Austria election: Sebastian Kurz's People's Party tops poll
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49867930
Austria's conservative People's Party, led by former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, has won a clear victory in Sunday's general election.
With nearly all the votes counted, Mr Kurz's party has more than 38% of the vote, up from 31% last time round.
His former coalition partners, the far-right Freedom Party, have received 17.3%, a sharp fall.
The snap general election was called after a scandal caused the previous coalition government to collapse.
Polling stations opened at 07:00 (05:00 GMT) on Sunday and closed at 17:00. Some 6.4 million people were eligible to vote in the election.
Despite the People's Party's strong showing, it will not have a majority in parliament and Mr Kurz will need coalition partners.
The 33-year-old could choose to renew his alliance with the Freedom Party - the source of the scandal - but may want to look at other options.
A three-way pact with the Greens (which received 12.4% of the vote) and the liberal pro-business Neos party (7.4%) is considered far more likely than a grand coalition with the Social Democrats (21.5%).
國際時事政治選舉新聞張貼及討論區（七）
Filibuster_HK
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Exclusive: Nasdaq cracks down on IPOs of small Chinese companies
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-ipos-nasdaq-exclusive/exclusive-nasdaq-cracks-down-on-ipos-of-small-chinese-companies-idUSKBN1WE0P5
(Reuters) - Nasdaq Inc (NDAQ.O) is cracking down on initial public offerings (IPOs) of small Chinese companies by tightening restrictions and slowing down their approval, according to regulatory filings, corporate executives and investment bankers.
Nasdaq’s attempt to limit these stock market flotations comes as a growing number of them end up raising most of the capital in their IPO from Chinese sources, rather than from U.S. investors.
The shares of most small Chinese companies trade thinly following their U.S. listing, because most of them stay in the hands of a few insiders. Their low liquidity makes them unattractive to many large institutional investors, to whom Nasdaq is seeking to cater.
For example, when 111 Inc (YI.O), a Chinese online pharmacy network, raised $100 million in its IPO on Nasdaq last year, shares were mainly sold to connections of the company’s executives, 111 CEO Liu Junling told Reuters in an interview.
“One critical quality of our capital markets is that we provide non-discriminatory and fair access to all eligible companies. The statutory obligation of all U.S. equity exchanges to do so creates a vibrant market that provides diverse investment opportunities for U.S. investors,” a Nasdaq spokeswoman said.
The Nasdaq spokeswoman declined to comment specifically on the impact of the changes in the listing rules on the U.S. IPOs of small Chinese companies.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-ipos-nasdaq-exclusive/exclusive-nasdaq-cracks-down-on-ipos-of-small-chinese-companies-idUSKBN1WE0P5
(Reuters) - Nasdaq Inc (NDAQ.O) is cracking down on initial public offerings (IPOs) of small Chinese companies by tightening restrictions and slowing down their approval, according to regulatory filings, corporate executives and investment bankers.
Nasdaq’s attempt to limit these stock market flotations comes as a growing number of them end up raising most of the capital in their IPO from Chinese sources, rather than from U.S. investors.
The shares of most small Chinese companies trade thinly following their U.S. listing, because most of them stay in the hands of a few insiders. Their low liquidity makes them unattractive to many large institutional investors, to whom Nasdaq is seeking to cater.
For example, when 111 Inc (YI.O), a Chinese online pharmacy network, raised $100 million in its IPO on Nasdaq last year, shares were mainly sold to connections of the company’s executives, 111 CEO Liu Junling told Reuters in an interview.
“One critical quality of our capital markets is that we provide non-discriminatory and fair access to all eligible companies. The statutory obligation of all U.S. equity exchanges to do so creates a vibrant market that provides diverse investment opportunities for U.S. investors,” a Nasdaq spokeswoman said.
The Nasdaq spokeswoman declined to comment specifically on the impact of the changes in the listing rules on the U.S. IPOs of small Chinese companies.
Reuters: The China Challenge - The Hong Kong Front
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/china-army-hongkong/
There are now up to 12,000 Chinese troops in Hong Kong, diplomats tell Reuters. Among them: members of the People’s Armed Police, a paramilitary force that answers to Xi Jinping. If China moves to put down protests in the city, they will likely do the job.
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/china-army-hongkong/
There are now up to 12,000 Chinese troops in Hong Kong, diplomats tell Reuters. Among them: members of the People’s Armed Police, a paramilitary force that answers to Xi Jinping. If China moves to put down protests in the city, they will likely do the job.
Afghanistan presidential election: Rivals declare victory after record low turnout
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49874970
The frontrunners in Afghanistan's presidential race have both declared victory following the lowest election turnout since the Taliban were ousted.
