Trump impeachment: President pens irate letter to Pelosi on eve of vote
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50830736
President Donald Trump has lashed out over his impending impeachment in an irate letter to top Democrat Nancy Pelosi, accusing her of declaring "open war on American democracy".
"You have cheapened the importance of the very ugly word, impeachment!" he wrote in the letter, sent on Tuesday.
Mr Trump faces an impeachment vote on Wednesday over allegations he pressured Ukraine for personal political gain.
He is expected to be impeached, setting up a trial in the Senate.
With little hope of changing the outcome of Wednesday's vote in the House, Mr Trump used his six-page letter to angrily rail against the process and denounce Ms Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House.
It was a remarkable intervention by the president, who has fought to stymie the impeachment process by preventing key aides from testifying before the House of Representatives.
Mr Trump claimed in his letter he had been "deprived of basic Constitutional Due Process from the beginning of this impeachment scam" and "denied the most fundamental rights afforded by the Constitution, including the right to present evidence".
"More due process was afforded to those accused in the Salem Witch Trials," he wrote.
國際時事政治選舉新聞張貼及討論區（七）
Filibuster_HK
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Number of votes needed to impeach Trump is reached
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-us-canada-50827072
The total number of votes needed to impeach President Trump for the first of two counts is reached in US House of Representatives.
The final confirmation of impeachment will be given once the chair bangs the gavel.
This first count is for abuse of power. The second count, for obstruction of Congress, will be voted on shortly.
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-us-canada-50827072
The total number of votes needed to impeach President Trump for the first of two counts is reached in US House of Representatives.
The final confirmation of impeachment will be given once the chair bangs the gavel.
This first count is for abuse of power. The second count, for obstruction of Congress, will be voted on shortly.
Nancy Pelosi Just Made a Major Impeachment Power Play
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a8z5w/nancy-pelosi-just-made-a-major-impeachment-power-play
WASHINGTON — Minutes after the House voted to impeach President Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) dropped a bombshell: She won’t send the articles of impeachment to the Senate until she feels they’ll get a fair hearing on the other side of Capitol Hill.
“We have legislation approved by the Rules Committee that will enable us to decide how we will send over the articles of impeachment,” Pelosi announced in a Wednesday night press conference. “We cannot name [impeachment] managers until we see what the process is on the Senate side.”
The move could delay a Senate trial — and it's an attempt by House Democratic leaders to try to leverage their power to force Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to make concessions on how the trial will be run.
McConnell has been explicit that his only goal is to help Trump and the GOP, declaring Tuesday that he’s “not an impartial juror” and that he's coordinating directly with the White House on impeachment strategy.
Pelosi呢招好撚絕
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a8z5w/nancy-pelosi-just-made-a-major-impeachment-power-play
WASHINGTON — Minutes after the House voted to impeach President Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) dropped a bombshell: She won’t send the articles of impeachment to the Senate until she feels they’ll get a fair hearing on the other side of Capitol Hill.
“We have legislation approved by the Rules Committee that will enable us to decide how we will send over the articles of impeachment,” Pelosi announced in a Wednesday night press conference. “We cannot name [impeachment] managers until we see what the process is on the Senate side.”
The move could delay a Senate trial — and it's an attempt by House Democratic leaders to try to leverage their power to force Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to make concessions on how the trial will be run.
McConnell has been explicit that his only goal is to help Trump and the GOP, declaring Tuesday that he’s “not an impartial juror” and that he's coordinating directly with the White House on impeachment strategy.
Pelosi呢招好撚絕
Brexit: MPs back Boris Johnson's bill
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-50870939
MPs have backed Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plan for the UK to leave the EU on 31 January.
They voted 358 to 234 in favour of the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, which now goes on to further scrutiny in the House of Commons and House of Lords.
The bill would also ban an extension of the transition period - during which the UK is out of the EU but follows many of its rules - past 2020.
Earlier, Boris Johnson argued that it would allow the UK to "move forward".
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told his MPs to vote against it, saying there was "a better and fairer way" to leave the EU.
MPs are now voting on the programme motion, which sets out the timetable for further debate on the bill over three days - 7, 8 and 9 January.
