The Life News Singapore. May 16, 2022

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Vol. 04 Issue 71 May 16, 2022

NATO membership application for Sweden in positive

Elisabeth Borne is France's first woman prime minister in around 30 years

TL Bureau, Stockholm

French President Emmanuel Macron selected Labor Minister Elisabeth Borne to be the nation's next top state leader on Monday, making her the principal lady to run the French government in thirty years.

In a short debut discourse, Borne committed her assignment "to every young lady." She likewise swore to assist France with acting "quicker and more grounded" to battle environmental change and vowed to safeguard the nation's buying power.

Borne, 61, will take over after Prime Minister Jean Castex surrendered Monday in light of Macron's re-appointment last month. The renunciation prepares for Macron to update his Cabinet for his second five-year term, which he won with 58.5% of the vote over extreme right rival Marine Le Pen. Borne is viewed as near the Socialist Party. She has served in different region of Macron's administration since his political race in 2017, including transportation, the climate and work. Many accept Borne's arrangement is intended to engage leftinclining citizens in front of June's official decisions that

Sweden's administration has settled on a notable choice to apply for enrollment in the NATO western military partnership, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson reported Monday. "We will illuminate NATO that we need to turn into an individual from the coalition," Andersson, head of Sweden's Social Democrats, said at a question and answer session in Stockholm while flanked by Moderate Party pioneer Ulf Kristersson. The choice followed a discussion in Sweden's assembly, the Riksdag, where legislators communicated "wide greater part" support for the NATO application following quite a while of true military nonpartisanship.

"It is the public authority's appraisal that a Swedish NATO enrollment is the most ideal way to safeguard Sweden's security considering the in a general sense changed security strategy circumstance after Russia's intrusion of Ukraine," the head of the state added. The application is to be put together by the Swedish NATO diplomat.

Albeit the exact timing of move stayed hazy, Andersson said her administration needs to submit it pair with adjoining Finland, which also settled on Sunday to look for NATO participation.

TL Bureau, Paris

will decide command over Parliament and the National Assembly.

"Macron actually has a political decision coming up, thus the wolf should carry on like a sheep," said Francois Ruffin, an administrator for the leftwing France Unbowed party.

"When he has a larger part in the National Assembly, the wolf will turn into a wolf in the future," Ruffin told RTL radio.

The main other lady to act as head of the state in France was Edith Cresson under President Francois Mitterrand in 1991 and 1992. After hypothesis over Borne's arrangement, Cresson said Saturday she detests questions that suggest "naming a lady is facing a challenge."

"There is something that irritates me in your inquiry, since France is the main tantamount nation where it emerges. Has it been asked in the United Kingdom, where Margaret Thatcher practiced power for a very long time?

In Germany, where Angela Merkel was chancellor for a considerable length of time?

Never," Cresson said.

"I know Mrs. Borne is a striking individual with experience. I think it is a generally excellent decision."

Courtesy: UPI With Finland currently selecting to apply, "Sweden alone would stay outside NATO in an entirely weak position," Andersson said.

"The best thing for Sweden's security and the security of the Swedish public is that we join NATO and that we do it along with Finland."

"This is a noteworthy choice," added Kristersson. "There's really no need to focus on party legislative issues - - it's assuming a sense of ownership with the country's security strategy interest." Andersson has recognized chances related with the NATO move, including the chance of Russian cyberattacks in reprisal. "There could be the chance of cyberattacks, half and half assaults and different measures, yet it's everything

dependent upon them," she told columnists on Sunday. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in the interim, had a muffled authority response to the moves by Finland and Sweden rather than prior, additional compromising remarks from Russian authorities over the applications. The Kremlin "generally approves of" Finland and Sweden, he expressed Monday during a gathering of the Russian-drove Collective Security Treaty Organization of Eurasian nations, adding.

"I might want to illuminate you ... everything looks great with these states, and consequently, in this sense, development to the detriment of these nations doesn't represent an immediate danger to Russia," Putin said.

New Zealand on a 'landmark' 15-year climate change action plan TL Bureau, Wellington

In a significant stage forward for New Zealand's obligation to environmental change activity, the country's administration reported Monday its 15year intend to end petroleum derivative dependence, lessen landfill-bound waste and help

a few drivers with purchasing electric vehicles.

The far reaching intend to handle environment emanations remembers a cap for how much ozone harming substance New Zealand can produce, permitting the country to meet its objectives of assisting limit the worldwide typical temperature with

increasing to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-modern levels.

About $4.5 billion from the country's outflows exchanging plan went toward laying out the environment reserve.

In an articulation, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern considered the declaration a "milestone day" in her nation's

change to bring down outflows, the New Zealand Herald detailed.

"The discharges decrease plan conveys the best open door we've had in a very long time to address environmental change," Ardern said. "We can't quit the impacts of environmental change, so we can't quit making a move." Environmental change

serve James Shaw said the activity plan would put New Zealand on a way toward a netzero future where the vehicle framework would improve, more individuals could buy electric vehicles and ranchers could develop crops utilizing more feasible works on, as indicated by the Guardian.

OCLC 1101190095

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I will defend you from attacks from Russia, France

France will safeguard Sweden and Finland, Elysee said Monday, as the two Nordic nations have gotten dangers from Russia over their choices to enlist in the NATO cautious military partnership.

"Whoever would try to test European fortitude by undermining or going after their power, through anything implies, should be sure that France will stand side by side with Finland and Sweden," Elysee said in an explanation, adding that it "stands prepared to expand its security and safeguard collaboration with the two accomplices, including through undeniable level political discussions and improved military connections."

The assertion was given the day Sweden's administration reported it chose to apply for NATO participation and one day after Finland made a comparable announcement.

Last week, in the midst of discusses Finland applying for NATO individuals, Russia's unfamiliar service cautioned in a proclamation that the tactical collusion extending to its boundary would represent "a tactical danger to our nation" and that it would be "compelled to make retaliatory strides, both military-specialized and in any case."

On Monday after Sweden's choice was reported, Russia's agent unfamiliar clergyman Sergei Ryabkov referred to it as "one more grave slip-up that could have extensive outcomes."

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday had a nearly muffled reaction to those of his administration, telling a culmination in Moscow of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, an intergovernmental military partnership of a few post-Soviet Union countries, that Russia has "no issues"

editorial

with Finland and Sweden joining NATO "however the development of military foundation to this domain will positively cause our reaction."

"What it will be, we will take a gander at in light of dangers that will be made as far as we're concerned," he said. "We should answer appropriately."

The two Nordic nations have looked for NATO enrollment in the midst of Russia's intrusion of Ukraine, which has increased military worries all through the locale.

France said it "invites" the choice by Finland and Sweden to join the coalition as they are "two exceptionally close European accomplices" who share and shield their standards of a vote based system, individual freedom and law and order.

"On account of their hearty protection abilities, Finland and Sweden joining NATO will support the security and steadiness of the Baltic Sea district as well as that of Europe overall and of the Euro-Atlantic region," it said.

Ukraine alongside Moldova and Georgia have likewise applied to join the European Union since the conflict started.

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world

Ex-president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Elected new President of Somalia TL Bureau, Mogadishu

Ex-president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected new President of Somalia during presidential elections held under protection of African Union peacekeepers in capital Mogadishu today.

The presidential elections committee said, in a statement, that Mohamud collected 214 votes against 110 cast in favor

of incubent president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo in a final third round.

In a previous second runoff, the number of presidential candidates decreased from 36 to four. They were Saeed Abdullah Dani, Head of Bilad Bant State; incubent president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo; Ex-president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud; and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khairi.

A 15-Hour Surgery to Separate Yemeni Siamese Finished Successful in Riyadh

TL Bureau, Riyadh

In implementation of directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s specialist surgions have once again succeeded to separate the Yemeni siamese Yousef and Yassin, sons of Mohammed Abdulrahman, during a complicated non-stop 15-hour long operation in which 24 doctors specialized in pediatric neurosurgery, plastic surgery, anesthesia, nursing and techniciams, led by Dr. Mutasem Al-Zughbi took part, it was reported here today.

The report was made by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-

Rabeeah, Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), Head of the Medical and Surgical Team of Siamese Separation Operations, who confirmed that today’s four-phase surgery is among the most complicated as the twins, who have undergone their second operation in this regard, are conjoined in several organs, thanking the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his humanitarian deeds.

For their part, parents of the twins extended thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his generousity and kindness, wishing him continuous health and happiness.

31st UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

TL Bureau, New York

Office of the Spokesperson A U.S. delegation will participate in the 31st UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) May 16-20 in Vienna, Austria to advance international cooperation on important anti-crime and criminal justice issues. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Jim Walsh will lead the U.S. delegation, which

includes representatives from the Department of State, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security.