Chief executive Abdullah Abdullah told reporters he had won outright, a day after incumbent Ashraf Ghani's running mate said they were the winners.
Neither offered evidence in support.
The Independent Election Commission is still counting votes from Saturday's ballot, with early data suggesting just 25% of registered voters took part.
The commission has counted 2.19m votes from 3,736 of the country's approximately 4,000 polling centres so far. Afghanistan's total population stands at about 37 million, with just 9.6 million registered voters.
However, preliminary results are not expected for almost three weeks, with Habiburrahman Nang, the electoral commission's chief executive, telling journalists that no one should declare the outcome before it is officially announced.
Despite this, both Mr Abdullah and Mr Ghani's teams have said they won, claiming to have garnered more than 50% of the vote - thereby avoiding a run-off round.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49874970
The frontrunners in Afghanistan's presidential race have both declared victory following the lowest election turnout since the Taliban were ousted.
Chief executive Abdullah Abdullah told reporters he had won outright, a day after incumbent Ashraf Ghani's running mate said they were the winners.
Neither offered evidence in support.
The Independent Election Commission is still counting votes from Saturday's ballot, with early data suggesting just 25% of registered voters took part.
The commission has counted 2.19m votes from 3,736 of the country's approximately 4,000 polling centres so far. Afghanistan's total population stands at about 37 million, with just 9.6 million registered voters.
However, preliminary results are not expected for almost three weeks, with Habiburrahman Nang, the electoral commission's chief executive, telling journalists that no one should declare the outcome before it is officially announced.
Despite this, both Mr Abdullah and Mr Ghani's teams have said they won, claiming to have garnered more than 50% of the vote - thereby avoiding a run-off round.
Trump impeachment: Pompeo accuses Democrats of 'bullying'
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49899090
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused Democrats of bullying his staff as a part of an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
He said in a tweet that requests for five officials to appear before a committee were "not feasible".
Democrats are investigating whether President Trump improperly pressured Ukraine's leader for personal gain.
They have been issuing summonses as part of the inquiry, which centres on a phone call between the two.
The phone call sparked a formal complaint from a whistleblower which in turn led to formal impeachment proceedings beginning.
A rough transcript emerged last week indicating Mr Trump urged the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate discredited allegations against former vice-president Joe Biden, a 2020 Democratic frontrunner, and Mr Biden's son.
On Monday, it emerged that Mr Pompeo was present during the Ukraine call.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49899090
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused Democrats of bullying his staff as a part of an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
He said in a tweet that requests for five officials to appear before a committee were "not feasible".
Democrats are investigating whether President Trump improperly pressured Ukraine's leader for personal gain.
They have been issuing summonses as part of the inquiry, which centres on a phone call between the two.
The phone call sparked a formal complaint from a whistleblower which in turn led to formal impeachment proceedings beginning.
A rough transcript emerged last week indicating Mr Trump urged the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate discredited allegations against former vice-president Joe Biden, a 2020 Democratic frontrunner, and Mr Biden's son.
On Monday, it emerged that Mr Pompeo was present during the Ukraine call.
Boris Johnson: UK offering EU 'very constructive' Brexit proposals
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49893963
Boris Johnson says the government is offering the EU "very constructive and far-reaching proposals" to break the Brexit impasse.
Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, he confirmed the UK's plan would include some customs checks on the island of Ireland after Brexit.
But they would be "absolutely minimal" and "won't involve new infrastructure".
The EU says it has "not received any proposals from the UK" yet that could replace the backstop.
The UK is set to leave the EU on 31 October.
Mr Johnson has said the exit will go ahead with or without a deal - despite MPs passing a law last month forcing him to ask for an extension from the EU if Parliament hasn't voted in favour of a specific deal or leaving without one.
Johnson proposes to leave Northern Ireland in special relationship with EU until 2025: Telegraph
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-johnson/johnson-proposes-to-leave-northern-ireland-in-special-relationship-with-eu-until-2025-telegraph-idUSKBN1WG4TC
(Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s new Brexit plan will leave Northern Ireland in a special relationship with Europe until 2025, the Telegraph newspaper reported on Tuesday.
The plan, which will be unveiled on Wednesday, means Northern Ireland will remain in large parts of the European Union single market until at least 2025 but the province will leave the EU customs union along with the rest of the UK, according to the report.
Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist party (DUP) is largely “content” with the proposals, the Guardian reported separately, adding that the plan is supported by DUP leader Arlene Foster.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49893963
Boris Johnson says the government is offering the EU "very constructive and far-reaching proposals" to break the Brexit impasse.
Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, he confirmed the UK's plan would include some customs checks on the island of Ireland after Brexit.
But they would be "absolutely minimal" and "won't involve new infrastructure".
The EU says it has "not received any proposals from the UK" yet that could replace the backstop.
The UK is set to leave the EU on 31 October.
Mr Johnson has said the exit will go ahead with or without a deal - despite MPs passing a law last month forcing him to ask for an extension from the EU if Parliament hasn't voted in favour of a specific deal or leaving without one.
Johnson proposes to leave Northern Ireland in special relationship with EU until 2025: Telegraph
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-johnson/johnson-proposes-to-leave-northern-ireland-in-special-relationship-with-eu-until-2025-telegraph-idUSKBN1WG4TC
(Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s new Brexit plan will leave Northern Ireland in a special relationship with Europe until 2025, the Telegraph newspaper reported on Tuesday.
The plan, which will be unveiled on Wednesday, means Northern Ireland will remain in large parts of the European Union single market until at least 2025 but the province will leave the EU customs union along with the rest of the UK, according to the report.
Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist party (DUP) is largely “content” with the proposals, the Guardian reported separately, adding that the plan is supported by DUP leader Arlene Foster.
Australia Foreign Minister says helping White House probe in national interest
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-whistleblower-australia/australia-foreign-minister-says-helping-white-house-probe-in-national-interest-idUSKBN1WH001
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia’s offer to help U.S. President Donald Trump investigate a report into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election was in the national interest, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Wednesday.
The New York Times on Monday reported Trump had asked Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for help investigating the origins of what became Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s efforts to aid Trump in the 2016 national elections.
A spokesperson for Morrison on Tuesday said the prime minister had agreed to help, drawing criticism from Australia’s opposition Labor party.
But Payne said cooperating with Australia’s closest ally was prudent.
“We are working in Australia’s interests and we are working with our closest and most important ally,” Payne told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“We should assist them as we can, we should ensure that assistance is appropriate and that’s what we’re doing.”
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-whistleblower-australia/australia-foreign-minister-says-helping-white-house-probe-in-national-interest-idUSKBN1WH001
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia’s offer to help U.S. President Donald Trump investigate a report into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election was in the national interest, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Wednesday.
The New York Times on Monday reported Trump had asked Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for help investigating the origins of what became Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s efforts to aid Trump in the 2016 national elections.
A spokesperson for Morrison on Tuesday said the prime minister had agreed to help, drawing criticism from Australia’s opposition Labor party.
But Payne said cooperating with Australia’s closest ally was prudent.
“We are working in Australia’s interests and we are working with our closest and most important ally,” Payne told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“We should assist them as we can, we should ensure that assistance is appropriate and that’s what we’re doing.”
Karachi submarine case: Balladur faces trial in France
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49890625
Former French Prime Minister Edouard Balladur and an ex-defence minister are to stand trial over the so-called Karachi affair - a submarine deal with Pakistan in the mid-1990s which allegedly involved secret commissions.
Under that deal Mr Balladur, now aged 90, allegedly got funding for his failed 1995 bid for the presidency.
His then Defence Minister, François Léotard, also faces trial.
Both men categorically deny any wrongdoing.
In 2002 a bombing in Karachi killed 11 French engineers. There are suspicions that the car bombing, which wrecked a bus, was an act of revenge after President Jacques Chirac had ordered payment of the secret arms deal commissions to stop.
Attorney General François Molins announced that Mr Balladur and Mr Léotard would go before a special tribunal for present and past government officials accused of wrongdoing.
The allegation is that Mr Balladur approved payment of the commissions to intermediaries in the sale of three submarines to Pakistan, and that from them so-called "retro-commissions" came back to France to fund his presidential bid.
The kickbacks are estimated to have cost 13m francs (almost €2m, or £1.8m, in today's money).
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49890625
Former French Prime Minister Edouard Balladur and an ex-defence minister are to stand trial over the so-called Karachi affair - a submarine deal with Pakistan in the mid-1990s which allegedly involved secret commissions.
Under that deal Mr Balladur, now aged 90, allegedly got funding for his failed 1995 bid for the presidency.
His then Defence Minister, François Léotard, also faces trial.
Both men categorically deny any wrongdoing.
In 2002 a bombing in Karachi killed 11 French engineers. There are suspicions that the car bombing, which wrecked a bus, was an act of revenge after President Jacques Chirac had ordered payment of the secret arms deal commissions to stop.
Attorney General François Molins announced that Mr Balladur and Mr Léotard would go before a special tribunal for present and past government officials accused of wrongdoing.
