-degree temperature rise, which is not guaranteed to protect the most vulnerable countries. Despite this, she emphasized the importance of governments focusing on formalizing the proposed emissions cuts, acknowledging that it is a necessary but incomplete first step. | 1 |
Several women disrupted Philip Hammond's speech at an annual banquet in London's Mansion House by shouting slogans through loudspeakers. A video shared online showed Mark Field, a foreign office minister, physically handling one of the women and escorting her out of the room. Field later apologized, but Prime Minister Theresa May's spokeswoman announced his suspension pending an investigation. Field explained his actions as a response to security concerns. "In the current situation, I believed it was necessary to take decisive action to eliminate the threat to the safety of those present," he stated. His office did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters. Tory MP for Cities of London & Westminster @MarkFieldUK can be seen grabbing a Greenpeace protester who disrupted a speech by Philip Hammond in London. The main opposition Labour Party's spokeswoman for women and equalities Dawn Butler called for Field to be suspended or fired immediately. Greenpeace organized the protest in London's financial district, accusing the finance industry of funding climate change and the finance ministry of trying to weaken government efforts to address it." The response of Field to the demonstrator was condemned. Rebecca Newsom, Head of Politics at Greenpeace UK, expressed that the violent behavior was unjustified and alarming. The City of London Corporation is reevaluating its procedures following the incident at Mansion House on Thursday night. A spokesman stated that they are investigating the breach of security and will be reviewing arrangements for future events. | 1 |
Al Gore, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is calling for governments to speed up the development of a new treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He believes that waiting until the Kyoto pact expires in 2012 is too long, and is urging for the new treaty to be concluded by 2009 to allow for ratification before the existing pact expires. Gore emphasized the importance of moving up the effective date of the new treaty by two years to avoid waiting until 2012 to have a stronger agreement in place. He will be delivering this message to governments while accepting his prize in Norway and at the UN climate conference in Bali. The United States rejected the 1997 Kyoto protocol, a key UN climate agreement that required 36 nations to reduce emissions. The US argued that the protocol would be too costly and unfairly excluded developing countries from emission cuts. Al Gore, a prominent figure in climate change advocacy, stated that the US should be leading the effort to address climate change. He noted that there were positive signs in the US, such as over 700 cities and many states adopting Kyoto provisions, as well as 150 US business leaders supporting mandatory carbon emission reductions. Gore emphasized the importance of making environmentally conscious choices, such as taking the train instead of other forms of transportation, to help combat climate change. Gore was ridiculed in 2006 for taking a limousine to a screening at the Cannes film festival of his Academy Award-winning movie "An Inconvenient Truth", which highlights the need for immediate action to combat climate change. | 1 |
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Danny Russel stated to Reuters on Tuesday that, similar to adjusting a medicine regimen, the dosage of sanctions can be increased if the desired effects are not achieved. Russel mentioned the potential for new sanctions by the UN Security Council, the United States, or a coalition of countries from the European Union and Southeast Asia. North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch led to enhanced UN sanctions to cut off funding for its nuclear weapons program. There are concerns about a possible fifth nuclear test by North Korea before a ruling party congress in early May, following a failed missile test. Estimates suggest there may be up to 150,000 North Korean workers abroad, mostly in China and Russia, sending back around $900 million annually. North Koreans are known to work in various fields abroad such as restaurants, construction sites, and as doctors. The success of current or any new sanctions relies heavily on their full implementation by China, North Korea's neighbor and largest trading partner. US officials and analysts emphasize the importance of China's cooperation in enforcing sanctions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying urged all parties to avoid escalating tensions and to remain calm in order to resume talks. She declined to comment on whether China would support tougher sanctions if North Korea conducted another nuclear test. US and its allies South Korea and Japan could also take defensive actions in response to such a test, according to Russel. He mentioned that as the threat increases, our defensive capabilities should also adapt accordingly. He emphasized that there is a diplomatic option available to North Korea by reopening negotiations to limit its nuclear program. South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee suggested focusing more on sanctions rather than dialogue in response to North Korea's potential provocations. Russel discussed potential responses to a fifth nuclear test by North Korea, acknowledging that sanctions have not effectively deterred the country since its first nuclear test in 2006. He clarified that no decisions have been made yet regarding a response to a future event. US General Vincent Brooks, nominated by President Barack Obama to lead American forces in South Korea, stated that China is frustrated with North Korea's behavior, particularly its nuclear advancements, but is hesitant to apply pressure that could jeopardize Kim Jong Un's regime. Brooks also noted that Kim Jong Un appears to be more daring, arrogant, and impulsive compared to his father, Kim Jong Il. He emphasized that Kim has been more assertive in disregarding international concerns while advancing North Korea's nuclear program. Assistant Secretary of State Russel mentioned that it will take time to assess the effectiveness of the latest sanctions, but acknowledged that Beijing has shifted towards applying pressure on North Korea after exhausting diplomatic efforts. Russel added that there is now a push for sustained pressure on North Korea, which has not been seen before. China's strong economic influence on North Korea has led to a new situation, according to Frank Jannuzi. He doubts that China is truly willing to exert significant pressure on North Korea due to concerns about potential negative consequences such as conflict, refugees, and turmoil. | 1 |
Sweden criticized the Copenhagen climate change summit as a "disaster" and a "great failure," leading to a meeting of European Union environment ministers to strategize on how to salvage the process. The European Union had hoped to secure a broad commitment to reducing carbon emissions by at least 20 percent below 1990 levels within a decade, but concrete goals were not achieved in the final agreement. Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren labeled the outcome of the summit as a "disaster" and emphasized the need to learn from the failure during the meeting in Brussels. Carlgren, who is chairing the talks as Sweden currently holds the EU presidency, anticipates discussions on how to move forward and explore alternative approaches. The two-week United Nations-led conference concluded on Saturday with an agreement to limit global warming to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, but did not outline a plan to achieve this goal. Despite extensive preparation and international diplomacy, the talks ultimately failed due to the inability of the United States and China to agree on specific targets. The European Union, with a united position and a plan to finance emissions reductions in developing countries, committed to spending around 7 billion euros over the next three years. However, these efforts were overshadowed by the lack of a breakthrough agreement at the conference. Carlgren noted that Europe remained steadfast in its goals, but the unwillingness of other countries, particularly the United States and China, hindered progress. Britain accused China and a few other countries of obstructing a legally binding treaty at Copenhagen, escalating the blame game that has been ongoing since the conclusion of the talks. Prime Minister Gordon Brown criticized the summit as being flawed or chaotic, calling for a reformation of the process in order to achieve a legal treaty when negotiations resume in Germany in June. However, Danish Climate Minister Connie Hedegaard, who stepped down as president of the Copenhagen talks due to criticism from African nations, urged for optimism in addressing climate change. She emphasized the importance of building upon progress made at Copenhagen rather than dwelling on any perceived failures. We were able to accomplish a significant milestone - a first step. This marked the first instance where we conducted a process with the participation of all countries, including major polluters. | 1 |
Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of regional and global cooperation during an international symposium on climate change and food security in Dhaka. The symposium concluded with the signing of the Dhaka Symposium Declaration. Ahmed called for neighboring countries to work together to reduce the impact of natural disasters and adapt to changes caused by climate change. He stressed the need for comprehensive measures to combat the adverse effects of global warming on food security. Iceland's President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, the guest speaker, also highlighted the global perspective and called for international dialogue on the security implications of climate change. The symposium was organized by Dhaka University, Ohio State University, the World Meteorological Organisation, UNESCAP, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. The chief adviser emphasized that Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change is due to its geographical location as a low-lying mega-delta with heavy rainfall leading to annual floods. He called on the international community, especially high greenhouse gas emitters, to assist in addressing the impacts of climate change to help affected countries like Bangladesh maintain food security. One of the biggest challenges facing Bangladesh is the need to lift 50 million people out of poverty while ensuring access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, water, and healthcare. The adviser also highlighted the threat posed by consecutive floods and Cyclone Sidr to the country's agricultural sector and food availability. The chief adviser mentioned that Bangladesh faces a significant challenge due to global warming impacting food production and