The 31st CCPCJ’s theme is centered on “strengthening the use of digital evidence in criminal justice and countering cybercrime, including the abuse and exploitation of minors in illegal activities with use of the Internet.” The United States will speak on the CCPCJ’s thematic panel and host a side event on a multinational cybercrime operation.

Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist to meet US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in Washington TL Bureau, Stockholm On Monday Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist will travel to Washington DC to meet US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, at the invitation of the Pentagon.

The meeting will focus on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and Sweden’s

forthcoming application for NATO membership.

Mr Hultqvist and Mr Austin will meet on 18 May and are also set to discuss bilateral Swedish-American defence cooperation, the security situation in Europe, China’s defence policy and its consequences for Sweden and the US.

Foreign Secretary launches new InternationalForeign Development Strategy Secretary Liz Truss has set out her

TL Bureau, London

International Development Strategy Foreign Secretary publishes International Development Strategy to respond to a world increasingly affected by geopolitics the UK will use aid and investment to create global economic growth and challenge dependency on malign actors to offer honest alternative for low- and middleincome countries the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will prioritise bilateral programmes to ensure money is spent on key priorities including educating girls and providing life-saving humanitarian support The Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has today set out her vision for the future of UK international development. The strategy, which builds on a proud record of global leadership on development, will challenge dependency on malign actors, offering choice and bringing more countries into the orbit of free-market economies.

The strategy will help address increasing global challenges, delivering investment, supporting women and girls, getting humanitarian assistance to those who need it most, and continuing our work on climate change, nature and global health. Development will be at the heart of the UK’s foreign policy which uses all the levers available – including development, diplomacy, investment, trade, defence and intelligence – to deliver on our foreign policy objectives.

The strategy will use British International Investment and other tools to provide honest and reliable finance to help low- and middleincome countries take control of their futures, giving them an alternative so they are not burdened with unsustainable debt with strings attached. This approach will help deliver the Clean Green Initiative, supporting countries to grow their economies sustainably.

The Government will also use the strategy to rebalance the aid budget towards bilateral programmes. This will give the Government greater control on how money is spent allowing a focus on priorities and improve lives around the world.

vision for the future of UK international development which will help address increasing global challenges.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: In an increasingly geopolitical world, we must use development as a key part of our foreign policy.

Malign actors treat economics and development as a means of control, using patronage, investment and debt as a form of economic coercion and political power. We won’t mirror their malign tactics, but we will match them in our resolve to provide an alternative.

The new strategy, launched today, will ensure that our international development work brings benefit across the globe and here at home.

Our strategy will deepen economic, security and development ties globally, while delivering jobs and growth in both the UK and partner countries.

The International Development Strategy sets out four priorities where the UK can meet the needs of countries around the world: delivering honest, reliable investment, through British Investment Partnerships, building on the UK’s financial expertise and the strengths of the City of London and delivering the Prime Minister’s vision for the Clean Green Initiative - supporting countries to grow their economies sustainably. providing women and girls with the freedom they need to succeed. We intend to restore the bilateral budget to help unlock their future potential, educate girls, support their empowerment and protect them against violence.

stepping-up our life-saving humanitarian work to prevent the worst forms of human suffering around the world. We will prioritise humanitarian funding levels at £3 billion over the next three years, to remain a leader in crisis response. taking forward our work on climate change, nature and global health.

We are putting the commitments of our Presidency of G7 and COP26, and our COVID-19 response, at the core of our international development offer.

Our new approach to development will: spend more on country and bilateral programmes rather than through multilateral organisations, empowering the UK to deliver more aid directly to where it is needed. By 2025, the FCDO intends to spend three quarters of its aid budget allocated at the 2021 Spending Review bilaterally. use world-class British expertise to support partner countries through providing advice, exchanging lessons and evidence of what works and building partnerships across government, research, business and civil society. cut back red tape and excessive bureaucracy around delivering aid and give Ambassadors and High Commissioners greater authority to get programmes delivering on the ground quickly. We will reduce the time it takes to approve a business case from many months to less than six weeks.

Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, the EU’s strategic autonomy, Finland and NATO, and the special meeting of the European Council to be held at the end of May. The prime ministers will also discuss ways to accelerate economic and trade cooperation between Finland and Italy.

This will be the first bilateral meeting between Prime

Minister Marin and Prime Minister Draghi. It is taking place at the invitation of the Italian Prime Minister.

During her visit, Prime Minister Marin will also meet with two former Italian prime ministers: leader of the Five Star Movement Giuseppe Corte and Democratic Party leader Enrico Letta. Both of their parties are part of the current government.

Prime Minister Marin to visit Rome

TL Bureau, Helsinki

On Wedensday 18 May, Prime Minister Sanna Marin will meet with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi in Rome.

Topics on the agenda for their bilateral meeting include Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the changed security situation in Europe, ways to reduce

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world

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Informal Meeting of NATO Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Ministers of Foreign Affairs:

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met Friday with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Washington, D.C. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed

outcomes for the U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit and the second Global COVID-19 Summit, which Indonesia co-hosted. The Secretary thanked Indonesia for its leadership on global health issues and highlighted how the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework will help create a more open, interconnected, and prosperous region. The two

Statement by the Prime Minister on Vesak

TL Bureau, Ottawa, Ontario The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Vesak: “Today, we join Buddhists in Canada and around the world to celebrate Vesak, also known as Buddha Day. “Vesak is the most important festival for Buddhists, as it commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

“On this day, many Buddhists will visit their local temples to pray, take part in chanting and meditation rituals, and offer gifts to show respect and gratitude for the Buddha’s life, goodwill, and wisdom.

Buddhists will pour fragrant water over the statue of

the infant Buddha, which symbolizes the cleansing of their minds from greed, hatred, and ignorance.

“Today, we reflect on the Buddha’s universal teachings of generosity, compassion, and selfless service. These values unite us as Canadians and, together, as we continue to recover from the pandemic, these values will also ensure that we continue to build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive country.

“Today, I invite all Canadians to learn more about Buddhist communities and the important contributions they have made – and continue to make – to our country. On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish a joyous and peaceful Vesak to everyone celebrating this sacred day.”

Paratroopers from various NATO Allies exercise in North Macedonia

also discussed the importance of rights for women and girls in Afghanistan and how the United States and Indonesia can cooperate to strengthen our strategic partnership. Finally, the Secretary and Foreign Minister Retno exchanged views on how our two countries can collaborate to ensure Indonesia has a successful G20 host year.

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with German, UK, and French Counterparts TL Bureau, Washington D.C. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today in Berlin with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss, and French Director General for Political and Security Affairs Philippe Errera. They discussed the continued response among allies and partners against Russia’s brutal war of aggression with Ukraine.

The leaders also discussed the ongoing negotiations with Iran and efforts to reach a deal on a mutual return to full JCPOA implementation.

NATO Allies have been taking part in an exercise hosted among others by NATO’s newest member, North Macedonia. Swift Response 22 is a US Army-led exercise involving paratroopers from

various NATO countries. One part of the training saw Italian paratroopers jump out of US C-130 airplanes and land in a field of red poppies.

Swift Response 22 runs from 5 to 24 May. Other parts of the exercise are taking place in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Slovenia.

TL Bureau, Berlin NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană set out the priorities of a two-day Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers in Berlin. ‘’We are at a moment of significant changes in European security, and NATO stands strong in support of Ukraine, and in defending the one billion peopleliving in our Allied

Nations,’’ he said. ‘’Yesterday evening, we were joined by the Swedish and Finnish Foreign Ministers.

We know and we fully respect the democratic processes taking place in these two vibrant democracies, and if they will decide to seek membership, I am confident that Allies will look constructively and positively for their membership into this Alliance,’’ he added.

Counselor Chollet’s Travel to Moldova, Georgia, and the United Kingdom

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Office of the Spokesperson Counselor of the Department Derek Chollet will lead an interagency delegation to Chisinau, Moldova, from May 17 to 18. He will meet with Moldovan government officials to discuss the impact of the war in Ukraine on Moldova, continue discussions of our 30-year U.S.-Moldovan partnership under the framework of our Strategic Dialogue, and meet with refugees fleeing Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Counselor Chollet’s visit will reinforce

U.S. support for Moldova’s democracy, prosperity, and security.

Counselor Chollet will travel to Tbilisi, Georgia, from May 18 to 19 to for consultations with our Georgian partners about European security and democratic development. He will meet with government, opposition, and civil society representatives for discussions on Russia’s continuing occupation of parts of Georgia, on the Kremlin’s brutal war against Ukraine, and on how to advance the people of Georgia’s aspirations for a democratic, peaceful, prosperous, and Euro-Atlantic future.

have a close relationship, with strong people-topeople ties and trade and investment connections.

We share a common focus on strengthening regional and global security and contributing to greater economic and social development in both our countries and globally.

