Page 2563 - Politics
U.S. reimposes Iran sanctions, Tehran decries 'bullying'
WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters) - The United States on Monday restored sanctions targeting Iran's oil, banking and transportation sectors and threatened more action to stop its "outlaw" policies, steps the Islamic Republic called economic warfare and vowed to defy.
European countries fully supportive of sanctions: Pompeo
United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Monday said that many European countries are fully supportive of the newly-imposed US sanctions on Iran, with a number of European businesses having decided to shun their engagements with Iran.His comments came in reply to a question, during his presser earlier today, about the reaction of the European countries that were expecting to be among the ones exempted from the sanctions after it was confirmed that only Italy, Greece and Turkey would be exempt from the sanctions in Europe."We've been very candid and clear with all of the European countries. There are more than three, we should note. Many of them are fully supportive of what it is that we are undertaking," Pompeo said."European businesses have already made their decisions. They've decided not to do business with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and so we're very confident that the sanctions regime that we're putting in place will be effective," the Secretary of State ...
US issues waivers to allow Iran deal to continue
The United States said Monday it was issuing waivers to allow the continuation of a nuclear deal with Iran, after declaring the agreement a disaster and slapping sweeping sanctions. Hours after sanctions went into effect that ban most trade with Iran, the State Department said it was exempting projects set up through the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under former president Barack Obama. The international activities at Bushehr, Iran's only nuclear power station, as well as the Fordow enrichment plant and the Arak heavy water reactor will be allowed "to continue under the strictest scrutiny to ensure transparency and maintain constraints on Iran," the State Department said in a statement. "This oversight enhances our ability to constrain Iran's program and keep pressure on the regime while we pursue a new, stronger deal," it said. The State Department said the waivers were "temporary," without specifying a timeframe, and "conditional on the cooperation of the various stakeholders." The ..
Trump says 'probably' no Putin meeting in Paris this week
US President Donald Trump said Monday he does not expect to hold talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin when they attend World War I commemorations in Paris at the end of this week. Trump said he was "not sure we'll have a meeting in Paris -- probably not." However, they "will be meeting at the G20" summit in Argentina at the end of November, he said. Expectations have been growing for a new Trump-Putin meeting as tensions pile up over the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) and US sanctions against Moscow. Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton had said during a trip to Moscow in October that the White House wanted a Paris meeting and Putin said he was interested. Both leaders will be in Paris for the November 11 World War I commemorations, which 60 heads of state and government are expected to attend. A first bilateral summit took place in Helsinki in July, after which the US president came under strong domestic criticism for adopting a ...
US faces deadline for new Russia sanctions over nerve attack
The United States faces a deadline Tuesday that could lead to fresh sanctions on Russia over an attempted assassination with a lethal nerve agent of a former spy in Britain. The State Department on August 6 found that Russia had violated a 1991 US law that seeks the elimination of chemical and biological weapons. The determination came after Britain said that Russian operatives on March 4 attempted to kill former intelligence agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal in Salisbury using Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Under the US law, the State Department must report to Congress within three months whether Russia has come into compliance or impose a second round of sanctions. State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said the three-month deadline is Tuesday. "The conditions that we would have to certify are that Russia has ceased and assured that it will not use chemical weapons again, and that it has allowed ...
PM likely to inaugurate EMP Expressway on Nov 17 or 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the 136-km Kundli-Maneser-Palwal (KMP) expressway on November 17 or 18, said a Haryana minister Monday. PWD minister Rao Narbir Singh said the decision was taken during a meeting between Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Prime Minister Modi on Saturday. Singh said the prime minister is likely to inaugurate the expressway at Manesar where he would also address a rally on the occasion. Following the meeting, we have proposed to the PMO November 17 and 18 as tentative dates for the rally. The PMO officials will confirm the date after checking the prime minister's scheduled," Singh said. A 54-km stretch of the 135.6-km KMP Expressway between Maneser and Palwal is already operational since 2015, but its 83.6 km stretch between Kundli and Maneser ran into land acquisition hurdles, delaying the project. Once the KMP expressway is thrown open, heavy vehicles will get access to various industrial towns like Maneser, Sohna, ...