The government says it will get the bill into law in time for the 31 January Brexit deadline.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-50870939
MPs have backed Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plan for the UK to leave the EU on 31 January.
They voted 358 to 234 in favour of the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, which now goes on to further scrutiny in the House of Commons and House of Lords.
The bill would also ban an extension of the transition period - during which the UK is out of the EU but follows many of its rules - past 2020.
Earlier, Boris Johnson argued that it would allow the UK to "move forward".
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told his MPs to vote against it, saying there was "a better and fairer way" to leave the EU.
MPs are now voting on the programme motion, which sets out the timetable for further debate on the bill over three days - 7, 8 and 9 January.
The government says it will get the bill into law in time for the 31 January Brexit deadline.
Jamal Khashoggi: Saudis sentence five to death for journalist's murder
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50890633
A court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced five people to death and jailed three others over the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi last year.
Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the Saudi government, was killed inside the kingdom's consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul by a team of Saudi agents.
The Saudi authorities said it was the result of a "rogue operation" and put 11 unnamed individuals on trial.
A UN expert said the trial represented "the antithesis of justice".
"Bottom line: the hit-men are guilty, sentenced to death. The masterminds not only walk free. They have barely been touched by the investigation and the trial," Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard wrote on Twitter.
A report released by Ms Callamard concluded in June that Khashoggi's death was an "extrajudicial execution" for which the Saudi state was responsible, and that there was credible evidence warranting further investigation that high-level officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, were individually liable.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50890633
A court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced five people to death and jailed three others over the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi last year.
Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the Saudi government, was killed inside the kingdom's consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul by a team of Saudi agents.
The Saudi authorities said it was the result of a "rogue operation" and put 11 unnamed individuals on trial.
A UN expert said the trial represented "the antithesis of justice".
"Bottom line: the hit-men are guilty, sentenced to death. The masterminds not only walk free. They have barely been touched by the investigation and the trial," Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard wrote on Twitter.
A report released by Ms Callamard concluded in June that Khashoggi's death was an "extrajudicial execution" for which the Saudi state was responsible, and that there was credible evidence warranting further investigation that high-level officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, were individually liable.
Jharkhand election results: BJP concedes defeat amid citizenship row
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50888666
India's main opposition Congress party and its allies are set to win Jharkhand state elections in a setback for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This is the second key state the BJP has lost since sweeping parliamentary elections in May.
The Congress and its allies are leading in 44 of the 81 seats.
The result is crucial because three phases of voting were held amid nationwide protests against the government's new citizenship law.
More than 20 people have died in 10 days of clashes sparked by the law, which critics see as anti-Muslim.
In Jharkhand, the BJP has won in two constituencies. Votes are still being counted in 78 seats, and the party is ahead in 25.
The party failed to form the government in Maharashtra state last month after falling out with its regional ally, Shiv Sena.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50888666
India's main opposition Congress party and its allies are set to win Jharkhand state elections in a setback for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This is the second key state the BJP has lost since sweeping parliamentary elections in May.
The Congress and its allies are leading in 44 of the 81 seats.
The result is crucial because three phases of voting were held amid nationwide protests against the government's new citizenship law.
More than 20 people have died in 10 days of clashes sparked by the law, which critics see as anti-Muslim.
In Jharkhand, the BJP has won in two constituencies. Votes are still being counted in 78 seats, and the party is ahead in 25.
The party failed to form the government in Maharashtra state last month after falling out with its regional ally, Shiv Sena.
China cuts tariffs to boost growth and show up Donald Trump
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/dec/23/china-cuts-tariffs-to-boost-growth-and-show-up-donald-trump
China is to cut tariffs on more than 850 goods from 1 January in order to boost growth in the world’s second biggest economy.
In a move designed to draw a contrast with Donald Trump’s protectionist approach to trade, Beijing said there would be a temporary cut in duties on products ranging from frozen pork to semiconductors.
An outbreak of swine flu prompted the reduction in tariffs on imported pork but China’s willingness to cut the cost of other goods coming into the country reflected concern at the slowest growth rate in 30 years.
China’s finance ministry said in a statement that the changes were made to “increase imports of products facing a relative domestic shortage, or foreign speciality goods for everyday consumption”.