“When I spoke to Sheikh Mohamed last month, we agreed to cooperate in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the war’s impact on global food

security. In his new capacity, I am confident that Sheikh Mohamed will continue to foster strong relations between Canada and the UAE, as he did during his time as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

“As a friend and partner to the UAE, I look forward to continue working with Sheikh Mohamed to build a prosperous future for people in both our countries, and work together to address challenges to regional and international security.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on the election of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the United Arab Emirates

TL Bureau, Ottawa, Ontario

TL Bureau, North Macedonia

Doorsteps and arrivals (DAY 2)

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the election of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the United Arab Emirates: “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his election as President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Canada and the UAE

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Singapore

Dr Ng: Upholding Rules-based International Order in Increasingly Contested Geopolitical Environment

TL Bureau, Singapore City

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen attended the 15th Lennart Meri Conference from 13 to 15 May 2022, and spoke at the main plenary session alongside Professor C. Raja Mohan, Senior Fellow, Asia Society Policy Institute, Bonnie Glaser, Director of the Asia Program, German Marshall Fund of the United States, and Natasha Kassam, Director, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy, Lowy Institute.

In his speech, Dr Ng highlighted how small countries shared common perspectives on geopolitical challenges, and that the increasingly contested geopolitical environment, defined most dominantly by the US-China strategic rivalry, had put a spotlight on the importance of a stable and rules-based international

order. Dr Ng expressed hopes for the US and China to demonstrate statesmanship, and to rise above their domestic concerns to forge a stronger, more sustainable and equitable global system.

The Lennart Meri Conference, organised by the Estonian International Centre for Defence and Security, is an annual security and foreign policy conference held in Tallinn, Estonia. It brings together distinguished policymakers, analysts, politicians and academia from around the world. The topics discussed at this year’s forum included the ongoing RussianUkraine conflict, transatlantic relations, climate change, norms and use of artificial intelligence, hybrid warfare and arms control.

Dr Ng will proceed to visit Riga, Latvia from 15 to 17 May 2022.

Minister for Defence Reaffirms Strong Ties

TL Bureau, Singapore City Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen called on Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas yesterday afternoon on the sidelines of the 15th Lennart Meri Conference.

During the meeting, Dr Ng and Prime Minister Kallas reaffirmed the warm and growing bilateral relations between Singapore and Estonia. They highlighted the importance of upholding the international rule of law and the inviolable sanctity of individual nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They exchanged views on the regional security architecture and reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism, particularly

for small states, in addressing common security issues such as hybrid threats and cyber norms.

Dr Ng also met European Council on Foreign Relations Co-Chair and Former Prime Minister of Sweden Mr Carl Bildt. They exchanged views on the political and security developments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, as well as discussed ways in which Singapore and the European Union can further cooperation in the development and promotion of norms in support of the rules-based international order and in emerging domain areas.

Dr Ng is in Tallinn, Estonia to attend and speak at the 15th Lennart Meri Conference.

OFFICIAL VISIT OF SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT OF SINGAPORE TO HANOI, VIETNAM

TL Bureau,

The Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Mr Tan ChuanJin, will make an Official Visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, from 18 to 20 May 2022 at the invitation of his counterpart Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue. Mr Tan will lead a delegation of Singapore Members of Parliament (MPs), namely, Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan, Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis, Ms Carrie Tan, Dr Wan Rizal, Mr Don Wee and Mr Xie Yao Quan. This is Mr Tan’s first Official Visit to Vietnam as Speaker.

2 In Hanoi, Mr Tan and the MPs will hold meetings with Chairman Hue and other officials to dialogue, exchange views, foster contacts and promote understanding and relations between members of the two parliaments.

3 During the visit, the Parliament of Singapore delegation is also scheduled to make courtesy calls on General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, as well as meet up with Singaporeans living in and around Hanoi.

Manager of freight forwarding company fined over $60,000 for evasion of Goods and Services Tax

TL Bureau, Singapore City

A Singaporean man, Foong Zhong Wen 42, was sentenced by the State Courts on 12 May 2022 to a fine of $63,834.90 for fraudulent evasion of Goods and Services Tax (GST) payable on the importation of miscellaneous goods between April and August 2019.

Foong, the manager of a freight forwarding company, Swiftfox Pte Ltd (“Swiftfox”), pleaded guilty to 15 charges of fraudulent evasion of GST. Another 29 similar charges were taken into consideration during sentencing.

Facts of the Case Singapore Customs commenced investigation into Swiftfox for suspected under-declaration of value of goods arising from discrepancies found in some Cargo Clearance Permits (“CCPs”) .

Investigations revealed that one of Foong’s customers engaged his

company to handle the customs clearance of their shipments from China. The customer’s China freight forwarder would provide Foong with a consolidated manifest to apply for CCPs. As part of the services, Swiftfox would be declared as the importer for the shipments. Foong would intentionally suppress the value of the goods by amending their values on the consolidated manifest, before furnishing it to the declaring agent to apply for CCPs. The declaring agent would pay Singapore Customs the GST based on the suppressed values stated in the consolidated manifest it received from Swiftfox, and then bill Swiftfox accordingly.

Thereafter, Foong would collect the GST payable based on the original documents from his customer and profit from the differences. Foong’s fraudulent actions resulted in the under-payment of GST to Singapore

Customs. Foong committed these acts for 52 CCPs between April and August 2019. The total GST evaded amounted to $15,128.26.

Foong pleaded guilty to 15 charges of fraudulent evasion of GST involving 18 CCPs totaling $7,677.95 in GST evaded. Another 29 charges of fraudulent evasion of GST involving 34 CCPs totaling $7,450.31 in GST evaded were taken into consideration during sentencing.

Any person who is in any way concerned in any fraudulent evasion of, or attempt to fraudulently evade, any duty shall be guilty of an offence and will be liable on conviction to a fine of up to 20 times the amount of duty and GST evaded.

Members of public with information on smuggling activities or evasion of duty or GST can call the Singapore Customs hotline on 1800-2330000

Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to visit Indonesia from 17 to 20 May 2022

TL Bureau, Singapore City

Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, will be making his visit to Indonesia from 17 to 20 May 2022, and will visit Jakarta and Central

Java. During his trip, Minister Wong will meet with several Ministers as well as regional leaders in Jakarta and Central Java. Minister Wong will also visit the Kendal Industrial Park in Central Java.

Over the course of his trip, Minister Wong will also meet key business leaders and Singapore start-ups in Indonesia. Minister Wong will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Finance.

SINGAPORE AND THE PACIFIC ALLIANCE SIGN JOINT WORK PLAN FOR COLLABORATION

TL Bureau, Singapore City

1 Singapore and the Pacific Alliance (PA) strengthened their economic ties with the signing of the PASingapore Joint Work Plan for Collaboration, in Mexico today.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan signed the Work Plan with Mexico’s1 Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard.

2 The PA-Singapore Joint Work Plan builds on the PA-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (PASFTA) and the PA-Singapore Joint Declaration, signed by Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and the Trade and Foreign Affairs Ministers of the PA, at the 16th PA Summit held in January 2022 in Colombia. The Work Plan sets out initiatives that Singapore and the PA can work on to further areas of mutual interest, with target

milestones and timelines to be achieved.

3 The Work Plan will enable Singapore and the PA to explore greater economic cooperation in sectors of mutual interest, such as (i) the digital economy, technology, and innovation, (ii) green energy and sustainability, (iii) connectivity, logistics, and trade facilitation, and (iv) business and people links, including education and capacity building. The Work Plan also provides a mechanism for regular dialogue and cooperation between the PA and Singapore, to enhance links between both regions for long-term and enduring relations. 4 Singapore and the PA enjoy strong economic ties. Comprising Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, the PA has a combined population of 230 million, and is the 8th largest economy in the world with a

combined GDP of more than US$2 trillion in nominal terms2.

The average growth of the PA is expected to be 3.3% over the next five years, higher than the regional average of 2.5%3. Singapore’s trade and investment with the PA accounts for almost one-third of our total trade and investment with Latin America. There are more than 100 Singapore companies in the PA spanning a diverse range of sectors, such as trade, technology and innovation, and infrastructure. 5 Mr Tan, who is in Mexico from 15 to 19 May, called on his counterparts from Mexico’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Culture, Finance, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Senate leaders. He also met Mexican companies and business leaders, as well as Singapore companies based in Mexico.

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Malaysia & nearby

2022 Guide to Judicial Application for JoyYou Card opens for Conduct published eligible persons aged 65 or above in batches

TL Bureau, Hong Kong

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary: The Judiciary today (May 16) published the 2022 Guide to Judicial Conduct (the Guide), an update to the 2004 edition.

"Under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Judiciary is an independent judiciary that upholds the rule of law and administers justice without fear or favour, bias or prejudice.

Judges and Judicial Officers (JJOs) hold positions of trust and responsibility with regard to the cases and other judicial work that they handle. We owe it as much to ourselves as to the public to observe at all times the highest standards of judicial conduct," the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, said.

