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The leader of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, conveyed a sense of "cautious optimism "tatting that her approach to the U.S. President Donald Trump's trade and tariff strategies is to remain composed and observe the actual policies that will be put into action.
Abiy's government and the regional one run by the Tigray People's Liberation Front each consider the other illegitimate.
\t There was no immediate word from the three AU envoys, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano and former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe. AU spokeswoman Ebba Kalondo did not say whether they can meet with TPLF leaders, something Abiy's office has rejected.
\"``Not possible,'' senior Ethiopian official Redwan Hussein said in a message to the AP. ``\"Above all, TPLF leadership is still at large.'' He called reports that the TPLF had appointed an envoy to discuss an immediate cease-fire with the international community ``masquerading.''
\t Fighting reportedly remained well outside the Tigray capital of Mekele, a densely populated city of a half-million people who have been warned by the Ethiopian government that they will be shown ``no mercy'' if they don't distance themselves from the region's leaders.
\t Tigray has been almost entirely cut off from the outside world since Nov. 4, when Abiy announced a military offensive in response to a TPLF attack on a federal army base.
That makes it difficult to verify claims about the fighting, but humanitarians have said at least hundreds of people have been killed.
\t The fighting threatens to destabilize Ethiopia, which has been described as the linchpin of the strategic Horn of Africa.
\t With transport links cut, food and other supplies are running out in Tigray, home to 6 million people, and the United Nations has asked for immediate and unimpeded access for aid.
AP
The ruling by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals was a complete repudiation of President Trump’s effort to halt Pennsylvania’s certification process. Mr. Trump committed to leave the White House in January if the electors vote, as expected, for President-elect Joe Biden on Dec. 14.
An Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic's disbanded military nuclear program was killed Friday in an ambush on the outskirts of Tehran, authorities said.
\t Iran's foreign minister alleged the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh bore ``serious indications'' of an Israeli role, but did not elaborate.
Israel, long suspected of killing several Iranian nuclear scientists a decade ago, declined to immediately comment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once told the public to \"``remember that name'' when talking about Fakhrizadeh.
\t The killing risks further raising tensions across the Mideast, nearly a year after Iran and the U.S. stood on the brink of war when an American drone strike killed Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian general in Baghdad.
\t Details about the assassination remained slim in the hours after the attack, which happened in Absard, a village just east of the capital that is a retreat for the Iranian elite.
Iranian state television said an old truck with explosives hidden under a load of wood blew up near a sedan carrying Fakhrizadeh.
\t As Fakhrizadeh's sedan stopped, at least five gunmen emerged and raked the car with rapid fire, the semiofficial Tasnim news agency said.
Photos and video shared online showed a Nissan sedan with bullet holes in the windshield and blood pooled on the road.
Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today. This cowardice—with serious indications of Israeli role—shows desperate warmongering of perpetratorsIran calls on int'l community—and especially EU—to end their shameful double standards & condemn this act of state terror.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) November 27, 2020
\t While no one claimed responsibility for the attack, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif pointed the finger at Israel, calling the killing an act of ``\"state terror.''
\t ``Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today. This cowardice _ with serious indications of Israeli role _ shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators,'' Zarif wrote on Twitter.
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia Juan Williams posited that he’s a Black man born in a Latin country and grew up in a Spanish-speaking family. The author and Fox News political analyst then stated a head-scratching fact that many still find difficult to rationalize. “It stuns me to see that […]
Shortages have become ‘’very critical’’ in Ethiopia’s embattled northern region of Tigray, the United Nations says. The region of 6 million people is still sealed off as it faces threats by Ethiopian federal forces.
Martin Plaut is a writer and an expert on Ethiopia. He says what is ‘’ much more likely is that the Tigrayans will head for the hills in the mountains, it's an extremely rough terrain.’’
‘’If he has a quick victory then perhaps he will be able to establish control. Much more likely is that the Tigrayans will head for the hills in the mountains, it's an extremely rough terrain. And they know it very well, they spent 20 years fighting the previous government, which they overthrew in 1991. In the same time they don't control the skies. The skies are held by the jets of the Ethiopian Air force and also, the Tigrayans are said to be under attack from the United Arab Emirates who have drones based in neighboring Eritrea, and they are said to be using these drones against key targets’’, he said.
Plaut noted that the trappings of Tigrayans in the fight is compounding an already dire situation.
‘’The BBC reported seeing Ethiopian federal troops now preventing people from crossing the river into Sudan. Which is why the numbers have dropped substantially from about 6.000 a day to about 700 a day. So people are being trapped in the fighting, and that is making their situation even worse. Once they get across the river of course they can get substantial aid and assistance. And the international community is moving heaven and earth to make that happen’’, Plaut added.
