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Sean Dampte UK based singer, drops new track,‘Energy’

Saturday 24 August 2019

Sean Dampte UK based singer, drops new track,‘Energy’

Tribune Online
Sean Dampte UK based singer, drops new track,‘Energy’

Nigerian born Oluoye Oluwaseun, better known as Sean Dampte, a UK-based pop artiste has earned some reputation for his ability to get people grooving to his music with his stellar combination of Afrobeat and Dancehall. Having released his last single entitled, ‘’JIBAMBE’’ with Kenyan pop artiste, Bandanah in July of this year, Dampte is finally […]

Sean Dampte UK based singer, drops new track,‘Energy’
Tribune Online

Source: Tribune



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Drama Expected Amid Derby Clashes On Matchday 2 In Laliga

LaLiga Santander’s week two schedule brings further stiff tests for the big boys, alongside very tasty derby clashes up and down the country.

LaLiga returned with a bang last weekend, with early reminders of the level of competition coming as defending champions Barcelona were beaten in Bilbao by Athletic Club and all three promoted sides went unbeaten.

Barça could have captain Lionel Messi fit and available on Sunday evening when they host Real Betis, who of course were the only opposition team to win at the Camp Nou last season.

Real Madrid’s will want to keep up the momentum generated by their 3-1 opening day victory at RC Celta when they host R. Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon, with the visitors’ president Ronaldo Nazario sure a warm welcome back at his old club.

After Atletico de Madrid’s new star Joao Felix had an exciting LaLiga debut in last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Getafe, the rojiblanco side have another derby on Sunday evening when they visit CD Leganes, a fixture which has resulted in a draw in three consecutive seasons.

The weekend’s action begins with an all-Andalusian clash on Friday afternoon, as newly promoted Granada host Sevilla at Los Carmenes. New Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui registered a 2-0 debut win at Espanyol on opening day, while Granada surprised almost everyone in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Villarreal.

Villarreal will go looking for their first three points of the 2019/20 season when they visit neighbours Levante later on Friday. Another high scoring clash is likely, as both sides have strengthened in attack over the summer.

Saturday’s action kicks off with a Basque region derby at Ipurua, with last year’s LaLiga SmartBank winners Osasuna aiming to make it six points from two games as they make the short trip to Eibar. Local rivals Athletic Club will also aim to keep up their 100% record when they travel to the capital to face a Getafe side who went down fighting at Atletico last weekend.

New Valencia forward Maxi Gomez returns to his old stomping ground this weekend, as Los Che visit RC Celta with both teams looking to kick-start their campaigns with a first win. D. Alaves and Espanyol had mixed fortunes on day one, and their clash at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday afternoon will be another tight affair, history tells us.

Balearic Islanders Mallorca, back in the big time following two consecutive promotions, will be looking to make it two wins from two when they host a Real Sociedad team who snatched a last gasp draw at Valencia last weekend thanks to a 90th minute penalty from rising star Mikel Oyarzabal. As always in LaLiga Santander, drama is guaranteed.

The post Drama Expected Amid Derby Clashes On Matchday 2 In Laliga appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

Source: Independent



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Sports Minister Promises More Support For NBBF

Sport Minister, Sunday dare, has assuredthe Nigeria Basketball federation (NBBF) of support in its quest to write the country’s name in gold in international tournaments.

This assurance was given on Friday during the presentation of the Women’s Afrobasket trophy to the minister by NBBF President, Musa Kida.

D’Tigress last Sunday retained the Afrobasket back to back with a 60-55 point’s defeat of Senegal in the final in Dakar.

“I want to thank you for this victory. Nigerians want to thank you for this second victory,” said the minister, adding, “We want more laurels. The government of President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to give the D’Tigress the support it needs both financially and otherwise. You heard how the president followed the games and at some point once we have a confirmed date, D’Tigress will be in Abuja and I will lead them to present the cup to President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Kida, while presenting the trophy to the minister, informed him of the board travails, describing the occasion as a significant one which marks the beginning of many things to come for the new minister while in office.

He said the courtesy call was the federation’s way of welcoming the Minister to office while celebrating the 2019 Afrobasket feat with him as the number one sports administrator in Nigeria.

“We are glad as a federation that we are the first to welcome the new minister to office with a trophy which we won in Senegal. This is not just another event for us as NBBF, it is a landmark achievement as we have been presented with such a golden opportunity to interface personally with the Honorable Minister.”

Kida said at a crucial time like this with many international events to prosecute, it was imperative for the NBBF board to visit the minister and have firsthand information about what is happening within the federation.

“Our men are in China and we all know how they got there. The women are the current African Champions. So, we needed to see the Minister and tell him about our plight. We are quite hopeful with the meeting we had with the Honorable Minister that things can only get better.”

Present at the event were the duo of D’Tigress players, Sarah Imovbioh and Kunaiyi Pallas Akpannah who represented the team while the NBBF had in attendance, Babatunde Ogunade, Col Sam Ahmedu 9rtd) and Alhaji Abba Kaka.

The post Sports Minister Promises More Support For NBBF appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

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Iran Holds ‘Productive’ Nuclear Talks With Macron

Iran’s foreign minister said talks he held on Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron about a landmark 2015 nuclear deal were “productive”, according to the ILNA news agency.

“France had presented some suggestions and we presented some suggestions about how to carry out [the nuclear deal] and the steps that both sides need to take,” the minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said.

“The talks were good and productive, of course it depends on how the European Union can carry out the commitments within [the nuclear deal] and also the commitments that they made after [the nuclear deal] and America’s exit.”

It is not possible to renegotiate the nuclear deal, Zarif said, according to ILNA.

Thursday, August 22

Will aggressively enforce sanctions over tanker – US

The US will aggressively enforce its sanctions to prevent the private sector from assisting an Iranian oil tanker that is travelling through the Mediterranean and that Washington wants to be seized, a State Department official said on Thursday.

“The shipping sector is on notice that we will aggressively enforce US sanctions,” the official said, days after warning countries not to allow the tanker to dock.

Ship tracking data has shown the ship, Adrian Darya 1, formerly called Grace 1, last heading toward Greece, although Greece’s prime minister said it was not heading to his country.

“All parties in the shipping sector should conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure that they are not doing business with nor facilitating business for, directly or indirectly, sanctioned parties or with sanctioned cargo,” the official warned.

Prepared to work on French nuclear deal proposals – Zarif

Iran is prepared to work on French proposals to salvage the international nuclear deal that Tehran signed with world powers in 2015, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said.

