Cohen says Trump knew hush money payment was wrong
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46563979
US President Donald Trump's former lawyer insists Mr Trump knew making hush money payments during the 2016 presidential campaign was wrong.
Speaking after he was sentenced to prison for campaign finance and fraud crimes, Michael Cohen told ABC News: "He directed me to make the payments."
"Nothing at the Trump organisation was ever done unless it was run through Mr Trump," he said.
The president has denied ever asking Cohen to make illegal payments.
"He was a lawyer and he is supposed to know the law," Mr Trump tweeted on Thursday, suggesting Cohen had pleaded guilty "to embarrass the president".
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Isis withdraws from last urban stronghold in Syria
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/14/kurdish-led-fighters-take-last-isis-town-in-syria-activists-say
Islamic State extremists have withdrawn from their last urban stronghold in Syria after weeks of intensifying clashes with Kurdish-led fighters that have splintered the remnants of the group’s leadership and raised fresh questions about the fate of its founder, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Isis forces retreated to villages to the east of Hajin in the early hours of Thursday after several days of US airstrikes, which allowed Kurdish proxy forces to sweep into the town on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. Clashes continued throughout the day, and western observers cautioned that the militants may be attempting to regroup for a counter-assault.
The fall of Hajin comes after the fight against Isis had stalled for several months, weighed down by the increasingly fraught politics of the seven-year war in Syria and its numerous spinoffs. Friction between two of its main protagonists, Turkey and the US, over Washington’s use of Kurdish proxies to lead the fight had been central to the slowdown, which raised fears that Isis was using it to consolidate after many months of withering losses.
The US had been urging Kurdish leaders to send experienced members to lead its proxy force in Hajin against a diehard contingent of about 2,500 Isis veterans of battles in Iraq and Syria, which have stripped the group of cross-border lands it once controlled and forced it to revert to guerrilla warfare. The US presidential envoy in the fight against Isis, Brett McGurk, said this week that nearly every Isis member in Hajin is thought to have access to a suicide vest.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/14/kurdish-led-fighters-take-last-isis-town-in-syria-activists-say
Islamic State extremists have withdrawn from their last urban stronghold in Syria after weeks of intensifying clashes with Kurdish-led fighters that have splintered the remnants of the group’s leadership and raised fresh questions about the fate of its founder, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Isis forces retreated to villages to the east of Hajin in the early hours of Thursday after several days of US airstrikes, which allowed Kurdish proxy forces to sweep into the town on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. Clashes continued throughout the day, and western observers cautioned that the militants may be attempting to regroup for a counter-assault.
The fall of Hajin comes after the fight against Isis had stalled for several months, weighed down by the increasingly fraught politics of the seven-year war in Syria and its numerous spinoffs. Friction between two of its main protagonists, Turkey and the US, over Washington’s use of Kurdish proxies to lead the fight had been central to the slowdown, which raised fears that Isis was using it to consolidate after many months of withering losses.
The US had been urging Kurdish leaders to send experienced members to lead its proxy force in Hajin against a diehard contingent of about 2,500 Isis veterans of battles in Iraq and Syria, which have stripped the group of cross-border lands it once controlled and forced it to revert to guerrilla warfare. The US presidential envoy in the fight against Isis, Brett McGurk, said this week that nearly every Isis member in Hajin is thought to have access to a suicide vest.
Trump names new acting chief of staff
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46575404
US President Donald Trump has named Mick Mulvaney, the director of the office of management and budget, as acting White House chief of staff.
Mr Mulvaney, 51, replaces General John Kelly, who is leaving by the end of the year.
In a tweet, Mr Trump described Mr Kelly as a "great patriot", who had served the country with distinction.
But earlier this year, General Kelly was forced to deny he had called Mr Trump an "idiot".
This came after the quote was included in a book about Mr Trump by the veteran investigative journalist Bob Woodward.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46575404
US President Donald Trump has named Mick Mulvaney, the director of the office of management and budget, as acting White House chief of staff.
Mr Mulvaney, 51, replaces General John Kelly, who is leaving by the end of the year.
In a tweet, Mr Trump described Mr Kelly as a "great patriot", who had served the country with distinction.
But earlier this year, General Kelly was forced to deny he had called Mr Trump an "idiot".
This came after the quote was included in a book about Mr Trump by the veteran investigative journalist Bob Woodward.
Judge rules Obamacare unconstitutional
Source: Politico
A federal judge in Texas threw the health coverage of some 20 million Americans in limbo late Friday by ruling Obamacare must be scrapped because Congress struck the penalty for failing to obtain insurance coverage.
The invalidation of the landmark 2010 law is certain to send shock waves through the U.S. health system and Washington after a midterm election seen in part as a rebuke to Republican efforts to tear down Obamacare. But the decision is almost certain to be appealed and could ultimately become the third major Obamacare case to be taken up by the Supreme Court, which has twice voted to uphold the law.
