Ukraine announced similar hostile clarion
Tom Newman. Foreign Correspondent. Moscow: As snow blankets the Moscow skyline and Christmas markets light the streets of Kiev, the serenity of winter has been pierced in Eastern Europe. Russia’s FSB security services denounced hostile acts by several Ukrainian sailors. Ukraine announced similar hostile clarion calls against Russian aggression. The incident happened when the Russian military shot at and detained two Ukrainian armoured vessels, a tug boat and their sailors off the Kerch strait. The vessels had tried, with or without notice depending on which countries story you believe, to enter the Kerch strait. The strait is a narrow gap between Crimea and Southern Russia. It links the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea. Following the annexation of Crimea, Russia built a new bridge across this area with one access point which now blocks all Ukrainian cargo ships from entering the Ukrainian ports of Mauripol and Berdansk. ... continued on page 4
NEWS Vol. 01 Issue 06 December 1, 2018 thelifenews.com.au
Federal Council ratifies the Declaration on the exploitation of European launchers
TL Bureau. Bern: On 30 November, the Federal Council approved and ratified the Declaration by certain European governments on the Launchers Exploitation Phase of Ariane, Vega and Soyuz from the Guiana Space Centre («Launcher Exploitation Declaration LED 2017»). This Declaration sets up the framework for the exploitation of the European launch vehicles for an extended period until 2035. The ratification concludes the national procedure for acceptance of this declaration by Switzerland.
IOC Executive Board initiates an inquiry into AIBA
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TL Bureau. he Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today decided to initiate an inquiry into the International Boxing Association (AIBA). This is the initiation of a procedure which can lead to the withdrawal of recognition for AIBA. The decision came after AIBA had submitted a Progress Report to the IOC, as required by the EB decision of 19 July 2018, detailing its current situation regarding governance, financial management and sporting integrity.
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G20 told crucial COP24 climate change conference ‘must succeeed’: Guterres Photo/UN
TL Bureau. Buenos Aires: As well as mistrust between nations, and the risk of confrontation and escalation, Mr, Guterres said that there was a lack of trust between peoples in general and institutions everywhere, both at a national level – in the form of governments and parliaments – and internationally; because globalization has divided the world into winners and losers. Those left out, he said, “feel angry, that feel frustrated, that many times…there was not enough effort from their government, or from international organizations like the UN, in order to attend their problems, to attend their difficulties in the rustbelts of this world. I think it is very
important to come together, the different countries around the world, and to have a common strategy for a fair globalization, which means a globalization that leaves no one behind.” For this reason, the world’s largest economies, such as the G20 group, must support the UN’s 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, said the UN chief, which was devel-
oped precisely to ensure a fair globalization and aims to eradicate poverty and address a wide range of governance problems worldwide. ‘Katowice must succeed’ Mr. Guterres also pointed out that this year’s G20 meeting is important because it precedes the COP24 climate change conference taking place in Katowice, Poland from 3 December, at which the “Work Pro-
EUROPOL COORDINATES ITS 12TH REFERRAL ACTION DAY TO COMBAT ONLINE TERRORIST CONTENT TL Bureau. The Hague: On 29 November 2018, Europol’s European Union Internet Referral Unit (EU IRU) organised its 12th joint Referral Action Day with the national referral units of seven Member States and third parties, including Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Portugal and the United Kingdom. This joint action was coordinated from Europol’s headquarters in The Hague and targeted online material linked to terrorist activities. During the Referral Action Day, the parties involved thoroughly reviewed the referral process, from the detection of terrorist content to its flagging to the online service providers. The focus of this continuous
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initiative included the detection and referral of terrorist content from ten file sharing platforms. A total amount of 7 393 items were assessed and referred to the participating online platforms with a request to be reviewed against their terms of service. Europol promotes cooperative relations to combat terrorist online propaganda. Similar joint actions will continue to be organised frequently. Based within Europol’s European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC) , the EU IRU detects and investigates terrorist content on the internet. Furthermore the Unit produces strategic insights into jihadist terrorism and provides support to law enforcement authorities in the EU Member States in online criminal investigations.
gramme” or rule book of the 2015 Paris Agreement – when practically all countries signed up to a pledge to ensure global temperatures do not rise by more than 2 degrees before the end of this century– is expected to be agreed. Addressing the media on Friday, the Secretary-General said that “Katowice must succeed. We need to build in Katowice the momentum that is necessary for an increased ambition to be shown by the international community…when in 2020 the commitments made in Paris will be renewed in order to make sure that we are able to bring the increase of temperature in the world until the end of the century to clearly below 2 degrees and as close as possible to 1.5 degrees.”