causing food deficits to increase in the past two decades. He also highlighted the negative impact of melting Himalayan glaciers and river sediments on the country's situation. Iceland's president, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, emphasized the importance of all states participating in a global dialogue on the security implications of climate change. He suggested involving countries dependent on the Himalaya region for water in extensive initiatives, as experts predict the glaciers in the region will disappear in the next 40-70 years. Grimsson noted that Iceland is also experiencing the effects of climate change, with the largest glaciers in Europe located there. However, he also mentioned that his country could be a source of inspiration for addressing and preventing the negative impacts of climate change by completely transforming energy systems. He stated, "We have shifted Iceland's economy away from reliance on fossil fuels to leading the way in clean energy production and consumption." Grimsson emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientific communities, governments, businesses, and civic organizations to achieve great success. He called for a joint effort and visionary partnership among talented individuals, as well as an invitation for all concerned citizens to participate and have their voices heard. The Dhaka Symposium Declaration recommends establishing a Climate Change and Food Security Network in South Asia, enhancing current regional and policy tools, and exploring interdisciplinary approaches and innovative financial strategies to implement adaptation options. The closing ceremony took place at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on Saturday, with Dhaka University vice chancellor SMA Faiz presiding over the event. Also in attendance were FAO's Asia and the Pacific regional representative Changchui He, FAO country representative Ad Spijkers, commerce adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, and the chief adviser's special assistant in charge of environment and forests Raja Devashish Roy, all of whom delivered speeches during the ceremony. | 1 |
Koichi Mizushima, a spokesperson for the Japan Foreign Ministry, stated that the purpose of the minister's visit to Bangladesh was to strengthen cooperation with a country that has traditionally been very friendly towards Japan. This visit comes after the controversial parliamentary election on January 5, which was boycotted by the opposition BNP and its allies. The minister emphasized the importance of a comprehensive partnership between the two countries during bilateral talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart. The relationship between Japan and Bangladesh covers various aspects, with a focus on economic relations and people-to-people contact. Japan has been a significant development partner for Bangladesh, providing assistance in the form of grants, aid, technical assistance, and soft loans. The two countries are currently negotiating a new package of soft loans, with Japan promising a loan of $1.18 billion for various projects. The spokesperson highlighted the economic potential of Bangladesh and the strategic importance of its location. Both countries expressed interest in concluding an Economic Partnership Agreement and discussed the possibility of Japan financing key infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. They also agreed to work together on climate change issues and disaster management. Japan extended an invitation for Bangladesh to participate in the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Additionally, Japan responded positively to the idea of establishing a Peace-building Centre in Bangladesh. | 1 |
Speaking at a pre-election town hall event on RTL television on Sunday, Merkel urged German carmakers, who have been caught cheating on nitrogen emissions tests, to work towards regaining public trust in diesel. She emphasized the importance of diesel for achieving climate protection goals, despite the fact that diesel cars emit more nitrogen dioxide, which can be harmful at high concentrations. Merkel acknowledged the differences in legal systems between Germany and the US, which resulted in German car owners receiving less compensation for the scandal. However, she stressed the need for German carmakers to compensate affected owners to prevent harm to the industry's reputation. The auto industry's future, which is Germany's biggest exporter and employs 800,000 people, has become a prominent topic in the current election. Politicians are pointing fingers at executives and each other for the industry's damaged reputation following Volkswagen's admission of cheating on US emissions tests nearly two years ago. | 1 |
Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called for US leadership on climate change during a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Jakarta on Thursday. Clinton was in Indonesia to strengthen US relations with Southeast Asia and the Muslim world before heading to South Korea to discuss the North's military threat. Yudhoyono and Clinton discussed economic cooperation, Palestine, and efforts to reach a new global agreement on climate change during their meeting at the presidential palace. A presidential spokesman emphasized the importance of US leadership in achieving a global consensus on climate change. During a pre-recorded TV interview on a local youth music show, Clinton confirmed her attendance at a conference on rebuilding Gaza in Cairo on March 2 in response to questions about the new administration's efforts to improve relationships with the Islamic world. She emphasized that shortly after taking office as secretary of state, President Obama and herself stated that the United States would become more involved in assisting the Middle East. Estimates suggest that the damage in Hamas-controlled Gaza, following Israel's offensive that resulted in the deaths of 1,300 Palestinians, amounts to nearly $2 billion. Clinton's visit to Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, underscores President Barack Obama's goal of strengthening U.S. ties with the Muslim world, particularly in light of the unpopularity of many policies from the previous administration led by George W. Bush, such as the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. While most Indonesians practice a moderate form of Islam, there is a minority of radicals who have expressed opposition to Clinton's trip through small protests. Indonesia is the location of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations headquarters and has the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Discussions between Clinton and Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda have also touched on the financial crisis, with Jakarta considering U.S. assistance through a currency swap agreement and potential contingency funding. Indonesia is already in talks to extend currency swap agreements with Japan, China, and South Korea. President Yudhoyono, who is running for reelection, aims to highlight Indonesia's stability and transition to democracy since the resignation of former President Suharto in 1998. Clinton, like previous Bush Administration officials, emphasized Indonesia as an example of the coexistence of modernity and Islam, especially given its significance as the country where Obama spent part of his childhood. During her appearance on the "Dahsyat" music show, Clinton received applause when she mentioned her appreciation for classical music as well as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Before heading to South Korea, she was scheduled to visit a USAID sanitation project in Jakarta. North Korea has been making threats to destroy South Korea, with Pyongyang rumored to be preparing for a missile launch to gain US attention and pressure Seoul to soften its stance. Clinton has expressed that this missile launch would not improve relations. After visiting South Korea, Clinton will travel to China as the final destination on her Asian tour, which also included Japan. This trip marks her first international visit since assuming office in the United States. | 1 |
President Barack Obama emphasized the importance of a strong government commitment to scientific research in response to the flu virus outbreak that has caused a public health emergency in the US. In a speech to the National Academy of Sciences, Obama called for dedicating 3 percent of the gross domestic product to scientific research, stating that our ability to address public health challenges relies heavily on the work of the scientific and medical community. He highlighted the need for the nation to prioritize science and research to prevent falling behind in the face of such challenges. Obama reassured the public that US cases of swine flu were not a reason to panic, but the government was closely monitoring the situation. The administration declared a public health emergency as a precautionary measure. The flu has caused 149 deaths in Mexico and has spread to North America and Europe, causing concerns of a potential pandemic. Obama referenced the space race between the US and Soviet Union in the 1950s and 1960s as an example of the importance of investing in research, noting that science spending as a percentage of GDP has declined since that time. Obama stated that by aiming to spend more than 3 percent of GDP on science, the United States will surpass the level reached during the space race. This goal includes both public and private spending, with the country currently allocating 2.66 percent of GDP to research and development. The increased spending is partially included in the economic stimulus package signed by Obama in February. Additionally, Obama's proposed fiscal 2010 budget includes making tax credits for business investment in research and development permanent. The White House is emphasizing Obama's achievements as he approaches the 100-day mark of his presidency, including his proposals to address global climate change. Obama views breaking dependence on fossil fuels as a crucial challenge for this generation. The administration has also started a two-day meeting of major world economies on climate change, with a goal of reducing US emissions by around 15 percent by 2020 through a cap-and-trade system. This proposal is central to a bill currently being considered in Congress. Republicans have been critical of the cap-and-trade system, labeling it as a disguised energy tax. Additionally, some moderate Democrats share concerns about the potential negative effects of the plan on employment and the economy. | 1 |