More than a million people are now displaced. Fuel and cash are running out. The Tigrayan capital, Mekele cannot be accessed by the UN World Food Program over travel blockages.
Communications links remain severed with the Tigray region since the deadly conflict broke out on November 4. Human Rights Watch is warning that ``actions that deliberately impede relief supplies'' violate international humanitarian law.
Policy inconsistencies Statutory instruments and judgments have been passed to favour policies that support political agendas. This selective application of law means that there is disregard for the rule of law and this hinders investor confidence. The inconsistencies around mining laws (EPOs, permits and licences), land tenure and property rights has inhibited foreign investment in Zimbabwe. The farm invasions and land seizures discourage investors from investing in an uncertain business environment for fear or arbitrary acquisition of land without compensation. The red tape and bureaucracy in government There is over-regulation around trade policies particularly the importation of goods. There is no independent oversight to avoid corrupt and biased negotiations regarding which investors are approved. For instance the renewal of import and export licences must be done every three months and there are a lot of agencies which must be consulted before a business can begin operating. The corruption, delay and frustration behind establishing a business becomes a determinant in whether a company decides to invest. The cost of doing business in comparison to regional peers will fare much higher. This will push the potential investors to more favourable climates. Conclusion and recommendations There must clear regulatory and policy changes that shift to a decentralized system away from an overregulated, centralised state-system, to allow for private contractors and competitors. Long-term economic policies (i.e. 10-20 years) are required, which are fair, favourable and transparent and not subject to change as based on the political leader governing the country. This must be overseen by an independent judiciary and legal framework that protects investors’ returns over a long stretch and period of time such as the Zimbabwe Investment Authority established to oversee licensing in terms of Section 7 of the Zimbabwe Investment Authority Act and the Zimbabwe Investment code sections 25 and 39. This will guarantee the security of foreign investment and allow for investor confidence, predictability and certainty. An open, transparent and accountable regulatory system is required to create an attractive business climate. The factors responsible for low foreign direct investment inflows in Zimbabwe are inflation, a lack of trade openness, and gross capital formation. Policies reducing the impact of institutional factors like corruption, weak governance and perceived political risk need to be implemented. Policy inconsistencies and credibility must be considered in policy formulation. Zimbabwe should create a “hospitable investment climate by reducing corruption, uncertainties, poor governance and policy inconsistencies.” These variables affect foreign investment and make Zimbabwe risky to foreign investors. Zimbabwe should vigorously pursue further opening of its economy in order to create global linkages and synergies that are a prerequisite for foreign direct investment attraction. Its policies and regulatory framework should foster
The remains of Sudan’s former Prime Minister and top opposition figure arrived in Khartoum on Friday.
Sadiq al-Madhi died from the novel coronavirus, his moderate Islamist National Umma party said on Thursday, while offering condolences to the Sudanese people.
Madhi was transferred to the United Arab Emirates for treatment three weeks ago after being hospitalized in Sudan and testing positive for the virus.
\"The deceased Imam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi is one of the people who called for democracy in Sudan, despite the obstacles they faced in Sudan, and he is one of the people who persevered until Sudan reached a democracy that would be accepted by the world in general’’, said Badr Abdel Aziz, a Sudanese citizen.
On Friday, the government declared three days of national mourning for the former premier.
He was a staunch opposition figure during Bashir's long rule and threw his weight behind a mass protest movement that eventually prompted the military to overthrow the president last year.
Mahdi was toppled in 1989 by now-ousted president Omar al-Bashir in an Islamist-backed military coup.
Sudan has recorded nearly 17,000 coronavirus cases including more than 1,200 deaths.
[IPS] Johannesburg, South Africa -- Japan should step up and play a role as a global facilitator for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, Dr Daisaku Higashi said at a recent Japan Parliamentarians Federation for Population (JPFP) study meeting.
Western Cape Safety MEC Albert Fritz confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19 and \"have immediately begun self-isolating\".
[Cameroon Tribune] It was given by the Cameroon Consumers National Network in a ceremony in Douala on Wednesday, November 25, 2020.
By Erick Johnson Morgan Park resident Catherine Townsend has made a 107-year-old Chicago holiday tradition sparkle. For the first time in the city’s history, Townsend is the first resident in Chicago to donate the Christmas tree in Millennium Park. She is also the first Black donor to hold the honor of one of Chicago’s oldest […]
French police officers involved in the b rutal beating of a black man over the weekend have been suspended.
Footage of the incident, showing officers repeatedly punching the music producer was posted to a news website Thursday, igniting widespread condemnation.