“There are proposals on the table, both from the French and the Iranian side, and we are going to work on those proposals tomorrow,” he said at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs.

French President Emmanuel Macron offered on Wednesday to either soften sanctions on Iran or provide “a compensation mechanism to enable the Iranian people to live better” in return for full compliance with the pact, which the US quit last year.

Zarif added: “I’m looking forward to having a serious conversation with President Macron about possibilities to move forward.”

He had said on Monday he would meet Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in Paris on Friday.

Zarif also addressed the US’ efforts to create a security operation, which so far Britain, Australia and Bahrain have joined, to guard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for the global oil industry.

“It’s clear that the US’ intention..(of having a) naval presence in the Persian Gulf is to counter Iran. Don’t expect us to remain quiet when somebody comes to our waters and threatens us,” Zarif said.

‘Talks are useless’ in dealing with US – Iran’s president

Iran’s president struck a muscular tone on dealings with the US, saying “talks are useless” as Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers crumbles further.

President Hassan Rouhani made the comment in a speech in Tehran during the unveiling of the Bavar-373, a long-range surface-to-air missile system that he described as an improvement to the Russian S-300.

“Now that our enemies do not accept logic, we cannot respond with logic,” Rouhani said in the televised speech.

He added: “When the enemy launches a missile against us, we cannot give a speech and say: ‘Mr Rocket, please do not hit our country and our innocent people. Rocket-launching sir, if you can please hit a button and self-destroy the missile in the air.’”

On Wednesday, Iran’s state TV reported that the Bavar-373 is able to recognise up to 100 targets at the same time and confront them with six different weapons.

Since 1992, Iran has developed a homegrown defence industry that has produced light and heavy weapons ranging from mortars and torpedoes to tanks and submarines.

The US re-imposed sanctions on Iran after the Trump administration pulled out of the nuclear deal over concerns about Iran’s missile program and regional influence.

President Donald Trump argued that the accord did not limit Iran’s ballistic missile programme.

Iran displays domestically built mobile missile defence system

Iran displayed what it described as a domestically-built long-range, surface-to-air missile air defence system.

Iran shot down a US military surveillance drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air missile in June. It says the drone was over its territory, but the US says it was in international airspace.

State television showed an unveiling ceremony for the mobile Bavar-373 system, which Iranian media have described as a competitor to the Russian S-300 missile system.

“With this long-range air defence system, we can detect … targets or planes at more than 300 km (190 miles), lock it at about 250 km, and destroy it at 200 km,” Defence Minister Amir Hatami told state television.

The system’s unveiling came on Iran’s National Defence Industry Day.

Wednesday, August 21

Greece closes ports to Iranian oil tanker

Greece said on Wednesday it won’t endanger its relations with the US by aiding an Iranian supertanker sought by the US but released by Gibraltar that’s currently in the Mediterranean Sea, believed heading for a Greek port.

Deputy Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said Athens is under pressure from US authorities, which claim the Iran-flagged Adrian Darya 1 is tied to a sanctioned organisation.

He told private Antenna TV that the 330-metre tanker is too big anyway to enter any Greek port and can’t legally unload its $130 million worth of light crude at EU refineries.

The vessel can still enter Greek waters or anchor offshore, in which case Athens will “see” what it will do, Varvitsiotis added.

Tuesday, August 20

Pompeo warns action

The United States will take every action it can to prevent an Iranian tanker from delivering oil to Syria in contravention of US sanctions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned.

“We have made clear that anyone who touches it, anyone who supports it, anyone who allows a ship to dock is at risk of receiving sanctions from the United States,” Pompeo told reporters.

“If that ship again heads to Syria we will take every action we can consistent with those sanctions to prevent that.”

The Adrian Darya – formerly the Grace 1 – left Gibraltar on August 18 and ship-tracking data showed the vessel was heading toward the Greek port of Kalamta.

‘No request’ from Iran tanker to dock in Greece – minister

Athens has received no request from the Iranian tanker Adrian Darya to dock in Greece, Merchant Marine Minister Ioannis Plakiotakis said Tuesday after a maritime tracker gave the ship’s “reported destination” as the Greek port of Kalamata.

“There is officially no request concerning the arrival of the Iranian tanker in a Greek port,” Plakiotakis told Greek media.

“We are following its progress and are working with the Greek foreign minister,” he said.

The website Marine Traffic placed the supertanker carrying 2.1 million barrels of oil some 100 kilometres northwest of the Algerian port of Oran.

Monday, August 19

Iran warns US against seizing tanker

Iran said it warned Washington through the Swiss embassy in Tehran, which represents prior US interests, against trying to seize the tanker again.

“Iran has given necessary warnings to American officials through its official channels… not to make such a mistake because it would have grave consequences,” foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

Speaking to reporters at a news conference, he dismissed the notion that there was a link between the seizure of the Iranian tanker off Gibraltar and the British-flagged tanker in the Gulf.

“There is no connection whatsoever between these two vessels,” said Mousavi.

“The court is looking into it. We hope the (investigation) is completed as soon as possible and the verdict is issued.”

Zarif rules out talks with US over a new nuclear deal

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran is not interested in talks with Washington, but any mediation should focus on bringing the United States back to the 2015 nuclear deal which it left last year.

Zarif was speaking in Finland after meeting Foreign Affairs Minister Pekka Haavisto, who said Europe was doing its best to salvage the deal.

Iranian tanker sought by US heading toward Greece

An Iranian supertanker hauling $130 million worth of light crude oil that the US suspected to be tied to a sanctioned organisation lifted its anchor and begun moving away from Gibraltar, marine traffic monitoring data showed.

The Iran-flagged Adrian Darya 1, previously named Grace 1, set course for Kalamata, Greece, with an estimated arrival on August 25, according to ship-tracking service MarineTraffic. It wasn’t immediately clear why the tanker would be heading there or whether the destination could change.

The vessel had been detained for a month in the British overseas territory for allegedly attempting to breach European Union sanctions on Syria.

Sunday, August 18

Adrian Darya-1 expected to leave Gibraltar Sunday night – Iran

Iran’s ambassador to Britain said the Iranian tanker caught in a stand-off between Tehran and the West is expected to leave the British territory of Gibraltar on Sunday night.

“With the arrival of two specialised engineering teams to Gibraltar … the vessel is expected to leave tonight,” Hamid Baeidinejad said on Twitter.