Calculations by Bloomberg showed that the tariff cuts will affect almost $400bn (£309bn) of foreign goods sold to China annually, out of a total import bill of $2tn. Last year Beijing announced a temporary cut in duties on 706 products.
The move comes amid expectations that Beijing and Washington are about to sign a phase one trade agreement under which the US will cut tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for greater market access for American farm products.
Trump said at the weekend: “We just achieved a breakthrough on the trade deal and we will be signing it very shortly.”
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/dec/23/china-cuts-tariffs-to-boost-growth-and-show-up-donald-trump
China is to cut tariffs on more than 850 goods from 1 January in order to boost growth in the world’s second biggest economy.
In a move designed to draw a contrast with Donald Trump’s protectionist approach to trade, Beijing said there would be a temporary cut in duties on products ranging from frozen pork to semiconductors.
An outbreak of swine flu prompted the reduction in tariffs on imported pork but China’s willingness to cut the cost of other goods coming into the country reflected concern at the slowest growth rate in 30 years.
China’s finance ministry said in a statement that the changes were made to “increase imports of products facing a relative domestic shortage, or foreign speciality goods for everyday consumption”.
Calculations by Bloomberg showed that the tariff cuts will affect almost $400bn (£309bn) of foreign goods sold to China annually, out of a total import bill of $2tn. Last year Beijing announced a temporary cut in duties on 706 products.
The move comes amid expectations that Beijing and Washington are about to sign a phase one trade agreement under which the US will cut tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for greater market access for American farm products.
Trump said at the weekend: “We just achieved a breakthrough on the trade deal and we will be signing it very shortly.”
Post-Brexit UK always welcome back in EU, says Timmermans
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/26/post-brexit-uk-always-welcome-back-in-eu-says-timmermans
Britain has been unnecessarily damaged by Brexit and “more will follow”, the vice-president of the European commission has written in a “love letter” to the British people in which he promises a warm welcome back should attitudes change.
Frans Timmermans, who is Ursula von der Leyen’s deputy in her role as European commission president, writes that British scepticism of the EU had been an asset to the bloc as he expresses his own feelings of rejection ahead of the country’s impending departure on 31 January, likening himself to a jilted “old lover”.
Writing in the Guardian, Timmermans, a former Dutch foreign minister who was also deputy to Jean-Claude Juncker, says he first grew to love the UK and the character of its people through his time at a British school in Rome, Saint George’s English School.
The British doubts over the European project had offered a healthy check on the more federalist ambitions of figures through the decades, he suggests in his article. He writes: “I know you now. And I love you. For who you are and what you gave me. I’m like an old lover.
“I know your strengths and your weaknesses. I know you can be generous but also miserly. I know you believe yourself to be unique and different. And of course you are in many ways, but perhaps less than you think.”
“You will never stop referring to the rest of us as ‘the continent’,” Timmermans adds of the British attitude through the decades to EU membership. “It helps you to create a distance you think you need. But it also prevents you from seeing that in fact we all need a bit of distance between us. All European nations are unique. Our differences are a source of admiration, surprise, discomfort, misunderstanding, ridicule, caricature and, yes, love.”
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/26/post-brexit-uk-always-welcome-back-in-eu-says-timmermans
Britain has been unnecessarily damaged by Brexit and “more will follow”, the vice-president of the European commission has written in a “love letter” to the British people in which he promises a warm welcome back should attitudes change.
Frans Timmermans, who is Ursula von der Leyen’s deputy in her role as European commission president, writes that British scepticism of the EU had been an asset to the bloc as he expresses his own feelings of rejection ahead of the country’s impending departure on 31 January, likening himself to a jilted “old lover”.
Writing in the Guardian, Timmermans, a former Dutch foreign minister who was also deputy to Jean-Claude Juncker, says he first grew to love the UK and the character of its people through his time at a British school in Rome, Saint George’s English School.
The British doubts over the European project had offered a healthy check on the more federalist ambitions of figures through the decades, he suggests in his article. He writes: “I know you now. And I love you. For who you are and what you gave me. I’m like an old lover.