The allegation is that Mr Balladur approved payment of the commissions to intermediaries in the sale of three submarines to Pakistan, and that from them so-called "retro-commissions" came back to France to fund his presidential bid.
The kickbacks are estimated to have cost 13m francs (almost €2m, or £1.8m, in today's money).
PM Lee, President Trump renew MOU on US use of military facilities in Singapore, extending it by 15 years
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-president-trump-renew-mou-on-us-use-of-military-11936182
NEW YORK: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and United States President Donald Trump on Monday (Sep 23) signed an agreement to renew the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding United States’ Use of Facilities in Singapore, extending it for another 15 years.
The two leaders inked the deal during a meeting on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly.
The 1990 MOU was signed by founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and then-US vice president Dan Quayle, and was key to facilitating US access to Singapore's air and naval bases, as well as providing logistic support for their transiting personnel, aircraft and vessels.
It has also underpinned the US’ security presence in the region for almost 30 years.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-president-trump-renew-mou-on-us-use-of-military-11936182
NEW YORK: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and United States President Donald Trump on Monday (Sep 23) signed an agreement to renew the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding United States’ Use of Facilities in Singapore, extending it for another 15 years.
The two leaders inked the deal during a meeting on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly.
The 1990 MOU was signed by founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and then-US vice president Dan Quayle, and was key to facilitating US access to Singapore's air and naval bases, as well as providing logistic support for their transiting personnel, aircraft and vessels.
It has also underpinned the US’ security presence in the region for almost 30 years.
Bernie Sanders cancels campaign events for artery blockage surgery
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-49911035
Mr Sanders was treated in hospital for an arterial blockage after experiencing chest pain at an event in Nevada on Tuesday.
An adviser for the Vermont senator said he was in "good spirits" and will be resting over the next few days.
Mr Sanders had earlier announced his campaign has raised over $25m (£20m).
Senior adviser Jeff Weaver said in a statement: "Following medical evaluation and testing he was found to have a blockage in one artery and two stents were successfully inserted."
Mr Weaver said Mr Sanders is "conversing and in good spirits" and will be "resting up over the next few days".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-49911035
Mr Sanders was treated in hospital for an arterial blockage after experiencing chest pain at an event in Nevada on Tuesday.
An adviser for the Vermont senator said he was in "good spirits" and will be resting over the next few days.
Mr Sanders had earlier announced his campaign has raised over $25m (£20m).
Senior adviser Jeff Weaver said in a statement: "Following medical evaluation and testing he was found to have a blockage in one artery and two stents were successfully inserted."
Mr Weaver said Mr Sanders is "conversing and in good spirits" and will be "resting up over the next few days".
North Korea tests submarine-capable missile fired from sea
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49915224
North Korea has confirmed it test-fired a new type of a ballistic missile, a significant escalation from the short-range tests it has conducted since May.
The missile - which was able to carry a nuclear weapon - was the North's 11th test this year.
But this one, fired from a platform at sea, was capable of being launched from a submarine.
Being submarine-capable is important as it means North Korea could launch missiles far outside its territory.
According to South Korean officials, the missile flew about 450km (280 miles) and reached an altitude of 910km before landing in the sea.
That means the missile flew twice as high as the International Space Station, but previous North Korean tests have gone higher.
It came down in the Sea of Japan, also known in South Korea as the East Sea. Japan said it landed in its exclusive economic zone - a band of 200km around Japanese territory.
The test came hours after North Korea said nuclear talks with the US would resume.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49915224
North Korea has confirmed it test-fired a new type of a ballistic missile, a significant escalation from the short-range tests it has conducted since May.
The missile - which was able to carry a nuclear weapon - was the North's 11th test this year.
But this one, fired from a platform at sea, was capable of being launched from a submarine.
Being submarine-capable is important as it means North Korea could launch missiles far outside its territory.
According to South Korean officials, the missile flew about 450km (280 miles) and reached an altitude of 910km before landing in the sea.
That means the missile flew twice as high as the International Space Station, but previous North Korean tests have gone higher.
It came down in the Sea of Japan, also known in South Korea as the East Sea. Japan said it landed in its exclusive economic zone - a band of 200km around Japanese territory.
The test came hours after North Korea said nuclear talks with the US would resume.
Boris Johnson: Brexit plan 'genuine attempt to bridge chasm'
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49917877
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he has made a "genuine attempt to bridge the chasm" in order to get a fresh Brexit deal with the EU.
He told MPs his plan - which would see Northern Ireland stay in the European single market for goods but leave the customs union - were a "compromise".