British Royal Marines seized the vessel in Gibraltar in July on suspicion that it was carrying oil to Syria, a close ally of Iran, in violation of European Union sanctions.

Gibraltar rejects US pressure to hold Iranian oil tanker

Authorities in Gibraltar say they are rejecting the United States’ renewed request that the British overseas territory not release an Iranian supertanker.

The vessel has been detained for over a month in Gibraltar for allegedly attempting to breach European Union sanctions on Syria.

In a statement Sunday, Gibraltar’s government said the ship would be free to go, as US sanctions on Iran had no equivalent in the United Kingdom or the rest of the EU.

The US had unsealed a warrant on Friday to seize the vessel, a day after Gibraltar lifted the ship’s detention.

The vessel remains at anchor off Gibraltar, laden with 2.1 million barrels of Iranian light crude oil.

A new crew is expected to arrive and sail the tanker to an undisclosed destination as early as Sunday.

Saturday, August 17

Iranian tanker to leave Gibraltar soon

The United States faced an against-the-clock legal battle to re-seize an Iranian supertanker caught in a diplomatic standoff before the vessel’s shipping agent said Saturday he would go ahead with the ship’s planned departure from Gibraltar on Sunday or Monday.

The head of the company sorting paperwork and procuring for the Grace 1 oil tanker in the British overseas territory said the vessel could be sailing away in the next “24 to 48 hours,” once new crews dispatched to the territory take over command of the ship.

“The vessel is ongoing some logistical changes and requirements that have delayed the departure,” Astralship managing director Richard De la Rosa told The Associated Press.

He said the new crews were Indian and Ukrainian nationals hired by the Indian managers of the ship and that his company had not been informed about the supertanker’s next destination.

Iran tanker shifts position but still at anchor off Gibraltar

An Iranian tanker caught in the standoff between Tehran and the West shifted position on Saturday, but its anchor was still down off Gibraltar and it was unclear if it was ready to set sail soon.

Gibraltar authorities could not be reached for comment.

The Grace 1 was seized by British Royal Marines at the western mouth of the Mediterranean on July 4 on suspicion of violating European Union sanctions by taking oil to Syria, a close ally of Iran.

Gibraltar lifted the detention order on Thursday but the vessel’s fate was further complicated by the US, which made a last-ditch legal appeal to hold it.

Friday, August 16

US announces warrant to seize Iranian supertanker Grace 1

The US Justice Department unveiled a warrant on Friday for the seizure of the Iranian oil supertanker Grace 1, one day after a Gibraltar judge allowed the release of the detained vessel.

The warrant says the vessel, all the oil aboard and $995,000 are subject to forfeiture based on violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and bank fraud, money laundering, and terrorism forfeiture statutes.

Gibraltar’s chief minister confirms Grace 1 release

An Iranian tanker whose detention exacerbated friction between Tehran and the West could sail free from British territory Gibraltar on Friday, though a US request to halt its passage could drag the saga back into court.

The Grace 1 was seized by British Royal Marine commandos in darkness at the western mouth of the Mediterranean on July 4 on suspicion of violating European Union sanctions by taking oil to Syria, a close ally of Iran.

Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said the decision to lift the detention order came after written assurances from Tehran that the ship would not discharge its oil in Syria.

Picardo said the US could still begin a new legal procedure for seizing the Grace 1, but that provisions under the European Union’s sanctions regulations were ending on Thursday.

Iran denied commitments in exchange for tanker release saying the vessel was not destined for Syria in the first place.

US to revoke visas held by crew of Iranian ship

US State Department said it will revoke US visas for crew members on the Iranian oil tanker.

The department stated that it intends to fully enforce all US sanctions related to Iranian oil exports despite the decision by Gibraltar to allow the ship to leave.

Thursday, August 15

Gibraltar frees Iranian vessel

Gibraltar’s Supreme Court ruled to release an Iranian supertanker seized last month on suspicion of shipping oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions, despite a last-minute US request to detain the vessel.

Chief Justice Anthony Dudley said that since Iran had guaranteed in writing that the Grace 1 “was never destined to an EU sanctioned entity… there are no longer reasonable grounds to suspect that the detention of the Vessel is required.”

He added that the court had not received a written detention request from the United States.

US asks Gibraltar to keep Iranian tanker in detention

The US requested that Gibraltar hold in detention an Iranian supertanker at the centre of a stand-off between Tehran and London that sparked tensions in the oil-rich Gulf.

The British overseas territory’s Supreme Court was set to release the Grace 1, when the US Department of Justice applied for the vessel to be seized.

The move was announced by attorney Joseph Triay and delayed the court decision on the vessel’s fate.

Triay did not detail the basis for the US request other than as “mutual legal assistance”.

Gibraltar’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Anthony Dudley made clear that were it not for the US move, “the ship would have sailed”.

Wednesday, August 14

Gibraltar to reportedly release Iran tanker on Thursday

The British territory of Gibraltar will on Thursday release an Iranian oil tanker seized by Royal Marines in the Mediterranean in July, The Sun newspaper reported, citing sources close to Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

Picardo would not apply to renew an order to detain Grace 1, the report said, adding that he is now satisfied that the oil tanker is no longer heading to Syria.

Britain had said the vessel was violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, a charge Iran denies.

“There is no reason to keep Grace 1 in Gibraltar a moment longer if we no longer believe it is in breach of sanctions against the Syrian regime,” the newspaper quoted a source close to Picardo as saying.

Tuesday, August 13

Iran, Gibraltar bicker over Grace 1

A Gibraltarian government source denied an Iranian news agency report which said the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 would be leaving the British overseas territory on Tuesday.

British Royal Marines seized the tanker on July 4 off the coast of the British Mediterranean territory of Gibraltar on suspicion of violating EU sanctions by taking oil to Syria, which Tehran denies.

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency quoted unidentified Gibraltar authorities as saying the tanker would bee freed on Tuesday evening.

A senior Gibraltarian government source said that report was not correct.

In touch with Britain over seized tanker – Iran

Iran’s port authority said it has been in contact with British authorities as part of efforts to secure the release of its tanker.

A court in Gibraltar is to decide the fate of the ship on Thursday, when an order for its detention lapses.

The deputy head of Iran’s port authority, Jalil Eslami, said in a report by state news agency IRNA that Britain had shown an interest in overcoming the problem and documents had been exchanged.

