國際時事政治選舉新聞張貼及討論區（六）
Filibuster_HK
1001 回覆
39 Like
2 Dislike
第 1 頁第 2 頁第 3 頁第 4 頁第 5 頁第 6 頁第 7 頁第 8 頁第 9 頁第 10 頁第 11 頁第 12 頁第 13 頁第 14 頁第 15 頁第 16 頁第 17 頁第 18 頁第 19 頁第 20 頁第 21 頁第 22 頁第 23 頁第 24 頁第 25 頁第 26 頁第 27 頁第 28 頁第 29 頁第 30 頁第 31 頁第 32 頁第 33 頁第 34 頁第 35 頁第 36 頁第 37 頁第 38 頁第 39 頁第 40 頁第 41 頁
陶傑不願面對系列
全城中伏！個個比印巴大戰轉移視線無人理特金會
不過除咗trump 喺咁幫金仔刷鞋之外其實有咩協議值得討論？
不過除咗trump 喺咁幫金仔刷鞋之外其實有咩協議值得討論？
No-deal Brexit panic after ministers realize the UK doesn't have the right pallets for exporting to the EU
https://www.businessinsider.com/brexit-michael-gove-ministers-to-hold-emergency-meeting-over-no-deal-chaos-2019-2
The UK government is due to hold emergency talks with industry leaders on Tuesday after discovering that the country doesn't have the right pallets to continue exporting goods to the European Union if it leaves without a deal next month.
Under strict EU rules, pallets — wooden structures that companies use to transport large volumes of goods — arriving from non-member states are required to meet a series of checks and standards.
(...)
Most pallets that British exporters are using do not conform to these rules for non-EU countries, or "third countries," as EU member states follow a much more relaxed set of regulations.
點解會過左成2年先發現呢個問題......
https://www.businessinsider.com/brexit-michael-gove-ministers-to-hold-emergency-meeting-over-no-deal-chaos-2019-2
The UK government is due to hold emergency talks with industry leaders on Tuesday after discovering that the country doesn't have the right pallets to continue exporting goods to the European Union if it leaves without a deal next month.
Under strict EU rules, pallets — wooden structures that companies use to transport large volumes of goods — arriving from non-member states are required to meet a series of checks and standards.
(...)
Most pallets that British exporters are using do not conform to these rules for non-EU countries, or "third countries," as EU member states follow a much more relaxed set of regulations.
點解會過左成2年先發現呢個問題......
Michael Cohen alleges Trump created web of lies
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/27/michael-cohen-trump-testimony-1191530
President Donald Trump’s former attorney and fixer on Wednesday laid out a series of damning accusations against the president, presenting evidence of alleged lies and criminal conduct and expressing remorse over his decade of service to a man he described as unstable and racist.
Michael Cohen testified to the House Oversight Committee that Trump directed him to lie about the president’s knowledge of hush-money payments, that Trump was informed about plans to dump Democratic emails during the 2016 presidential campaign, and was kept in the loop about a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer offering dirt on Hillary Clinton.
The explosive comments from the president's former personal lawyer and fixer at a sharply partisan House hearing contradict Trump’s previous claims and expose Trump and some of his closest advisers to new legal and political trouble, including potentially impeachment, as Democrats used the hearing to draw out evidence of wrongdoing by the president.
Cohen sought redemption by revealing what he says is the true character of the commander-in-chief, and apologizing to lawmakers for lying to them in previous testimony. In stunning daylong testimony, Cohen became the highest-profile witness to testify against a sitting president since John Dean took the stand against Richard Nixon.
“I am ashamed because I know what Mr. Trump is,” Cohen said Wednesday in his opening statement to the House Oversight Committee. “He is a racist, he is a conman, and he is a cheat.”
Perhaps most importantly for the president’s critics, Cohen turned over a tranche of documents to Congress that showed Trump’s personal net worth, Trump’s reimbursements for a hush-money payment, and other pieces of evidence that could endanger the president.
Michael Cohen hearing: Live video, testimony analysis & reaction
https://www.politico.com/interactives/2019/02/27/michael-cohen-hearing-live-video-testimony-analysis-and-reaction/
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/27/michael-cohen-trump-testimony-1191530
President Donald Trump’s former attorney and fixer on Wednesday laid out a series of damning accusations against the president, presenting evidence of alleged lies and criminal conduct and expressing remorse over his decade of service to a man he described as unstable and racist.
Michael Cohen testified to the House Oversight Committee that Trump directed him to lie about the president’s knowledge of hush-money payments, that Trump was informed about plans to dump Democratic emails during the 2016 presidential campaign, and was kept in the loop about a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer offering dirt on Hillary Clinton.
The explosive comments from the president's former personal lawyer and fixer at a sharply partisan House hearing contradict Trump’s previous claims and expose Trump and some of his closest advisers to new legal and political trouble, including potentially impeachment, as Democrats used the hearing to draw out evidence of wrongdoing by the president.
Cohen sought redemption by revealing what he says is the true character of the commander-in-chief, and apologizing to lawmakers for lying to them in previous testimony. In stunning daylong testimony, Cohen became the highest-profile witness to testify against a sitting president since John Dean took the stand against Richard Nixon.
“I am ashamed because I know what Mr. Trump is,” Cohen said Wednesday in his opening statement to the House Oversight Committee. “He is a racist, he is a conman, and he is a cheat.”
Perhaps most importantly for the president’s critics, Cohen turned over a tranche of documents to Congress that showed Trump’s personal net worth, Trump’s reimbursements for a hush-money payment, and other pieces of evidence that could endanger the president.