Chinese President Hu Jintao praised increased collaboration with Japan during his visit on Tuesday, aimed at building trust between the two countries despite disagreements over energy and security issues. Hu received a warm welcome from Japanese officials and Chinese supporters upon his arrival in Tokyo. In anticipation of potential protests from right-wing activists, a large police presence was deployed in the city center. Despite historical tensions between China and Japan, Hu emphasized a focus on future goals during his five-day visit, which includes official ceremonies, speeches, agreements, and cultural exchanges such as table tennis and potentially pandas. This visit, only the second ever by a Chinese leader to Japan, comes as China works to ease international concerns surrounding unrest in Tibet and ensure a successful Olympic Games in Beijing. With the two economies becoming more interconnected, Hu stated that improved relations were crucial for the prosperity of both countries. In a message to Japanese readers of a Chinese magazine, Hu expressed his hope for a lasting friendship between the people of China and Japan. He emphasized that cooperation has brought tangible benefits to both nations and has contributed to their growth and development. Hu also referred to the Beijing Games as not just Asia's Olympics, but the Olympics of the world. The relationship between Asia's two largest economies holds significant importance. China has surpassed the United States as Japan's top trade partner, with bilateral trade amounting to $236.6 billion last year, representing a 12 percent increase from 2006. Despite the opportunities presented by China's rapid economic growth, Japan is concerned about Beijing's expanding diplomatic and military influence, particularly in areas such as disputed energy resources, military capabilities, and the quality of Chinese exports. A commentator in China's People's Daily emphasized the need for continued efforts from both sides to fully improve their relations, despite some progress already made. The highlight of President Hu's visit is expected to be a summit with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, during which they aim to outline a joint strategy for managing their relationship in the future. The declarations of friendship between the two countries were uncertain in their ability to resolve disagreements, as sensitive issues regarding Taiwan, human rights, and Japan's desire for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council were still being discussed. Additionally, Japan and China were in dispute over gas reserves in the East China Sea, and a recent incident involving tainted Chinese dumplings had heightened Japanese concerns about China's growing power. Despite hopes of a breakthrough in the gas dispute, a quick resolution seemed unlikely, with Japan also seeking more transparency regarding China's increasing defense spending. Foreign critics claim that China's actual military budget is significantly higher. Tokyo is seeking support from China for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a matter that sparked anti-Japanese protests in China in 2005 due to lingering resentment over Japan's brutal occupation from 1931 to 1945. A newspaper in Hong Kong controlled by mainland China, the Ta Kung Pao, suggested that Chinese President Hu Jintao was unlikely to meet Japanese expectations. The paper pointed out that there are numerous sensitive issues that may prove difficult to resolve during the visit, including the gas dispute and the Security Council matter. The paper stated that the timing may not be right for significant progress, but some general agreements could potentially be reached. China has been urging Japan to clarify its position on Taiwan, which Beijing believes should reunite with the mainland. Japan has stated its support for "one China" that includes Taiwan, which was under Japanese rule for fifty years until 1945 and maintains strong ties with Japan. Despite this issue, both countries are emphasizing positive intentions and will release a joint document on combating climate change, an important topic for Japan as the host of the July G8 summit. During his visit, Hu may speak to university students in Tokyo, play table tennis with Fukuda, and possibly offer Japan a panda to replace one that passed away at a Tokyo zoo in April. | 1 |
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed optimism on Tuesday that a climate change agreement could be reached with the help of the US administration under Barack Obama. He warned of the urgent need to address extreme weather events that will worsen with global warming, stressing the importance of taking action now to prevent further damage and human suffering. Annan's Global Humanitarian Forum meeting brought together UN agency heads, government officials, and experts to discuss practical strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. He hoped that their discussions would pave the way for a new agreement in Copenhagen in December to succeed the Kyoto accord. Annan expressed optimism about the new president and administration in the United States taking climate change seriously, as the US is a major source of emissions. The upcoming meeting in Copenhagen aims to find a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which regulates greenhouse gas emissions. Economic stimulus efforts globally have led to investment in low-carbon energy and alternative technologies, potentially creating jobs and supporting sustainable projects. However, climate experts have cautioned that current pledges by industrialised nations to reduce emissions by 2020 are not sufficient to prevent dangerous climate change. Industrialized nations have pledged to reduce their overall emissions by an average of 10 to 14 percent below 1990 levels before December's meeting, as calculated by Reuters. However, the UN Climate Panel recommends that cuts should be in the range of 25-40 percent below 1990 levels to prevent the most severe consequences of climate change. | 1 |
A special Biman Bangladesh flight, carrying the prime minister and her delegation, departed from Dhaka at 12:10pm on Tuesday. The flight is expected to land in London on Tuesday night according to Bangladesh time. Hasina will have a one-day stopover in London to visit with family members, including her niece Tulip Siddiq who was re-elected as an MP in the British elections on June 8. The prime minister is set to arrive in Stockholm on Wednesday night local time, as stated by her Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim. The Prime Minister of Sweden has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for a visit, as announced by Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali during a press briefing on Sunday. This visit is anticipated to enhance and broaden the collaboration between the two countries, as well as improve Bangladesh's reputation in Europe. Additionally, two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) regarding the Sweden-Bangladesh Business Council and Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industries are set to be signed. A joint statement will be released following the visit, and a 47-member business delegation will accompany the Prime Minister. While in Sweden on June 15 and 16, she is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with her counterpart. In addition, the Prime Minister will also meet with the deputy prime minister, acting speaker, and minister for justice and migration. She will also have meetings with the chief executives of several Swedish companies. Sweden was among the first European countries to support Bangladesh in 1971, and February 4, 2017, marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Bangladesh annually exports garments worth $5 billion to Sweden, particularly to the well-known brand H&M. The foreign minister stated that the visit would enhance bilateral cooperation and lead to increased investment, as well as strengthening ties in areas such as migration, climate change, UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and extremism. All of Bangladesh's products enter Sweden duty-free. The prime minister is scheduled to depart for Dhaka on June 16 and arrive on Saturday. | 1 |
The European Union's executive leader is urging the United States to show more ambition and take further action towards a global climate change agreement at the upcoming meeting of major industrialized countries in Japan. Despite some progress in aligning on the need to address greenhouse gas emissions, significant differences remain between Brussels and Washington. EU officials emphasize that without a stronger commitment from President George W. Bush, meaningful progress may not be made until late next year when countries will be working to negotiate a new U.N. climate change accord. The next round of U.N. climate talks is scheduled for December in Poland, but the U.S. will be in a period of transition before the inauguration of the next president in January. Barroso stated that as a major economy, the United States should meet higher expectations from the world. He expressed his belief that the U.S. will agree to a more ambitious conclusion at the upcoming G8 summit, as last year's agreement fell short. The EU is pushing for the G8 to solidify a global goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and set a target for emission cuts by 2020. While there is skepticism about the Bush administration supporting a near-term goal, Barroso emphasized the importance of having a closer target in addition to the 2050 goal for credibility. He mentioned that he anticipated the upcoming U.S. president to further support the change in Washington's stance on measures already approved by the EU. The EU, consisting of 27 nations, has agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 20 percent from 1990 levels by the year 2020 and is currently developing regulations on emissions from industry, vehicles, aircraft, and other laws to achieve that goal. The United States claims to be dedicated to combating climate change, however, it is reluctant to agree to mandatory emission reductions until major developing countries like China and India also commit to enforced limits. | 1 |
