Friday, May 18, 2018

World News Briefs -- May 18, 2018



BBC: Iran nuclear deal: EU moves to avoid impact of US sanctions

The EU has begun reviving legislation that will allow European companies to continue doing business with Iran, despite US sanctions, officials say.

The so-called "blocking statute" was introduced in 1996 to circumvent US sanctions on Cuba but was never used.

An updated version of the measure should be in force before 6 August, when the first sanctions take effect.

It will prohibit European companies from complying with the penalties and permit compensation for affected firms.

Washington is re-imposing strict sanctions on Iran, which were lifted under a 2015 international deal to control the country's nuclear ambitions.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

All 'foreign forces' to leave Syria, Putin tells Assad.

Turkish troops set up observation posts in Syria's Idlib.

Israeli airstrikes target militant sites in Gaza.

Gaza: UN to launch war crimes investigation into Israeli forces’ shooting of protesters.

U.S. seeking diplomatic outcome with Iran, allies: senior U.S. official.

French business chief in Iran sees bleak prospects for European firms.

Saudi Arabia arrests women activists ahead of lifting of driving ban.

ASIA

Ahead of Trump summit, Kim Jong Un crafts a careful message.

S. Korea downplays N. Korea’s threats to cancel talks.

9 dead as India, Pakistan trade fire along Kashmir border.

Taliban pledge not to target Afghan army, police.

Pakistan is building a fence along border with Afghanistan.

Indonesia seeks death for cleric accused of ordering attacks.

Malaysia seizes luxury bags, cash, jewelry in probe of ex-PM.

AFRICA

Ebola: WHO raises Congo risk to 'very high'.

DR Congo Ebola outbreak: WHO holds crisis talk as cases spread.

Fighting in Libya: Battle for Derna intensifies.

Burundi counts votes after referendum on president's power.

U.N. peacekeeper killed in attack in Central African Republic.

Ghana's security chiefs worried over bloody police-military clash.

Tropical cyclone threatens Somalia and Djibouti.

EUROPE

EU to reactivate 'blocking statute' against US sanctions on Iran for European firms.

EU sets course for US clash with law blocking Iran sanctions.

Presenting flowers, Putin greets Merkel in Sochi. Germany's Angela Merkel meets Russia's Vladimir Putin .

Russia-Germany gas pipeline raises intelligence concerns: U.S. official.

Italy's M5S unveils coalition program with far-right League.

In Catalonia, a secessionist takes office and a standoff continues.

Sergei Skripal discharged from Salisbury hospital. Ex-spy Sergei Skripal discharged after poisoning.

Ecuador removes Julian Assange's extra security.

AMERICAS

Multiple fatalities after shooting at Texas high school: source.

They're out to FRAME me says Trump: President backs claims of 'at least one FBI representative' spying on him in 2016 but Giuliani admits 'we don't know' if it's true.

Colombia evacuates thousands amid fears dam may burst.

Empty stomachs drive Venezuela soldiers to desert in droves.

Venezuela's worthless currency turns into bags of money.

Peso plunge: Collapse of currency dredges up old frustrations, threatens Argentina’s president.

Juárez cartel reputed leader 'El 80' Carlos Quintana captured by Mexico special forces.

Canadian PM Trudeau wants investigation into why Israeli soldiers shot doctor.

34 Chilean bishops offer to resign over sex abuse scandal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

French police arrest 2 Egyptian men in foiled terrorist plot.

Pakistani military says it foiled major terror attack in Quetta.

Faraway ISIS branches grow as ‘Caliphate’ fades in Syria and Iraq.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China denies it has offered a $200 billion package to slash U.S. trade gap.

Momentum builds for US and China to strike trade deal.

Cambridge Analytica starts bankruptcy proceedings in US.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Under Trump the US is actively resetting concurrently it's national security goals with North Korea, China, Japan, Canada, Mexico, EU(Germany), the Sunni world, Iran and India to name the main players.

Is the EU bent out of shape because the Trump admin doesn't treat them as special? The final shape isn't clear but it could be that when Trump is done, in 2.5 years or 6.5 years, the EU(Germany) and the US will be fairly independent of one another and not much concerned about the others national security.