But Jeremy Corbyn criticised the "unrealistic and damaging proposals".
Irish PM Leo Varadkar said the new plans were welcome, but "fall short in a number of aspects".
But his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven said that, despite "question marks" over the proposals, they represented a "good start for negotiations".
The European Commission said there were "problematic points" in the UK's proposal and "further work is needed".
And the main Brexit-focused group at the European Parliament said the plans "in their current form" did not represent a deal MEPs could ratify.
"The proposals do not address the real issues that need to be resolved if the backstop were to be removed," the group added.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49917877
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he has made a "genuine attempt to bridge the chasm" in order to get a fresh Brexit deal with the EU.
He told MPs his plan - which would see Northern Ireland stay in the European single market for goods but leave the customs union - were a "compromise".
But Jeremy Corbyn criticised the "unrealistic and damaging proposals".
Irish PM Leo Varadkar said the new plans were welcome, but "fall short in a number of aspects".
But his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven said that, despite "question marks" over the proposals, they represented a "good start for negotiations".
The European Commission said there were "problematic points" in the UK's proposal and "further work is needed".
And the main Brexit-focused group at the European Parliament said the plans "in their current form" did not represent a deal MEPs could ratify.
"The proposals do not address the real issues that need to be resolved if the backstop were to be removed," the group added.
Portugal election: Europe's beacon of social democracy heads to the polls
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/03/portugal-election-europes-beacon-of-social-democracy-heads-to-the-polls
For the past four years, the imposing São Bento palace, seat of Portugal’s parliament, has been the scene of one of the more unlikely feats of European governance.
While populist parties have erupted at both ends of the political spectrum elsewhere across the continent, Portugal has proved an enduring, if improbable, beacon of social democracy.
Although the rightwing Portugal Ahead coalition, led by pro-austerity then prime minister Pedro Passos Coelho, took the most votes in the October 2015 general election, its minority government lasted a mere 11 days.
It was toppled by the socialist leader, António Costa, thanks to a promise to “turn the page on austerity” and a jury-rigged, non-coalition alliance with the far-left.
Since then, Costa and his backers in the Left Bloc and Communist parties have confounded expectations by holding together their unprecedented deal, known as the geringonça – or improvised solution.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/03/portugal-election-europes-beacon-of-social-democracy-heads-to-the-polls
For the past four years, the imposing São Bento palace, seat of Portugal’s parliament, has been the scene of one of the more unlikely feats of European governance.
While populist parties have erupted at both ends of the political spectrum elsewhere across the continent, Portugal has proved an enduring, if improbable, beacon of social democracy.
Although the rightwing Portugal Ahead coalition, led by pro-austerity then prime minister Pedro Passos Coelho, took the most votes in the October 2015 general election, its minority government lasted a mere 11 days.
It was toppled by the socialist leader, António Costa, thanks to a promise to “turn the page on austerity” and a jury-rigged, non-coalition alliance with the far-left.
Since then, Costa and his backers in the Left Bloc and Communist parties have confounded expectations by holding together their unprecedented deal, known as the geringonça – or improvised solution.
Iraq protests: Shots fired as demonstrators defy Baghdad curfew
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49919919
Security forces in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, have fired live rounds at protesters defying a curfew.
The prime minister says the open-ended curfew - which has been in place since dawn - is needed to maintain order and protect protesters from "infiltrators".
At least 20 people have been killed since Tuesday in clashes with security forces in Baghdad and other cities.
Thousands have taken to the streets to vent their anger at high unemployment, poor services and corruption.
The protests, which appear to lack any organised leadership, are the largest since Adel Abdul Mahdi became prime minister a year ago.
The United Nations and the United States have expressed concern at the violence and urged the Iraqi authorities to exercise restraint.
On Thursday, human rights group Amnesty International has called on the government in Baghdad to immediately rein in its security forces.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49919919
Security forces in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, have fired live rounds at protesters defying a curfew.
The prime minister says the open-ended curfew - which has been in place since dawn - is needed to maintain order and protect protesters from "infiltrators".
At least 20 people have been killed since Tuesday in clashes with security forces in Baghdad and other cities.
Thousands have taken to the streets to vent their anger at high unemployment, poor services and corruption.
The protests, which appear to lack any organised leadership, are the largest since Adel Abdul Mahdi became prime minister a year ago.
The United Nations and the United States have expressed concern at the violence and urged the Iraqi authorities to exercise restraint.
On Thursday, human rights group Amnesty International has called on the government in Baghdad to immediately rein in its security forces.