Gibraltar seeks to ease tanker standoff with Iran

Gibraltar said it was seeking to de-escalate issues arising with Iran since the detention of the Grace 1 tanker.

“We continue to seek to de-escalate issues arising since the lawful detention of Grace 1,” a spokesman for Gibraltar said.

The current detention order on the vessel expires on Saturday night, the spokesman said.

Saturday, August 10

Iran unveils ‘overhauled’ air defence system

Iran unveiled a new air defence system it says is capable of detecting missiles and drones at a range of 400 kilometres (250 miles), ISNA news agency reported.

The “Falagh” is a locally overhauled version of the imported “Gamma” surveillance radar, the semi-official news agency said, in an apparent reference to a Russian-made system of that name.

It had been inoperable due to “sanctions, lack of spare parts and the inability of foreign engineers to carry out repairs”, it added.

Friday, August 9

Iran warns against Israeli involvement in maritime coalition

Any Israeli involvement in a maritime coalition in the Gulf is a “clear threat” to Iran’s national security and it has a right to confront the threat, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Friday, according to a statement on the ministry’s website.

Israeli media quoted Foreign Minister Israel Katz as telling a closed-door meeting on Tuesday that Israel was part of discussions and intelligence-sharing with a possible US maritime security coalition. Israeli officials declined to confirm or deny the reports.

Thursday, August 8

Iran says US mission will ‘increase insecurity’

Iran’s defence minister said the formation of a US-led flotilla in the Gulf would “increase insecurity” and any Israeli involvement would have “disastrous consequences” for the region.

“The military coalition that America is seeking to form with the excuse of securing maritime transport will only increase insecurity in the region,” Defence Minister Amir Hatami said in a conference call with counterparts from Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

Reacting to reports of Israeli willingness to join the coalition, he said it would be “highly provocative and can have disastrous consequences for the region.”

Calling the US the main source of tensions in the region, Hatami called on Gulf countries to enter “constructive talks” to provide maritime security by themselves.

US asks for transit plans

Washington said that US-flagged commercial vessels should send their transit plans for the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf waters to US and British naval authorities ahead of time. This comes from the US Maritime Administration in an advisory on Iran threats.

“Heightened military activity and increased political tensions in this region continue to pose serious threats to commercial vessels,” said the advisory.

Vessels should also alert the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations in the event of any incident or suspicious activity, it added, saying that crews should not forcibly resist any Iranian boarding party.

Tuesday, August 6

Israel to join US mission

Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz has said that his country will join the US-led coalition, to protect trade routes in the Persian Gulf, Israeli media reported on Tuesday.

According to an Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Katz claimed that he had recently met a “high ranking persona” from the United Arab Emirates, to improve ties between Israel and Arab states.

“Israel is part of the US-led coalition to protect trade routes in the Persian Gulf,” Katz said.

“It is an Israeli interest to stop Iranian entrenchment in the region and strengthen relationship with Gulf countries,” he added.

According to the newspaper, Katz said in a meeting of ministers that Israel has no conflict with Gulf nations.

So far only Britain has officially said it would join the mission to protect merchant ships after Iran seized a British-flagged vessel.

Rouhani says Iran favours talks but US must lift sanctions

Rouhani said on Tuesday that Tehran favours talks with Washington but the US must first lift sanctions it imposed on Iran.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran favours talks and negotiations and, if the US really wants to talk, before anything else it should lift all sanctions,” Rouhani said in remarks aired live on state television.

He added, “peace with Iran is the mother of all peace and war with Iran is the mother of all wars”.

Rouhani, speaking at the foreign ministry after meeting with his top diplomat Zarif, said Iran was ready for talks regardless of whether or not the US was party to a landmark nuclear deal.

Monday, August 5

Germany not to join US mission

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Monday reiterated that Germany would not join a US-led naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Berlin favoured a European mission but warned it was rather difficult to make progress on that.

“At the moment the Britons would rather join an American mission. We won’t do that,” Maas told reporters.

“We want a European mission,” he said, adding that the issue was not off the agenda but it would take time to convince the European Union to carry out such a mission.

The US Embassy in Berlin said on Tuesday the United States had asked Germany to join France and Britain in a mission to protect shipping through the strait and “combat Iranian aggression”.

Sunday, August 4

Iran seizes ‘foreign tanker’ smuggling fuel: state media

Iranian media say the Revolutionary Guard has seized an oil tanker carrying 700,000 liters of “smuggled fuel” in the Persian Gulf.

The semi-official Fars news agency says seven crew members were detained when the ship was seized late Wednesday. It did not provide further details on the vessel or the nationality of the crew.

This would mark the third commercial vessel seized by Iranian forces in recent weeks and the second accused of smuggling fuel. Tensions have soared in the Gulf in recent months as the US has boosted its military presence and oil tankers have been seized by Iranian forces or targeted by unknown saboteurs.

The tensions are rooted in the US decision last year to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear accord and impose sweeping sanctions on Iran.

Saturday, August 3

Iran will take ‘third step’ to reduce commitments to nuclear deal – Zarif

Iran will take the third step to reduce its commitments to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal within the framework of the pact, Zarif said on Saturday, according to parliamentary news agency ICANA.

“The third step in reducing commitments to (the nuclear deal) will be implemented in the current situation,” he said.

“We have said that if (the deal) is not completely implemented by others then we will also implement it in the same incomplete manner. And, of course, all of our actions have been within the framework of (the deal).”

Thursday, August 1

“Childish” of US to sanction Iran foreign minister – Rouhani

Rouhani accused the US of “childish behaviour” on Thursday over Washington’s sanctioning of Iran’s foreign minister amid rising tensions between the two countries.

“They (Americans) are resorting to childish behaviour … they were claiming every day: ‘we want to talk, with no preconditions’ … and then they sanction the foreign minister,” Rouhani said.

“This means they have lost the power of rational thought.”

Wednesday, July 31

US puts sanctions on Iranian foreign minister Zarif

The US on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Zarif, targeting the country’s top spokesman and potentially hurting chances of diplomatic talks amid rising tensions between the two countries.

Zarif, a critical figure in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, dismissed the action and said it would not affect him.

“Javad Zarif implements the reckless agenda of Iran’s Supreme Leader and is the regime’s primary spokesperson around the world. The US is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime that its recent behaviour is completely unacceptable,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

The sanctions against Zarif would block any property or interests he has in the US, but the Iranian foreign minister said he had none.