Source: Politico
A federal judge in Texas threw the health coverage of some 20 million Americans in limbo late Friday by ruling Obamacare must be scrapped because Congress struck the penalty for failing to obtain insurance coverage.
The invalidation of the landmark 2010 law is certain to send shock waves through the U.S. health system and Washington after a midterm election seen in part as a rebuke to Republican efforts to tear down Obamacare. But the decision is almost certain to be appealed and could ultimately become the third major Obamacare case to be taken up by the Supreme Court, which has twice voted to uphold the law.
UK ministers think May's Brexit plan is dead, seek alternatives: The Times
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-times-idUSKBN1OD2R7?
LONDON (Reuters) - Most of British Prime Minister Theresa May’s senior ministers think her Brexit plan is dead and are discussing different options including a second referendum, The Times newspaper reported.
May, who said on Friday that she hoped to get further assurances about her plan from European Union leaders despite a fruitless trip to Brussels, was likely to be faced with opposing demands from ministers next week, the newspaper said.
One group of ministers, including Amber Rudd, the work and pensions minister, and finance minister Philip Hammond, was leaning reluctantly toward backing a second referendum if all other options are exhausted, it said.
Another group, including environment minister Michael Gove and interior minister Sajid Javid, was opposed to the idea of a second referendum, with Gove favoring a closer, Norway-style relationship with the EU after Brexit.
Other ministers including foreign minister Jeremy Hunt were willing to risk leaving the EU without a deal, the report said.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-times-idUSKBN1OD2R7?
LONDON (Reuters) - Most of British Prime Minister Theresa May’s senior ministers think her Brexit plan is dead and are discussing different options including a second referendum, The Times newspaper reported.
May, who said on Friday that she hoped to get further assurances about her plan from European Union leaders despite a fruitless trip to Brussels, was likely to be faced with opposing demands from ministers next week, the newspaper said.
One group of ministers, including Amber Rudd, the work and pensions minister, and finance minister Philip Hammond, was leaning reluctantly toward backing a second referendum if all other options are exhausted, it said.
Another group, including environment minister Michael Gove and interior minister Sajid Javid, was opposed to the idea of a second referendum, with Gove favoring a closer, Norway-style relationship with the EU after Brexit.
Other ministers including foreign minister Jeremy Hunt were willing to risk leaving the EU without a deal, the report said.
Sri Lanka PM Rajapaksa resigns amid government shut down fears
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-politics-rajapaksa/sri-lanka-pm-rajapaksa-resigns-amid-government-shut-down-fears-idUSKBN1OE068
COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka’s embattled Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned on Saturday, only a month and a half after taking office and giving the country’s president political space to prevent an imminent government shutdown.
The South Asian island has been in political limbo since President Maithripala Sirisena in late October replaced former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa, who was then twice sacked by parliament but had refused to resign.
But as a government shutdown loomed, Rajapaksa put in his papers and said in a statement on Saturday that a change of government that “the people expected” has now been put off.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-politics-rajapaksa/sri-lanka-pm-rajapaksa-resigns-amid-government-shut-down-fears-idUSKBN1OE068
COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka’s embattled Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned on Saturday, only a month and a half after taking office and giving the country’s president political space to prevent an imminent government shutdown.
The South Asian island has been in political limbo since President Maithripala Sirisena in late October replaced former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa, who was then twice sacked by parliament but had refused to resign.
But as a government shutdown loomed, Rajapaksa put in his papers and said in a statement on Saturday that a change of government that “the people expected” has now been put off.
Australia recognizes West Jerusalem as Israel's capital but embassy not moving yet
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-australia/australia-recognizes-west-jerusalem-as-israels-capital-but-embassy-not-moving-yet-idUSKBN1OE02I
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia formally recognizes West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reversing decades of Middle East policy, but will not move its embassy there immediately, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday.
“Australia now recognizes West Jerusalem, being the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government, is the capital of Israel,” Morrison said.
“We look forward to moving our embassy to West Jerusalem when practical,” he told reporters in Sydney.
Morrison also confirmed Australia’s support for a two-state solution with a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-australia/australia-recognizes-west-jerusalem-as-israels-capital-but-embassy-not-moving-yet-idUSKBN1OE02I
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia formally recognizes West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reversing decades of Middle East policy, but will not move its embassy there immediately, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday.
“Australia now recognizes West Jerusalem, being the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government, is the capital of Israel,” Morrison said.
“We look forward to moving our embassy to West Jerusalem when practical,” he told reporters in Sydney.
Morrison also confirmed Australia’s support for a two-state solution with a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem.