In the years since the Guide to Judicial Conduct was first published in 2004, the topic of judicial conduct has seen much discussion and development. Given the increasingly complex conditions in which judging takes place, and the increased public interest in the work of JJOs, the Judiciary considers it an appropriate time to review and update the Guide while continuing to abide by the Guiding Principles laid down in 2004.

The Guide has been revised to take into account the impact of the advancement in information technology, particularly the use of social media in the daily life. The guidance on recusal and apparent bias has also been updated with reference to recent case law in this area. General principles on handling cases involving public controversies, as well as guidance on behaviour in court and making comments on parties and other persons when performing judicial functions are also included.

The Chief Justice thanked the Working Party, consisting of the Chief Judge of the High Court, Mr Justice Jeremy Poon Shiu-chor; Justices of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, Mr Justice Thomas Au Hing-cheung and Mr Justice Godfrey Lam Wanho; the Chief District Judge, His Honour Judge Justin Ko King-sau; and the Chief Magistrate, Mr So Wai-tak, for their work in carrying out the review.

"I am confident that this new edition of the Guide will continue to provide useful guidance to JJOs in maintaining the highest standards of judicial conduct, and enable the public to better understand our judicial work and the uncompromised standards we set for ourselves," the Chief Justice added.

TL Bureau, Hong Kong

The Government today (May 16) announced that eligible Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above should apply for the JoyYou Card from June 1, 2022, to end-October 2023 in batches to continue to enjoy the concessionary fare under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities ($2 Scheme).

Applicants should submit their applications via the Octopus App mobile application or by posting the application forms to Octopus Cards Limited (OCL) in accordance with the following timetable: Application period Applicants' year of birth (Hong Kong identity card holder) June 1 to 30, 2022 1956 July 1 to 31, 2022 1955 August 1 to 31, 2022 1954 September 1 to 30, 2022 1953 October 1 to 31, 2022 1952 November 1 to 30, 2022 1951 December 1 to 31, 2022 1950 January 1 to February 28, 2023 1948-1949 March 1 to April 30, 2023 1946-1947 May 1 to June 30, 2023 1943-1945 July 1 to August 31, 2023 1939-1942 September 1 to October 31, 2023 1938 or before OCL has set up a JoyYou Card application dedicated service hotline (3147 1388) to facilitate enquiries by elderly persons and their carers. In addition, from June 1, 2022, distribution points of paper application forms will be increased from over 330 to over 540. Apart from 97 Customer Service Centres of MTR stations (except Racecourse Station), 20 Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of District Offices, four Licensing Offices of

the Transport Department, as well as over 210 District Elderly Community Centres, Neighbourhood Elderly Centres and Social Centres for the Elderly subvented by the Government, paper application forms will also be available in over 190 Estate Offices under the Hong Kong Housing Authority and 20 estates under the Hong Kong Housing Society.

The links to download the Octopus App, the online version of the application form (without a postage-free return envelope) and details of distribution points for paper application forms (with a postage-free return envelope) have been uploaded to the JoyYou Card webpage (www.octopus.com.hk/joyyou/en), which also features videos illustrating detailed steps for making an application.

The JoyYou Card will be sent to the eligible applicant's Hong Kong postal address in four weeks upon receipt of the completed application. The Government will subsidise the $20 administrative fee for the first application of eligible persons. Applicants do not need to pay any application fee to OCL. JoyYou Card holders should load more than $50 into the Card before initial use to cover the $50 refundable deposit charged by OCL. Upon completion of issue of JoyYou Cards to beneficiaries aged 65 or above, the Government will cease the existing arrangement of covering Anonymous Elder Octopus Cards and Personalised Octopus Cards in the $2 Scheme and all eligible persons must use JoyYou Cards to benefit from the $2 Scheme. Depending on the application progress, the Government will further announce the effective date of such arrangements.

In addition, eligible persons with disabilities may continue to enjoy the $2 concessionary fare by using their existing Personalised Octopus Cards with valid "Persons with Disabilities Status" and do not need to apply for the JoyYou Card.

CFS follows up on packaging sample of imported frozen shrimp tested positive for COVID-19 virus in Macao

TL Bureau, Hong Kong

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said today (May 16) that the CFS is proactively following up on a packaging sample of imported frozen shrimp from Indonesia being tested positive for COVID-19 virus in Macao.

The CFS's initial investigations showed that the affected batches of product had been imported to Hong Kong. For prudence's sake, the spokesman urged the public not to consume the affected batches of product concerned and to observe personal, food and environmental hygiene. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batches of product immediately if in possession.

Product details are as follows: Product name: Wild Caught Frozen White Shrimp Brand: Java Sea Place of origin: Indonesia Importer: PARKnSHOP (HK) Limited Net weight: 300g Best-before dates: February 1, 2024; March 1, 2024 and April 1, 2024 A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS noted a recent announcement from the Department of Food Safety of Macao that an inner packaging sample of imported frozen shrimp from Indonesia was tested positive for COVID-19 virus. The CFS

immediately contacted the Macao Authority and local importers for follow-up. Initial investigations found that PARKnSHOP (HK) Limited had imported the affected batches of product.

For the sake of prudence, the importer concerned has voluntarily removed from shelves, stopped sale of the affected batches of product, and has initiated a recall. Members of the public may call the importer's hotline at 2606 8658 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

The CFS has inspected the importer's warehouse in Sheung Shui, marked and sealed the affected batches of frozen shrimp and will arrange their disposal. In addition, the CFS will continue to follow up on the incident, and will step up sampling of similar products for testing.

To prevent the import of the COVID-19 virus through imported frozen foods, the CFS has stepped up precautionary testing measures since mid-2020, including enhanced testing of various types of frozen foods and their packaging imported from different countries/regions, which involves taking samples at the Airport Food Inspection Offices and cold stores of importers. Up to now, over 32 000 samples of foods and their packaging were collected for testing of the virus, only the pomfret fish and packaging samples announced last August, the cuttlefish slice and packaging samples announced last

November, the packaging samples of beef and pork skin announced this February, and the packaging samples of ox offal and chicken leg announced this April were found to be positive. The CFS will continue the sampling of imported frozen foods and their packaging for testing.

The COVID-19 virus is predominantly transmitted through droplets and cannot multiply in food or food packaging.

According to current scientific knowledge, the World Health Organization and food safety assessment authorities in overseas countries consider that it is unlikely that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted to humans via food consumption.

Nevertheless, members of the public should always observe personal, food and environmental hygiene. The CFS reminds the public to pay attention to the following: Always keep hands clean, particularly before touching the mouth, nose or eyes; * Rub hands with liquid soap for at least 20 seconds when washing before and after handling chilled and frozen food and its packaging, if any; after going to the toilet; and before eating; * Handle raw and cooked food separately, and pay special attention when handling raw meat and offal, to avoid cross-contamination of food; and Cook food thoroughly and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.

OFFICIAL RESERVE ASSETS APRIL 2022 REMAINED HIGH TL Bureau, Jakarta

Indonesia’s official reserve assets remained high at USD135.7 billion as of end-April 2022, despite lower than USD139.1 billion as of endMarch 2022. The decrease of official reserve assets in April 2022 was influenced, amongst others, by the obligation of government external debt repayments and anticipation of the foreign currency liquidity needs in line with economic activity improvement.

The position of official reserve assets was equivalent to finance 6.9 months of imports or 6.7 months of imports and servicing government’s external debt, and well above the international adequacy standard of three months imports. Bank Indonesia considers the official reserve assets position ample to support the external resilience and maintain macroeconomic and financial system stability.

Moving forward, Bank Indonesia views that the official reserve assets remain adequate, supported by the stability and solid domestic economic outlook, in line with the policy responses to stimulate economic recovery.

7

BUSINESS

Benitec Biopharma Releases Q3 2022 Financial Results

TL Bureau, Hayward, Calif

May 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Benitec Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: BNTC) (“Benitec” or “the Company”), a developmentstage, gene therapy-focused, biotechnology company developing novel genetic medicines based on its proprietary DNA-directed RNA interference ("ddRNAi") platform, today announced financial results for its Fiscal Year Q3 ended March 31, 2022. The Company has filed its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“With our key submission to the Central Ethics Committee in France completed in April, we are wellpositioned to begin the clinical development program this year,” said Jerel A. Banks, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Benitec Biopharma. “The Benitec team remains committed to initiating the clinical development program for BB-301 and improving the lives of patients suffering from OPMD.” Operational Updates The key milestones related to the investigational agent under development by the Company and other corporate updates are outlined below: BB-301 Clinical Development Program Overview: The BB-301 clinical development

program will be conducted in France, Canada, and the United States, and the primary elements of the clinical development plan are summarized below.

The Clinical development plan will begin in 2022 and comprise approximately 76 weeks of followup: 6 month pre-treatment observation periods for the evaluation of baseline disposition and natural history of OPMD-derived dysphagia in each study participant.