Michael Cohen hearing: Live video, testimony analysis & reaction
https://www.politico.com/interactives/2019/02/27/michael-cohen-hearing-live-video-testimony-analysis-and-reaction/
tillerson 一早勸過trump 金仔信唔過
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/wilson-raybould-testifies-justice-committee-1.5035219
Jody Wilson-Raybould says she faced intense political pressure and veiled threats related to the SNC-Lavalin affair, and was warned directly by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the negative consequences if the company faced prosecution.
It was a day of high political drama, as the former justice minister and attorney general accused top Liberal government officials of inappropriate, excessive political interference in an independent criminal prosecution, and the opposition parties called for Trudeau's resignation and a public inquiry into the scandal.
Testifying at the Commons justice committee Wednesday, Wilson-Raybould said she was contacted by 11 officials in the Prime Minister's Office, the Privy Council Office and Finance Minister Bill Morneau's office while she was justice minister and attorney general about the Quebec-based engineering and construction company. SNC-Lavalin was facing corruption charges for contracts in Libya and was lobbying for a remediation agreement as an alternative to criminal prosecution.
"For a period of four months from September to December 2018, I experienced a consistent and sustained effort by many people within the government to seek to politically interfere in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in my role as the attorney general of Canada in an inappropriate effort to secure a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with SNC-Lavalin."
Wilson-Raybould said she was "hounded" by various officials through phone calls, meetings and text messages.
Jody Wilson-Raybould says she faced intense political pressure and veiled threats related to the SNC-Lavalin affair, and was warned directly by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the negative consequences if the company faced prosecution.
It was a day of high political drama, as the former justice minister and attorney general accused top Liberal government officials of inappropriate, excessive political interference in an independent criminal prosecution, and the opposition parties called for Trudeau's resignation and a public inquiry into the scandal.
Testifying at the Commons justice committee Wednesday, Wilson-Raybould said she was contacted by 11 officials in the Prime Minister's Office, the Privy Council Office and Finance Minister Bill Morneau's office while she was justice minister and attorney general about the Quebec-based engineering and construction company. SNC-Lavalin was facing corruption charges for contracts in Libya and was lobbying for a remediation agreement as an alternative to criminal prosecution.
"For a period of four months from September to December 2018, I experienced a consistent and sustained effort by many people within the government to seek to politically interfere in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in my role as the attorney general of Canada in an inappropriate effort to secure a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with SNC-Lavalin."
Wilson-Raybould said she was "hounded" by various officials through phone calls, meetings and text messages.
Abhinandan: Pakistan 'to free Indian pilot on Friday'
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47399126
Pakistan will release a captured Indian pilot as a "peace gesture" on Friday, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said.
Mr Khan revealed the decision in parliament after a speech in which he said Pakistan was focused on de-escalation.
Pakistan shot down the pilot's jet on Wednesday, as tensions rose with India over the disputed region of Kashmir.
The capture of Abhinandan Varthaman was a major setback for India. Both sides are under pressure to calm tensions.
India struck targets in Pakistan on Tuesday after a deadly militant attack on its security forces earlier this month that it blamed on its neighbour.
Pakistan said it had no choice but to retaliate with air strikes on Wednesday, which led to a dogfight and the Indian fighter jet being shot down in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47399126
Pakistan will release a captured Indian pilot as a "peace gesture" on Friday, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said.
Mr Khan revealed the decision in parliament after a speech in which he said Pakistan was focused on de-escalation.
Pakistan shot down the pilot's jet on Wednesday, as tensions rose with India over the disputed region of Kashmir.
The capture of Abhinandan Varthaman was a major setback for India. Both sides are under pressure to calm tensions.
India struck targets in Pakistan on Tuesday after a deadly militant attack on its security forces earlier this month that it blamed on its neighbour.
Pakistan said it had no choice but to retaliate with air strikes on Wednesday, which led to a dogfight and the Indian fighter jet being shot down in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Trump-Kim summit breaks down after North Korea demands end to sanctions
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47398974
A summit between Donald Trump and the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ended with no agreement after the US refused North Korean demands for sanctions relief, the US president has said.
"It was all about the sanctions," Mr Trump told reporters. "They wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety and we couldn't do that."
The pair had been expected to announce progress on denuclearisation.
"Sometimes you have to walk and this was one of those times," Mr Trump said.
Speaking at a news conference after the summit, in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, Mr Trump said no plans had been made for a third summit.
The original White House programme for the day had planned for a "joint agreement signing ceremony" as well as a working lunch for the two leaders, but expectations were abruptly dashed with the cancellation of both.
According to Mr Trump, Mr Kim made a significant offer - to dismantle all of the Yongbyon complex, the research and production facility at the heart of North Korea's nuclear programme. But in return Mr Kim wanted all sanctions on North Korea lifted, something the US was not prepared to offer.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47398974
A summit between Donald Trump and the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ended with no agreement after the US refused North Korean demands for sanctions relief, the US president has said.
"It was all about the sanctions," Mr Trump told reporters. "They wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety and we couldn't do that."
The pair had been expected to announce progress on denuclearisation.
"Sometimes you have to walk and this was one of those times," Mr Trump said.
Speaking at a news conference after the summit, in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, Mr Trump said no plans had been made for a third summit.
The original White House programme for the day had planned for a "joint agreement signing ceremony" as well as a working lunch for the two leaders, but expectations were abruptly dashed with the cancellation of both.
According to Mr Trump, Mr Kim made a significant offer - to dismantle all of the Yongbyon complex, the research and production facility at the heart of North Korea's nuclear programme. But in return Mr Kim wanted all sanctions on North Korea lifted, something the US was not prepared to offer.
Trump: U.S. 'walked away' from North Korea demands for sanctions relief
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/02/28/Trump-US-walked-away-from-North-Korea-demands-for-sanctions-relief/8181551342831/
Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The second U.S.-North Korea summit ended abruptly on Thursday afternoon after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on sanctions and nuclear dismantlement, according to President Donald Trump.