“I know your strengths and your weaknesses. I know you can be generous but also miserly. I know you believe yourself to be unique and different. And of course you are in many ways, but perhaps less than you think.”
“You will never stop referring to the rest of us as ‘the continent’,” Timmermans adds of the British attitude through the decades to EU membership. “It helps you to create a distance you think you need. But it also prevents you from seeing that in fact we all need a bit of distance between us. All European nations are unique. Our differences are a source of admiration, surprise, discomfort, misunderstanding, ridicule, caricature and, yes, love.”
Italian education minister resigns over lack of funding
https://www.dw.com/en/italian-education-minister-resigns-over-lack-of-funding/a-51796110
Italian Education Minister Lorenzo Fioramonti resigned on Wednesday after writing a letter to Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, citing a lack of government funding as the key to his decision.
Italian newspaper la Repubblica reported the news late on Wednesday, after days of speculation. In fact, he tendered his resignation on December 23, insisting his decision to quit was "irrevocable."
Fioramonti's departure comes after failing to obtain the extra €3 billion ($3.3 billion) he insisted were needed to improve the country's schools and universities.
In September, shortly after the coalition government of the Five Star Movement (M5S) and the center-left Democratic Party was sworn in, Fioramonti threatened to walk away. He said he would quit unless education spending was raised by €3 billion ($3.3 billion) in next year's budget.
The resignation is a blow to the already vulnerable government, whose ruling parties are in the midst of a number of disputes over various issues, such as the eurozone and immigration.
https://www.dw.com/en/italian-education-minister-resigns-over-lack-of-funding/a-51796110
Italian Education Minister Lorenzo Fioramonti resigned on Wednesday after writing a letter to Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, citing a lack of government funding as the key to his decision.
Italian newspaper la Repubblica reported the news late on Wednesday, after days of speculation. In fact, he tendered his resignation on December 23, insisting his decision to quit was "irrevocable."
Fioramonti's departure comes after failing to obtain the extra €3 billion ($3.3 billion) he insisted were needed to improve the country's schools and universities.
In September, shortly after the coalition government of the Five Star Movement (M5S) and the center-left Democratic Party was sworn in, Fioramonti threatened to walk away. He said he would quit unless education spending was raised by €3 billion ($3.3 billion) in next year's budget.
The resignation is a blow to the already vulnerable government, whose ruling parties are in the midst of a number of disputes over various issues, such as the eurozone and immigration.
Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu in party leadership challenge
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50915715
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being challenged for the leadership of his party in what is seen as a test of his hold on power.
He is facing long-term rival Gideon Saar in internal Likud party elections.
Although Mr Netanyahu is expected to win, it comes at a time of mounting difficulties for the veteran leader.
He faces trial on bribery and corruption charges, as well as a third national election within a year after two inconclusive results.
The BBC's Barbara Plett Usher in Jerusalem says Mr Netanyahu has campaigned tirelessly even though he is widely expected to triumph, because he wants to win big - otherwise it will look like his grip on the party is weakening.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50915715
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being challenged for the leadership of his party in what is seen as a test of his hold on power.
He is facing long-term rival Gideon Saar in internal Likud party elections.
Although Mr Netanyahu is expected to win, it comes at a time of mounting difficulties for the veteran leader.
He faces trial on bribery and corruption charges, as well as a third national election within a year after two inconclusive results.
The BBC's Barbara Plett Usher in Jerusalem says Mr Netanyahu has campaigned tirelessly even though he is widely expected to triumph, because he wants to win big - otherwise it will look like his grip on the party is weakening.
Russian police raid opposition leader Alexei Navalny's office
https://www.dw.com/en/russian-police-raid-opposition-leader-alexei-navalnys-office/a-51798980
Russian politician Alexei Navalny was dragged by police on Thursday during a raid on his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) headquarters in Moscow, according to his spokeswoman.
"Alexei was forcibly detained and taken away. He did not resist. Lawyers are still at the FBK, and there's a search underway," Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokeswoman, wrote on Twitter.
He was released shortly afterwards, Yarmysh said.