Iran urges UN to hold US to account over sanctions
Iran on Monday urged the United Nations to hold the United States accountable for reimposing sanctions on Tehran, branding the measures illegal and in violation of a Security Council resolution. Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo said in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that the "irresponsible conduct of the United States necessitates a collective response to uphold the rule of law." "The United Nations and its member-states, in accordance with the charter of the United Nations and the international law, should resist against these wrongful acts and hold the United States accountable for such acts," he added. President Donald Trump's administration reimposed sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal after pulling out of the international agreement reached between Iran, the United States and five other powers: Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia. The sanctions hit oil exports, shipping and banking. Eight waivers to the ban on Iranian oil imports were ...
Iran president warns of 'war situation' as sanctions resume
Iran greeted the re-imposition of US sanctions on Monday with air defence drills and a statement from President Hassan Rouhani that the nation faces a "war situation," raising Mideast tensions as America's maximalist approach to the Islamic Republic takes hold. The sanctions end all economic benefits America had granted Tehran for its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, though Iran for now continues to abide by the accord that saw it limit its enrichment of uranium. While at the moment not threatening to resume higher enrichment, Iranian officials in recent months have made a point to warn the controversial process could resume at any time, faster than before. The new American sanctions particularly hurt Iran's vital oil industry, a crucial source of hard currency for its anemic economy. Its national currency has plummeted over the last year, sending prices for everything from mobile phones to medicine skyrocketing. "Today, Iran is able to sell its oil and it will sell," Rouhani ...
Thousands march in support of Sri Lanka's new government
Thousands of Sri Lankans marched Monday in support of a new government led by the country's former strongman, highlighting the political polarization in the Indian Ocean island nation. The rally near Parliament came amid a constitutional crisis sparked by President Maithripala Sirisena's move to oust Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, replace him with ex-leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and suspend Parliament. Wickremesinghe has refused to vacate his official residence, insisting he is the lawful prime minister and that the president had no constitutional right to replace him. Thousands of his supporters have been keeping vigil. Supporters of Rajapaksa at the rally chanted "Whose power is this? Mahinda's power!" As patriotic songs blared over loudspeakers, thousands shuffled through heavy rain toward a makeshift stage. Police and Sri Lankan special forces with semi-automatic rifles stood guard. Pradeep Kariyawasam, the head of Rajapaksa's party in Colombo, said that although Wickremesinghe .
Vice President Naidu's three-nation visit to Africa concludes
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu who was on a six-day three-nation visit to Africa concluded his tour in Malawi on Monday and enplaned for New Delhi. Naidu, accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar, embarked on his Africa tour from October 31 that aimed at deepening India's strategic cooperation with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi. On the first leg of his tour, the Vice President visited Botswana's capital Gabarone and inaugurated the Global Expo Botswana 2018, which saw a participation of 25 Indian companies and business houses covering a range of sectors. Naidu also met President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his deputy Slumber Tsogwane. He also interacted with the approximately 7,000-member strong Indian community in Botswana. From Bostwana, Naidu arrived Zimbabwean capital Harare on November 2. He was the the first high-ranking Indian Government official to visit the country in 21 years. Former Prime Minister H D
Indian economy would overtake UK in couple of years: Irani
Union minister Smriti Irani Monday said the Indian economy would become "bigger and stronger" than the British economy in the next couple of years. She said the country was moving towards economic empowerment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "It is being considered at the global level that India has strengthened economically. It is also being considered that, in the next couple of years, India is going to be a stronger and bigger economy than the British who had ruled our country," the Textiles Minister said while addressing a press conference here. Irani was in Raipur for campaigning for the state assembly polls scheduled to be held in two phases on November 12 and 20. "This (the growth of the economy) could be possible because of the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and through the support of the welfare schemes launched by the NDA government, along with the schemes launched by the BJP-ruled states," she said, adding that "We have gradually moved towards
Karnataka's ruling alliance bets on retaining seats in by-polls
The ruling Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) and Congress alliance is upbeat on retaining their hold in the Saturday's five by-elections ahead of vote count on Tuesday, an official said on Monday.