According to French police reports , the man identified by his first name Michel, drew the attention of the police because he was not wearing a mask in the 17th district of the French capital on Saturday.
\"Without this video, I wouldn't be here before you today and maybe, without this video, you might be putting out the same story with the headline 'A young man assaulted,' well I'm no longer so young, I'm complimenting myself, but a young man assaulted police officers, tried to take their weapons, hit them, everything I've heard\", Michel said.
French Interior Gérald Darmanin said he asked for the suspension of the officers concerned as a precautionary measure. The four police officers are now being heard in custody by the IGPN , the body investigating police officer's behaviour.
The incidents comes as President Emmanuel Macron pushes a new bill to criminalize filming police officers in a way that would put them in danger.
It is a battle that started off during school days and tomorrow, it culminates in a historic moment in France.Warriors stars Tino Kadewere of Olympic Lyon and Marshall Munetsi at Stade de Reims come head-to-head as their respective clubs clash in a league match tomorrow. BY TERRY MADYAUTA Their confrontation has taken centre stage in France, with Kadewere who, is in top form, having scored five goals in his last five matches for his club, being the talk of the town. It should be a memorable moment for the Zimbabwean duo who become the first to play each other on different sides in the French elite league. Both players have plausibly established themselves well at their respective clubs. Munetsi, who moved to Reims from Orlando Pirates last year, has managed to command a regular place in the team, with his physic and agility helping him become a vital cog in Reims midfield. Kadewere, on the other hand, joined Lyon in January from Ligue 2 side Le Havre, where he had a trailblazing stint, winning the golden boot last season. What makes this battle interesting is the fact that these two players are renewing their rivalry at a grand stage, having previously clashed in high school football. Munetsi played for Mabvuku High School, while Kadewere was in the Prince Edward set-up. However, the spotlight is thrust on Kadewere, who has been the man of the moment for Lyon, having scored four goals in the clubs last five matches. Munetsi, though has not scored for Reims, but is fancying this clash against his high school adversary. “For our country, it is historic because it has never happened before in France. The only time something like this happened was in England when Peter Ndlovu and Bruce Grobbelaar played against each other, so for me and him to be able to make history for our country in the French League is important,” Munetsi said of his clash with Kadewere. Munetsi recalled how Kadewere was a pain in the flesh for his former school. However, he is hoping to stop him from repeating the same when the meet tomorrow. “He was playing for Prince Edward and that time, I was playing for Mabvuku High, so Tino was always a top player. He was dangerous. When we played them, I remember our coach telling me that I must do my best to stop Tino because I was the team captain. “He believed that if we manage to stop Tino, then we could win the match. Unfortunately, the first time we met, he scored a penalty and we lost 1-0,” Munetsi recalled. Kadewere is looking to maintain his sterling form for Lyon. The impressive forward delivered a kind message to his compatriot ahead of their clash. “My friend, I know it is going to be a tough game for both teams, but I know you work hard and I want you to do well in the game. I will do my best also and may the best team win. I want you to keep working hard because you are a good player. We meet on Sunday,” Kadewere said. The odds are heavily staked in favour of Lyon, who remain unbeaten after eight rounds of matches and Kadewere will be hoping to continue with his rich vein of form against Stade R
By GILLIAN FLACCUS Associated Press PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Ani Sirois, a respiratory nurse, has spent months caring for coronavirus patients at a Portland, Oregon, hospital, and she's only getting busier as infections — and hospitalizations — surge before the holidays. But on a recent sunny day, COVID-19 seemed far away as she, her husband and their 2-year-old daughter roamed a Christmas tree farm in search of the perfect evergreen for a holiday season unlike any other. The family was tree-shopping nearly a week before Thanksgiving and, for the first time, they were picking their own tree instead of buying […]
The post Many turn to real Christmas trees as bright spot amid virus appeared first on Black News Channel.
It is no coincidence that many of the major cities where President Donald Trump's campaign is making baseless claims of widespread voter fraud have large African-American communities, including Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia and Milwaukee. Black voters, for the most part, favored President-elect Joe...
… a state that traditionally disenfranchised African-American citizens. And the record about …
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia Perhaps a single sobering Twitter post best summed up the state of America on the morning following an Election Night that’s far too close to call — and frustratingly so. “This was a referendum on the potential for a fundamental shift in that perspective,” Actress and […]
The post The Presidential Race Might be Too Close to Call, but the ‘Projected Winner is Racism’ appeared first on The Toledo Journal.
Regardless of which country launched the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's top nuclear scientist, there seems to be one unverified consensus on social media: Donald Trump was probably involved in some way, shape or fashion.
