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EU open to Iran sanctions after foiled France, Denmark plots - diplomatsThe Saigon Times Daily French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian attends the questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, February 20, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS BRUSSELS (REUTERS) - European Union foreign ministers showed cautious support on Monday for possible new economic sanctions on Iran in a shift of policy after accusations of Iranian attack plots in France and Denmark, diplomats said. Denmark and France briefed their EU counterparts at a meeting in Brussels on the alleged plots and ministers agreed to consider targeted sanctions on Iranians in response, although no details or names were discussed, five diplomats told Reuters. Though still at an early stage, the EU’s readiness to penalise Iranians would be the first such move in years after months of internal division over how to punish Iranians accused of destabilising activities in Europe and the … [Read more...] about EU open to Iran sanctions after foiled France, Denmark plots

EU trade chief says ready to retaliate if U.S. imposes auto tariffsThe Saigon Times Daily U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom (R) take part in a meeting to discuss steel overcapacity, in Brussels, Belgium March 10, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - European Union trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said on Wednesday that the EU has a list of potential retaliation targets ready in case U.S. President Donald Trump imposes auto tariffs on EU member states. Malmstrom told reporters after a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer that the two did not speak specifically about auto tariffs but focused instead on regulatory cooperation issues and ways to enable EU countries to import more American soybeans and liquefied natural gas. Malmstrom did not specify the U.S. products on which the EU would levy retaliatory tariffs, as consultations would need to take place with member states. But she … [Read more...] about EU trade chief says ready to retaliate if U.S. imposes auto tariffs

Britain agrees Brexit divorce deal with EU, May's opponents vow to thwart it An anti-Brexit demonstrator holds placards opposite the Houses of Parliament, in London, Britain, November 13, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS LONDON (REUTERS) - Britain struck a draft divorce deal with the European Union after more than a year of talks, thrusting Prime Minister Theresa May into a perilous battle over Brexit that could shape her country’s prosperity for generations to come. While Brussels choreographs the first withdrawal of a sovereign state from the EU, May, a far from secure leader hemmed in by opponents in government and her own Conservative party, must now try to get the deal approved by her cabinet and, in the toughest test of all, by parliament. Brexiteers in May’s party accused her of surrendering to the EU and said they would vote the deal down while the Northern Irish party which props up her minority government questioned whether she would be able to get … [Read more...] about Britain agrees Brexit divorce deal with EU, May’s opponents vow to thwart it

Macron, Merkel defend multilaterism as Trump avoids peace forum German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron hold hands after leaving books at the peace library at the Paris Peace Forum as part of the commemoration ceremony for Armistice Day, 100 years after the end of the First World War, in Paris, France, November 11, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS PARIS (REUTERS) - The leaders of Germany and France called for a unified approach to fostering world peace at a forum in Paris on Sunday that was attended by dozens of heads of state and government with one notable exception: U.S. President Donald Trump. German Chancellor Angela Merkel opened the Paris Peace Forum, which followed a ceremony in the French capital to mark the centenary of the end of World War One, with a warning that “blinkered” nationalism was gaining ground in Europe and beyond. Echoing comments made by Macron, she said there was a worrying readiness by some to promote … [Read more...] about Macron, Merkel defend multilaterism as Trump avoids peace forum

Agriculture equipment on big show in Italy By Dinh Dung A visitor takes a look at a tractor on display at the EIMA International 2018, which was opened on November 7 in the Italian city of Bologna – PHOTO: DINH DUNG BOLOGNA - The international exhibition of machinery for agriculture and gardening, or EIMA International 2018, was kicked off in the northern Italian city of Bologna on November 7, highlighting green energy and 4.0 agriculture equipment. The organizer, FederUnacoma - the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation – said the 43rd edition opened with record numbers. There are 1,950 manufacturers joining the show, of which about 600 are foreign companies from 49 countries. The five-day event, taking place from November 7 to 11, is expected to see delegations from 70 countries, as well as visitors from 150 countries interested in discovering the advanced technological solutions for each type of process and each model of agriculture. … [Read more...] about Agriculture equipment on big show in Italy