Russia's crackdown on Alexei Navalny seen as an 'intimidation tactic'
Speaking to DW, Yarmysh said police timed the raid to coincide with the filming of an episode of Navalny's YouTube show "Navalny Live," so that "there can be no show."
https://www.dw.com/en/russian-police-raid-opposition-leader-alexei-navalnys-office/a-51798980
Russian politician Alexei Navalny was dragged by police on Thursday during a raid on his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) headquarters in Moscow, according to his spokeswoman.
"Alexei was forcibly detained and taken away. He did not resist. Lawyers are still at the FBK, and there's a search underway," Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokeswoman, wrote on Twitter.
He was released shortly afterwards, Yarmysh said.
Russia's crackdown on Alexei Navalny seen as an 'intimidation tactic'
Speaking to DW, Yarmysh said police timed the raid to coincide with the filming of an episode of Navalny's YouTube show "Navalny Live," so that "there can be no show."
Sudan jails 27 soldiers over protest killing
https://www.dw.com/en/sudan-jails-27-soldiers-over-protest-killing/a-51833258
A Sudanese court on Monday sentenced 27 members of the country's security services to jail for torturing and killing a school teacher during mass anti-government protests.
Those convicted included police men working at the jail where the teacher was murdered and members of Sudan's intelligence services.
Sudanese police had initially claimed he had died from illness but a state investigation days afterward pointed to torture.
Protesters were seen outside the court on Monday waving Sudanese flags and carrying photos of the late teacher.
https://www.dw.com/en/sudan-jails-27-soldiers-over-protest-killing/a-51833258
A Sudanese court on Monday sentenced 27 members of the country's security services to jail for torturing and killing a school teacher during mass anti-government protests.
Those convicted included police men working at the jail where the teacher was murdered and members of Sudan's intelligence services.
Sudanese police had initially claimed he had died from illness but a state investigation days afterward pointed to torture.
Protesters were seen outside the court on Monday waving Sudanese flags and carrying photos of the late teacher.
Italian PM calls for unity as three senators move to far-right party
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/30/italian-pm-calls-for-unity-as-three-senators-move-to-far-right
The Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, has appealed for unity within his coalition government after a tumultuous few weeks in which three senators from the Five Star Movement (M5S) absconded to the far-right League party and the education minister quit.
Lorenzo Fioramonti resigned last week after the government approved a budget for 2020 that did not contain an increase in spending on education. Fioramonti, who in November declared that Italy would be the first country to teach climate change in schools, has hinted at forming a parliamentary group that would include other disgruntled M5S politicians.
In what was hailed as a victory against the far right, M5S in September went into coalition with the centre-left Democratic party (PD) after the collapse of its alliance with Matteo Salvini’s League when he brought down the government in a move to force elections. But the past four months have been marred by constant bickering and scant action on policy.
In a speech on Saturday, Conte said he was dividing the education ministry in two, naming Lucia Azzolina, also from M5S, as minister for schools, and Gaetano Manfredi, a non-party technocrat and rector of Naples University, as minister for universities and research.
Conte also took a swipe at Salvini, who stills looms large over Italian politics, calling his behaviour “insidious”. As the he outlined a programme that included reforms of the justice system and state bureaucracy, he added: “Politics doesn’t need conflicts. Polemics and marking out our differences do not help.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/30/italian-pm-calls-for-unity-as-three-senators-move-to-far-right
The Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, has appealed for unity within his coalition government after a tumultuous few weeks in which three senators from the Five Star Movement (M5S) absconded to the far-right League party and the education minister quit.
Lorenzo Fioramonti resigned last week after the government approved a budget for 2020 that did not contain an increase in spending on education. Fioramonti, who in November declared that Italy would be the first country to teach climate change in schools, has hinted at forming a parliamentary group that would include other disgruntled M5S politicians.
In what was hailed as a victory against the far right, M5S in September went into coalition with the centre-left Democratic party (PD) after the collapse of its alliance with Matteo Salvini’s League when he brought down the government in a move to force elections. But the past four months have been marred by constant bickering and scant action on policy.
In a speech on Saturday, Conte said he was dividing the education ministry in two, naming Lucia Azzolina, also from M5S, as minister for schools, and Gaetano Manfredi, a non-party technocrat and rector of Naples University, as minister for universities and research.