Thousands of 'yellow vests' hit French streets in fifth Saturday of protests
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-protests/thousands-of-yellow-vests-hit-french-streets-in-fifth-saturday-of-protests-idUSKBN1OE0BF
PARIS (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters took to the streets of French cities on Saturday in the fifth weekend of nationwide demonstrations against Emmanuel Macron’s government, despite calls to hold off after a gun attack in Strasbourg earlier this week.
In Paris, police were out in force to contain possible outbursts of violence. But several major stores, such as the Galeries Lafayette, were open to welcome Christmas shoppers.
Numbers were down compared to Saturday last week, a police source said.
Teargas was fired at small groups of protesters in brief clashes with riot police near the Champs-Elysees.
Close by, a handful of topless activists from the feminist protest group Femen faced security forces a few meters away from the Elysee Palace, the president’s residence.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-protests/thousands-of-yellow-vests-hit-french-streets-in-fifth-saturday-of-protests-idUSKBN1OE0BF
PARIS (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters took to the streets of French cities on Saturday in the fifth weekend of nationwide demonstrations against Emmanuel Macron’s government, despite calls to hold off after a gun attack in Strasbourg earlier this week.
In Paris, police were out in force to contain possible outbursts of violence. But several major stores, such as the Galeries Lafayette, were open to welcome Christmas shoppers.
Numbers were down compared to Saturday last week, a police source said.
Teargas was fired at small groups of protesters in brief clashes with riot police near the Champs-Elysees.
Close by, a handful of topless activists from the feminist protest group Femen faced security forces a few meters away from the Elysee Palace, the president’s residence.
POLITICO BREAKING – Interior Secretary Zinke to leave by year’s end
Source: POLITICO
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will leave by the end of this year amid investigations into whether he misused his office for personal gain.
President Donald Trump announced the departure on Twitter on Saturday.
The move came after reports that the Justice Department is considering an investigation into one of several serious ethics allegations being probed by Interior’s inspector general. Those include a Montana land deal first reported by POLITICO involving Zinke and the chairman of Halliburton, a major energy company with extensive business before Interior.
Source: POLITICO
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will leave by the end of this year amid investigations into whether he misused his office for personal gain.
President Donald Trump announced the departure on Twitter on Saturday.
The move came after reports that the Justice Department is considering an investigation into one of several serious ethics allegations being probed by Interior’s inspector general. Those include a Montana land deal first reported by POLITICO involving Zinke and the chairman of Halliburton, a major energy company with extensive business before Interior.
Mulvaney called Trump 'terrible human being' in 2016, video shows
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46583285
President Donald Trump's choice of new acting White House chief of staff once described him as "a terrible human being", it has emerged.
A video shows Mick Mulvaney making the disparaging remark in a debate shortly before the 2016 presidential election.
"Yes, I am supporting Donald Trump, but I'm doing so despite the fact that I think he's a terrible human being," Mr Mulvaney says.
He describes Mr Trump's then opponent, Hillary Clinton, as "just as bad".
Mr Mulvaney, 51, is a former Republican Congressman and the video, which was obtained by the Daily Beast, was taken during a debate with Democratic challenger Fran Person in York, South Carolina.
He is currently director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and takes up his new role in January.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46583285
President Donald Trump's choice of new acting White House chief of staff once described him as "a terrible human being", it has emerged.
A video shows Mick Mulvaney making the disparaging remark in a debate shortly before the 2016 presidential election.
"Yes, I am supporting Donald Trump, but I'm doing so despite the fact that I think he's a terrible human being," Mr Mulvaney says.
He describes Mr Trump's then opponent, Hillary Clinton, as "just as bad".
Mr Mulvaney, 51, is a former Republican Congressman and the video, which was obtained by the Daily Beast, was taken during a debate with Democratic challenger Fran Person in York, South Carolina.
He is currently director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and takes up his new role in January.
Katowice: COP24 Climate change deal to bring pact to life
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46582025
Negotiators in Poland have finally secured agreement on a range of measures that will make the Paris climate pact operational in 2020.
Last-minute rows over carbon markets threatened to derail the two-week summit - and delayed it by a day.
Delegates believe the new rules will ensure that countries keep their promises to cut carbon.
The Katowice agreement aims to deliver the Paris goals of limiting global temperature rises to well below 2C.
"Putting together the Paris agreement work programme is a big responsibility," said the chairman of the talks, known as COP24, Michal Kurtyka.
"It has been a long road. We did our best to leave no-one behind."
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46582025
Negotiators in Poland have finally secured agreement on a range of measures that will make the Paris climate pact operational in 2020.
Last-minute rows over carbon markets threatened to derail the two-week summit - and delayed it by a day.
Delegates believe the new rules will ensure that countries keep their promises to cut carbon.