UAE, Iran hold rare talks in Tehran on maritime security

Officials from the United Arab Emirates and Iran met to discuss maritime security for the first time in six years amid a spike in tensions in the Persian Gulf, both countries confirmed on Wednesday.

The meeting is significant because the UAE and Iran are regional rivals. The UAE downgraded ties with Iran in 2016 and has long pushed for more hawkish US policies toward Tehran, including supporting tough American sanctions.

An Emirati official told AP that the meetings focused on issues related to border security and navigation in shared waters, describing the talks as “nothing new” and unrelated to current tensions. The official said there were periodic meetings scheduled between technical teams in both countries and this was the sixth one to take place.

Stoltenberg says no NATO mission requested in Strait of Hormuz

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday there had been no formal request for the military alliance to launch a mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States has proposed stepping up efforts to safeguard the vital oil route at a time of heightened tension between Washington and Tehran.

Germany: European naval mission in Strait of Hormuz worth considering

The German government has not offered any contribution to a US naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz but thinks it is “worth considering” a European mission and is in touch with its partners on that, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

“The government is reticent about the concrete US proposal and so has no made an offer,” the spokeswoman told a news conference.

“For us, it is important to pursue the avenue of diplomacy … and to seek talks with Iran to achieve a de-escalation,” the spokeswoman added.

Iran says it is ready for dialogue if Saudi Arabia is also ready

Iran is ready for dialogue if Saudi Arabia is also ready, Iran’s Zarif said on Wednesday, according to the IRIB news agency.

“If Saudi Arabia is ready for dialogue, we are always ready for dialogue with our neighbours,” Zarif said. “We have never closed the door to dialogue with our neighbours and we will never close the door to dialogue with our neighbours.”

Iran dismisses Pompeo’s ‘hypocritical’ offer to visit

Iran has dismissed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s offer to visit and address the Iranian people as a “hypocritical gesture.”

Addressing Pompeo in remarks to reporters on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Zarif said, “You don’t need to come to Iran.” He suggested Pompeo instead grant visas for Iranian reporters to travel to the US and interview him, accusing him of having rejected their requests.

On Monday, Pompeo tweeted, “We aren’t afraid of [Zarif] coming to America where he enjoys the right to speak freely. Are the facts of the [Khamenei] regime so bad he cannot let me do the same thing in Tehran?” he said, referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“What if his people heard the truth, unfiltered, unabridged?”

Iran to further cut nuclear deal commitments – Zarif

Iran is set to further cut its commitments to its international nuclear deal unless its European partners move to protect it from US sanctions by ensuring it can sell oil and receive income, its foreign minister told state TV on Wednesday.

“Under current circumstances and if no action is taken [by the Europeans], we will take the next step [in cutting commitments],” Zarif said, adding that its European partners should guarantee Iran could sell its oil and collect the revenue.

Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions.

Iran says Europe ‘obliged’ to let it sell and ship oil

Iran said on Wednesday that European nations still party to the 2015 nuclear deal are “obliged” to allow it to sell and ship oil, amid a standoff with Britain over the seizure of tankers.

“They [the European parties] have set out their commitments and announced them, they [include] the sale of Iran’s oil, the transportation of Iran’s oil, and the return of Iran’s oil income,” said Zarif.

“It is clear that today’s tensions and problems are due to America’s economic terrorism and Europe’s inability to fulfil its commitments which means going along with America’s economic terrorism,” he said, quoted by state media.

UK warship commander says Iran trying ‘to test’ Britain in Gulf

The commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said on Wednesday that Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy’s resolve.

William King, commander of HMS Montrose, said during 27 days patrolling the flashpoint entrance to the Gulf he had had 85 “interactions with Iranian forces,” which had often led to “an exchange of warnings” over radio.

“That gives you some idea of the intensity … [it] is perhaps more than we’ve seen of recent times,” he told BBC Radio in a phone interview from aboard the frigate.

“The Iranians seem to be keen to test our resolve, test our reactions most of the time,” King added.

“They’ll claim that perhaps our presence is illegitimate, even though we’re completely lawfully in international waters.”

“They may also run boats in at speed towards us, to test what warning levels we get to.”

Tuesday, July 30

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Spider-Man is leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe

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Spider-Man is leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Spider-Man

It seems as though Spider-Man as a character may be leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe, leaving Tom Holland’s role as the character up in the air. The change will be an unfortunate side effect of the talks to extend the deal between Sony Pictures and Disney falling to the wayside. Deadline originally reported that Disney […]

Spider-Man is leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe
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North Korea Fired Two Unidentified Projectiles Into Sea of Japan – South Korean Military

South Korea’s military leadership announced Saturday morning that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) had twice fired unidentified projectiles into the Sea of Japan from Sondok, South Hamgyong Province, in a mirror of recent ballistic missile tests, according to Sputniknews.com reports.

“Our military is monitoring the situation in case of additional launches and maintaining a readiness posture,” the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said, according to Yonhap News Agency. Further, the Blue House announced a meeting of the National Security Council would soon follow as a result of the test.

The Japanese Coast Guard said they detected the launch, which did not land in Japan’s territory or Exclusive Economic Zone, and warned ships to stay clear of any refuse in the water.

Saturday’s test comes a week after the country’s previous weapons test, which saw it fire two short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, as it has done numerous times in recent months. The most recent tests have been protest messages by Pyongyang against South Korean participation in war games with the US, but it’s unknown what Saturday’s test was in response to, if anything.

However, the test does follow a growing row between Seoul and Tokyo that has expanded to encompass not only economic relations but defence cooperation as well, with the two countries agreeing to share intelligence only through an intermediary power.

Neither Korea gets along well with Japan, as the entire region was colonized for decades by the Japanese Empire and a number of contentious and unresolved issues remain between them.

However, South Korea has announced a large military expansion in recent weeks, which it says is in response to North Korean weapons tests.

“The ministry has decided to concentrate on enhancing defence capabilities to make leading responses to security threats from all directions possible, as well as on building and properly managing a smart military based upon state-of-the-art science technologies,” the South Korean Defense Ministry said in an August 14 statement.