Conte also took a swipe at Salvini, who stills looms large over Italian politics, calling his behaviour “insidious”. As the he outlined a programme that included reforms of the justice system and state bureaucracy, he added: “Politics doesn’t need conflicts. Polemics and marking out our differences do not help.”
唔好再不推文啦，沉到係留名嗰堆入面都搵唔到
US Baghdad embassy attacked by protesters angry at air strikes
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50956111
Protesters angered by recent US air strikes targeting an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia have attacked the American embassy compound in Baghdad.
US troops fired tear gas to disperse a crowd that breached the outer wall of the compound, which is in the capital's heavily fortified Green Zone.
A guard post on the street nearby was also set alight.
US President Donald Trump accused Iran of "orchestrating" the attack and said it would be "held fully responsible".
At least 25 fighters died when the US bombed bases associated with the Kataib Hezbollah militia in western Iraq and eastern Syria on Sunday.
The US said it was retaliating for a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk on Friday that killed an American civilian contractor.
Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said the strikes had violated his country's sovereignty, while Kataib Hezbollah leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, warned that its response "would be very tough on the American forces in Iraq".
Trump accuses Iran over storming of US embassy compound in Baghdad
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/31/us-embassy-stormed-in-baghdad
Donald Trump has accused Iran of orchestrating an attack on the US embassy in Baghdad after dozens of Iraqi Shia militia supporters broke into its compound after smashing a door and storming inside.
The angry demonstration followed US airstrikes on Sunday against three camps in Iraq and two in Syria. The bases belonged to the Iran-backed Kata’ib Hezbollah militia group, which is formally part of the Iraqi army. At least 25 fighters were killed and dozens injured.
The Pentagon said the strikes were in response to a rocket attack on Friday against a US base in Kirkuk, in which a US civilian contractor was killed and four other Americans were hurt. It described them as “defensive”.
An Associated Press reporter at the embassy in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone saw flames rising from inside the compound and at least three US soldiers on the roof.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50956111
Protesters angered by recent US air strikes targeting an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia have attacked the American embassy compound in Baghdad.
US troops fired tear gas to disperse a crowd that breached the outer wall of the compound, which is in the capital's heavily fortified Green Zone.
A guard post on the street nearby was also set alight.
US President Donald Trump accused Iran of "orchestrating" the attack and said it would be "held fully responsible".
At least 25 fighters died when the US bombed bases associated with the Kataib Hezbollah militia in western Iraq and eastern Syria on Sunday.
The US said it was retaliating for a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk on Friday that killed an American civilian contractor.
Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said the strikes had violated his country's sovereignty, while Kataib Hezbollah leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, warned that its response "would be very tough on the American forces in Iraq".
Trump accuses Iran over storming of US embassy compound in Baghdad
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/31/us-embassy-stormed-in-baghdad
Donald Trump has accused Iran of orchestrating an attack on the US embassy in Baghdad after dozens of Iraqi Shia militia supporters broke into its compound after smashing a door and storming inside.
The angry demonstration followed US airstrikes on Sunday against three camps in Iraq and two in Syria. The bases belonged to the Iran-backed Kata’ib Hezbollah militia group, which is formally part of the Iraqi army. At least 25 fighters were killed and dozens injured.
The Pentagon said the strikes were in response to a rocket attack on Friday against a US base in Kirkuk, in which a US civilian contractor was killed and four other Americans were hurt. It described them as “defensive”.
An Associated Press reporter at the embassy in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone saw flames rising from inside the compound and at least three US soldiers on the roof.
Trump says U.S.-China trade deal will be signed on January 15
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trade-china/trump-says-u-s-china-trade-deal-will-be-signed-on-january-15-idUSKBN1YZ103
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Phase 1 of an American trade deal with China would be signed on Jan. 15 at the White House.
The president wrote in a tweet that he would sign the deal with “high level representatives of China” and that he would later travel to Beijing to begin talks on the next phase.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trade-china/trump-says-u-s-china-trade-deal-will-be-signed-on-january-15-idUSKBN1YZ103
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Phase 1 of an American trade deal with China would be signed on Jan. 15 at the White House.