The Katowice agreement aims to deliver the Paris goals of limiting global temperature rises to well below 2C.
"Putting together the Paris agreement work programme is a big responsibility," said the chairman of the talks, known as COP24, Michal Kurtyka.
"It has been a long road. We did our best to leave no-one behind."
Ranil Wickremesinghe: Sri Lanka reinstates ousted prime minister
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46583284
Sri Lanka's ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been sworn into office again, two months after being removed by the president.
Mr Wickremesinghe's supporters set off fire crackers as the ceremony took place behind closed doors.
His surprise sacking by President Maithripala Sirisena plunged Sri Lanka into a political crisis.
Mr Wickremesinghe was replaced by a former president and ally of Mr Sirisena, Mahinda Rajapaksa.
But Mr Rajapaksa was unable to command a parliamentary majority and resigned on Saturday.
Journalists were not allowed to attend Sunday's swearing-in ceremony in President Sirisena's office but a picture was tweeted by MP Harsha de Silva.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46583284
Sri Lanka's ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been sworn into office again, two months after being removed by the president.
Mr Wickremesinghe's supporters set off fire crackers as the ceremony took place behind closed doors.
His surprise sacking by President Maithripala Sirisena plunged Sri Lanka into a political crisis.
Mr Wickremesinghe was replaced by a former president and ally of Mr Sirisena, Mahinda Rajapaksa.
But Mr Rajapaksa was unable to command a parliamentary majority and resigned on Saturday.
Journalists were not allowed to attend Sunday's swearing-in ceremony in President Sirisena's office but a picture was tweeted by MP Harsha de Silva.
Labour will try to force parliament Brexit vote next week
https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-labour/labour-will-try-to-force-parliament-brexit-vote-next-week-idUSKBN1OF0AW
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain’s main opposition Labour Party will do all it can to force the government to bring a vote on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal to parliament next week, its election coordinator Andrew Gwynne said on Sunday.
Gwynne, who is Labour’s policy chief for communities and local government, told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show: “We will be using whatever mechanisms we have at our disposal next week to try and force the government to bring forward that deal for a vote before Christmas.”
https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-labour/labour-will-try-to-force-parliament-brexit-vote-next-week-idUSKBN1OF0AW
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain’s main opposition Labour Party will do all it can to force the government to bring a vote on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal to parliament next week, its election coordinator Andrew Gwynne said on Sunday.
Gwynne, who is Labour’s policy chief for communities and local government, told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show: “We will be using whatever mechanisms we have at our disposal next week to try and force the government to bring forward that deal for a vote before Christmas.”
Germany plans to lower threshold for probes of foreign takeovers: Handelsblatt
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-security-china/germany-plans-to-lower-threshold-for-probes-of-foreign-takeovers-handelsblatt-idUSKBN1OF08N
BERLIN (Reuters) - Berlin plans to cut to 10 percent the threshold at which it can launch national security probes of stake purchases by non-European companies in German firms, business newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Sunday.
The decision follows years of mounting concern at the risk posed to the German economy by cash-rich Chinese investors buying stakes in strategically important companies, gaining access to valuable know-how and inside knowledge.
Ministers agreed the trigger threshold for probes of stakes in companies in areas relevant to national security should be cut from the current 25 percent, Handelsblatt said.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-security-china/germany-plans-to-lower-threshold-for-probes-of-foreign-takeovers-handelsblatt-idUSKBN1OF08N
BERLIN (Reuters) - Berlin plans to cut to 10 percent the threshold at which it can launch national security probes of stake purchases by non-European companies in German firms, business newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Sunday.
The decision follows years of mounting concern at the risk posed to the German economy by cash-rich Chinese investors buying stakes in strategically important companies, gaining access to valuable know-how and inside knowledge.
Ministers agreed the trigger threshold for probes of stakes in companies in areas relevant to national security should be cut from the current 25 percent, Handelsblatt said.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-17/andrew-broad-resigns-new-idea-allegations-woman-website/10626592
Nationals MP Andrew Broad has resigned as assistant minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, after New Idea published allegations Mr Broad used a dating website to meet younger women while he was away on work trips.
The New Idea article quotes a woman called Amy, who says she is almost 20 years younger than the federal MP.
She claims she had dinner with him at a Hong Kong restaurant.
The Member for Mallee is married and told the magazine he believes the person making the allegation may have engaged in criminal activity.
Following the publication of the article, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Nationals Michael McCormack said given the nature of the allegations, it was appropriate Mr Broad resigned from the ministry.
"Mr Broad will continue as an effective and hardworking Member for Mallee, a role he has capably held since 2013," Mr McCormack said in a statement.
Mr Broad was approached directly for a response, but was yet to provide one.