1 day of BB-301 dosing to initiate participation in the Phase 1b/2a single-arm, open-label, sequential, dose-escalation cohort study.

52 weeks of post-dosing followup for conclusive evaluation of the primary and secondary endpoints of the Phase 1b/2a BB-301 treatment study.

The OPMD Natural History (NH) Study will facilitate the characterization of OPMD patient disposition at baseline and assess subsequent rates of progression of dysphagia (swallowing impairment) via the use of the following quantitative radiographic measures of global swallowing function and pharyngeal constrictor muscle function inclusive of Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSS): Total Pharyngeal Residue %(C2-4) 2 Pharyngeal Area at Maximum Constriction (PhAMPC) Dynamic Imaging Grade of

Swallowing Toxicity Scale (DIGEST) Vallecular Residue %(C2-4)2, Pyriform Sinus Residue %(C24)2, and Other Pharyngeal Residue %(C2-4)2 Normalized Residue Ratio Scale (NRRSv, NRRSp) Pharyngeal Construction Ratio (PCR) Clinical measures of global swallowing capacity and oropharyngeal dysphagia Patient-reported measures of oropharyngeal dysphagia Upon the achievement of 6 months of follow-up in the NH Study, participants will be eligible for enrollment onto the Phase 1b/2a treatment study.

BB-301 Phase 1b/2a Treatment Study: This first-in-human study (FIH) will be a Phase 1b/2a, open-label, dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety and clinical activity of intramuscular doses of BB-301 administered to subjects with OPMD. Upon rollover onto the Phase 1b/2a BB-301 treatment study, the followup of OPMD study participants will continue for 52 weeks. The primary endpoints will be safety and tolerability, with secondary endpoints comprising quantitative radiographic measures of global swallowing function and pharyngeal constrictor muscle function as well as clinical assessments equivalent to those employed for the NH study.

These endpoints will be evaluated during each 90-day period following BB-301 intramuscular injection (Day 1). The natural history of dysphagia observed for each OPMD study participant, as characterized by the quantitative measures and clinical assessments carried out during the NH Study, will serve as the baseline for comparative assessment of safety and efficacy of BB-301 upon rollover from the NH Study onto the Treatment Study.

Operational and Regulatory Updates for the Clinical Development Program in France: The NH Study Protocol, the Informed Consent Form (ICF), the patient-facing documents and the physician-facing documents have been completed. Primary clinical sites (staffed by neurologists with decades of experience managing OPMD patients) and auxiliary clinical sites (for the conduct of the NH Study-specific videofluoroscopic swallowing studies) have been formally qualified. Principal Investigators (PIs), and sub-investigators, have been identified at the respective clinical sites. The central reader for the videofluoroscopic swallowing studies has been selected.

Submission of the comprehensive NH Study trial package to the Central Ethics Committee (CEC) was completed in April 2022.

Approval of the NH Study trial package by the CEC allows for clinical site activation and OPMD

patient enrollment to begin in France.

The final CEC decision is expected in July 2022 (allowing for NH Study screening visits to begin in July/ August 2022).

Operational and Regulatory Updates for the Clinical Development Program in North America: Primary clinical sites in Canada and the United States and auxiliary clinical sites have been identified.

Formal site qualification has been completed in Canada, and site qualifications are underway in the United States. PIs have been identified at the respective clinical sites. Submission of the comprehensive NH Study trial package to the Research Ethics Board (REB) in Canada is anticipated for June 2022, and submissions to the Independent Ethics Committees (IECs) in the United States will follow.

Clinical Trial Application (CTA) and Investigational New Drug (IND) Application Filing Timelines and Phase 1b/2a Treatment Study Initiation: CTA and IND filings are anticipated for January 2023 (required to initiate the Phase 1b/2a Treatment Study in France, Canada, and the United States). The first NH study subject is anticipated to be eligible for BB-301 administration in April 2023 (following 6-months of NH Study enrollment and follow-up and final confirmation of eligibility for the BB-301 Phase 1b/2a Treatment Study).

TL Bureau, Beijing

"With progress in Covid controls and policies to stabilize the economy taking effect, the economy is likely to recover gradually," he added.

According to experts, however, the figures for April indicate that the economic downturn this year will be stronger than expected.

"China's April activity data laid bare the damage from Covid lockdowns in Shanghai and other parts of the country. The impact was much wider and deeper than expected," according to an analysis by the Bloomberg financial news agency.

Australians will switch their telco Strict Covid-19 Restrictions Impact Chinese Economy provider if the price is right TL Bureau, Parramatta

New research from Commonwealth Bank has revealed finding a cheaper Internet offer is the main reason Australians switch their telecommunications provider, but admit to doing little research when it comes to choosing which one to go with, meaning many could be paying more than needed on unavoidable and ongoing bills and commitments.

The research comes as CBA, together with its partner, local telecom provider

Almost 50 per cent of Australians admit to doing little to no research when choosing their Internet provider, potentially spending more than necessary on ongoing bills and commitments.

More, is offering all of the bank’s credit and debit card customers 30 per cent off their internet bill for 12 months.

Commonwealth Bank’s Angus Sullivan said the research shows customers

are keen to save money on their everyday bills and commitments such as Internet, however many don’t know the deals and discounts on offer due to limited research and an inertia around switching.

Industrial production in China unexpectedly fell by 2.9% in April compared to the same period last year amid continued strict Covid-19 restrictions, the dpa qouted official figures released Monday. Retail sales also fell more sharply than analysts had predicted, by as much as 11.1%, the Bureau of Statistics said.

"Covid outbreaks in April had a big impact on the economy, but the impact is short-term," Bureau of Statistics spokesman Fu Linghui said.

IFC’s Support to Boost Finance for Vietnam’s Smaller Businesses, Strengthen Participation in Global Supply Chains

TL Bureau, Hanoi

IFC is joining forces with Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank) to help Vietnamese small and medium businesses access innovative funding enabling them to better take part in global supply chains, expand into new markets, helping drive Vietnam's economy.

The move follows the signing and witnessing in Washington DC of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IFC and HDBank, a leading Vietnamese private retail bank, with the aim of boosting supply chain financing (SCF) for the country's small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The collaboration is expected to help HDBank build an SCF portfolio

of $1 billion by 2025.

The lack of working capital has been a key constraint for local businesses in Vietnam, especially SMEs which account for about 98 percent of all businesses. Innovative funding such as SCF, which creates early cash flow for suppliers and distributors by converting their sales receivables and inventories to immediate cash and allow them

to obtain lower-cost financing is relatively new in Vietnam and still to reach most SMEs. The main sources of SME finance continue to be loans backed by mortgages.

As a result, the share of receivables and inventory registered as movable collateral in Vietnam is just about 30 percent, significantly lower than those in the more developed markets. "Supply chain financing

that links buyers, suppliers, and financial institutions will efficiently support the trade cycles. IFC's timely support will enable local businesses to leverage emerging trade opportunities and improve their linkages to formal supply chains, contributing to Vietnam's economic growth," said Thanh Pham, HDBank's Chief Executive Officer.

8

Feature

Almost one billion children and adults with disabilities and older persons in need of assistive technology denied access, according to new report TL Bureau WHO and UNICEF call on governments, industry, donors and civil society to fund and prioritize access to assistive products GENEVA/NEW YORK, 16 May 2022 – A new reportpublished today by WHO and UNICEF reveals that more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or apps that support communication and cognition.

Yet nearly one billion of them are denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access can be as low as 3% of the need for these life-changing products.

The Global Report on Assistive Technology presents evidence for the first time on the global need for and access to assistive products and provides a series of recommendations to expand availability and access, raise awareness of the need, and implement inclusion policies to improve the lives of millions of people. “Assistive technology is a life changer – it opens the door to education for children

with impairments, employment and social interaction for adults living with disabilities, and an independent life of dignity for older persons,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“Denying people access to these life-changing tools is not only an infringement of human rights, it’s economically shortsighted.

We call on all countries to fund and prioritize access to assistive technology and give everyone a chance to live up to their potential.”

“Nearly 240 million children have disabilities. Denying children the right to the products they need to thrive doesn’t only harm individual children, it deprives families and their communities of everything they could contribute if their needs were met,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Without access to assistive technology, children with disabilities will continue to miss out on their education, continue to be at a greater risk of child labor and continue to be subjected to stigma and discrimination, undermining their confidence and wellbeing.”

The report notes that the number of people in need of one or more assistive products is likely to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050, due to populations ageing and the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases rising across the world.

The report also highlights the vast gap in access between lowand high-income countries. An analysis of 35 countries reveals that access varies from 3% in poorer nations to 90% in wealthy countries.

Affordability is a major barrier to access, the report notes.

Around two thirds of people with assistive products reported out-of-pocket payments for them. Others reported relying on family and friends to financially support their needs.