United States, Mexico, and Canada Conclude Trilateral Agreement on Environmental Cooperation
TL Bureau Washington, DC. Today the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada finalized a new environmental cooperation agreement (ECA). The Agreement will take effect upon entry into force of the USMCA and builds on the long history of trilateral cooperation among the three countries to reduce pollution, strengthen environmental governance, conserve biological diversity, and sustainably manage natural resources. The ECA supersedes the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC), which has resulted in two decades of achievements relating to cross border environmental issues. The United States will continue to play a leadership role and will participate in the trilateral environment Council.
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EDITORIAL
I AM THE BEST
n another way to tell the world that I am supreme and super power not the United States, Russia made lot of military exercises with latest and high tech weapons and missiles openly and made the headlines in world newspapers and channels before, try to infiltrate the Ukrainian border of Crimea and other parts through its army. In last many months Ukrainian President made remarks in news and media that he want to cancel the friendship treaty with Russia as not getting the same treatment as required. On other side US President Donald Trump has also cancelled a planned meeting and discussions with Putin over a naval clash between Ukraine and Russia as Russian border guards fired on three Ukrainian ships and seized their crews off the Crimean Peninsula. He added that he would not meet Putin at a G20 summit in the coming days, because of situation arises with Ukraine. On another side Germany also blamed the crisis “entirely” on Russia in a statement Angela said that she would raise the issue with President Putin at the G20 meeting, which is due to be held in Argentina on Friday and Saturday. Ukraine on
worsening.
CORRESPONDENTS & BUREAUS CONTACTS WORLDWIDE
Even in Argentina during the G20 summit the major nations were available there but in real Contact us if you have any story worldwide sense and in front no one talked Aus: aus@thelifenews.com.au NZ, Fiji & Oceania : nz@thelifenews.com.au and discussed with Putin about Thai, Malaysia, Singapore this conflict but on other side of sg@thelifenews.com.au the story everyone were in front India SriLanka Nepal: india@thelifenews.com.au US, Canada & Mexico: usa@thelifenews.com.au of media gave remarks that UK & Ireland: uk@thelifenews.com.au whatsoever is happening in RusRussia, Ukraine, Belarus & CIS russia@thelifenews.com.au Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania: estonia@thelifenews.com.au sia and Ukraine is wrong. Russia Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherland: swiss@thelifenews. is wrong in this case and is doing com.au the unjustified things and should Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark : finland@thelifenews.com.au be stopped. Even United Nations an move will not allow Russian men banned complete Russian national- many times in recent days tried aged 16-60 into the country follow- ity, not even a single person allowed to resolve the issue thought its ing the imposition of martial law, in Ukraine with an fear to not to get expert and with remarks from UN Kiev says. formation of any sort of armies or in Officials. No let us see what exactly will An exception would be made for order to prevent any sort of conflict. happens in future within couple “humanitarian cases” such as those During last days some experts and travelling to funerals. Russia says it specialists opined that may be if of days or weeks whether it will is not planning retaliatory measures. the tension and conflict between resolved or will create a new stoMartial law has been imposed in Russia and Ukraine will not be ry. But the real fact is that nobody 10 Ukrainian regions until 26 De- resolved then may be another wants war and destruction. But cember. I don’t know in actual that world war will start and situation for the sake of power, honor and who is in real sense doing the mis- in the whole world becoming greed anyone can do anything and reached on any extent. takes and who is not but from all the news and resources worldwide we’ve come to conclusion that Russia is using its army as well its power to pressurize Ukraine and to the whole world as well that I can do anything non worthless and regardless of any country in the world. Ukrainian government
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WORLD Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hold working meeting in Geneva TL Bureau. Bern: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, and his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, discussed bilateral, multilateral and global issues during a working lunch in Geneva. This was the first extensive bilateral meeting between the two foreign ministers, who until now had only met on the margins of conferences.