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Celebrity couple, Jamie Foxx, Katie Holmes split

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Celebrity couple, Jamie Foxx, Katie Holmes split

Katie Holmes

Hollywood celebrity couple, Jamie Foxx and Katie Holmes have both ended their six years relationship joining the growing list of celebrities in Hollywood, whose relationship has collapsed in the last year. According to E! News, the notoriously private couple haven’t been together since May. The oscar winner was recently spotted holding hands with singer Sela […]

Celebrity couple, Jamie Foxx, Katie Holmes split
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BBNaija: Frodd, Sir Dee prank Esther on birthday

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BBNaija: Frodd, Sir Dee prank Esther on birthday

Frodd and Sir Dee, both housemates in the ongoing Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem episode, during the early hours of Thursday pranked Esther, another housemate, on her birthday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Frodd and Sir Dee, acted a heated out  argument cum near exchange of fistcuffs scene, prompting other housemates, including […]

BBNaija: Frodd, Sir Dee prank Esther on birthday
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Turkish Convoy Bombed In Syria As Tensions Flare

Turkey’s Defense Ministry stated that earlier this week a Turkish convoy was bombed in Idlib province near the city of Maarat al-Numan in northwest Syria. The attack resulted in several deaths and a dozen injuries, with the Turks initially claiming that several civilians were killed in the bombing. There has been some uncertainty over exactly which target was struck, with some Syrian opposition members claiming that it was their convoy that was attacked, while it was traveling alongside a Turkish vehicle. The Syrian government suggested that the Turkish convoy was carrying weapons to forces fighting to overthrow Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, while the Turks claim that they were resupplying a Turkish observation post in Morek.

There have been ongoing clashes between Assad’s regime and fighters from the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA). Turkey supports a mĂ©lange of Arab proxy forces and has cooperated at various points throughout the conflict with jihadist terrorist groups in Syria, including Hay’ at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). But it remains unclear precisely what level of control Ankara can assert over HTS and other anti-Assad fighters that it supports. There is also an ambiguous relationship between HTS and fighters linked to al-Qaeda, which makes supporting the former highly problematic for most countries involved in the eight-year-long Syrian civil war.

Ankara protested the strike and appealed to Moscow to respect and enforce the terms of a prior de-escalation agreement reached nearly a year ago. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned Syria that ‘the attacks could pave the way for a disaster.’ Idlib is the last rebel stronghold in Syria and a potential flashpoint that could drag external states with well-equipped militaries—Russia, Iran, and Turkey—into a broader conflagration that could further destabilize Syria and lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. As many as 3 million Syrians, many of them internally displaced persons from other parts of the war-torn country, are thought to be stuck in Idlib struggling to survive. Children and other vulnerable populations continue to suffer the brunt of this conflict, which has seen the Syrian government use chemical weapons against its own civilian population on numerous occasions.

Russian and Syrian airstrikes have targeted the highway connecting Heish and Khan Sheikhoun in an attempt to isolate opposition forces from critical resupply lines. Rebel fighters in Idlib have held their ground against a months-long combined Syrian-Iranian-Russian offensive, with at least 500 civilians killed in Idlib alone since April; as many as 2,000 rebels may have been killed during this same period. As Putin and Assad intensify a scorched earth campaign deliberately targeting hospitals, health clinics, and other civilian infrastructure, the regime and its backers have pressed a ruthless offensive against rebel forces in the war-weary province. This assault has unfolded even as elements of the so-called Islamic State appear to be regrouping in force in rugged terrain throughout eastern Syria. It remains unclear if the strike against the Turkish convoy was an accident, or a deliberate message sent by Assad and reinforced by Russia, that the Syrian regime will stop at nothing in its quest to retake Idlib from rebel control and reassert control over a strategically valuable swath of the country.

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UCH beggars: We lie to get money from people

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UCH beggars: We lie to get money from people

Oncology, UCH Ibadan

I had just exited the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan’s   Accident and Emergency department (popularly known as A&E). I had hoped to still find some there but they had all been chased away a long time ago, probably because beggars constitute a lot of nuisance generally in the hospital. I walked past the GOPD, behind […]

UCH beggars: We lie to get money from people
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We reject any attempt to detach north central from the north by any group —Kwande

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We reject any attempt to detach north central from the north by any group —Kwande

North

A former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland, who is also a co-chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Alhaji Yahaya Kwande, speaks with ISAAC SHOBAYO on the raging controversies over the craving for a separate identity for Middle Belt from the North and the identification of some local governments and communities in the North West and […]

We reject any attempt to detach north central from the north by any group —Kwande
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Ballers Announces Series Will End, Dwayne Full Of Gratitude

Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson is reflecting on his time starring in HBO’s Ballers as he announced to fans that the show will not be returning after its fifth season.

The actor, 47, shared that while the show, which he starred in and executive produced, is coming to an end, he is extremely grateful for his role.

After announcing his marriage to longtime girlfriend Lauren Hashian on Monday, “the cool news rolls on,” Johnson told his followers.

He began the lengthy Instagram video Thursday explaining how the show started, and how he became interested in taking on his role as the retired NFL player Spencer Strasmore.

“Five years ago when they came to me with this idea for Ballers, at that time there were really no movie actors or movie stars really doing television,” he said.

“At that time, I really didn’t want to concern myself with what was happening traditionally, I didn’t want to trailblaze, but I certainly wanted to disrupt,” sharing that Ballers was not only a great way for the actor to work with HBO and producers Mark Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson, but to get into topics that hit close to home.

For Johnson, whose football career never fully took off, Ballers meant a lot.

“It was an opportunity to not only embrace culture, not only embrace ambition, not only embrace success — which we do in the show — but also embrace the failures, which is a key and critical thing in life, to learn from them,” he said.

“I was embracing a game, that has been so very good to me personally, and even though things didn’t work out for me and my NFL dreams, and those that I failed at, it was still an opportunity to play a character that loved the game.”

He continued his appreciative clip giving thanks to the fans who helped “create a platform with longevity.”

“Thank you for the support. Thank you for the love. Thank you for rocking with us, thank you for ballin’ with us. And enjoy this final season of Ballers, starting this Sunday,” Johnson said as he grabbed a glass of his go-to drink — tequila. “Cheers.”

RELATED: Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson Marries Longtime Girlfriend Lauren Hashian in Hawaii: ‘We Do’

“Cheers to our FINAL SEASON of @HBO’s BALLERS,” Johnson began his heartfelt caption.

“My heart đŸ–¤ is full of gratitude to all of you for rockin’ with us every season. You made us HBO’s highest rated comedy for years and most importantly, you helped create and sustain a platform for other actors to have the OPPORTUNITY to work hard, grow and become household names,” he continued.