U.S. renews Iran sanctions, grants oil waivers to India, seven others
WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Reuters) - The United States snapped sanctions back in place on Monday to choke off Iran's oil and shipping industries, while temporarily allowing top customers such as China and India to keep buying crude from the Islamic Republic.
Louis Berger case: CBI denies questioning Himanta Biswa Sarma
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) spokesperson on Monday denied reports that it has questioned Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in connection with the Louis Berger case.The CBI spokesperson's statement comes after several reports stated that Sarma was questioned by the CBI on November 2 at its headquarters in New Delhi.Earlier, Louis Berger, a US-based firm, had revealed to the American authorities that it had paid bribes to some persons in the Goa government in 2010 to get a consultancy contract for a water and sewerage project funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).On July 21, 2015, the Goa crime branch had registered a First Information Report in this scam.
Congress to observe 2nd anniversary of demonetisation as 'black day': Sources
The Congress party will observe 'black day' to mark the second anniversary of the Central Government's demonetisation drive on November 8, said sources.Last year also, the Congress and other Opposition parties protested at various places across India against the Central Government's drive.On November 8 2016, the Centre declared Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as non-legal and introduced new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes.Since then, various opposition leaders have highly criticised the Centre's move, while the members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies have backed the decision.
Indian and Chinese army meet in Eastern Ladakh
A border personnel meeting was held on Monday by Indian and Chinese Army in eastern Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, defence sources said.
Seat-sharing among parties to be finalised on Nov 9:Cong
Congress and other parties of the proposed "grand alliance" for December 7 Assembly elections in Telangana held talks Monday on seat-sharing amid demands from the CPI and TJS for an appropriate share. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy and leaders of other parties held talks and the talks would continue, party sources said. Reddy told reporters that he would go to Delhi tomorrow as part of his party's consultation process on finalising the candidates. The proposed alliance comprises Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana RC Khuntia said seat-sharing among the parties would be finalised by November 9. "Talks are on with all. It has nearly concluded. You will come to know by (November) 9th. There is no problem in seat sharing of the alliance," he said. "Talks are on with the TJS, TDP, CPI. You will come to know by (November) 9th. All the lists also will be released," he ...
U.S. reimposes tough curbs on Iran, Tehran hits at 'bullying'
WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters) - The United States imposed strict sanctions targeting Iran's oil, banking and industrial sectors on Monday and threatened more action to stop Tehran from pursuing "outlaw" policies, steps the Islamic Republic condemned as economic warfare and vowed to defy.
Lanka crisis: Rajapaksa has support of 113 MPs to prove premiership, says Prez Sirisena
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday claimed he has the support of 113 parliamentarians to prove the premiership of Mahinda Rajapaksa. His comments came after Lankan Speaker Karu Jayasuriya earlier in the day slammed Sirisena's "unconstitutional and undemocratic" actions to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament, saying he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the new premier unless he wins a floor test. "We have already got our 113 MPs, I will not take back the step I have taken forward... have taken all steps in accordance with the constitution," Sirisena told a public rally, referring to his decision to sack Wickremesinghe. Sirisena suspended parliamentary proceedings until November 16 after abruptly firing Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Rajapaksa, a controversial former president, on October 26. The Speaker had expected parliament to reconvene on November 7. However, Sirisena Sunday issued notice to reconvene Parliament on November ...
Many MLAs backing me, claims Ajay Chautala as split looms large over INLD
The INLD appears to be heading for a split with senior leader Ajay Singh Chautala Monday coming out in support of his expelled sons and claiming that several sitting and former MLAs of the party were backing him. Released from Delhi's Tihar jail on two weeks parole, Ajay, the elder son of former chief minister and INLD supremo Om Prakash Chautala, held a show of strength at the official residence of his son and Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala in New Delhi where he declared that the party was not "anyone's personal fiefdom". Ajay threw his weight behind his sons Dushyant and Digvijay, who were expelled from the party Friday and launched veiled attacks on his younger brother Abhay, as the ongoing power struggle between members of the Chautala clan intensified. "Now we will not seek anything from anyone, it will be a fight. We will create such a condition in front of Chautala sahib that he will be compelled to ask Dushyant to return to the party," he said in his addressing to the INLD ...