Elizabeth Warren: It Is Time for the United States to Stand Up to China in Hong Kong
https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/10/03/it-is-time-for-the-united-states-to-stand-up-to-china-in-hong-kong/
Tweets aren’t enough. Washington must make clear that it expects Beijing to live up to its commitments—and it will respond when China does not.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/10/03/it-is-time-for-the-united-states-to-stand-up-to-china-in-hong-kong/
Tweets aren’t enough. Washington must make clear that it expects Beijing to live up to its commitments—and it will respond when China does not.
但連登仔依然選擇相信Trump
Kudlow says there could be some ‘positive surprises’ out of next week’s China trade talks
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/04/kudlow-says-there-could-be-some-positive-surprises-out-of-next-weeks-china-trade-talks.html?
“There could be positive surprises coming out of these talks,” Kudlow said. “I’m not predicting. I’m just saying don’t rule that out. There could be some positive surprises.”
Trade negotiators from the U.S. and China are set to resume trade negotiations on Oct.10 in Washington.
However, Kudlow said the U.S. strong support of Hong Kong’s protests for democracy could have a negative impact on the talks.
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/04/kudlow-says-there-could-be-some-positive-surprises-out-of-next-weeks-china-trade-talks.html?
“There could be positive surprises coming out of these talks,” Kudlow said. “I’m not predicting. I’m just saying don’t rule that out. There could be some positive surprises.”
Trade negotiators from the U.S. and China are set to resume trade negotiations on Oct.10 in Washington.
However, Kudlow said the U.S. strong support of Hong Kong’s protests for democracy could have a negative impact on the talks.
Trump urges China to investigate Bidens
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49924579
US President Donald Trump, already facing an impeachment inquiry after urging Ukraine to investigate his political rival Joe Biden, has now urged China to do likewise.
He said both China and Ukraine should look into Mr Biden, a Democratic presidential frontrunner, and his son.
"China should start an investigation into the Bidens," said Mr Trump.
A 25 July phone call between Mr Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky triggered an intelligence community whistleblower complaint and the impeachment inquiry.
But Mr Trump said on Thursday that the inquiry, which could culminate in a congressional attempt to remove him from office, is "crap".
Trump-Ukraine: Text messages show diplomat's alarm over plans
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49930863
Text messages released by Democrats in Congress reveal how US officials worked to push the Ukrainian president into opening a public inquiry into President Trump's leading opponent, Joe Biden.
The messages come as Mr Trump faces a formal impeachment inquiry about it.
The exchanges show a senior diplomat saying it would be "crazy" to withhold military aid to Ukraine for Mr Trump's political gain in the 2020 election.
US law bans soliciting foreign help for electoral purposes.
But Mr Trump denies any wrongdoing and, on Thursday, publicly called on Ukraine and China to investigate Mr Biden and his son Hunter over their political and business dealings, even though he has not offered specific evidence of misconduct.
He accuses his opponents of a "witch hunt".
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49924579
US President Donald Trump, already facing an impeachment inquiry after urging Ukraine to investigate his political rival Joe Biden, has now urged China to do likewise.
He said both China and Ukraine should look into Mr Biden, a Democratic presidential frontrunner, and his son.
"China should start an investigation into the Bidens," said Mr Trump.
A 25 July phone call between Mr Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky triggered an intelligence community whistleblower complaint and the impeachment inquiry.
But Mr Trump said on Thursday that the inquiry, which could culminate in a congressional attempt to remove him from office, is "crap".
Trump-Ukraine: Text messages show diplomat's alarm over plans
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49930863
Text messages released by Democrats in Congress reveal how US officials worked to push the Ukrainian president into opening a public inquiry into President Trump's leading opponent, Joe Biden.
The messages come as Mr Trump faces a formal impeachment inquiry about it.
The exchanges show a senior diplomat saying it would be "crazy" to withhold military aid to Ukraine for Mr Trump's political gain in the 2020 election.
US law bans soliciting foreign help for electoral purposes.
But Mr Trump denies any wrongdoing and, on Thursday, publicly called on Ukraine and China to investigate Mr Biden and his son Hunter over their political and business dealings, even though he has not offered specific evidence of misconduct.
He accuses his opponents of a "witch hunt".
Brexit: Boris Johnson will send extension letter - court document
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49936352
Boris Johnson will send a letter to the EU asking for a Brexit delay if no deal is agreed by 19 October, according to government papers submitted to a Scottish court.
The document was revealed as campaigners sought a ruling forcing the PM to comply with the law.
Their QC said the submission contradicted statements by the prime minister last week in Parliament.
But Downing Street said the UK would still be leaving the EU on 31 October.