“To me, the opportunity Ballers created for so many others, is the real gold of our show. I love you, I thank you and enjoy our final season of BALLERS. This SUNDAY on @HBO.”

Johnson’s good news continued this week as he earned the title of Hollywood’s highest paid male actor for the second year in a row.

The former wrestler has earned an estimated $89.4 million in the last 12 months, according to Forbes, taking in paychecks from his roles in the Fast and Furious spin-off Hobbs & Shaw, the 2018 action film Skyscraper, and Ballers, for which he gets paid $700,000 per episode.

His highest payout yet, however, will come from Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, which he will collect an upfront salary of up to $23.5 million, according to the outlet.

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Steven Gerrard In Desperate Rangers Plea

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard has issued a desperate plea to Rangers fans after UEFA hammered the club over sectarian singing.

The governing body have ordered a section of Ibrox be closed for next Thursday’s Europa League play off second leg against Legia Warsaw, as they found a section of supporters guilty of “racist behaviour” – including bigoted chanting – during an earlier clash against St Joseph’s back in July.

Record Sport broke the news today that the club expected tough sanctions and at least 3000 seats will be closed off.

Rangers reacted by sending a strongly worded message to guilty fans, with chairman Dave King insisting they are not welcome at Ibrox.

And now Gerrard, who had called for a raucous atmosphere for the crucial return against the Poles, has made his own personal appeal.

“We’ve been here before and I hope it’s the last time we have to deal with questions on fan behaviour,” the Rangers boss said.

“We want our fans to go to the games, enjoy it and get behind the team.

“That’s what being a fan is all about.

“We’ve got one of the best fan bases in the world. They follow us in large numbers home and away and they have got a reputation for being the best supporters in the world.

“So when you hear stuff like this it damages the fans’ reputation of having the best fans in the world.

“All I can do is echo what’s been said in the statement and plead with fans to behave in the right manner when they come to support the team.”

The punishment comes just weeks after Rangers launched their “Everyone, Anyone” campaign, aimed at promoting diversity and inclusivity at Ibrox.

But they have now been left to deal with sanctions that will ensure thousands of supporters miss out on one of the biggest European nights in the club’s recent history.

The club are one positive result away from the group stage, but will have to negotiate the tie without a chunk of their fans in attendance.

Rangers have also been ordered to display a banner reading #EqualGame and carrying the UEFA logo.

A club statement earlier on Friday said: “It read: “Rangers has been ordered by UEFA to close a section of Ibrox Stadium for the return leg of the club’s Europa League play-off tie against Legia Warsaw on Thursday, August 29.

The chants were heard during the qualifier against St Joseph’s (Image: Getty Images)
“UEFA has ruled that a group of Rangers supporters were guilty of racist behaviour – which includes sectarian singing – during the match against St Joseph’s at Ibrox on July 18.

“Our supporters have been asked repeatedly by the club to refrain from indulging in this, and other forms of unacceptable behaviour. Sadly, the warnings have fallen on deaf ears and the actions of this minority will cause the club and the majority of good and decent Rangers supporters to pay a heavy penalty.

“UEFA has ruled that a section, or sections containing no fewer than 3000 seats must be shut off during the club’s next European match, which is the home match against Legia Warsaw. The area, or areas to be closed will be announced in due course and the club will do its best to restrict the impact to offending supporters.

READ MORE
Transfer news LIVE as Celtic and Rangers plus Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs make signings

“Unfortunately a significant number of supporters, innocent of any wrong doing, will be unable to attend next week’s match. This is deeply regrettable to all at the club and we hope that the guilty parties, who attracted the attention of UEFA might reflect on the damage their unacceptable behaviour is causing Rangers and their fellow supporters.

“If any individual supporter is unable to behave in a civilised manner then please stay away from Ibrox and our club. You are harming Rangers and that is something a genuine supporter would never wish to do.”

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La Liga Side Optimistic Of Signing Experienced Arsenal Defender

Nacho Monreal is on the verge of leaving Arsenal to complete a return to Spain, according to reports.

The defender has spent the past six-and-a-half seasons at the Emirates Stadium after joining from Malaga, but now appears to be in line for a move back to his native country.

According to Mundo Deportivo, who cite Onda Vasca, Real Sociedad are hopeful of arriving at an agreement for Monreal by the end of the day, with the Spaniard expected to be pushed down the pecking order under Unai Emery once Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney become available again.

Tierney was a deadline day signing from Celtic after being one of Arsenal’s main targets all summer, but is yet to feature due to injury, while Kolasinac missed the season opener against Newcastle, along with Mesut Ozil, due to security concerns – but he has since featured as a substitute against Burnley.

Monreal’s contract is entering its final year, and although Arsenal have the option to extend it by a further 12 months, they seem to be considering cashing in on the 22-time Spain international, who has made 250 appearances for the club.

Real Sociedad are searching for a new left-back after last season’s first choice, Theo Hernandez, returned to Real Madrid after his loan spell before being sold on to AC Milan.

Monreal, who had seven years of La Liga experience before joining Arsenal (five with Osasuna, and two with Malaga), would fit the profile they are looking for.

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Tesla solar panels reportedly caught fire at an Amazon warehouse in 2018

Tesla solar panels ignited at an Amazon warehouse in Redlands, California in June 2018, Bloomberg reports. The news comes days after Walmart sued Tesla for at least 7 fires allegedly caused by defects in the solar roofs on Walmart stores.
Source: CNBC Tech News



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[Video] Jidenna – “Worth The Weight” ft. Seun Kuti

Jidenna that oyinbo boy from Enugu releases the official music video for “Worth The Weight” featuring Seun Kuti.

The Nigerian-American rapper unlocks a new visual for the track ”Worth The Weight” a song off his newly released 11 track album “85 to Africa“. This record is a wake up call for Africans to rediscover themselves and create an highway that will connect the diaspora with the Motherland, then share a common goal.

Jidenna teams up with Fela’s son and leader of his band, Seun Kuti for this thoughtful jam.

Watch, listen and Enjoy!

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Factbox: From phone makers to farmers, the toll of Trump's trade wars

The world’s two largest economies, China and the United States, on Friday exchanged blows in the latest escalation in their trade war that has roiled supply chains and whipsawed financial markets.


Source: Reuters Politics



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US, China Trade War Deepens

 

 

 

 

China on Friday announced tariff hikes on $75 billion of U.S. products in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s latest planned increase, deepening a conflict over trade and technology that threatens to tip a weakening global economy into recession.