She made these comments on Wednesday at the Bangladesh Development Forum 2018 at the Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. Hasina emphasized the need for developed countries to provide financial and technical support to achieve development goals. She also highlighted the importance of addressing climate change through not only traditional financial aid but also by focusing on the world trade system. Hasina discussed Bangladesh's progress on socio-economic development and emphasized the importance of achieving the targets set in Vision 2021 and the United Nations sustainable development goals by 2030 in order to become a developed and prosperous country by 2041. She expressed hope that the Bangladesh Development Forum will help in devising strategies for a poverty-free and prosperous Bangladesh. Bangladesh has significant potential as a country and is confident in its ability to showcase itself as a vibrant economy to the global community. Currently, Bangladesh holds the 44th position in terms of GDP and the 32nd position in terms of purchasing power parity. The prime minister stated that international financial analysts predict Bangladesh will climb to the 28th and 23rd positions in terms of GDP and purchasing capacity by 2030 and 2050, respectively. Bangladesh is set to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category at the United Nations Committee for Development Policy's upcoming three-year review meeting in March. However, this graduation will result in losing certain benefits enjoyed as an LDC, which can be offset by enhancing economic growth and workforce readiness efforts. Hasina stated that Bangladesh has made strategic preparations to deal with the impact, focusing on economic activities such as regional communication, infrastructure, efficiency, employment, technology, institutional strengthening, economic and social equality, women's empowerment, and equal opportunities for all. She emphasized the importance of private partnerships, including with international partner countries and organizations, in the country's ongoing progress, mentioning the government's initiative to establish 100 economic zones. Hasina highlighted the need for rapid growth investment to address investment limitations, suggesting that a significant increase in productivity could help solve this issue. The Bangladesh Development Forum, which brings together 700 delegations from the government and development partners, aims to discuss financing issues related to sustainable development goals in order to help Bangladesh transition from the group of least developed countries. The Sonargaon Hotel will host a two-day event focusing on agriculture, extreme climate conditions, creating an environment for foreign direct investment, addressing inequality, quality education, and ICT. The event will also include sessions on addressing violence against women, promoting women empowerment, and improving urban service delivery on the final day. | 1 |
The Obama administration has introduced a new national security doctrine that combines diplomatic engagement, economic discipline, and military power to enhance America's global position. This strategy, which marks a departure from the isolationist approach of the Bush era, emphasizes building partnerships with emerging powers like China and India to share the responsibilities of international security. Recognizing the importance of economic growth and fiscal responsibility, the administration has made these priorities central to national security. The policy statement emphasizes the need to strengthen the economy as the foundation of American power. Obama's official declaration of national security goals, set to be released later on Thursday, notably does not include the pre-emptive war policy of the Bush administration that strained relations with some US allies. The document laid out a plan for keeping America safe during wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, outlining Obama's focus on multilateral diplomacy over military strength to reshape the global order. The administration emphasized engaging with hostile nations while warning Iran and North Korea of consequences for defying international norms. The National Security Strategy, required by law, is significant as it can impact budgets, legislation, and is closely monitored internationally. Obama, facing a financial crisis upon taking office, highlighted the connection between America's economic health and its global standing, stressing the need for a fiscally sustainable path and reduced reliance on foreign oil sources to ensure sustained economic growth. The report did not address concerns about the national security implications of heavy US indebtedness to countries like China, but it did acknowledge the complex relationship between Washington and Beijing. It praised Beijing for becoming more involved in global issues while emphasizing the need for responsible behavior. The report also expressed unease about China's military expansion and stated that the US would take necessary measures to protect its interests and allies. In 2002, Bush asserted the right to unilateral and pre-emptive military action against perceived threats following the September 11, 2001, attacks. Obama's approach in contrast distanced his administration from the Bush Doctrine that justified the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The doctrine outlined on Thursday reaffirmed previous presidents' commitment to maintain US conventional military superiority, while also officially marking Obama's departure from what critics of Bush referred to as "cowboy diplomacy." The document stressed the importance of being realistic about the strengths and weaknesses of international institutions and emphasized that the United States cannot simply walk away from them. Instead, it called for American engagement to focus on strengthening these institutions and mobilizing collective action to address common interests, such as combating violent extremism, preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, achieving sustainable economic growth, and finding cooperative solutions to the threat of climate change. Obama's statement that the United States cannot act alone in the world was also a message to both current and emerging powers that they must bear their fair share of responsibility. Obama is widely recognized for improving the tone of US foreign policy, which was highlighted when he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. However, he is still facing challenges with two ongoing wars, nuclear tensions with Iran and North Korea, and slow progress in Middle East peace efforts. Critics argue that some of his diplomatic efforts suggest weakness on the part of the US and question whether he is putting American interests at risk by relying too heavily on "soft power." Despite these criticisms, Obama remains committed to his goal of "disrupting, dismantling, and defeating" al Qaeda while also promoting human rights and rejecting the use of torture for national security purposes. He has also made efforts to improve relations with the Muslim world, which suffered under the previous administration due to the Iraq war, the Abu Ghraib scandal, and inflammatory language used by President Bush. Preventing the danger of domestic terrorism was also identified as a critical focus. This decision was made following the unsuccessful Christmas Day attack on a US airplane and the failed Times Square car bombing attempt that occurred recently. | 1 |
Jill Biden has become known for her reluctance to play the fashion game, as she has mentioned in interviews. Unlike Michelle Obama and Melania Trump, who have used fashion as a tool for diplomacy and politics, Biden has taken a different approach. Despite this, she has shown that there are many ways to make an impact, as evidenced by her recent trip to the Tokyo Olympics where she represented American designers while wearing outfits from local designers. She also embodied the theme of the Olympics, which focused on being environmentally friendly and working together for the planet and people. Biden wore mostly recycled outfits from her closet during her trip to Japan, with the exception of a new Ralph Lauren navy jacket and pants that were part of the official US Olympic Team uniform. This sustainable fashion choice was also evident at public events, including her arrival in Tokyo wearing a red caped Narciso Rodriguez dress. The outfit was worn during a visit to a Florida vaccination site with Anthony Fauci in June. The floral Tom Ford outfit was worn to dinner with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan and his wife Mariko, and also at the G-7 summit in Britain in July. The polka-dot Brandon Maxwell outfit was worn at the opening ceremony, as well as the one under the famous "Love" jacket. The white Michael Kors dress was worn in Tokyo under a Team USA jacket and had previously been worn at a G-7 appearance with a navy jacket in Britain by President Joe Biden and the first lady. Even the lilac dress Jill Biden wore in Honolulu at the end of the trip had been worn before. Recycling wardrobe may not seem significant, but it has been rare since the 21st century for image-making, celebrities, and their powerful counterparts. The constant demand for new content has typically been associated with new outfits on the red carpet or at events of importance. It has been entertaining to observe and guess the designer behind the outfits. However, it has also unintentionally contributed to the culture of disposable fashion that has led to an excess of clothing that many are now complaining about. This trend also reinforces the idea that every occasion requires a new outfit. Biden's decision to reject this cycle is a significant departure from recent norms, much like her choice to continue working as a professor while in the White House. This decision could be just as impactful, especially if it garners attention. Biden is not dismissing fashion entirely - each outfit she wears contributes to the current narrative of New York Fashion Week, featuring both established and emerging American brands. By doing so, she is supporting local businesses on a global platform. Instead of discarding her clothes, she is emphasizing their importance by wearing them again. The belief is that if a piece of clothing makes you feel confident and empowered, you should hold onto it for the future. These garments are worth investing in for the long run, serving not only as a statement piece for others but also as a source of empowerment for the wearer. They are not disposable items. The idea that anyone could achieve the same thing, regardless of awareness of sustainability, is relatable. It is possible that the decision to rewear outfits was simply coincidental, as the individual was busy preparing for the Olympics and did not have time to plan her wardrobe. However, considering the attention on her first solo trip and the controversial nature of the event, it seems unlikely that her choices were not deliberate. Due to pandemic restrictions limiting the number of audience members in the arena, Biden knew that she would easily stand out in the sparse crowd. While her words may not be heard, her fashion choices would definitely be seen. Her repeated use of recycled styles during events in the first 100 days of her husband's administration, which align with the climate-focused aspect of the Biden agenda, may have reached its peak during this trip. This indicates that her fashion choices may become a defining element of Biden's time in the East Wing, showing how she is shaping her role going forward. This would be a win-win situation for everyone involved. Copyright 2021 by The New York Times Company. | 1 |