The president wrote in a tweet that he would sign the deal with “high level representatives of China” and that he would later travel to Beijing to begin talks on the next phase.
Austria ready to form new conservative-Green government
https://www.politico.eu/article/austria-ready-to-form-new-conservative-green-government-sebastian-kurz/
Austria will be able to ring in a new decade with a new government, after the conservative Austria’s People’s Party, led by Sebastian Kurz, and the Green Party agreed to a preliminary coalition deal on Saturday night.
The agreement comes three months after the country's parliamentary elections, in which former Chancellor Kurz's party came first, with 37 percent of the vote, and the Greens returned to parliament on the back of growing concern over climate change.
The preliminary deal still needs to be signed off by the Greens' Federal Congress, which has been summoned to meet on January 4, Reuters reported.
"The intensive negotiations of the past days and weeks have paid off. The finish line has not yet been crossed, but the big obstacles in the way of a coalition have been cleared from both sides," Kurz told Austrian daily Salzburger Nachrichten on Sunday.
https://www.politico.eu/article/austria-ready-to-form-new-conservative-green-government-sebastian-kurz/
Austria will be able to ring in a new decade with a new government, after the conservative Austria’s People’s Party, led by Sebastian Kurz, and the Green Party agreed to a preliminary coalition deal on Saturday night.
The agreement comes three months after the country's parliamentary elections, in which former Chancellor Kurz's party came first, with 37 percent of the vote, and the Greens returned to parliament on the back of growing concern over climate change.
The preliminary deal still needs to be signed off by the Greens' Federal Congress, which has been summoned to meet on January 4, Reuters reported.
"The intensive negotiations of the past days and weeks have paid off. The finish line has not yet been crossed, but the big obstacles in the way of a coalition have been cleared from both sides," Kurz told Austrian daily Salzburger Nachrichten on Sunday.
North Korea threatens to resume nuclear and ICBM testing
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50962768
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said he is ending his suspension of nuclear and long-range missile tests he put in place during talks with the US.
Mr Kim also said his country would soon introduce "a new strategic weapon".
But he left a door open for dialogue, saying the scope of testing would depend on the US's attitude.
Talks between the US and North Korea have stalled with Washington refusing to lift sanctions until Pyongyang fully abandons its nuclear programme.
The North conducted several smaller weapons tests late in 2019, in what was seen as an attempt to pressure the US into making concessions.
But the self-declared moratorium on nuclear tests and tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could reach the US mainland had been one of the foundations of the negotiations with Washington.
Pyongyang has not carried out such tests since 2017. Any further testing is likely to infuriate President Donald Trump, as the US heads into an election year.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50962768
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said he is ending his suspension of nuclear and long-range missile tests he put in place during talks with the US.
Mr Kim also said his country would soon introduce "a new strategic weapon".
But he left a door open for dialogue, saying the scope of testing would depend on the US's attitude.
Talks between the US and North Korea have stalled with Washington refusing to lift sanctions until Pyongyang fully abandons its nuclear programme.
The North conducted several smaller weapons tests late in 2019, in what was seen as an attempt to pressure the US into making concessions.
But the self-declared moratorium on nuclear tests and tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could reach the US mainland had been one of the foundations of the negotiations with Washington.
Pyongyang has not carried out such tests since 2017. Any further testing is likely to infuriate President Donald Trump, as the US heads into an election year.
Trump threatens Iran with 'big price' to pay over US embassy attack
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50959574
US President Donald Trump has issued a threat to Iran, after blaming the nation for an attack on the US embassy in neighbouring Iraq.
The American compound was attacked by a crowd of angry demonstrators furious over the deaths of militia members killed by US air strikes.
President Trump tweeted on New Year's Eve that Iran "will pay a very big price" for any damage or loss of life.
"This is not a warning, it is a threat," he said.
US defence secretary Mark Esper later announced that about 750 soldiers would immediately be deployed to the region.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50959574
US President Donald Trump has issued a threat to Iran, after blaming the nation for an attack on the US embassy in neighbouring Iraq.
The American compound was attacked by a crowd of angry demonstrators furious over the deaths of militia members killed by US air strikes.