A survey of 70 countries featured in the report found large gaps in service provision and trained workforce for assistive technology, especially in the domains of cognition, communication and self-care.

Previous surveys published by WHO note a lack of awareness and unaffordable prices, lack of services, inadequate product quality, range and quantity, and procurement and supply chain

challenges as key barriers.

Assistive products are generally considered a means to participate in community life and in wider society on an equal footing with others; without them, people suffer exclusion, are at risk of isolation, live in poverty, may face hunger, and be forced to depend more on family, community and government support.

The positive impact of assistive products goes beyond improving the health, well-being, participation and inclusion of individual users – families and societies also benefit. For example, enlarging access to quality-assured, safe and affordable assistive products leads to reduced health and welfare costs, such as recurrent hospital admissions or state benefits, and promotes a more productive labour force, indirectly stimulating economic growth.

Access to assistive technology for children with disabilities is often the first step for childhood development, access to education, participation in sports and civic life, and getting ready for employment like their

peers. Children with disabilities have additional challenges due to their growth, which requires frequent adjustments or replacements of their assistive products.

The report makes recommendations for concrete action to improve access, including: Improve access within education, health and social care systems Ensure availability, safety, effectiveness and affordability of assistive products Enlarge, diversify and improve workforce capacity Actively involve users of assistive technology and their families Increase public awareness and combat stigma Invest in data and evidencebased policy Invest in research, innovation, and an enabling ecosystem Develop and invest in enabling environments Include assistive technology in humanitarian responses Provide technical and economic assistance through international cooperation to support national efforts.

International Day Against Homophobia, TEN-E: Council gives Transphobia and Biphobia, 17 May 2022: green light to new rules Declaration by the High Representative for cross-border energy on behalf of the European Union

TL Bureau, Brussels

On the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), the European Union reaffirms its strong commitment to respect, protect and fulfil the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons.

Across the world, over 2 billion people live in countries where homosexuality is illegal, while death penalty is retained as a legal punishment for consensual same sex relationships in 11 jurisdictions.

Over the last 10 years, we have seen signs of progress worldwide. Yet, discrimination and exclusion because of sexual orientation and gender identity persist, and we are witnessing a worrying pushback of the rights of LGBTI persons.

Levels of violence against LGBTI persons are also alarming, even though largely underreported.

Armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies put LGBTI persons at particular risk. Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine has put the spotlight on LGBTI persons trying to flee the war. There have been reports of transgender persons that have

been hindered from leaving the country as well as incidents of violence against LGBTI-persons. More needs to be done to offer them support, protection and safe spaces.

Young persons, in particular, face rejection by their families, homelessness and harassment online and offline based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. This year 2022 is the European Year of Youth: young persons need to be accepted and valued for who they are. We must strive to build peaceful, inclusive societies, where everyone can thrive and feel safe.

The EU stands with all LGBTI persons and will not compromise. We will continue to speak up for the human rights of LGBTI persons. We will combat discrimination, violence and hate speech based on sexual orientation and gender identity – in times of peace and times of conflict. We will continue our efforts to promote legal, political and financial anti-discrimination measures in close co-operation with civil society.

Equality, respect for dignity and respect for diversity are at the heart of our Union.

Everyone should be free to be who they are and love whom they choose without fear.

infrastructure

TL Bureau, Brussels

The Council adopted today a revised Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation. The new rules aim to modernise, decarbonise and interconnect member states’ cross-border energy infrastructures in order to help the EU achieve its 2050 climate neutrality objectives. The revised regulation also aims to continue ensuring market integration, competitiveness and security of supply. The adoption follows a provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament in December 2021 and is the final step of the adoption procedure.

Among other things, the new rules will end support for new natural gas and oil projects and introduce mandatory sustainability criteria for all projects. They will simplify and accelerate permitting and authorisation procedures. The revised rules put the emphasis on the role of energy from renewable sources regarding all assets, including smart gas grids. They will create a possibility for non-binding cooperation in the field of offshore grid planning.

Background and next steps The European Commission presented

its proposal on a revised TEN-E on 15 December 2020. The revision of the TEN-E Regulation identifies 11 priority corridors and 3 priority thematic areas to develop and interconnect. It updates the infrastructure categories eligible for support with an emphasis on decarbonisation and adds a new focus on offshore electricity grids, hydrogen infrastructure and smart grids. This will be done mostly through projects of common interest (PCIs) that are eligible for financing from the Connecting Europe Facility for 2021-2027. The list of PCIs is adopted by the Commission in the form of a delegated regulation based on an assessment by so-called Regional Groups. PCIs benefit from a number of advantages but there is no guarantee of EU financing for projects on the PCI list.

The Council reached a general approach on TEN-E on 11 June 2021. The Council presidency and the European Parliament negotiators found a provisional political agreement in trilogue negotiations on 15 December 2021. The European Parliament adopted its position in first reading on the Regulation on 5 April 2022. The new regulation will now be published in the EU Official Journal and enter into force.

9

life and real estate

Monkeypox - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland TL Bureau, Geneva

Situation at a glance On 7 May 2022, WHO was informed of a confirmed case of monkeypox in an individual who travelled from the United Kingdom to Nigeria.

The case developed a rash on 29 April 2022 and returned to the United Kingdom on 4 May. Monkeypox was suspected and the case was immediately isolated. As of 11 May, extensive contact tracing has been undertaken to identify exposed contacts in healthcare settings, the community and the international flight. These individuals are being followed up for 21 days from the date of last exposure with the case.

None has reported compatible symptoms so far.

Since the case was immediately isolated and contact tracing was performed, the risk of onward transmission related to this case in the United Kingdom is minimal. However, as the source of infection in Nigeria is not known, there remains a risk of ongoing transmission in this country.

Description of the case On 7 May 2022, the National IHR Focal Point for the United Kingdom notified WHO of a confirmed case of monkeypox in an individual who travelled from United Kingdom to Nigeria from late April to early May 2022 and stayed in Lagos and Delta States in Nigeria. The case developed a rash on 29 April and returned to the United Kingdom, arriving on 4 May. On the same day (4 May), the case presented to hospital.

Based on the travel history and rash illness, monkeypox was suspected at an early stage and the case was isolated immediately.

Appropriate use of personal protective equipment was ensured during hospitalization.

Monkeypox (West African clade)

was laboratory confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on a vesicular swab on 6 May by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory.

Epidemiology of the disease Monkeypox is a sylvatic zoonosis with incidental human infections that usually occur sporadically in forested parts of Central and West Africa. It is caused by the monkeypox virus which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family.

Monkeypox can be transmitted by contact and droplet exposure via exhaled large droplets. The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.

The disease is often self-limiting with symptoms usually resolving spontaneously within 14 to 21 days. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and lesions can be very itchy or painful. The animal reservoir remains unknown, although is likely to be among rodents. Contact with live and dead animals through hunting and consumption of wild game or bush meat are known risk factors.

There are two clades of monkeypox virus, the West African clade and Congo Basin (Central African) clade.

Although the West African clade of monkeypox virus infection sometimes leads to severe illness in some individuals, disease is usually self-limiting. The case fatality ratio for the West African clade has been documented to be around 1%, whereas for the Congo Basin clade, it may be as high as 10%. Children are also at higher risk, and monkeypox during pregnancy may lead to complications, congenital monkeypox or stillbirth.

Milder cases of monkeypox may go undetected and represent a risk of person-to-person transmission. There is likely

to be little immunity to the infection in those travelling and exposed as endemic disease is geographically limited to parts of West and Central Africa. While a vaccine has been approved for prevention of monkeypox, and traditional smallpox vaccine also provides protection, these vaccines are not widely available and populations worldwide under the age of 40 or 50 years no longer benefit from the protection afforded by prior smallpox vaccination programmes.

Public health response • Health authorities in the United Kingdom have set up an incident management team to coordinate identification and management of contacts.

• As of 11 May, extensive contact tracing has identified exposed contacts in the community, the healthcare setting and on the international flight. None has reported compatible symptoms so far.

• All identified contacts have been assessed and classified based on their exposure to the case and are being followed up accordingly through either active or passive surveillance for 21 days after their last exposure to the case.

Post-exposure prophylaxis with vaccination is being offered to the higher risk contacts.

• Nigerian authorities were informed about this case and travel history in Nigeria on 7 May. The case did not report contact with anyone with a rash illness or known monkeypox in Nigeria. Details of travel and contacts within Nigeria have been shared with authorities in Nigeria for follow up as necessary.

WHO risk assessment In the United Kingdom, there have been seven cases of monkeypox previously reported; all importations were related to a travel history to or from Nigeria.

In 2021, there were also two separate human monkeypox

cases imported from Nigeria reported by the United States of America.