The so-called Benn Act - named after Labour MP Hilary Benn who spearheaded its passage into law - requires the government to request an extension to the 31 October Brexit deadline if a deal has not been signed off by Parliament by 19 October.
A senior Downing Street source said: "The government will comply with the Benn Act, which only imposes a very specific narrow duty concerning Parliament's letter requesting a delay - drafted by an unknown subset of MPs and pro-EU campaigners - and which can be interpreted in different ways.
"But the government is not prevented by the Act from doing other things that cause no delay, including other communications, private and public.
"People will have to wait to see how this is reconciled. The government is making its true position on delay known privately in Europe and this will become public soon."
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49936352
Boris Johnson will send a letter to the EU asking for a Brexit delay if no deal is agreed by 19 October, according to government papers submitted to a Scottish court.
The document was revealed as campaigners sought a ruling forcing the PM to comply with the law.
Their QC said the submission contradicted statements by the prime minister last week in Parliament.
But Downing Street said the UK would still be leaving the EU on 31 October.
The so-called Benn Act - named after Labour MP Hilary Benn who spearheaded its passage into law - requires the government to request an extension to the 31 October Brexit deadline if a deal has not been signed off by Parliament by 19 October.
A senior Downing Street source said: "The government will comply with the Benn Act, which only imposes a very specific narrow duty concerning Parliament's letter requesting a delay - drafted by an unknown subset of MPs and pro-EU campaigners - and which can be interpreted in different ways.
"But the government is not prevented by the Act from doing other things that cause no delay, including other communications, private and public.
"People will have to wait to see how this is reconciled. The government is making its true position on delay known privately in Europe and this will become public soon."
Iraq protests: UN calls for end to 'senseless loss of life'
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49949262
The United Nations has called for an end to the "senseless loss of life" in Iraq as the death toll from anti-government protests nears 100.
Demonstrators say they are taking a stand against unemployment, poor public services and corruption in the country.
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, said: "Five days of deaths and injuries: this must stop."
Those responsible for the loss of life should be brought to justice. she said.
On Saturday, security forces broke up a mass rally in the east of Baghdad.
Five people are said to have died in the latest clashes in the capital. Security forces are again reported to have used live rounds and tear gas.
At least 99 people have died and nearly 4,000 have been wounded since protests began in the capital on Tuesday before spreading to the south of Iraq, the Iraqi parliament's human rights commission says.
It is the deadliest unrest since the so-called Islamic State (IS) group was declared defeated in Iraq in 2017.
It is seen as the first major challenge to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's fragile government, nearly a year since he came to power.
The authorities have been trying to control the protests through curfews and a near-total internet blackout.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49949262
The United Nations has called for an end to the "senseless loss of life" in Iraq as the death toll from anti-government protests nears 100.
Demonstrators say they are taking a stand against unemployment, poor public services and corruption in the country.
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, said: "Five days of deaths and injuries: this must stop."
Those responsible for the loss of life should be brought to justice. she said.
On Saturday, security forces broke up a mass rally in the east of Baghdad.
Five people are said to have died in the latest clashes in the capital. Security forces are again reported to have used live rounds and tear gas.
At least 99 people have died and nearly 4,000 have been wounded since protests began in the capital on Tuesday before spreading to the south of Iraq, the Iraqi parliament's human rights commission says.
It is the deadliest unrest since the so-called Islamic State (IS) group was declared defeated in Iraq in 2017.
It is seen as the first major challenge to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's fragile government, nearly a year since he came to power.
The authorities have been trying to control the protests through curfews and a near-total internet blackout.
Trump impeachment: Second whistleblower emerges
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49953225
A second whistleblower has come forward in the impeachment case against US President Donald Trump, according to lawyers representing the first one.
Mark Zaid told ABC News the second person was also an intelligence official and they had spoken to the inspector general.
The White House has made no direct comment. President Trump has repeatedly rejected the original complaint.
No details have been released about the second whistleblower's claims.
However, Mr Zaid said the person had first-hand knowledge of allegations associated with the phone call Mr Trump made with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on 25 July.
The impeachment inquiry stems from the call, which was flagged up by the initial whistleblower in August.
On Friday, the New York Times reported that a second person was considering coming forward who had "more direct information" about the events surrounding the call.
It is not yet known if this is the person represented by Mr Zaid.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49953225
A second whistleblower has come forward in the impeachment case against US President Donald Trump, according to lawyers representing the first one.
Mark Zaid told ABC News the second person was also an intelligence official and they had spoken to the inspector general.
The White House has made no direct comment. President Trump has repeatedly rejected the original complaint.