President Barack Obama reassured Canada, his country's largest trading partner, that he would not implement protectionist policies during his first trip abroad as president. Both countries agreed to collaborate on cleaner energy technology. Obama addressed concerns raised by a "Buy American" clause in a U.S. economic recovery plan during talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa. Obama emphasized the importance of avoiding protectionism and promoting trade for the benefit of all countries. He confirmed the United States' commitment to meeting international trade obligations and expressed his desire to expand, not restrict, trade. Harper expressed confidence in the United States' commitment to upholding international obligations and maintaining a leadership role in advocating for globalized trade. He mentioned a willingness to enhance environmental and labor aspects of the North American Free Trade Agreement, a goal also supported by Obama. However, Harper clarified that he did not endorse renegotiating the agreement, as it has been beneficial for trade between Canada and the US. Both parties agreed to work together on environmentally friendly technologies to develop a clean energy grid and reduce pollution from fossil fuel resources, even though the technology is currently not economically viable. Obama emphasized the importance of energy production and usage in relation to economic recovery, security, and environmental impact. He acknowledged the interconnected nature of these issues and stated that there is no easy solution. Environmentalists are urging Obama to address Canada's oil sands in Alberta, which produce a significant amount of greenhouse gases. Despite concerns about the environmental impact, Obama highlighted the significance of Canada as a key energy provider to the United States. Most of the oil sands output is intended for U.S. markets, even though there is an agreement to promote green energy development. Harper stated that it was premature for the countries to discuss a shared strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Obama, who began his term last month, ran on a promise to decrease U.S. emissions by 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. Unlike his predecessor, George W. Bush, Obama is dedicated to addressing global warming, but he believes climate change efforts must consider economic factors during a global recession. A White House official mentioned that the joint U.S.-Canadian green energy project would focus on initiatives like carbon capture and sequestration and the smart grid. Scientists attribute the warming of the Earth to carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. Carbon sequestration, a process of capturing and storing the gas underground before it is released into the atmosphere, is not yet economically feasible. In Afghanistan, where Canada has 2,700 troops as part of a NATO-led force combating an increasing insurgency, Obama stated that he had not requested additional military assistance. This week, Obama deployed 17,000 new U.S. troops to Afghanistan to counter the insurgency. Harper announced that Ottawa, which intends to withdraw its troops by 2011, would increase economic aid to Afghanistan, currently the largest recipient of Canadian foreign aid. | 1 |
He has recently returned from a summit in Hanoi with North Korea that ended in failure, causing his troubles to increase. The meeting with Kim Jong Un fell apart due to disagreements over sanctions related to North Korea's nuclear program, while his former lawyer Michael Cohen's testimony accusing him of illegal activities while in office posed a potential threat to him domestically. In addition to these challenges, Trump is dealing with delicate negotiations with China on a trade agreement, a worsening situation in Venezuela, tensions between India and Pakistan, and an effort in Congress to block his emergency declaration for border wall funding. U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election is also expected to conclude soon, ensuring continued speculation about Trump's involvement. Before leaving for Vietnam, Trump expressed frustration that Democrats were moving forward with Cohen's testimony, breaking an unwritten rule of not criticizing the president while he is abroad. He expressed a desire for the Mueller report to be completed and was displeased that hearings were being held while he was abroad. Additionally, he was frustrated that the Mueller investigation had not concluded before his departure and felt as though there was a cloud of suspicion over him. During the summit, Trump ended discussions on North Korea's denuclearization prematurely, leading to conflicting reports and casting doubt on the future of one of his key initiatives. The White House had scheduled a signing ceremony for a deal in Hanoi, but ultimately canceled it. Trump's Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, criticized reporters for being overly focused on what he called "process" and labeled them as "radically uninformed." He advised reporters not to worry about such details. Meanwhile, Trump stayed updated on Michael Cohen's testimony from his hotel suite in Hanoi, despite the time difference. Those close to Trump believed that he came out of the week unscathed, as there were no major surprises in Cohen's testimony and Trump was praised for walking away from a potentially unfavorable deal with North Korea. Christopher Ruddy, a conservative media mogul and friend of the president, commented that there were no unexpected developments during the week. According to Ruddy, the political climate for President Trump is unlikely to be affected by Cohen's testimony. However, Trump's allies are concerned about the effectiveness of his re-election campaign in responding to the testimony. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie questioned the lack of defense for the president. Trump is expected to receive support at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland on Saturday. At the CPAC event, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel defended Trump's handling of the Vietnam summit. "He left in a justified manner because he made it clear that the sanctions will not be lifted unless there is a commitment to denuclearization," she stated to a round of applause. | 1 |
The Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation, organized a rally in the city to celebrate World Food Day on Friday. The theme for this year's event is 'Achieving Food Security in Times of Crisis'. The Agriculture minister, Matia Chowdhury, officially kicked off the day's activities with the rally, which was followed by a procession starting from Khamar Bari. The event was attended by agriculturists, scientists, officials, and members of the public, along with hundreds of school children carrying colourful banners and festoons. The programme received support from Telefood, a FAO project dedicated to ending hunger, bdnews24.com, and Channel i. A seminar to commemorate the day is taking place at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, with attendance from agricultural minister Matia Chowdhury. Food and disaster management minister Mohammad Abdur Razzaque and minister of fisheries and livestock Abdul Latif Biswas are also participating in the seminar, where FAO Bangladesh representative, AD Spijkers, is the guest of honour. A children's painting competition is set to take place at 3pm at Bangladesh Shishu Academy. Additionally, a three-day fair on 'Agriculture and Food' will be inaugurated at the Krishibid Institution premise at 12pm. Another similar fair will be held at Depasai village in Somobhat union under Dhamrai upazila. Channel i will broadcast the program live. In the afternoon, prime minister Sheikh Hasina will unveil postage stamps and envelopes to mark the day. Additionally, district and upazila administrations across the country are marking the day with discussion meetings and rallies. President Zillur Rahman emphasized the importance of taking appropriate measures to ensure food security in a changing climate, stating that research and technological innovation are key to increasing food production. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the significance of agriculture as the most affected sector by climate change, stressing the need to ensure food security in the face of this challenge. She highlighted Bangladesh's self-dependency in agriculture during the previous Awami League government in 1996-2001, noting that subsequent governments were unable to maintain this success. The current government is committed to achieving self-dependency once again and ensuring food security for all. In his statement, the UN chief Ban Ki-moon emphasized the importance of food and nutritional security as essential for a decent life, education, and the accomplishment of the Millennium Development Goals. He highlighted that volatile food prices, the economic crisis, climate change, and conflict have resulted in a significant increase in the number of people lacking access to food. Ban Ki-moon urged nations to implement coordinated strategies for agricultural development and social protection to ensure that vulnerable populations, especially women and children, have access to the food they need for their well-being. FAO representative in Bangladesh AD Spijkers warned that the progress towards achieving MDG 1, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, is at risk of facing serious setbacks. He explained that the economic crisis and sudden increases in prices have led to a decrease in income and food accessibility for the poor, especially in the most impoverished regions of the world. Spijkers expressed confidence in the government's commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency by 2012 and maintaining it, and he believes that Bangladeshi farmers have the potential to reach this goal. | 1 |
Unemployment is at a low rate, inflation is minimal, and economic growth has been consistent for almost a decade. As a professor, I often evaluate things with letter grades, and I would give the US economy an A-, although it could have received a better grade if economic gains were more evenly distributed. However, it is important to note that Trump influences economic policy, not the economy itself, so it is necessary to also consider his actual policies when evaluating the economy. To provide an unbiased assessment, I have looked at surveys conducted by the University of Chicago which include responses from approximately 50 prominent economists with varying political views. Surprisingly, these economists overwhelmingly agree that Trump's policies are harmful. This is why many economists have concerns about his presidency, despite the economy performing well. Trump's protectionist trade policies are not in line with the belief that tariffs are harmful to the economy. By imposing tariffs on products like aluminium and steel, Trump has hurt the competitiveness of US manufacturers. Economists do not believe that these tariffs will benefit Americans, and they argue that global supply chains have made these tariffs more expensive than in the past. The US initiated a trade war with China, leading to retaliatory tariffs on American goods. Trump's threat to end the North American Free Trade Agreement caused unnecessary uncertainty and resulted in a new deal that many believe will have little impact. Trump's protectionist policies have been widely criticized, with his own Council of Economic Advisers predicting that his tariffs will harm economic growth. Even using Trump's own preferred measure of success, the trade balance, his policy has not been successful as the trade deficit has reached a 10-year high. In terms of fiscal policy, the idea is that the government should spend less during good times so that it can spend more and tax less during bad times to