President Trump tweeted on New Year's Eve that Iran "will pay a very big price" for any damage or loss of life.
"This is not a warning, it is a threat," he said.
US defence secretary Mark Esper later announced that about 750 soldiers would immediately be deployed to the region.
新一年開新post 啦
Labour leadership: Blow to 'continuity Corbyn' as poll of members suggests Starmer clear favourite - live news
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2020/jan/02/labour-leadership-contest-blow-to-continuity-corbyn-project-as-poll-of-members-suggests-starmer-clear-favourite-live-news
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2020/jan/02/labour-leadership-contest-blow-to-continuity-corbyn-project-as-poll-of-members-suggests-starmer-clear-favourite-live-news
France protests: Longest strike in decades stuck in deadlock
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50971439
France's transport strike against pension reform has entered its 29th day, making it the longest rail workers' strike since May 1968.
Industrial action against President Emmanuel Macron's planned pension reform has hit train services hardest.
The government says the changes are necessary to make the system fairer and more sustainable, but unions say workers will lose out.
More talks are due to be held between unions and government on 7 January.
In his New Year's Eve address on Tuesday, Mr Macron vowed not to back down on his plan to overhaul France's complex pension system that would require people to work longer.
"It would be a betrayal of our children, their children after them, who would then have to pay the price for our giving up," he said.
Union leaders have called for a day of mass protests on 9 January. A new blockade of petrol facilities, including refineries, petrol terminals and depots, is also planned on 7 January for 96 hours until 10 January.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50971439
France's transport strike against pension reform has entered its 29th day, making it the longest rail workers' strike since May 1968.
Industrial action against President Emmanuel Macron's planned pension reform has hit train services hardest.
The government says the changes are necessary to make the system fairer and more sustainable, but unions say workers will lose out.
More talks are due to be held between unions and government on 7 January.
In his New Year's Eve address on Tuesday, Mr Macron vowed not to back down on his plan to overhaul France's complex pension system that would require people to work longer.
"It would be a betrayal of our children, their children after them, who would then have to pay the price for our giving up," he said.
Union leaders have called for a day of mass protests on 9 January. A new blockade of petrol facilities, including refineries, petrol terminals and depots, is also planned on 7 January for 96 hours until 10 January.
Qasem Soleimani: Iran Quds force leader reportedly killed
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50979463
General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, has been killed in Iraq, reports say.
Iraqi State television said Soleimani was among a number of people killed in a strike near Baghdad's airport.
US officials told Reuters news agency they had carried out strikes against targets linked to Iran but gave no further details.
As yet there has been no official confirmation of a death or a US attack.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50979463
General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, has been killed in Iraq, reports say.
Iraqi State television said Soleimani was among a number of people killed in a strike near Baghdad's airport.
US officials told Reuters news agency they had carried out strikes against targets linked to Iran but gave no further details.
As yet there has been no official confirmation of a death or a US attack.
Libya conflict: Turkish MPs approve bill to send troops
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50975494
Turkey's parliament has passed a bill that will allow the government to deploy troops to Libya to intervene in the civil war.
Turkish lawmakers approved the bill on Thursday, with 325 in favour to 184 against.
Turkey is allied with Libya's UN-backed government, which is based in the capital, Tripoli.
The Libyan government has been fighting an insurgency by forces under Gen Khalifa Haftar, based in eastern Libya.
In a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US President Donald Trump warned against "foreign interference" in Libya, the White House said.
Egypt, which backs Gen Haftar, condemned Turkey's vote, saying it would "negatively affect the stability of the Mediterranean region".
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50975494
Turkey's parliament has passed a bill that will allow the government to deploy troops to Libya to intervene in the civil war.
Turkish lawmakers approved the bill on Thursday, with 325 in favour to 184 against.
Turkey is allied with Libya's UN-backed government, which is based in the capital, Tripoli.
The Libyan government has been fighting an insurgency by forces under Gen Khalifa Haftar, based in eastern Libya.
In a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US President Donald Trump warned against "foreign interference" in Libya, the White House said.
Egypt, which backs Gen Haftar, condemned Turkey's vote, saying it would "negatively affect the stability of the Mediterranean region".
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