No details have been released about the second whistleblower's claims.
However, Mr Zaid said the person had first-hand knowledge of allegations associated with the phone call Mr Trump made with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on 25 July.
The impeachment inquiry stems from the call, which was flagged up by the initial whistleblower in August.
On Friday, the New York Times reported that a second person was considering coming forward who had "more direct information" about the events surrounding the call.
It is not yet known if this is the person represented by Mr Zaid.
Brexit: We can do a deal if EU is willing - Johnson
`
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49950188
Boris Johnson has claimed his Brexit proposals have picked up support in Parliament, as he urged the EU to compromise.
Ahead of a crucial summit in 11 days' time, he insisted a revised agreement was possible "if the EU is willing."
Latvian PM Krisjanis Karins said a new deal "may be a little bit of a long-shot" but was "certainly possible".
Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay urged the EU to intensify negotiations on the UK's plans.
Talks are due to resume on Monday as both parties try to find a new agreement in time for the summit of European leaders on 17 and 18 October.
But arrangements for preventing a hard border on the island of Ireland continue to be a sticking point, with the EU calling for "fundamental changes" to the UK's latest proposals.
`
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49950188
Boris Johnson has claimed his Brexit proposals have picked up support in Parliament, as he urged the EU to compromise.
Ahead of a crucial summit in 11 days' time, he insisted a revised agreement was possible "if the EU is willing."
Latvian PM Krisjanis Karins said a new deal "may be a little bit of a long-shot" but was "certainly possible".
Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay urged the EU to intensify negotiations on the UK's plans.
Talks are due to resume on Monday as both parties try to find a new agreement in time for the summit of European leaders on 17 and 18 October.
But arrangements for preventing a hard border on the island of Ireland continue to be a sticking point, with the EU calling for "fundamental changes" to the UK's latest proposals.
Turkey-Syria border: Kurds bitter as US troops withdraw
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49960973
US troops have begun withdrawing from positions in northern Syria, paving the way for a Turkish operation against Kurdish fighters in the border area.
Kurdish-led forces have until now been a key US ally in Syria, where they helped defeat the Islamic State group, but Turkey regards them as terrorists.
The main Kurdish-led group called the surprise US move a "stab in the back".
But President Donald Trump defended the pullout, saying it was time "to get out of these ridiculous Endless Wars".
The withdrawal follows a White House statement issued late on Sunday, saying US troops were stepping aside for an imminent Turkish operation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says its aim is to combat Kurdish fighters in the border area, and to set up a "safe zone" for Syrian refugees currently living in Turkey.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49960973
US troops have begun withdrawing from positions in northern Syria, paving the way for a Turkish operation against Kurdish fighters in the border area.
Kurdish-led forces have until now been a key US ally in Syria, where they helped defeat the Islamic State group, but Turkey regards them as terrorists.
The main Kurdish-led group called the surprise US move a "stab in the back".
But President Donald Trump defended the pullout, saying it was time "to get out of these ridiculous Endless Wars".
The withdrawal follows a White House statement issued late on Sunday, saying US troops were stepping aside for an imminent Turkish operation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says its aim is to combat Kurdish fighters in the border area, and to set up a "safe zone" for Syrian refugees currently living in Turkey.
Judge dismisses no-deal Brexit challenge
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-49959167?
A Scottish judge has dismissed a move to force the Prime Minister Boris Johnson to seek to delay the UK's departure from the EU.
Lord Pentland had been asked to consider the effects of the Benn Act.
He said there "can be no doubt" that the prime minister, through his legal team, has agreed to abide by the law.
The legislation was passed by MPs with the intention of preventing the UK leaving the European Union without a deal on 31 October.
It requires the prime minister to send a letter to the EU formally requesting an extension to the Brexit timetable.
Lord Pentland said the UK government had accepted had it must "comply fully" with the act and would not seek to "frustrate its purpose".
As a result, he said there was no need for "coercive orders" against the UK government or against the prime minister.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-49959167?
A Scottish judge has dismissed a move to force the Prime Minister Boris Johnson to seek to delay the UK's departure from the EU.
Lord Pentland had been asked to consider the effects of the Benn Act.
He said there "can be no doubt" that the prime minister, through his legal team, has agreed to abide by the law.
The legislation was passed by MPs with the intention of preventing the UK leaving the European Union without a deal on 31 October.
It requires the prime minister to send a letter to the EU formally requesting an extension to the Brexit timetable.
Lord Pentland said the UK government had accepted had it must "comply fully" with the act and would not seek to "frustrate its purpose".
As a result, he said there was no need for "coercive orders" against the UK government or against the prime minister.