support the economy. Trump's fiscal policy has been a failure, with his main accomplishment being a $1.5 trillion tax cut that provided stimulus at a time when it was arguably unnecessary. Consequently, the budget deficit is unusually high for a strong economy, and increasing government debt will hinder fiscal policy's ability to stimulate the economy during the next recession. Trump's argument for the tax cut was not to provide immediate economic growth but rather to foster long-term growth. However, economists believe it will not achieve that goal either. A survey conducted before the bill was passed showed that almost all experts agreed that the tax cut would not significantly increase gross domestic product in the next decade. Darrell Duffie was the only dissenter, stating that the tax plan would boost growth, but there are concerns about its fairness. Acemoglu, a well-known macroeconomist, pointed out that while simplifying the tax code could be beneficial, its regressive nature could outweigh any positive effects. Recent data confirms this skepticism, as the promised investment boom from the tax cut has not materialized. It is important to note that despite bipartisan support, Trump's infrastructure spending plan has not made progress. Monetary policy should be straightforward for a president: appoint competent individuals and allow the Federal Reserve to carry out its duties. President Trump has made a good choice in selecting Jerome Powell as Fed chairman, as he has shown skill in the position. A recent survey revealed that 43 percent of economists rated Powell's leadership as an A, while 51 percent gave him a B, with the remaining 6 percent giving him a C. Trump's other appointments to the Fed have been conventional, resulting in a group of policymakers that Jeb Bush might have chosen if he had been elected president. Trump has negatively impacted his rating in this area by interfering in ways that have unnecessarily complicated the Federal Reserve's job. Most developed countries, including the United States, typically keep monetary policy separate from political influence to ensure low and stable inflation. However, Trump has criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates and has even mentioned the idea of firing him. This behavior is counterproductive as it makes it difficult for Powell to lower rates without seeming like he is being pressured by Trump. Trump is going against economic consensus on multiple fronts. His program is a rejection of the beliefs held by economists from both the Democratic and Republican parties. The economy's current success despite these unconventional policies raises the question of whether it is due to luck rather than wise decision-making. Trump was fortunate to inherit an economy that had been steadily improving since around 2010, and most economic indicators show that today's strength is simply a continuation of that trend. Even if Trump may not be responsible for the positive trajectory of the economy, he should be acknowledged for not derailing it. It is possible that the president's impact on economic outcomes is minimal. A more concerning possibility is that the negative effects of Trump's policies have not yet been realized. The uncertainty caused by the chaotic policy process of his administration may have deterred investors, although this impact is hard to quantify. Furthermore, Trump's tax cuts without proper funding are leading to a debt that will need to be repaid by future generations. By interfering with the Federal Reserve's autonomy, he may have decreased its ability to combat inflation. Additionally, easing regulations in the financial industry may benefit large banks currently, but could raise the risk of future economic crises. Removing environmental regulations may have boosted profits for certain companies, but has accelerated climate change. Although restricting immigration may have lessened job competition in the short term, many experts fear that it could stifle innovation and economic growth in the long run. It is also possible that Trump's approach is correct, and economists have misjudged the situation. As someone who is a certified economist, I personally do not agree with this belief, but it appears that Trump also does not trust the opinions of economists. This information was reported by the New York Times News Service in 2019. | 1 |
Officials in London and Washington have revealed that the British government played an early role in facilitating a three-way alliance with the United States and Australia to deploy nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific. This significant agreement was made public shortly after Australia decided to cancel a $66 billion contract for diesel-electric submarines with France, causing anger in Paris and satisfaction in London. Prime Minister Boris Johnson sees this as a major success in his efforts to establish post-Brexit Britain as a key player on the international stage. Since leaving the European Union 18 months ago, Britain has been searching for its place in the world, with the term "Global Britain" being adopted by Brexiteers as a guiding principle, albeit one that appeared more as a marketing strategy rather than a clear foreign policy. The agreement made on Wednesday between the United States, Britain, and Australia to supply submarines to Australia solidified Britain's reputation as a military power with nuclear capabilities and a reliable ally of the United States. This deal also supported British Prime Minister Johnson's efforts to establish a presence in Asia, a move initially seen as a nod to its colonial past. However, Britain has since secured trade agreements with Australia, Japan, and South Korea, and has deployed an aircraft carrier to help monitor China's activities in the South China Sea. According to former British ambassador Kim Darroch, this marks the beginning of a more substantial presence for "Global Britain" in the defense and economic realms in that region. Darroch did note that the specific economic benefits of the deal, such as job creation and financial gains for British industries, still need to be finalized in discussions with the United States. Joining a distant security alliance can be costly and come with certain expectations for Britain, especially as the country is reducing the size of its military and facing financial challenges due to the pandemic. Despite this, being included in the alliance was seen as a positive development for Britain, which had felt overlooked during the recent Afghanistan withdrawal. British officials viewed the alliance as a sign of their ability to adapt in a post-Brexit world, even if it meant sacrificing a relationship with a European neighbor. Australia initially approached Britain for assistance in deploying nuclear-powered submarines, as they believed the diesel models provided in a previous deal with France would not be sufficient in the face of increasing threats from China. Britain has had a long-standing relationship with the United States in terms of nuclear technology since 1958, making it natural and inevitable for the two allies to collaborate. The United States will supply the highly enriched uranium for the submarines' reactors. British and Australian officials aggressively lobbied Washington for this partnership, with Prime Minister Johnson and President Biden discussing it at the Group of 7 meeting in Cornwall, England. Britain had to defend its position against American officials who questioned why Australia couldn't just buy submarines directly from the United States. One of Britain's arguments was that their military protocols closely align with Australia's, making it easier for them to operate submarines with British technology. A Biden administration official stated that the White House never considered excluding Britain from the alliance, with senior research fellow Bates Gill noting that it was primarily a technical decision but could also have been influenced by trustworthiness. The submarine deal was seen as compensation by Prime Minister Johnson for having his views on Afghanistan dismissed by Biden, who officials say wanted withdrawal to be based on conditions on the ground. Despite some tension, Johnson has affirmed that Britain will support Biden on his priorities. Top priority: the rivalry with China. Thomas Wright, director of the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution, stated that China's choices have repercussions and commended the British strategy. Some in Britain may not believe that the advantages outweigh the consequences. Theresa May, Johnson's predecessor as prime minister, cautioned that Britain could be drawn into a conflict with China regarding Taiwan. In 2016, Johnson suggested that exiting the EU would enable Britain to interact more autonomously with China. Before Beijing took action in Hong Kong, which was once under British rule, Britain's stance on China was very similar to that of the United States. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is aiming to enhance Britain's reputation by hosting a successful United Nations climate-change conference in Glasgow, Scotland in November. However, it is unsure how much support he will receive from President Joe Biden. The UK is urging the US to increase its contribution to a $100 billion yearly fund to assist countries in dealing with the effects of climate change. Analysts said that Britain has not yet benefited from having a new foreign secretary, Liz Truss, who was praised for her trade deals in Asia in her previous role. Johnson replaced her predecessor, Dominic Raab, after he faced criticism for vacationing in Crete during the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. Former British ambassador to Washington, Peter Westmacott, acknowledged that Truss has critics but believes she is well positioned to enhance the concept of Global Britain. Despite some positive developments in London, Britain still has significant geopolitical challenges ahead. The submarine deal is expected to strain relations with France further, which are already tense due to disagreements after Brexit regarding fishing rights and migrants. The French government's response to the alliance demonstrated its disapproval of Britain, as it called back its ambassadors to the US and Australia but not to Britain. This was seen as a sign that France sees Britain as a minor player in global politics. Some experts believe France is upset because they feel the US is rewarding Britain when they should be facing consequences for leaving the EU. However, Johnson may also face challenges with Washington regarding Northern Ireland, where he is pushing for changes in trade arrangements post-Brexit. During her visit to London on Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reiterated a warning that Congress would not approve a trade agreement between Britain and the United States if Britain endangered peace in Northern Ireland. Analysts observed that President Biden's casual treatment of Britain on Afghanistan, along with the White House's short notice to France before announcing a security alliance, demonstrated that the United States would prioritize its own interests over trans-Atlantic relationships. Leslie Vinjamuri, director of the US and the Americas program at British research institution Chatham House, noted the disparity in how much Americans were discussing the issue compared to the British, highlighting the unequal nature of the "special relationship." | 1 |