"I have been advised that the person making the allegation may have engaged in criminal activity," he said in a statement to New Idea.
"This matter has been reported to the Australian Federal Police and I will not be making any further comment."
Nationals MP Andrew Broad has resigned as assistant minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, after New Idea published allegations Mr Broad used a dating website to meet younger women while he was away on work trips.
The New Idea article quotes a woman called Amy, who says she is almost 20 years younger than the federal MP.
She claims she had dinner with him at a Hong Kong restaurant.
The Member for Mallee is married and told the magazine he believes the person making the allegation may have engaged in criminal activity.
Following the publication of the article, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Nationals Michael McCormack said given the nature of the allegations, it was appropriate Mr Broad resigned from the ministry.
"Mr Broad will continue as an effective and hardworking Member for Mallee, a role he has capably held since 2013," Mr McCormack said in a statement.
Mr Broad was approached directly for a response, but was yet to provide one.
"I have been advised that the person making the allegation may have engaged in criminal activity," he said in a statement to New Idea.
"This matter has been reported to the Australian Federal Police and I will not be making any further comment."
又喺香港出事
上次Jamie Briggs 個位都輸埋
上次Jamie Briggs 個位都輸埋
Italy coalition agrees on new budget, expects EU approval
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-budget-league/italy-coalition-agrees-on-new-budget-expects-eu-approval-idUSKBN1OF0WL
ROME (Reuters) - Italy’s coalition government has agreed on the “numbers and contents” of the budget it will propose to Brussels in an effort to avoid disciplinary action over its plans to hike deficit spending next year, a League party spokeswoman said on Monday.
The European Commission rejected the Italian budget in October, saying it would not lower the country’s huge debt and declaring it in clear breach of EU fiscal rules. Rome submitted a revised plan last week with a lower deficit.
But a final deal with Brussels has yet to be reached, and the government sat down on Sunday evening to a marathon meeting to hammer out the details of a possible compromise.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-budget-league/italy-coalition-agrees-on-new-budget-expects-eu-approval-idUSKBN1OF0WL
ROME (Reuters) - Italy’s coalition government has agreed on the “numbers and contents” of the budget it will propose to Brussels in an effort to avoid disciplinary action over its plans to hike deficit spending next year, a League party spokeswoman said on Monday.
The European Commission rejected the Italian budget in October, saying it would not lower the country’s huge debt and declaring it in clear breach of EU fiscal rules. Rome submitted a revised plan last week with a lower deficit.
But a final deal with Brussels has yet to be reached, and the government sat down on Sunday evening to a marathon meeting to hammer out the details of a possible compromise.
Belgian police fire tear gas at 'yellow vest' protesters
https://www.rte.ie/news/europe/2018/1130/1014343-belgium-protest/
Belgian police have used a water cannon and tear gas in central Brussels to drive back protesters inspired by France's "yellow vest" anti-tax movement who threw rocks at the prime minister's office.
Police made dozens of arrests and protesters destroyed at least two police vans as what started as a peaceful but unauthorised demonstration, lacking clear leadership and largely promoted on social media, descended into violence when people, many masked or hooded, tried to breach police lines.
For three hours, crowds complaining about fuel prices and a squeeze on living standards had disrupted traffic and walked the streets.
Police said they had arrested about 60 people before the violence, mostly for blocking roads or carrying large fireworks.
Several hundred people wearing the fluorescent safety vests drivers must carry in their vehicles eventually converged on the office of Prime Minister Charles Michel.
https://www.rte.ie/news/europe/2018/1130/1014343-belgium-protest/
Belgian police have used a water cannon and tear gas in central Brussels to drive back protesters inspired by France's "yellow vest" anti-tax movement who threw rocks at the prime minister's office.
Police made dozens of arrests and protesters destroyed at least two police vans as what started as a peaceful but unauthorised demonstration, lacking clear leadership and largely promoted on social media, descended into violence when people, many masked or hooded, tried to breach police lines.
For three hours, crowds complaining about fuel prices and a squeeze on living standards had disrupted traffic and walked the streets.
Police said they had arrested about 60 people before the violence, mostly for blocking roads or carrying large fireworks.
Several hundred people wearing the fluorescent safety vests drivers must carry in their vehicles eventually converged on the office of Prime Minister Charles Michel.
1MDB: Malaysia charges Goldman Sachs and two bankers
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-46590176
Malaysia has filed criminal charges against Goldman Sachs and two former employees in connection with a corruption and money laundering probe at the country's investment fund, 1MDB.
The US bank has been under scrutiny for its role in helping to raise funds for the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
It is being investigated in at least six countries.
Goldman Sachs called the charges "misdirected" and said it would "vigorously defend them".