Trump, who appeared exhausted after hours of meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that began Wednesday evening, said the United States walked away from signing its next joint agreement over Pyongyang's demands on sanctions relief.
"They wanted sanctions lifted in their entirety," Trump said. "We couldn't do that."
The breakdown in bilateral negotiations came as a surprise. A few hours earlier, Trump and Kim had struck a positive tone of mutual optimism. The North Korean leader even took a question from the White House press pool, an unprecedented move that came as Trump assured there would be "no rush" to denuclearize North Korea.
Trump did not change his assessment of Kim, whom he has called his "friend."
"We'll end up good friends," Trump said, adding North Korea has "tremendous potential" and some of the "most beautiful shorelines in the world."
The president also said the North Koreans were "willing to give us areas" for weapons disclosure, but "not the ones we wanted."
Trump confirmed the two sides "absolutely" discussed the Yongbyon nuclear facility, a production base for plutonium.
"But [Kim] wanted the sanctions off first," Trump said, adding the North Koreans were "surprised we know...about [a] second uranium enrichment plant."
Even the dismantlement of Yongbyon "still leaves warheads and weapons systems," Trump said.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who took to the podium at intervals, said the two sides "made real progress."
"Unfortunately we did not get all the way," he said.
During his press conference following the breakdown of talks, Trump also said his former attorney Michael Cohen's testimony before the House Oversight Committee in Washington was a "fake hearing."
Cohen told the committee his ex-boss is a "racist," a "con man" and a "cheat."
"Having a fake hearing like that, having it in the middle of this important summit was a terrible thing. They could have made it two days later," Trump said.
Trump said Kim promised no nuclear or missile testing despite the lack of agreement.
"We just like each other," he said.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/02/28/Trump-US-walked-away-from-North-Korea-demands-for-sanctions-relief/8181551342831/
Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The second U.S.-North Korea summit ended abruptly on Thursday afternoon after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on sanctions and nuclear dismantlement, according to President Donald Trump.
Trump, who appeared exhausted after hours of meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that began Wednesday evening, said the United States walked away from signing its next joint agreement over Pyongyang's demands on sanctions relief.
"They wanted sanctions lifted in their entirety," Trump said. "We couldn't do that."
The breakdown in bilateral negotiations came as a surprise. A few hours earlier, Trump and Kim had struck a positive tone of mutual optimism. The North Korean leader even took a question from the White House press pool, an unprecedented move that came as Trump assured there would be "no rush" to denuclearize North Korea.
Trump did not change his assessment of Kim, whom he has called his "friend."
"We'll end up good friends," Trump said, adding North Korea has "tremendous potential" and some of the "most beautiful shorelines in the world."
The president also said the North Koreans were "willing to give us areas" for weapons disclosure, but "not the ones we wanted."
Trump confirmed the two sides "absolutely" discussed the Yongbyon nuclear facility, a production base for plutonium.
"But [Kim] wanted the sanctions off first," Trump said, adding the North Koreans were "surprised we know...about [a] second uranium enrichment plant."
Even the dismantlement of Yongbyon "still leaves warheads and weapons systems," Trump said.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who took to the podium at intervals, said the two sides "made real progress."
"Unfortunately we did not get all the way," he said.
During his press conference following the breakdown of talks, Trump also said his former attorney Michael Cohen's testimony before the House Oversight Committee in Washington was a "fake hearing."
Cohen told the committee his ex-boss is a "racist," a "con man" and a "cheat."
"Having a fake hearing like that, having it in the middle of this important summit was a terrible thing. They could have made it two days later," Trump said.
Trump said Kim promised no nuclear or missile testing despite the lack of agreement.
"We just like each other," he said.
話說有無人留意implant files單嘢
其實都幾耐，不過一直有update
Implant Files: An Introduction
https://www.icij.org/investigations/implant-files/
Patients around the world have become unwitting test subjects for new medical technology. Often following the trusted advice of their doctors, they have been injured, maimed and killed by poorly-tested implants.
Everything You Need to Know About the Implant Files
https://www.icij.org/investigations/implant-files/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-implant-files/
其實都幾耐，不過一直有update
Implant Files: An Introduction
https://www.icij.org/investigations/implant-files/
Patients around the world have become unwitting test subjects for new medical technology. Often following the trusted advice of their doctors, they have been injured, maimed and killed by poorly-tested implants.
Everything You Need to Know About the Implant Files
https://www.icij.org/investigations/implant-files/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-implant-files/
btw溫故知新
睇下Trump身邊啲advisor點樣用離岸避稅天堂做生意
Explore The Influencers: Donald Trump’s allies in the Paradise Papers
https://www.icij.org/investigations/paradise-papers/us-president-donald-trumps-influencers/
U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to fight the power of global elites and told voters he would put "America First." But surrounding Trump are a number of close associates who have used offshore tax havens to conduct business. Scroll through their offshore stories
This visualization, produced with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, is part of the Paradise Papers investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Süddeutsche Zeitung and more than 90 media partners.
About
The Paradise Papers is a global investigation based on 13.4 million leaked files from leading offshore law firm Appleby, trust company Asiaciti, and from company registries in 19 secrecy jurisdictions. The files reveal the offshore activities of some of the world’s most powerful people and companies.
There is nothing illegal about doing business offshore, but the offshore industry’s role in allowing tax avoidance and financial secrecy has generated significant public interest. Each of the Influencers featured in this interactive have appeared in the leaked files, either personally or through a company he headed. Information included in this interactive comes from inside the Paradise Papers files, as well as from reporting and research by ICIJ's journalists and partners.