Since September 2017, Nigeria has continued to report cases of monkeypox. From September 2017 to 30 April 2022, a total of 558 suspected cases have been reported from 32 states in the country. Of these, 241 were confirmed cases, and among these there were eight deaths recorded (Case Fatality Ratio: 3.3%). From 1 January to 30 April 2022, 46 suspected cases have been reported of which 15 were confirmed from seven states - Adamawa (three cases), Lagos (three cases), Cross River (two cases), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) (two cases), Kano (two cases), Delta (two cases) and Imo (one case). No death has been recorded in 2022.

In the present case, the source of infection is currently unknown and the risk of further transmission in Nigeria cannot be excluded. Once monkeypox was suspected in the United Kingdom, authorities promptly initiated appropriate public health measures, including isolation of the case and contact tracing. The risk of potential onward spread related to this case in the United Kingdom is therefore minimal. As the source of infection in Nigeria is not known, there remains a risk of further transmission in Nigeria.

Importations of monkeypox from an endemic country to another country has been documented on eight previous occasions.

In this instance, the confirmed case has a history of travel from Delta state in Nigeria, where monkeypox is endemic.

WHO advice Any illness during travel or upon return from an endemic area should be reported to a health professional, including information about all recent travel and immunization history.

Residents and travelers to endemic countries should avoid contact with sick animals (dead or alive) that could harbour monkeypox virus (rodents, marsupials, primates) and should refrain from eating or handling wild game (bush meat). The importance of hand hygiene using soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitizer should be emphasized. While a vaccine and specific treatment have recently been approved for monkeypox, in 2019 and 2022 respectively, these countermeasures are not yet widely available.

A patient with monkeypox should be isolated and provided with supportive care during the presumed and known infectious periods, that is during the prodromal (early signs) and rash stages of the illness, respectively. Timely contact tracing, surveillance measures and raising awareness of imported emerging diseases among health care providers are essential for preventing further secondary cases and effective management of monkeypox outbreaks.

Health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed monkeypox should implement standard, contact and droplet infection control precautions. This includes all workers such as cleaners and laundry personnel who may be exposed to the patient care setting, bedding, towels, or personal belongings. Samples taken from people with suspected monkeypox or animals with suspected monkeypox virus infection should be handled by trained staff working in suitably equipped laboratories.

International travel and trade: WHO does not recommend any restriction for travel to and trade with Nigeria or the United Kingdom based on available information at this time.

constitute an external threat to the EU or its member states. Restrictive measures can also be imposed in response to cyber-attacks against third states or international organisations where such measures are considered necessary to achieve the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

Sanctions currently apply to eight individuals and four entities, and include an asset freeze and a travel

ban. Additionally, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed. These individual listings will continue to be reviewed every 12 months. The decision to prolong the restrictive measures for three years shows the strong EU's commitment to enhance its resilience and ability to prevent, discourage, deter and respond to cyber threats and malicious cyber activities in order to safeguard

European security and interests.

Background In June 2017, the EU established a Framework for a Joint EU Diplomatic Response to Malicious Cyber Activities (the "cyber diplomacy toolbox"). The framework allows the EU and its member states to use all CFSP measures, including restrictive measures if necessary, to prevent, discourage, deter and respond to malicious cyber activities targeting

the integrity and security of the EU and its member states.

The EU framework for restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the EU and its member states was set up in May 2019.

The EU remains committed to a global, open, stable, peaceful and secure cyberspace and therefore reiterates the need to strengthen international cooperation in order to promote the rules-based order in this area.

Cyber-attacks: Council extends sanctions regime until 18 May 2025

TL Bureau, Brussels

The Council today decided to prolong the framework for restrictive measures against cyberattacks threatening the EU and its member states for a further three years, until 18 May 2025.

This framework allows the EU to impose targeted restrictive measures on persons or entities involved in cyber-attacks which cause a significant impact, and

10

Firebirds play with Pride, though fall short in Bueta’s milestone match

TL Bureau, Brisbane

The Queensland Firebirds’ trip to Tasmania was still one of celebration, despite again falling victim to the Collingwood Magpies in a four-goal loss at MyState Bank Arena on Sunday.

The story of the week had been that of star goal attack Gretel Bueta clocking up her 100th league match, a milestone the Firebirds were determined to celebrate with a win.

Firebirds head coach Megan Anderson said although unable to get the victory for Bueta, the achievement was ‘special’ - just like the player achieving it.

“Gretel is an amazing athlete, she's one of a kind and I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to coach her,” Anderson said.

“The past couple of years she's really developed her game and taken it to a new level, there really is no one like her.

“Since the birth of Bobby, she's really matured and made the most of her time at netball and away from the court with

family.”

The other special occasion celebrated was the Firebirds and Magpies coming together to play in the second ever Pride Match in Suncorp Super Netball.

After hosting the inaugural Pride Match in Brisbane last year, Anderson acknowledged the importance of the two clubs flying the flag and continuing the club-driven initiative.

“Elite teams have the privilege of being in the spotlight, so being able to raise awareness by holding things such as Pride Match is the least we can do to show the nation that netball is an inclusive sport,” The Firebirds coach said.

“We had some amazing feedback from the community after last year's match and that feedback on how it affected people lives mean the world to us.”

The Firebirds will continue their trip away as they fly to Adelaide to take on the thunderbirds where they will be looking to bounce back in a bid to remain in the top four.

Having just a two-day break before their next match in Adelaide is yet another test for the Queenslanders, but Anderson said her and her team are again looking forward to the challenge.

“We love playing away as a team, it brings us together and we get to just concentrate on doing our jobs, so we are looking forward to going to Adelaide,” she said.

“All the arenas we play in across Australia are great, so it doesn't matter where we play.

“They’ll be a tough side to beat, they turnover a lot of ball with their defensive end so we have to be super safe and accurate with our passing and just create lots of defensive pressure to get them on the move and not sure where to pass it.

“We’ll be looking at some video throughout the week and hopefully we will come out firing on Wednesday.”

The Queensland Firebirds take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds at Netball SA Stadium at 8pm on Wednesday

Sports

SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL - ROUND 10 TL Bureau, Fitzroy Sunshine Coast Lighting v NSW Swifts - #SSNLightningSwifts Tuesday 17 May - 6.00pm AEST USC Stadium, Sunshine Coast WATCH: Foxtel, Kayo and Kayo Freebies UMPIRES: Tara Warner and Nathan Begley West Coast Fever v Melbourne Vixens - #SSNFeverVixens Tuesday 17 May - 8.00pm AEST RAC Arena, Perth WATCH: Foxtel, Kayo and Kayo Freebies UMPIRES: Kate Wright and Bronwen Adams Collingwood Magpies v GIANTS Netball - #SSNMagpiesGiants Wednesday 18 May - 6.00pm AEST Silverdome, Launceston WATCH: Foxtel and Kayo UMPIRES: Rachael Stebbings and Josh Bowring Adelaide Thunderbirds v Queensland Firebirds - #SSNSThunderbirdsFirebirds Wednesday 18 May - 8.00pm AEST Netball SA Stadium, South Australia WATCH: Foxtel and Kayo UMPIRES: Jordan Kiss and Georgina Sulley-Beales

NFL Celebrates Mother’s Day with Programming Lineup on NFL Network

TL Bureau, California

Ub Huishan NE win firstever FIBA 3x3 World Tour Opener in Utsunomiya UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - Ub Huishan NE (SRB) won the first-ever FIBA 3x3 World Tour Opener in Utsunomiya on May 14-15, 2022.

The number one 3x3 team in the world defeated World Tour 2019 runnersup Princeton (USA) in the final 22-16, avenging their Day 1 loss against the same opponents.

MVP Strahinja Stojacic stepped up in the final with a near-triple five of 13 points, 6 highlights and 4 rebounds.

The 29-year-old scored the game-winning shot from outside the arc as Princeton were making a come-back led by 12 points combined from Damon Huffman and Isaiah Wilkerson.

Ub Huishan NE captain Dejan Majstorovic continued his winning ways in Utsunomiya. The Japanese

city hosted 5 events in World Tour history, "The Maestro" won 4.

This Opener was like no event before. The 10 bestranked teams in the world were invited. The prize money (USD 50,000 for the winners, 152,000 total) was higher than any Masters. Last but not least, Ub Huishan NE qualified for the Masters of their choice.

In the Individual Contests,

Arturs Strelnieks (Riga, LAT) won the Maurice Lacroix Shoot-Out Contest and was awarded a special AIKON #tide FIBA 3x3 edition, while Brandon Ruffin took home the Ashikaga Bank Dunk Contest.

UTSUNOMIYA OPENER STANDINGS 1. Ub Huishan NE (SRB) 2. Princeton (USA) 3. Antwerp (BEL) 4. Amsterdam (NED)

5. Liman Huishan NE (SRB) 6. Sakiai (LTU) 7. Riga (LAT) 8. Vienna (AUT) 9. Utsunomiya BREX (JPN) 10. Lausanne (SUI) 11. Jeddah (KSA) 12. Tokyo Dime (JPN) 13. Shinagawa CC (JPN) 14. Asakusa EXE (JPN) The FIBA 3x3 World Tour is back on May 28-29 for the Manila Masters, the first Masters in the Philippines

since 2015. Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.