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the main threat facing the world in 2010 is the possibility of deteriorating government finances leading to full-fledged debt crises. Major economies have responded to the financial crisis by increasing deficits through stimulus packages and supporting private debt obligations. While this may have helped prevent a worse recession, high debt levels are now a growing concern for financial markets. Developed nations are at a particularly high risk, as many emerging economies have already taken steps to strengthen their fiscal positions in response to previous shocks. The WEF report warns that the unprecedented levels of debt being accumulated by governments in an effort to stimulate their economies could lead to a rise in sovereign defaults. John Drzik, Chief Executive of management consultancy Oliver Wyman, highlighted this risk as a contributor to the report. He warned that increasing levels of unemployment could result from higher levels of unemployment, leading to social and political risks. The report identified unsustainable debt levels, the lingering effects of the financial crisis, underinvestment in infrastructure, and rising health costs from chronic diseases as some of the top risks. Additionally, it mentioned threats such as asset price collapse, risks related to Afghanistan, and a potential slowdown in Chinese growth that could impact employment, cause social unrest, and harm exports. The report also highlighted the possibility of developed nations facing debt crises due to unsustainable levels of debt, which could have severe social and political repercussions, including increased unemployment. The report's author, Daniel Hofmann, emphasized that government debt levels exceeding 100 percent of GDP, as seen in the United States and the UK, are not sustainable. "There is a potential danger that investors might become concerned about the sustainability of high debt levels, leading to sovereign debt crises and defaults. The cases of Dubai and Greece serve as early warnings that should be taken seriously," he stated at a press conference. Concerns about Dubai, Ukraine, and Greece have had an impact on global markets, and these countries are likely to continue facing pressure. There is also a high risk for the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the WEF report, both countries will need to make difficult decisions in the coming months regarding when to gradually withdraw fiscal stimulus in order to sustain the recovery without causing fear of worsening fiscal deficits. The report also pointed out a "governance gap" between short-term pressures and the need for long-term decisions on issues such as health and pension reform, and climate change. According to the report, not enough is being done to tackle the problem of underinvestment in infrastructure, which could have negative effects on food and energy security. The World Bank estimates that $35 trillion will be needed for global infrastructure investment over the next two decades. The report also warns about the increasing financial burden of chronic diseases due to longer life expectancy and unhealthy lifestyles, calling for prevention campaigns to promote healthier living in both developing and developed nations. It highlights the potential risks of slow failures or gradual risks, which could have underestimated long-term impacts. | 1 |
New York City officials decided to postpone a scheduled clean-up of Zuccotti Park, where Occupy Wall Street protesters had been camping for a month, in order to avoid a potential confrontation with authorities. The private owner of the park, Brookfield Office Properties, made the decision to delay the cleaning without providing a reason. Protesters were happy about the postponement and celebrated at the park, but there were reports of at least seven arrests when some protesters marched through the downtown financial district. A representative from the New York Police Department confirmed that there were arrests, but did not disclose the number or provide any further information. Many protestors were concerned that the cleaning operation was an attempt to end the movement that has inspired solidarity protests in over 1,400 cities. Global rallies were planned for Saturday in 71 countries, as reported by Occupy Together and United for Global Change. Protestors are angry that the massive U.S. bank bailouts during the recession allowed banks to make huge profits again, while average Americans have seen little relief from high unemployment and job insecurity. They also believe that the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans are not paying their fair share in taxes. About 1,000 protesters gathered at the New York park early on Friday, with many staying up all night to clean it themselves. Buckets filled with brooms and mops were scattered throughout the park, as protesters packed up their belongings in anticipation of the clean-up. Bailey Bryant, a 28-year-old bank employee who frequents the camp after work and on weekends, emphasized the importance of cleaning up after themselves to prevent any pests from inhabiting the park. Some people in the park were worried that the delayed clean-up was just a tactic to force them to leave. Sofia Johnson, a 17-year-old high school student from Brooklyn, expressed skepticism about the postponement, stating that letting their guard down completely seemed naive in the current environment. Brookfield claimed that the park was unsanitary and unsafe due to a lack of toilets and garbage cans, as well as complaints from neighbors about lewdness, drug use, harassment, and offensive odors from the protesters. Brookfield did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday morning. Representatives from Brookfield, accompanied by police, distributed notices to protesters on Thursday informing them that the park would undergo cleaning in three stages and would reopen for public use in accordance with park regulations. However, the regulations prohibit camping, tents, lying down on the ground, placing tarps or sleeping bags on the ground, and storing personal property - all activities that the protesters have been engaged in since they established their presence on September 17. The deputy mayor announced a postponement, stating that Brookfield has decided to delay the cleaning of the park and has withdrawn their request for police assistance. The statement also mentioned that Brookfield is confident they can reach an agreement with the protesters to maintain cleanliness, safety, and public access to the park while being considerate of residents and businesses in the downtown area. Monitoring of the situation will continue. Hundreds of individuals have been detained at protests in New York, with dozens more arrested in recent weeks in cities such as Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Austin, and San Francisco. Additionally, there have been solidarity rallies at over 140 college campuses across 25 states, as reported by Occupy Colleges. | 1 |
When Hillary Clinton went on her first trip abroad as secretary of state, she boldly stated that the United States should not allow human rights disputes to interfere with cooperation with China on global issues. Now that Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng is reportedly under US protection in Beijing, the United States will see if China shares the same perspective. Chen's escape, following nearly two years of house arrest, and his apparent request for US protection, come at a challenging time for both countries, as they prepare for important economic and security discussions in Beijing. It is unlikely that the United States would hand Chen over to Chinese authorities against his will, according to current and former US officials. China now faces a decision - risk damaging the overall relationship with the United States by engaging in a standoff, or seek a compromise, a possibility that analysts and officials consider likely but not guaranteed. A senior official from the Obama administration, speaking anonymously, expressed doubt that the relationship between Beijing and Washington would be severely damaged. The official noted that the current situation is not as serious as past incidents such as a spy plane crash or the Tiananmen Square massacre. Despite this, the official believes that China will make efforts to handle the situation carefully. Past events, such as the collision between a Chinese fighter jet and a US surveillance plane in 2001 and the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, have strained relations between the two countries in the past. At this time, the United States has not officially confirmed the reports of Chen fleeing from house arrest in China to seek refuge in the US embassy. China has also chosen not to directly address the dissident's alleged escape from his heavily monitored home. However, according to Texas-based ChinaAid, a source close to Chen Guangcheng has revealed that he is currently under US protection and there are ongoing high-level discussions between US and Chinese officials regarding his situation. This development will create an uncomfortable backdrop for the upcoming Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing, where US secretaries of state and treasury are scheduled to visit on Thursday and Friday. The news of Chen's escape follows the incident three months ago when Chinese official Wang Lijun sought refuge in the US consulate in Chengdu, leading to the Bo Xilai scandal that has caused turmoil within the ruling Communist Party ahead of a leadership transition. Chris Johnson, who was recently the top China analyst for the CIA, expressed concern about the current state of Sino-US relations, pointing to recent events such as the Bo Xilai case, Chen's escape, and reports about the US potentially selling Taiwan new F-16s. According to Johnson, these developments may be viewed by some in Beijing as part of a US containment strategy to hinder China's growth. The response from China's leadership will depend on how they balance nationalist sentiments with a desire to avoid disruptions to the upcoming Communist Party leadership succession. Shi Yinhong, an expert in US-China relations at Renmin University, believes that China will likely seek a quick and quiet resolution to prevent further complications in foreign relations and domestic politics. Cancelling scheduled meetings this week would not be in the best interest of either country. "I believe the United States will not use this situation to shame China. They are still trying to have an impact on China's actions regarding North Korea and Syria. They are trying to minimize the consequences of this incident as they are aware it is already embarrassing for China. The US and China have successfully resolved complicated issues in the past. For example, in April 2001, a collision between a US Navy EP-3 signals intelligence aircraft and a Chinese fighter resulted in the death of a Chinese pilot and an emergency landing of the US plane on Hainan island, about 70 miles off the coast." The 24 US crew members were held in detention until April 11, when they were finally released after the United States issued a letter expressing deep regret for the death of the Chinese pilot and acknowledging that the EP-3 had entered China's airspace without permission. In February 2009, Secretary of State Clinton emphasized that while the US would continue to address issues such as Taiwan, Tibet, and human rights with China, these concerns could not overshadow urgent global crises like the economy, climate change, and security. Despite the implication that human rights might not be the top priority, experts argued that it would be unacceptable for the US to extradite Chen against his will due to moral and political reasons. Tom Malinowski, a former White House official and current director of Human Rights Watch in Washington, stressed that such a move would be morally indefensible and likely met with strong opposition within the administration. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has criticized Obama for his stance on China, which could worsen if Obama is perceived as abandoning Chen. Analysts and activists have outlined two potential outcomes for Chen's situation: he could be released in China with assurances for his safety and that of his family and supporters, or he could go into exile despite his reluctance to leave China. Kenneth Lieberthal, director of the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution in Washington, stated that they would not force the individual out of China without being very confident that he would not face any negative consequences for his actions. Lieberthal added that it is difficult to have confidence in this if the individual remains in China, as the situation there is unpredictable. He believes that eventually, the individual will likely be escorted to the airport with assurances that he will be able to leave the country. Lieberthal also mentioned that it is unlikely the individual will be able to return to China, possibly never or at least not for a long time. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on weather-vulnerable countries to unite and express their concerns at the upcoming UN climate conference in South Africa. She emphasized that the economic cost of climate change is $130 billion and will continue to rise without prompt action. Prime Minister Hasina made these remarks while inaugurating the Climate Vulnerable Forum 2011 in Dhaka on Monday, stating that climate change is a serious injustice that the global community must recognize. She also pointed out that countries like Bangladesh are suffering the consequences of climate change despite having made little to no contribution to the issue. The initial Climate Vulnerable Forum took place in Malé, Maldives in 2009, and the second one was in Kiribati last year. This group comprises small island nations at risk from extreme weather and rising sea levels, countries with extensive low-lying coastlines like Vietnam and Bangladesh, and arid nations in East Africa. Hasina expressed disappointment that there has been no concrete support for adaptation efforts by vulnerable countries. She noted a lack of easy access to funding and technology, as well as uncertainty about how the global community will raise funds for the Green Climate Fund between 2012 and 2020. The prime minister urged vulnerable countries to unite and voice their concerns before the COP17 conference in Durban. She stated that in light of climate change, it is important to collaborate with global partners and establish a strong partnership. The United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, who visited Dhaka for three days, emphasized the need to launch the Green Climate Fund in Durban. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling the agreements made in Cancún, Mexico, stating that an empty shell will not be enough. In order to address the needs of countries like Bangladesh that are heavily impacted by severe weather events, it is necessary for Durban to push forward with a plan of action on loss and damage, as stated by the UN chief. He emphasized the importance of not burdening the poorest and most vulnerable with the costs. The UN chief expressed hope that governments would reach a compromise on the Kyoto protocol in order to pave the way for a more comprehensive climate agreement in the future. He pointed out the effectiveness of the Bangladesh Cyclone Preparedness programme by citing a significant decrease in the death toll from cyclones in the country, from 140,000 in 1991 to 4,000 in 2007. Bangladesh is known as one of the most susceptible countries to climate change globally. If the sea level rises by two meters, approximately 30 million Bangladeshis could be forced to leave their residences. The Dhaka declaration of the climate forum is scheduled to be approved at 4:30pm. | 1 |
A protest involving over 1,000 people disrupted rush hour traffic near the Mané Garrincha National Stadium in the Brazilian capital, which is the most expensive stadium built for the upcoming 32-nation sports event starting in 16 days. The protest, which included Indians in traditional tribal attire, was organized by the Homeless Worker's movement to express concerns about the high cost of building stadiums for the World Cup, which has led to soaring real estate prices and displacement of lower-income families. As Brazil rushes to complete stadiums and urban transport systems in time for the World Cup, there is growing civil disobedience among various groups in the country. The protest in Brasilia forced authorities to cancel the display of the Fifa World Cup Trophy and close the stadium. This protest follows a similar one in Sao Paulo, prompting fears of more disruptions and potential violence during the month-long event starting on June 12. Military police were present at the protest, and city auditors reported that the Brasilia stadium will cost almost three times the initial budget. Additionally, Indians have been protesting against changes to rules regarding Indian reservation boundaries in Brasilia. President Dilma Rousseff has promised low-cost government housing for squatters around the stadiums. However, her administration has stated that it will deploy soldiers if needed to ensure that demonstrations do not interfere with the soccer matches. Approximately 600,000 international soccer enthusiasts are anticipated to visit Brazil for the World Cup. | 1 |
Officials and diplomats were addressing various issues, including banana imports and protecting product names, in preparation for upcoming ministerial trade negotiations. Trade experts emphasized that the significance of the talks extends beyond tariff and subsidy cuts, highlighting the international community's ability to address major problems like the food crisis. World Trade Organisation Chief Economist Patrick Low expressed concern over governments' inability to reach agreement on trade negotiations and its implications for addressing issues like climate change. WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy convened the Geneva meeting to push for progress in the long-running Doha round, which aims to facilitate global trade and support developing countries in reducing poverty. Negotiators are feeling a new sense of urgency and even some optimism as they work towards reaching a deal in core areas of agriculture and industrial goods. Ministers from around 30 countries are aiming to finalize the outlines of an agreement next week to avoid potential disruptions from the upcoming U.S. elections and change in administration. Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges of finance, food, and fuel in any deal, stating that these factors are shaping the negotiations. World leaders, including U.S. President George W. Bush and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have expressed support for reaching a deal. A deal will involve wealthy countries such as the United States, Japan, and EU nations opening up their food markets through reductions in farm tariffs and subsidies. In exchange, major emerging nations like India and Brazil will lower tariffs to allow for greater access to markets for industrial goods and services. Once ministers agree on the framework, negotiators will work on applying the details to numerous tariff lines and addressing other issues such as fisheries subsidies and regulations for unfairly priced imports. The challenge now is whether ministers can bridge the gap between developed and developing nations. France, the EU's largest food producer and current presidency holder, stated that the EU has made all the concessions it can in agriculture. French Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Idrac stated at a press conference in Brussels that there is a common goal to achieve a rebalancing of the concessions already made by the EU. EU trade chief Peter Mandelson expressed confidence that EU governments have supported his efforts to obtain more concessions from other countries in the WTO negotiations. In the WTO's consensus-based system, each of the 152 members (soon to be 153 with the addition of Cape Verde) has the power to veto decisions. Developing countries argue that, based on the Doha round's development objectives, they should be required to open their markets to a lesser extent than wealthier countries. However, they are being pressured to expose vulnerable farmers and industries to competition while richer nations continue to protect their own agricultural sectors. Wealthy nations insist that they need to show significant improvements in market access in countries like India and China in order to convince their own citizens to accept a deal that involves major sacrifices in farm protection. They believe that some of the greatest benefits would come from trade between developing countries, known as South-South trade. While the common belief is that free trade leads to increased prosperity, some non-governmental organizations argue that the current proposals in the Doha negotiations will actually increase poverty for farmers and workers in poor countries and further entrench dependence on wealthier nations. Anuradha Mittal, executive director of the Oakland Institute, criticized the proposal as going against the ideas put forth by communities and social movements, and as hindering the ability of developing countries to address the crisis. On the other hand, Pascal Lamy, a former EU trade chief, believes strongly in the potential of a Doha deal to reduce trade distortions and benefit poor countries. According to Lamy, this could ultimately increase food supplies in the long term and boost confidence in the short term. He sees this deal as a rare opportunity to bring some positive news to the system. | 1 |
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