睇下Trump身邊啲advisor點樣用離岸避稅天堂做生意
Explore The Influencers: Donald Trump’s allies in the Paradise Papers
https://www.icij.org/investigations/paradise-papers/us-president-donald-trumps-influencers/
U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to fight the power of global elites and told voters he would put "America First." But surrounding Trump are a number of close associates who have used offshore tax havens to conduct business. Scroll through their offshore stories
This visualization, produced with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, is part of the Paradise Papers investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Süddeutsche Zeitung and more than 90 media partners.
About
The Paradise Papers is a global investigation based on 13.4 million leaked files from leading offshore law firm Appleby, trust company Asiaciti, and from company registries in 19 secrecy jurisdictions. The files reveal the offshore activities of some of the world’s most powerful people and companies.
There is nothing illegal about doing business offshore, but the offshore industry’s role in allowing tax avoidance and financial secrecy has generated significant public interest. Each of the Influencers featured in this interactive have appeared in the leaked files, either personally or through a company he headed. Information included in this interactive comes from inside the Paradise Papers files, as well as from reporting and research by ICIJ's journalists and partners.
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/28/trumps-economic-policies-failed-to-deliver-promised-3percent-growth-in-2018.html
NBC=fake news
減咁多稅都過唔到3% GDP growth, 無可能
NBC=fake news
減咁多稅都過唔到3% GDP growth, 無可能
beto 2020 出嚟選喎
Lm
唔意外
不過根據梁啟智預測
https://thestandnews.com/international/%E5%B8%8C%E6%9C%9B%E5%85%A8%E9%8C%AF%E7%9A%84%E5%9B%9B%E5%80%8B%E7%BE%8E%E5%9C%8B%E6%94%BF%E6%B2%BB-2019-%E5%B9%B4%E9%A0%90%E6%B8%AC/
不過根據梁啟智預測
Beto 太後生，會出現 Dean 式失言，之後 Dean 式退出。
https://thestandnews.com/international/%E5%B8%8C%E6%9C%9B%E5%85%A8%E9%8C%AF%E7%9A%84%E5%9B%9B%E5%80%8B%E7%BE%8E%E5%9C%8B%E6%94%BF%E6%B2%BB-2019-%E5%B9%B4%E9%A0%90%E6%B8%AC/
Trump-Kim summit: North Korea says it will not change stance
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47408696
North Korea's foreign minister says Pyongyang's position will not change even if the US seeks further talks.
Ri Yong Ho was speaking after a summit in Vietnam between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ended without agreement.
Mr Trump said the US had refused demands for all sanctions to be lifted.
But at a late-night news conference, Mr Ri insisted the North had only asked for partial sanctions relief, not a complete lifting.
He said his country had made "realistic" proposals including the complete decommissioning of the Yongbyon nuclear research centre, under the watch of US observers.
"This proposal was the biggest denuclearisation measure we could take at the present stage when taking into consideration the current level of confidence between the DPRK [North Korea] and the United States," he said.
In return, Mr Ri said, the North had wanted only partial lifting of sanctions "that hamper the civilian economy and the livelihood of our people".
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47408696
North Korea's foreign minister says Pyongyang's position will not change even if the US seeks further talks.
Ri Yong Ho was speaking after a summit in Vietnam between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ended without agreement.
Mr Trump said the US had refused demands for all sanctions to be lifted.
But at a late-night news conference, Mr Ri insisted the North had only asked for partial sanctions relief, not a complete lifting.
He said his country had made "realistic" proposals including the complete decommissioning of the Yongbyon nuclear research centre, under the watch of US observers.
"This proposal was the biggest denuclearisation measure we could take at the present stage when taking into consideration the current level of confidence between the DPRK [North Korea] and the United States," he said.
In return, Mr Ri said, the North had wanted only partial lifting of sanctions "that hamper the civilian economy and the livelihood of our people".
Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel PM faces corruption charges
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47399539
Israel's attorney general intends to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on corruption charges.
Mr Netanyahu faces possible charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three cases.
The prime minister is alleged to have accepted gifts from wealthy businessmen and dispensed favours to try to get more positive press coverage.
Mr Netanyahu, who faces an election, said in a TV address that the case would "collapse like a house of cards".
In a defiant broadcast, he repeated his assertion that he is the victim of a left-wing "witch-hunt" intended to topple him ahead of the closely contested election on 9 April.
A final hearing, probably after the election, will determine whether the charges go forward. The prime minister will have an opportunity to make his case then.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47399539
Israel's attorney general intends to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on corruption charges.
Mr Netanyahu faces possible charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three cases.
The prime minister is alleged to have accepted gifts from wealthy businessmen and dispensed favours to try to get more positive press coverage.
Mr Netanyahu, who faces an election, said in a TV address that the case would "collapse like a house of cards".
In a defiant broadcast, he repeated his assertion that he is the victim of a left-wing "witch-hunt" intended to topple him ahead of the closely contested election on 9 April.
A final hearing, probably after the election, will determine whether the charges go forward. The prime minister will have an opportunity to make his case then.
SNC-Lavalin: Trudeau denies wrongdoing in corruption case
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47362657
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denied wrongdoing after he tried to shield one of the country's biggest firms from a corruption trial.
Mr Trudeau said any lobbying by him or his inner circle for engineering giant SNC-Lavalin was done to protect jobs.
In explosive testimony, ex-Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould said she faced "sustained" pressure to abandon prosecution of the Quebec-based firm.
Opposition Conservatives are calling on the Liberal PM to resign.
They are also demanding a public inquiry following Ms Wilson-Raybould's testimony on Wednesday before the Commons justice committee in Ottawa.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Mr Trudeau said he disagreed with his former justice minister's "characterisation" of events and maintained his staff followed the rules.