It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and nationalteam competitions.

3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Wilson is the Global Ball Partner. Wilson is also the Apparel Partner, Maurice Lacroix the Official Timekeeper and Chooks-toGo the Global Partner of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2022.

FIBA 3x3 events are played on Enlio floors with Wilson balls, Schelde backstops, Bodet shot-clocks and the Magic Sky canopy system.

11

tech/auto

Lamborghini Monaco debuts new showroom. Official opening of new dealership in the Principality of Monaco

TL Bureau, Sant’Agata Bolognese/Monaco,

May 16, 2022– Automobili Lamborghini has inaugurated a new Monaco dealership.

Located in the center of the principality of 40,000 inhabitants, the new location fits the latest design and corporate identity that distinguishes the Lamborghini brand worldwide.

“Iconic Monaco, with its strong automotive and motorsport connotations, deserves the best of design and customer experience,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini who attended the showroom’s official opening event where over 120 invited guests gathered. “The new dealership in the principality enhances our Monegasque clients’ experience of our highly attractive product range, with a destination now appropriately located in the center of Monaco.”

A highly-exclusive and limited series range of cars was displayed outside during the opening event, including the Reventón Roadster produced in only 20 units; the iconic Countach LPI 800-4; and Lamborghini’s first hybrid super sports car, the Sián FKP 37. Completing the line-up was the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae: the final, purest, timeless naturallyaspirated production V12 from Sant’Agata Bolognese. Inside, the latest V10 Lamborghini was presented to guests, the Huracan Tecnica. The new Monaco dealership is housed in a 218 square meter space at 24 Avenue de Fontvieille. It is divided into two areas where prospective clients can explore the product range or create their own entirely personalized new car configuration in the Ad Personam lounge, choosing from virtually limitless paint possibilities as well as leathers, custom stitching, carbon fiber elements and many more exclusive options. The Monaco showroom uses the brand's latest technologies within an intimate space that provides a 360-degree experience for the car enthusiast, while Lamborghinitrained experts guide customers through new and pre-owned Lamborghini models, together with service drop-off, pick-up and delivery.

“This grand opening epitomizes a momentum for Groupe Segond,” said Stephane Colmart, COO

for Automotive Division.

“The collaboration between Lamborghini and the Segond Automobiles Group started in 2015 with the inauguration of our first Lamborghini franchise in Cap d'Ail. Today the story continues a few meters away, with our outstanding new location in Monaco, tailormade to house automotive masterpieces while offering the most refined services

to our discerning clientele.”

Guests and VIPs at the official event enjoyed the creations of Chef Mauro Colagreco, known as Chef of three-star Michelin Mirazur Restaurant in nearby Menton; the event concluded in a musical lounge evening with saxophone performance.

There are now 74 Lamborghini Dealerships in the EMEA region, with 179 at a global level.

12 Council approves Data Governance Act TL Bureau, Brussels

After the European Parliament, the Council today approved a new law to promote the availability of data and build a trustworthy environment to facilitate their use for research and the creation of innovative new services and products.

The Data Governance Act (DGA) will set up robust mechanisms to facilitate the reuse of certain categories of protected publicsector data, increase trust in data intermediation services and foster data altruism across the EU. It is an important component of the European strategy for data, which aims to bolster the data economy.

The new rules will apply 15 months after the entry into force of the regulation.

world

New Carpentry Facility For Broadmeadows Apprentices

TL Bureau, Melbourne

The Andrews Labor Government has delivered a new carpentry trade facility at Kangan TAFE – the final piece in the TAFE’s multi-million dollar Trades and Skills Centre for Broadmeadows jobseekers.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today launched the $1.2 million investment for the carpentry facility as part of the $6.8 million Trades and Skills Centre at the Broadmeadows campus – addressing skills demands in Melbourne’s growing north.

The new facility is within a repurposed building, with equipment and training areas for

Minister of Tourism Meets with Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand

TL Bureau, Riyadh

Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Don Pramudwinai.

At the outset of the meeting, AlKhateeb welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, pointing to the importance of strengthening cooperation in the

field of tourism after the resumption of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He stressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's interest in the tourism sector in accordance with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the importance of achieving recovery and sustainability in the sector because it represents the most important sources of income and employment in the world.

Umm Al-Qura University to Hold International Dentistry Conference Next Wednesday

TL Bureau, Makkah Umm Al-Qura University is scheduled next Wednesday to hold the international conference: “The Latest Methods in Increasing the Efficiency and Quality in Dentistry,” at the King Abdulaziz Historical Hall in Al-Abdiyyah, under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Sultan Al Saud, Deputy Governor of Makkah.

Dean of the Dentistry Faculty at Umm Al-Qura University Dr. Mashail Al-Qahtani said that the conference is in line with national trends in developing and improving the experience of patients in the health sector and healthcare services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through moulding the skills of students and providing them with scientific experiences based on integrating students with doctors and specialized experts within forums and conferences that see the participation of several relevant sectors, where the conference also aims at discussing the quality of services offered through the latest and highest quality means at the economic level, referring to the

role of the conference in creating promising investment opportunities in this field.

The conference includes four scientific sessions that will discuss 12 aspects over two days with the participation of an elite of speakers and specialists in fields related to developing health sciences and dentistry from inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event also includes 63 research papers, 6 workshops and several presentations specialized in dentistry and supporting sciences.

The conference is also envisioned to contribute to supporting researchers and specialists and enhancing their role with the participation of main partners in the health fields, such as the Ministry of Health, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, and world research organization, in addition to holding an exhibition with scientific research and modern services in this field presented by dentistry students, faculty members and doctors in the public and private sectors. For more information and registration, interested people can check the conference website through:

up to 400 apprentices as well as an indoor simulated work site where trades teachers can assess students from a mezzanine level.

Importantly, it brings all trades training under one roof at Broadmeadows, increasing collaboration between students and providing a real-world environment where apprentices from different trades work on large projects.

The Trades and Skills Centre was opened in December and accommodates 3,500 students each year. It features a ‘plumbing tower’ that simulates plumbing and sewer systems and a supersized sandpit for domestic and commercial drainage and pipework training.

There are also refurbished learning spaces, new workshop spaces and classrooms, pneumatics and hydraulics facilities and specialist gas equipment fitting training room.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney “This is another feather in the cap for the fantastic new Trades and Skills Centre in Broadmeadows – giving locals access to great training opportunities and also addressing

skills demands in Melbourne’s growing north.”

Quote attributable to Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire “We know how in-demand trades workers are in Melbourne’s north – which is why we’ve delivered a world-class Trades and Skills Centre in the heart of Broadmeadows to provide a local pipeline of expert workers.”

Quote attributable to Kangan Institute Acting CEO Graham Fryer "Kangan Institute’s new Trades and Skills Centre is already supporting thousands of Victorians to gain a nationally recognised qualification through high quality resources and industry-standard technology.”

UAE President Receives Delegation of Saudi Princes Who Offered Condolences on Death of Late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

TL Bureau, Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, received in the capital, Abu Dhabi, yesterday, Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Prince Mansour bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; Prince Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz; Prince Dr. Mansour bin Miteb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Bandar bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz; and Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense, who offered their condolences on the death of late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

They also offered condolences to Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, representative of the ruler in Al Dhafra region; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President of the State; Sheikh

Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate and head of Abu Dhabi Executive Office and a number of Sheikhs. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's delegation of Princes also congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of his election as the UAE President, wishing him every success. For his part, the UAE President expressed his deep thanks to and appreciation of the delegation of Saudi Princes for their sincere fraternal feelings toward the UAE and its people in their calamity, and thanked them for congratulating him on his election as President of the UAE

the Republic of Yemen Government and the UN Special Envoy’s efforts to enable this flight and thanks the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their support.

We look forward to regular flights to and from Sana’a as called for in the UN-led truce. We urge all parties to adhere to the terms of the truce and make progress on other steps to bring relief to Yemenis – including urgently

opening roads to Taiz, the third largest city with hundreds of thousands of Yemenis in need of humanitarian assistance, and other contested areas, where Yemenis have suffered for far too long. The United States encourages the parties to seize this opportunity to advance broader peace efforts for the sake of the Yemeni people. The United States is committed to supporting Yemeni efforts to shape a brighter future for the country.

Welcoming the Resumption of Flights Between Sana’a and Amman

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State The United States welcomes today’s flight between Sana’a, Yemen, and Amman, Jordan, the first commercial flight from Sana’a since 2016. We hope it will enable Yemenis to travel to see loved ones, seek medical care, and find respite from the conflict.

The United States appreciates