"The firm continues to co-operate with all authorities investigating these matters," the bank added.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-46590176
Malaysia has filed criminal charges against Goldman Sachs and two former employees in connection with a corruption and money laundering probe at the country's investment fund, 1MDB.
The US bank has been under scrutiny for its role in helping to raise funds for the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
It is being investigated in at least six countries.
Goldman Sachs called the charges "misdirected" and said it would "vigorously defend them".
"The firm continues to co-operate with all authorities investigating these matters," the bank added.
Hungary MPs attack Orbán's 'slave law' during state TV protest
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/17/hungary-opposition-mps-attack-viktor-orban-slave-law-during-state-tv-protest
Viktor Orbán’s rightwing government in Hungary has faced a rare and sustained bout of protest in the capital, Budapest, culminating in a group of opposition MPs spending Sunday night at the state television headquarters, calling to be let on air with a series of demands of the government.
In the early hours of Monday, the MP Ákos Hadházy was forcibly removed from the premises by a group of security guards, but other MPs and MEPs inside the building refused to leave, having spent the night in a makeup room.
They were joined by more MPs on Monday morning, who jumped a fence to get into the building after being turned away at the main entrance. István Ujhelyi, an MEP for the opposition socialist party, tweeted: “Will not back down until we can read the demands of protesters. Some pushing around with security.”
On Sunday, up to 15,000 people marched through Budapest, ignoring sub-zero temperatures to register their discontent with the government in the fourth such gathering since protests began on Wednesday. Police have used pepper spray against demonstrators in a number of tense standoffs.
A new protest has been called for Monday evening outside the television headquarters. “It’s clear that we will need to wait here until then,” said MP Bence Tordai by telephone from inside the building. He said he had got in by climbing over a fence on Monday morning and that the next step would be for representatives of different opposition parties to meet and agree on a new strategy of resistance to Orbán’s government.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/17/hungary-opposition-mps-attack-viktor-orban-slave-law-during-state-tv-protest
Viktor Orbán’s rightwing government in Hungary has faced a rare and sustained bout of protest in the capital, Budapest, culminating in a group of opposition MPs spending Sunday night at the state television headquarters, calling to be let on air with a series of demands of the government.
In the early hours of Monday, the MP Ákos Hadházy was forcibly removed from the premises by a group of security guards, but other MPs and MEPs inside the building refused to leave, having spent the night in a makeup room.
They were joined by more MPs on Monday morning, who jumped a fence to get into the building after being turned away at the main entrance. István Ujhelyi, an MEP for the opposition socialist party, tweeted: “Will not back down until we can read the demands of protesters. Some pushing around with security.”
On Sunday, up to 15,000 people marched through Budapest, ignoring sub-zero temperatures to register their discontent with the government in the fourth such gathering since protests began on Wednesday. Police have used pepper spray against demonstrators in a number of tense standoffs.
A new protest has been called for Monday evening outside the television headquarters. “It’s clear that we will need to wait here until then,” said MP Bence Tordai by telephone from inside the building. He said he had got in by climbing over a fence on Monday morning and that the next step would be for representatives of different opposition parties to meet and agree on a new strategy of resistance to Orbán’s government.
Stephen Miller says Trump prepared to shut down government over border wall
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/dec/16/trump-stephen-miller-government-shut-down-border-wall
A top aide to Donald Trump insisted on Sunday that the administration is prepared to shut down the government in order to get the funding it demands to build a long-promised wall on the US-Mexico border.
Democrats, in response, flatly refused to shift position in order to help avoid such a government freeze.
Stephen Miller, senior adviser to the White House and a key, controversial aide to the president seen as instrumental in forging a hardline immigration policy, said on Sunday: “We’re going to do whatever is necessary to build the border wall.”
The Trump administration is attempting to obtain necessary support from Democrats in Congress for substantial federal funding to build the wall and must pass the measure as part of a wider budget by the end of Friday, or trigger a temporary shutdown of vital government business.
Asked on CBS if “whatever is necessary” included a government shutdown, Miller said it did.
“If it comes to it, absolutely,” he said.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/dec/16/trump-stephen-miller-government-shut-down-border-wall
A top aide to Donald Trump insisted on Sunday that the administration is prepared to shut down the government in order to get the funding it demands to build a long-promised wall on the US-Mexico border.
Democrats, in response, flatly refused to shift position in order to help avoid such a government freeze.
Stephen Miller, senior adviser to the White House and a key, controversial aide to the president seen as instrumental in forging a hardline immigration policy, said on Sunday: “We’re going to do whatever is necessary to build the border wall.”
The Trump administration is attempting to obtain necessary support from Democrats in Congress for substantial federal funding to build the wall and must pass the measure as part of a wider budget by the end of Friday, or trigger a temporary shutdown of vital government business.