The prime minster said he had full confidence in an inquiry by a parliamentary justice committee into the affair and in an investigation by the federal ethics commissioner, and would "participate fully" in that process.
Opposition parties have been ramping up pressure on the prime minister and the Conservatives have said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police must immediately open an investigation.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47362657
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denied wrongdoing after he tried to shield one of the country's biggest firms from a corruption trial.
Mr Trudeau said any lobbying by him or his inner circle for engineering giant SNC-Lavalin was done to protect jobs.
In explosive testimony, ex-Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould said she faced "sustained" pressure to abandon prosecution of the Quebec-based firm.
Opposition Conservatives are calling on the Liberal PM to resign.
They are also demanding a public inquiry following Ms Wilson-Raybould's testimony on Wednesday before the Commons justice committee in Ottawa.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Mr Trudeau said he disagreed with his former justice minister's "characterisation" of events and maintained his staff followed the rules.
The prime minster said he had full confidence in an inquiry by a parliamentary justice committee into the affair and in an investigation by the federal ethics commissioner, and would "participate fully" in that process.
Opposition parties have been ramping up pressure on the prime minister and the Conservatives have said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police must immediately open an investigation.
UN會唔會畀人話係anti-semite㗎（講笑）
Israel security forces may be guilty of war crimes over killings of Palestinians in Gaza, UN says
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-war-crimes-gaza-palestine-un-human-rights-report-a8800891.html
Israeli security forces may have committed war crimes in their crackdown on Palestinian protests last year that left nearly 200 dead, the United Nations has said.
“The Israeli security forces killed and maimed Palestinian demonstrators who did not pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury to others when they were shot, nor were they directly participating in hostilities,” an inquiry by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) found.
Some 189 Palestinians were killed and more than 6,100 wounded during clashes in Gaza in 2018.
Protesters used the demonstrations to call for the easing of an Israeli blockade of the territory and recognition of the right of Palestinian refugees there to return to homes in Israel.
Santiago Canton, chair of the UN commission of inquiry into the protests, said it had “reasonable grounds to believe” that Israeli soldiers “committed violations of international human rights and humanitarian law”.
He added: “Some of those violations may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity, and must be immediately investigated by Israel.”
Israel, which claimed the protests were used to mask “terror activities” by Palestinian armed groups, dismissed the report and branded the UNHRC as a “theatre of the absurd”.
The country’s acting foreign minister, Israel Katz, said the UN had “produced another hostile, mendacious and slanted report against the State of Israel”.
However the commission said Israeli authorities ignored repeated requests for information and access to both Israel and Gaza.
The investigation focused specifically on demonstrations in the Gaza Strip – referred to as the Great March of Return – which began on 30 March last year.
It found that of the 189 Palestinian deaths, 183 were attributable to Israeli Security Forces.
Israel shoots dead two Palestinian teenagers on Gaza border
Thirty-five of these fatalities were said to be children, three were clearly marked paramedics and two were clearly marked journalists.
While those injured by live ammunition numbered 6,106, the commission said a further 3,098 were wounded by bullet fragmentation, rubber-coated metal bullets or by hits from teargas canisters.
Israel security forces may be guilty of war crimes over killings of Palestinians in Gaza, UN says
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-war-crimes-gaza-palestine-un-human-rights-report-a8800891.html
Israeli security forces may have committed war crimes in their crackdown on Palestinian protests last year that left nearly 200 dead, the United Nations has said.
“The Israeli security forces killed and maimed Palestinian demonstrators who did not pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury to others when they were shot, nor were they directly participating in hostilities,” an inquiry by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) found.
Some 189 Palestinians were killed and more than 6,100 wounded during clashes in Gaza in 2018.
Protesters used the demonstrations to call for the easing of an Israeli blockade of the territory and recognition of the right of Palestinian refugees there to return to homes in Israel.
Santiago Canton, chair of the UN commission of inquiry into the protests, said it had “reasonable grounds to believe” that Israeli soldiers “committed violations of international human rights and humanitarian law”.
He added: “Some of those violations may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity, and must be immediately investigated by Israel.”
Israel, which claimed the protests were used to mask “terror activities” by Palestinian armed groups, dismissed the report and branded the UNHRC as a “theatre of the absurd”.
The country’s acting foreign minister, Israel Katz, said the UN had “produced another hostile, mendacious and slanted report against the State of Israel”.
However the commission said Israeli authorities ignored repeated requests for information and access to both Israel and Gaza.
The investigation focused specifically on demonstrations in the Gaza Strip – referred to as the Great March of Return – which began on 30 March last year.
It found that of the 189 Palestinian deaths, 183 were attributable to Israeli Security Forces.
Israel shoots dead two Palestinian teenagers on Gaza border
Thirty-five of these fatalities were said to be children, three were clearly marked paramedics and two were clearly marked journalists.
While those injured by live ammunition numbered 6,106, the commission said a further 3,098 were wounded by bullet fragmentation, rubber-coated metal bullets or by hits from teargas canisters.
The commission said it had reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli snipers shot at journalists, health workers, children and persons with disabilities despite knowing they were clearly recognisable as not being directly involved in the protest.
But it also blamed Hamas for encouraging or defending use of “indiscriminate incendiary kites and balloons, causing fear among civilians and significant damage to property in southern Israel”.
Israel has consistently defended its use of force as a means of self-defence, pointing to rocket attacks on its citizens in towns close to the Gaza border.
Yet despite some acts of significant violence and Israeli claims of terrorism, the commission found that the demonstrations were civilian in nature and did not constitute military campaigns.
Toddler dies from wounds in Gaza as Israeli baby killed after shooting
“The onus is now on Israel to investigate every protest-related killing and injury, promptly, impartially and independently in accordance with international standards, to determine whether war crimes or crimes against humanity were committed, with a view to holding accountable those found responsible,” Mr Canton said.