China also will increase import duties on U.S.-made autos and auto parts, the Finance Ministry announced.

The announcement comes as leaders of the Group of 7 major economies prepare to meet in France this weekend, HuffPost reports.

Tariffs of 10% and 5% will take effect on two batches of goods on Sept. 1 and Dec. 15, the ministry said in a statement. It gave no details of what goods would be affected but the timing matches Trump’s planned duty hikes.

Washington is pressing Beijing to narrow its trade surplus and roll back plans for government-led creation of global competitors in robotics, electric cars and other technology industries.

The spiraling conflict has battered exporters on both sides and fueled concern it might drag down weakening global economic growth.

Peter Navarro, who advises Trump on trade policy, tried to downplay the impact of Chinese tariff hikes. He said they were “well anticipated” and would only strengthen Trump’s resolve.

China’s government appealed to Trump this week to compromise in order to reach a settlement.

That came after Trump warned that the American public might need to endure economic pain in order to achieve long-term results.

The United States, Europe, Japan and other trading partners say Beijing’s development plans violate its market-opening commitments and are based on stealing or pressuring foreign companies to hand over technology.

Some American officials worry they might erode U.S. industrial leadership.

Chinese leaders have offered to alter details but are resisting giving up a development strategy they see as a path to prosperity and global influence.

The talks are deadlocked over how to enforce any deal. China insists Trump’s punitive tariffs have to be lifted as soon as an agreement takes effect. Washington says at least some have to stay to ensure Beijing carries out any promises it makes.

Trump announced plans to raise tariffs Sept. 1 on $300 billion of Chinese products after talks broke down in May. Increases on some goods were postponed to Dec. 15.

Trump escalated “trade frictions” and is “seriously threatening the multilateral trading system,” the Finance Ministry said. “China was forced to take countermeasures.”

A separate statement said tariffs of 25% and 5% would be imposed on U.S.-made autos and auto parts on Dec. 15. Beijing announced that increase last year but suspended it after Trump and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, agreed at a meeting in December in Argentina to put off further trade action while they negotiated.

Trump and Xi agreed in June to resume negotiations. But talks in Shanghai in July ended with no indication of progress. Negotiators talked by phone this month and are due to meet again in Washington next month.

BMW, Tesla, Ford and Mercedes Benz are likely to be the hardest hit by the Chinese auto tariffs. In 2018, BMW exported about 87,000 luxury SUVs to China from a plant near Spartanburg, S.C. It exports more vehicles to China than any other U.S. auto plant.

Together, Ford, BMW, Mercedes and others exported about 164,000 vehicles to China from the U.S. in 2018, according to the Center for Automotive Research, a think tank in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Most of them are luxury cars and SUVs with higher profit margins that can cover higher U.S. wages. The exports are down from about 262,000 in 2017.

Tesla, which is building a plant in China, last year got about 12% of its revenue by exporting about 14,300 electric cars and SUVs from California to China, according to Barclays. Most of Ford’s exports are from the Lincoln luxury brand, but most of the vehicles it sells in China are made in joint venture factories.

Trump already has imposed 25% tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese products. Beijing retaliated by imposing its own penalties on $110 billion of American goods. But their lopsided trade balance meant China was running out of imports for retaliation.

Friday’s announcement, if it applied to goods not already affected by Chinese penalties, would extend tariff hikes to everything China imports from the United States. That would match Trump’s hikes, which cover almost all of what Americans buy from China.

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Excessive intake of coffee not safe in pregnancy —Experts

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Excessive intake of coffee not safe in pregnancy —Experts

Caffeine has been shown to affect mood, stamina, the cerebral vascular system, and gastric and colonic activity. But experts say that caffeine may not be for pregnant women since excess of it can hinder the development of unborn babies SADE OGUNTOLA writes.   A morning cup of coffee or a can of energy drink might […]

Excessive intake of coffee not safe in pregnancy —Experts
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What is your take on the new ministers and their portfolios?

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What is your take on the new ministers and their portfolios?

Last Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari assigned portfolios to his new ministers, which generated mixed reactions from Nigerians. Remember that some of the ministers were also ministers in the last administration, with the same portfolios. OLASUNKANMI OSO and OLUWAYINKA AJE sampled the opinions of Nigerians to enquire what they think about the new ministers’  portfolios and […]

What is your take on the new ministers and their portfolios?
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Itching after sex

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Itching after sex

I am a 27 year old married man with three children. Recently, my wife complained that anytime we have fun, she will be scratching her private part. I also have the same feeling when cleaning up after sex with her. I even have some pimples on my penis. What can be the cause of this […]

Itching after sex
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Pregnancy after a caesarean

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Pregnancy after a caesarean

I had a Caesarean operation in February due to Fibroid and miscarriage. I missed my period last month. Can I carry the pregnancy? Will I be able to deliver by myself? What should I do sir? Mrs C O (by SMS)   It is generally advisable for women to wait 18 to 24 months after […]

Pregnancy after a caesarean
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Can we try acupuncture?

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Can we try acupuncture?

Our 65 year old grandmother has been down with stroke for the past two months and most of the orthodox and traditional treatment regimes which we tried have failed to cure her. Recently, somebody suggested acupuncture as a solution but I am worried if this will help. Your kind suggestion will be appreciated. Bode (by […]

Can we try acupuncture?
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Friday 23 August 2019

CAF League: Enyimba Upbeat Despite Stadium Ban

LAGOS – Enyimba International of Aba have expressed optimism of defeating Rahimo FC of Burkina Faso despite the sanction placed on their fans stopping them from coming into the stadium in the match billed for Sunday.

Afelokhai, the Enyimba goalkeeper, while speaking with Brila FM, noted that they would overturn the 0-1 loss they suffered in the first leg because following the loss, the eighth-time Nigerian champions need outright victory to beat their Burkinababe counterparts.

The player called for corporation among the players for them to get the desired result in the match they must win to move ahead, even though he said that playing without their fans might put a huge challenge to them in the game.

“Honestly, we just need to win the game, playing behind closed doors is not good because the supporters would have made things a lot easier for us but I don’t think that will be enough excuse for us not to win the match and qualify.

“We need to come out to play our way. Honestly as footballers we feel somehow when we heard that we are going to play behind closed doors.

“But we just need to encourage ourselves and Enyimba is too big to get knocked out of the preliminary stage of the champions league.”

The post CAF League: Enyimba Upbeat Despite Stadium Ban appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

Source: Independent



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