Asked on CBS if “whatever is necessary” included a government shutdown, Miller said it did.
“If it comes to it, absolutely,” he said.
早前係Special Counsel Office對Flynn控方陳詞出爐嗰時, 補充陳詞提到Flynn協助三單調查:
1. █████刑事調查;
2. 特別檢察官進行嘅Trump Campaign&Russia通俄案;
3. ████████████████████
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5425878-Gov-Uscourts-Dcd-191592-46-1-2.html
其中兩單幾乎乜資料都無, 但由於East District of Virginia(EDVA)入紙起訴Flynn前生意拍擋, 以及一名土耳其商人
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/michael-flynns-business-partner-charged-with-illegally-lobbying-for-turkey/2018/12/17/46fb3762-020a-11e9-9122-82e98f91ee6f_story.html
A former business partner of Michael Flynn has been charged with acting as an agent of a foreign government and conspiracy for his efforts to get Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen extradited from the United States.
Flynn協助嘅其中一單調查應該就係呢單, 我估係第一單刑事調查
呢單係涉嫌非法為土耳其政府遊說, 具體而言, 係想搵方法引渡係Erdogan前盟友Gulen. 背景係 Erdogan指控佢策劃2016政變, 而美國司法部指唔夠證據引渡, 於是土耳其想透過呢班人諗計, "discredit"同"delegitimize"呢名土耳其公民兼美國永久居民, 繼而引渡
之前SCO陳詞書有提到, Flynn係申報唔完整情況下, 幫土耳其政府遊說, 目標都係將Gulen係美國移去土耳其:
The defendant’s false statements impeded the ability of the public to learn about the Republic of Turkey’s efforts to influence public opinion about the failed coup, including its efforts to effectuate the removal of a person legally residing in the United States.
是次EDVA無起訴Flynn, 只係佢以Person A身分上場做背景, 不愧係全面合作嘅證人
與此同時
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-us-gulen/turkey-says-trump-working-on-extraditing-wanted-cleric-gulen-idUSKBN1OF0BM
據路透日前報道, 土耳其外長話係G20, Trump同Erdogan講"they were working on extraditing (Fethullah) Gulen and other people"
最後一單Flynn協助嘅調查, 連咩性質都唔透露, 睇黎仲有排先開到估
1. █████刑事調查;
2. 特別檢察官進行嘅Trump Campaign&Russia通俄案;
3. ████████████████████
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5425878-Gov-Uscourts-Dcd-191592-46-1-2.html
其中兩單幾乎乜資料都無, 但由於East District of Virginia(EDVA)入紙起訴Flynn前生意拍擋, 以及一名土耳其商人
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/michael-flynns-business-partner-charged-with-illegally-lobbying-for-turkey/2018/12/17/46fb3762-020a-11e9-9122-82e98f91ee6f_story.html
A former business partner of Michael Flynn has been charged with acting as an agent of a foreign government and conspiracy for his efforts to get Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen extradited from the United States.
Flynn協助嘅其中一單調查應該就係呢單, 我估係第一單刑事調查
呢單係涉嫌非法為土耳其政府遊說, 具體而言, 係想搵方法引渡係Erdogan前盟友Gulen. 背景係 Erdogan指控佢策劃2016政變, 而美國司法部指唔夠證據引渡, 於是土耳其想透過呢班人諗計, "discredit"同"delegitimize"呢名土耳其公民兼美國永久居民, 繼而引渡
之前SCO陳詞書有提到, Flynn係申報唔完整情況下, 幫土耳其政府遊說, 目標都係將Gulen係美國移去土耳其:
The defendant’s false statements impeded the ability of the public to learn about the Republic of Turkey’s efforts to influence public opinion about the failed coup, including its efforts to effectuate the removal of a person legally residing in the United States.
是次EDVA無起訴Flynn, 只係佢以Person A身分上場做背景, 不愧係全面合作嘅證人
與此同時
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-us-gulen/turkey-says-trump-working-on-extraditing-wanted-cleric-gulen-idUSKBN1OF0BM
據路透日前報道, 土耳其外長話係G20, Trump同Erdogan講"they were working on extraditing (Fethullah) Gulen and other people"
最後一單Flynn協助嘅調查, 連咩性質都唔透露, 睇黎仲有排先開到估
Candidates to succeed Kabila after Congo's presidential election
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-election-candidates/candidates-to-succeed-kabila-after-congos-presidential-election-idUSKBN1OH017
KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo will hold a presidential election on Sunday that could lead to the country’s first democratic transfer of power, following decades marked by authoritarian rule, coups and deadly conflict.
The outcome of the long-delayed vote to choose President Joseph Kabila’s successor is far from certain, after a campaign marred by violent crackdowns on opposition rallies and the destruction of thousands of the capital’s voting machines in a fire last week.