“We also urge the organisers, the demonstrators, and the de facto authorities in Gaza, to ensure that the Great March of Return is entirely peaceful, as it is intended to be.”
Michelle Bachelet, the UN high commissioner for human rights, should share the findings with the International Criminal Court, investigators said.
The Hague-based court opened a preliminary investigation into allegations of Israeli human rights abuses on Palestinian territory in 2015.
The new UN report’s findings were based on interviews with more than 300 victims and witnesses and 8,000 pieces of evidence, including drone footage.
The Gaza Strip is home to two million Palestinians, the majority of them stateless descendants of people who fled or were driven out of Israel on its founding in 1948.
We’ll tell you what’s true. You can form your own view.
At The Independent, no one tells us what to write. That’s why, in an era of political lies and Brexit bias, more readers are turning to an independent source. Subscribe from just 15p a day for extra exclusives, events and ebooks – all with no ads.
But it also blamed Hamas for encouraging or defending use of “indiscriminate incendiary kites and balloons, causing fear among civilians and significant damage to property in southern Israel”.
Israel has consistently defended its use of force as a means of self-defence, pointing to rocket attacks on its citizens in towns close to the Gaza border.
Yet despite some acts of significant violence and Israeli claims of terrorism, the commission found that the demonstrations were civilian in nature and did not constitute military campaigns.
Toddler dies from wounds in Gaza as Israeli baby killed after shooting
“The onus is now on Israel to investigate every protest-related killing and injury, promptly, impartially and independently in accordance with international standards, to determine whether war crimes or crimes against humanity were committed, with a view to holding accountable those found responsible,” Mr Canton said.
“We also urge the organisers, the demonstrators, and the de facto authorities in Gaza, to ensure that the Great March of Return is entirely peaceful, as it is intended to be.”
Michelle Bachelet, the UN high commissioner for human rights, should share the findings with the International Criminal Court, investigators said.
The Hague-based court opened a preliminary investigation into allegations of Israeli human rights abuses on Palestinian territory in 2015.
The new UN report’s findings were based on interviews with more than 300 victims and witnesses and 8,000 pieces of evidence, including drone footage.
The Gaza Strip is home to two million Palestinians, the majority of them stateless descendants of people who fled or were driven out of Israel on its founding in 1948.
We’ll tell you what’s true. You can form your own view.
At The Independent, no one tells us what to write. That’s why, in an era of political lies and Brexit bias, more readers are turning to an independent source. Subscribe from just 15p a day for extra exclusives, events and ebooks – all with no ads.
No Justification for Israel to Shoot Protesters with Live Ammunition
https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=24226&LangID=E
https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=24226&LangID=E
“The Commission has reasonable grounds to believe that during the Great March of Return, Israeli soldiers committed violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Some of those violations may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity, and must be immediately investigated by Israel,” said the Chair of the Commission, Santiago Canton of Argentina.
點解開會前好似無基本共識咁, 一邊叫全面廢核, 另一邊叫全面撤裁唔係好正常咩
Senators propose bill to let thousands of Venezuelans remain in U.S.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa-immigration-idUSKCN1QH346?utm
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican and Democratic U.S. senators proposed legislation on Thursday that would let an estimated 72,000 Venezuelans remain in the United States after fleeing chaos in their country.
Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Bob Menendez introduced the legislation along with Democrats Dick Durbin, Patrick Leahy and Cory Booker. It would immediately grant “Temporary Protected Status” to allow Venezuelans who passed security checks to remain in the United States for 18 months.
There was no immediate indication of whether the Senate’s Republican leaders would allow the measure to come up for a vote. The bill’s backers hope that continued uncertainty in Venezuela and President Donald Trump’s support for the opposition movement seeking to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro will ease any resistance.
Trump has generally been an immigration skeptic, and his administration has pushed to end TPS status for other immigrant groups, including Salvadorans, Hondurans and Haitians.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The International Rescue Committee, which urged the Trump administration to provide the TPS designation for Venezuelans earlier this week, has estimated that there are 72,000 Venezuelans currently in the United States who would be allowed to remain and work under the program.
The humanitarian nongovernmental organization has said that more than 3.4 million Venezuelans have left their country since 2015 as its economic crisis has deepened, and estimated that more than 5 million will be displaced by this time next year.
Similar legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Republican Mario Diaz-Balart and Democrat Darren Soto.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa-immigration-idUSKCN1QH346?utm
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican and Democratic U.S. senators proposed legislation on Thursday that would let an estimated 72,000 Venezuelans remain in the United States after fleeing chaos in their country.
Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Bob Menendez introduced the legislation along with Democrats Dick Durbin, Patrick Leahy and Cory Booker. It would immediately grant “Temporary Protected Status” to allow Venezuelans who passed security checks to remain in the United States for 18 months.
There was no immediate indication of whether the Senate’s Republican leaders would allow the measure to come up for a vote. The bill’s backers hope that continued uncertainty in Venezuela and President Donald Trump’s support for the opposition movement seeking to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro will ease any resistance.
Trump has generally been an immigration skeptic, and his administration has pushed to end TPS status for other immigrant groups, including Salvadorans, Hondurans and Haitians.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The International Rescue Committee, which urged the Trump administration to provide the TPS designation for Venezuelans earlier this week, has estimated that there are 72,000 Venezuelans currently in the United States who would be allowed to remain and work under the program.
The humanitarian nongovernmental organization has said that more than 3.4 million Venezuelans have left their country since 2015 as its economic crisis has deepened, and estimated that more than 5 million will be displaced by this time next year.
Similar legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Republican Mario Diaz-Balart and Democrat Darren Soto.
Trump: Michael Cohen committed perjury 'on a scale not seen before'
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/03/01/Trump-Michael-Cohen-committed-perjury-on-a-scale-not-seen-before/5401551450698/
March 1 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump blasted his former attorney Michael Cohen Friday, saying he lied to House investigators in dramatic testimony this week.
Wednesday, Cohen called the president a "racist" a "con man" and a "cheat" before the House oversight committee. He detailed Trump's dealings with Russia, his attitudes toward black persons and the "intoxicating" feeling he had just being around Trump.
Trump lightly acknowledged the testimony from Vietnam, where he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but gave a much fuller rejoinder Friday.
"Michael Cohen's book manuscript shows that he committed perjury on a scale not seen before," Trump wrote on Twitter. "He must have forgotten about his book when he testified. What does Hillary Clinton's lawyer, Lanny Davis, say about this one. Is he being paid by Crooked Hillary. User her lawyer?"
Trump called on Congress to demand a transcript of Cohen's unpublished book.
"Your heads will spin when you see the lies, misrepresentations and contradictions against his Thursday testimony," another tweet said. "Like a different person! He is totally discredited!"
The president went on.
"Oh I see! Now that the 2 year Russian Collusion case has fallen apart, there was no Collusion except bye Crooked Hillary and the Democrats, they say, 'gee, I have an idea, let's look at Trump's finances and every deal he has ever done. Let's follow discredited Michael Cohen and the fraudulent and dishonest statements he made on Wednesday.
"No way, it's time to stop this corrupt and illegally brought Witch Hunt. Time to start looking at the other side where real crimes were committed. Republicans have been abused long enough. Must end now!"
Cohen also told lawmakers Wednesday it might not be a pretty transition if Trump loses re-election in 2020.
"Given my experience working for Mr. Trump, I fear that if he loses the election in 2020 that there will never be a peaceful transition of power," he said. "And this is why I agreed to appear before you today."
Thursday, Cohen concluded three days of congressional testimony, two of which were closed to the public. He will return to the House intelligence committee March 6 for more questioning. Russian-born business associate Felix Sater will have a public hearing March 14, when he will likely answer questions about the shelved project to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.
Intelligence committee chairman Rep. Adam Schiff said the panel has more questions. With Sater, the intelligence committee "is going to try to do as much as we can in the open," Schiff said.
Schiff said a transcript of Cohen's closed-door testimony could be released after a Justice Department review. He said no questions went unanswered Thursday, adding that Cohen was "fully cooperative."
"This has obviously been an excruciating time for him," Schiff said. "We are very grateful that he was as forthcoming as he was."
Cohen pleaded guilty in New York in August to tax evasion, making false bank statements and making illegal campaign contributions for paying hush money to two women who allegedly had affairs with Trump. Cohen also pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about the Moscow skyscraper negotiations.
A veteran IRS employee was indicted Thursday on charges that he leaked banking records to the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels in May. John C. Fry, 54, faces charges of unauthorized disclosure, misuse of a computer and illegal use of a Social Security number. He was released from federal court in San Francisco on $50,000 bond.
Fry combed through IRS databases for dirt on Cohen and eventually found some suspicious transactions, officials said. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a $750,000 fine if convicted on all counts.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/03/01/Trump-Michael-Cohen-committed-perjury-on-a-scale-not-seen-before/5401551450698/
March 1 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump blasted his former attorney Michael Cohen Friday, saying he lied to House investigators in dramatic testimony this week.
Wednesday, Cohen called the president a "racist" a "con man" and a "cheat" before the House oversight committee. He detailed Trump's dealings with Russia, his attitudes toward black persons and the "intoxicating" feeling he had just being around Trump.
Trump lightly acknowledged the testimony from Vietnam, where he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but gave a much fuller rejoinder Friday.
"Michael Cohen's book manuscript shows that he committed perjury on a scale not seen before," Trump wrote on Twitter. "He must have forgotten about his book when he testified. What does Hillary Clinton's lawyer, Lanny Davis, say about this one. Is he being paid by Crooked Hillary. User her lawyer?"
Trump called on Congress to demand a transcript of Cohen's unpublished book.
"Your heads will spin when you see the lies, misrepresentations and contradictions against his Thursday testimony," another tweet said. "Like a different person! He is totally discredited!"
The president went on.
"Oh I see! Now that the 2 year Russian Collusion case has fallen apart, there was no Collusion except bye Crooked Hillary and the Democrats, they say, 'gee, I have an idea, let's look at Trump's finances and every deal he has ever done. Let's follow discredited Michael Cohen and the fraudulent and dishonest statements he made on Wednesday.
"No way, it's time to stop this corrupt and illegally brought Witch Hunt. Time to start looking at the other side where real crimes were committed. Republicans have been abused long enough. Must end now!"
Cohen also told lawmakers Wednesday it might not be a pretty transition if Trump loses re-election in 2020.
"Given my experience working for Mr. Trump, I fear that if he loses the election in 2020 that there will never be a peaceful transition of power," he said. "And this is why I agreed to appear before you today."
Thursday, Cohen concluded three days of congressional testimony, two of which were closed to the public. He will return to the House intelligence committee March 6 for more questioning. Russian-born business associate Felix Sater will have a public hearing March 14, when he will likely answer questions about the shelved project to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.
Intelligence committee chairman Rep. Adam Schiff said the panel has more questions. With Sater, the intelligence committee "is going to try to do as much as we can in the open," Schiff said.
Schiff said a transcript of Cohen's closed-door testimony could be released after a Justice Department review. He said no questions went unanswered Thursday, adding that Cohen was "fully cooperative."