Kabila’s preferred successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, is facing a credible challenge from two opposition leaders: Felix Tshisekedi, president of Congo’s largest opposition party, and Martin Fayulu, a former Exxon Mobil manager and businessman.
One poll conducted by New York University’s Congo Research Group (CRG) in October showed opposition leaders were favored by about 70 percent of voters. Tshisekedi came first with 36 percent support, ahead of his now coalition ally Vital Kamerhe (17 percent) and Shadary (16 percent). Fayulu ranked fourth with eight percent support.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-election-candidates/candidates-to-succeed-kabila-after-congos-presidential-election-idUSKBN1OH017
KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo will hold a presidential election on Sunday that could lead to the country’s first democratic transfer of power, following decades marked by authoritarian rule, coups and deadly conflict.
The outcome of the long-delayed vote to choose President Joseph Kabila’s successor is far from certain, after a campaign marred by violent crackdowns on opposition rallies and the destruction of thousands of the capital’s voting machines in a fire last week.
Kabila’s preferred successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, is facing a credible challenge from two opposition leaders: Felix Tshisekedi, president of Congo’s largest opposition party, and Martin Fayulu, a former Exxon Mobil manager and businessman.
One poll conducted by New York University’s Congo Research Group (CRG) in October showed opposition leaders were favored by about 70 percent of voters. Tshisekedi came first with 36 percent support, ahead of his now coalition ally Vital Kamerhe (17 percent) and Shadary (16 percent). Fayulu ranked fourth with eight percent support.
Brexit: Jeremy Corbyn tables Theresa May no-confidence motion
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46599895
Jeremy Corbyn has tabled a motion of no confidence in Theresa May, after she said MPs would not vote on her Brexit deal until the week of 14 January.
The PM had delayed the vote from last week, admitting she was set to lose.
Labour leader Mr Corbyn said on Monday it was unacceptable for MPs to wait a month to vote, adding the PM had led the UK into a "national crisis".
But No 10 sources told the BBC the government would not make time for the no-confidence vote.
Ministers would not "go along with silly political games", they added.
Mr Corbyn tabled the motion calling on MPs to declare they have "no confidence in the prime minister due to her failure to allow the House of Commons to have a meaningful vote straightaway" on the Brexit deal.
The motion focuses on Mrs May personally, rather than the government.
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the motion could have been embarrassing for Mrs May, but as things stood, ministers would not allow time for it to be debated.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46599895
Jeremy Corbyn has tabled a motion of no confidence in Theresa May, after she said MPs would not vote on her Brexit deal until the week of 14 January.
The PM had delayed the vote from last week, admitting she was set to lose.
Labour leader Mr Corbyn said on Monday it was unacceptable for MPs to wait a month to vote, adding the PM had led the UK into a "national crisis".
But No 10 sources told the BBC the government would not make time for the no-confidence vote.
Ministers would not "go along with silly political games", they added.
Mr Corbyn tabled the motion calling on MPs to declare they have "no confidence in the prime minister due to her failure to allow the House of Commons to have a meaningful vote straightaway" on the Brexit deal.
The motion focuses on Mrs May personally, rather than the government.
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the motion could have been embarrassing for Mrs May, but as things stood, ministers would not allow time for it to be debated.
Poland reinstates Supreme Court judges following EU ruling
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46600425
Poland's government has reinstated a number of Supreme Court judges whom it had forced into early retirement.
President Andrzej Duda formalised the move on Monday meaning that a third of top judges will now be reinstated.
The government controversially lowered the retirement age for judges earlier this year, forcing many to quit, in what critics said was a political move by the ruling Law and Justice Party.
The European Court of Justice's ruling in October was requested by the European Commission - the EU's executive arm - which argued that the reforms undermined the rule of law because they gave the governing party political control of the judiciary.
On Monday, this decision was upheld and President Duda had until midnight to decide whether to comply.
But the government had already agreed to scrap the law saying it respected the court's decision.
"We are members of the European Union and we will abide by European Union law," the head of the PiS, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, said last month.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46600425
Poland's government has reinstated a number of Supreme Court judges whom it had forced into early retirement.
President Andrzej Duda formalised the move on Monday meaning that a third of top judges will now be reinstated.
The government controversially lowered the retirement age for judges earlier this year, forcing many to quit, in what critics said was a political move by the ruling Law and Justice Party.
The European Court of Justice's ruling in October was requested by the European Commission - the EU's executive arm - which argued that the reforms undermined the rule of law because they gave the governing party political control of the judiciary.
On Monday, this decision was upheld and President Duda had until midnight to decide whether to comply.
But the government had already agreed to scrap the law saying it respected the court's decision.
"We are members of the European Union and we will abide by European Union law," the head of the PiS, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, said last month.