"This has obviously been an excruciating time for him," Schiff said. "We are very grateful that he was as forthcoming as he was."
Cohen pleaded guilty in New York in August to tax evasion, making false bank statements and making illegal campaign contributions for paying hush money to two women who allegedly had affairs with Trump. Cohen also pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about the Moscow skyscraper negotiations.
A veteran IRS employee was indicted Thursday on charges that he leaked banking records to the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels in May. John C. Fry, 54, faces charges of unauthorized disclosure, misuse of a computer and illegal use of a Social Security number. He was released from federal court in San Francisco on $50,000 bond.
Fry combed through IRS databases for dirt on Cohen and eventually found some suspicious transactions, officials said. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a $750,000 fine if convicted on all counts.
Israel’s Netanyahu To be Indicted for Corruption
https://www.occrp.org/en/27-ccwatch/cc-watch-briefs/9299-israel-s-netanyahu-to-be-indicted-for-corruption
Israeli authorities announced on Thursday they will indict Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges but Netanyahu labeled the move an opposition scheme intended to force him out of the running in the upcoming election.
“Citizens of Israel, this entire tower of this cards will collapse,” Netanyahu tweeted, referring to the charges. He accompanied it with footage from his televised response on Israeli TV after the Attorney General announced the forthcoming indictment.
With the Israeli elections scheduled for April 9, leaving 39 days until voters take to the ballots, charges are not likely to be laid until after the election as there will need to be a hearing first.
Netanyahu denied the allegations, at a press conference, calling the affair a witch-hunt by an opposition which “understands that they will not beat me at the ballot box.”
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has been pressured into issuing the indictment despite no evidence, he said, repeating that he was “4,000%" sure the indictment would fail – presumably referring to one of the accusations against him, dubbed ‘Case 4000.’
The announcement of the indictment came after two years of investigations into the three separate corruption allegations. Case 1000, concerns alleged unreported gifts worth a total of 1 million shekels (US$275,690), including cigars, champagne, and jewelry. According to CNN, police and investigators say Netanyahu tried to thank his donors with tax breaks. This is to be charged as a breach of trust.
Case 2000 concerns alleged negotiations between Netanyahu and the owner of one of Israel's largest newspapers, Arnon Mozes. Investigators found that Netanyahu offered to limit the circulation of the paper’s largest rival (owned by a donor to Netanyahu’s party) in exchange for more favorable coverage. This will constitute the bribery charge.
In Case 4000, the charges include both bribery and breach of trust. Investigators claim Netanyahu assisted Bezeq Telecom Israel, the country’s leading telecommunications company, in a merger attempt in exchange for more favorable news coverage on the company’s news website Walla. Bezeq’s primary shareholder is his friend.
Leader of opposition party Blue and White, Benny Gantz, responded to Netanyahu's allegations, saying he should step down and conduct his legal battle as a private citizen, according to The Times of Israel. Days prior to the Attorney General’s announcement, the Washington Post reported that Gantz was surging in the polls though Netanyahu remained in the lead.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the support of US President Donald Trump, who said “I don’t know about his difficulties” but that Netanyahu had “done a great job as PM: he’s tough, he’s smart, he’s strong.” Trump added that Israel’s military buys a lot of equipment from the USA.
Al Jazeera reports that he does not intend to step down even if indicted.
https://www.occrp.org/en/27-ccwatch/cc-watch-briefs/9299-israel-s-netanyahu-to-be-indicted-for-corruption
Israeli authorities announced on Thursday they will indict Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges but Netanyahu labeled the move an opposition scheme intended to force him out of the running in the upcoming election.
“Citizens of Israel, this entire tower of this cards will collapse,” Netanyahu tweeted, referring to the charges. He accompanied it with footage from his televised response on Israeli TV after the Attorney General announced the forthcoming indictment.
With the Israeli elections scheduled for April 9, leaving 39 days until voters take to the ballots, charges are not likely to be laid until after the election as there will need to be a hearing first.
Netanyahu denied the allegations, at a press conference, calling the affair a witch-hunt by an opposition which “understands that they will not beat me at the ballot box.”
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has been pressured into issuing the indictment despite no evidence, he said, repeating that he was “4,000%" sure the indictment would fail – presumably referring to one of the accusations against him, dubbed ‘Case 4000.’
The announcement of the indictment came after two years of investigations into the three separate corruption allegations. Case 1000, concerns alleged unreported gifts worth a total of 1 million shekels (US$275,690), including cigars, champagne, and jewelry. According to CNN, police and investigators say Netanyahu tried to thank his donors with tax breaks. This is to be charged as a breach of trust.
Case 2000 concerns alleged negotiations between Netanyahu and the owner of one of Israel's largest newspapers, Arnon Mozes. Investigators found that Netanyahu offered to limit the circulation of the paper’s largest rival (owned by a donor to Netanyahu’s party) in exchange for more favorable coverage. This will constitute the bribery charge.
In Case 4000, the charges include both bribery and breach of trust. Investigators claim Netanyahu assisted Bezeq Telecom Israel, the country’s leading telecommunications company, in a merger attempt in exchange for more favorable news coverage on the company’s news website Walla. Bezeq’s primary shareholder is his friend.
Leader of opposition party Blue and White, Benny Gantz, responded to Netanyahu's allegations, saying he should step down and conduct his legal battle as a private citizen, according to The Times of Israel. Days prior to the Attorney General’s announcement, the Washington Post reported that Gantz was surging in the polls though Netanyahu remained in the lead.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the support of US President Donald Trump, who said “I don’t know about his difficulties” but that Netanyahu had “done a great job as PM: he’s tough, he’s smart, he’s strong.” Trump added that Israel’s military buys a lot of equipment from the USA.
Al Jazeera reports that he does not intend to step down even if indicted.