IAF Kiran Trainer Aircraft Crash
TL Bureau New Delhi: An Indian Air Force Kiran trainer aircraft was airborne from Air Force Station Hakimpet on 28 Nov 18 at 1130 hrs on a routine training mission. The aircraft crashed in the local flying area at approximately 1150 hrs. The pilot ejected safely. There are neither injuries reported from the civil populace nor any damage to property. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the accident.
CO2 emissions on the rise for first time in four years, UN agency warns Photo courtesy/UN
Get out of Ukraine, Mr. Putin - President of Ukraine counts on US President’s support TL Bureau. Kyiv: President Petro Poroshenko once again called on Russia to leave Ukraine and expressed hope that at the G20 summit, US President Donald Trump would deliver this call to President Putin. The Head of State told that in an interview to NBC. “There are two versions. The first is the Normandy format, the Minsk agreements, the de-escalation of the situation in Azov, the deoccupation of Crimea and much more. But to make a long story short and say it in a few words: “Get out of Ukraine, Mr. Putin,” Petro Poro-
shenko said, answering the question whether he is expecting the US leader to convey the position on Ukraine to the Russian President. The Head of State also recalled his previous meetings with President Trump and stressed that he had received a firm position of his support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity of Ukraine and our struggle for freedom and democracy. “And in this situation, I am counting on the United States,” the President stressed. He also noted that one of the possible options for Ukraine’s sup-
port could be sending several NATO ships to the Black Sea, as it is a point of global security. According to the President, it can be debated about which countries could provide such vessels, but these should be NATO countries in order to prevent Russia from acting this way. The President also noted that the introduction of martial law in several regions of Ukraine is aimed at protection and our state does not intend to resort to hostilities against anyone.
US warns Russia over Syrian site of alleged chemical attack
TL Bureau. Washington DC: The Pentagon warned Russia on Tuesday against interfering with the site of an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria’s regime-held city of Aleppo. The Pentagon said Assad may try to interfere with the site of the incident and build a narrative to justify attacking the rebel-held stronghold of Idlib, which is currently protected under a 10-week-old truce deal in northern Syria. “It is essential to ensure that the Syrian regime does not seize on false pretexts to undermine this
ceasefire and launch an offensive in Idlib,” Pentagon spokesman Commander Sean Robertson said in a statement. “We caution Russia against tampering with another suspected chemical weapons attack site and urge Russia to secure the safety of the OPCW inspectors so these allegations can be investigated in a fair and transparent manner.” “We urge immediate inspection of the alleged site by international investigators, with freedom to interview all involved and unhindered ability to collect evidence,” Robertson said
Finland’s initiative on the International Year of Plan Health 2020 about to come true
TL Bureau. The report comes just days before the key UN climate change conference known as COP 24, taking place in Katowice, Poland, with the agency urging nations to triple their efforts to curb harmful emissions. The UNEP report comes hot on the heels of the watershed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on global warming, released in October, which cautioned that emissions had to stop rising now, in order to keep temperature increases below 1.5°C, and reduce the risks for the well-being of the planet and its people. “If the IPCC report represented a global fire alarm, this report is the arson investigation,” said UNEP’s Deputy Executive Director Joyce Msuya. “The science is clear; for all the ambitious climate action we’ve seen – governments need to move faster and with greater urgency. We’re feeding this fire while the means to extinguish it are within reach.” Heat-trapping CO2 gas in the atmosphere is largely responsible for rising global temperatures, according to the overwhelming body of scientific evidence. UNEP’s 2018 Global Emissions Report, show global emissions have reached historic levels.
TL Bureau. Helsinki: In mid-December the UN will decide on celebrating the first International Year of Plant Health in 2020. Dedicating a year to this theme was based on Finland’s initiative, which has won wide support in different parts of the world. The International Year of Plant Health is Finland’s first thematic initiative on the UN level. Finland’s initiative concerning the International Year of Plant
Health was first suggested at the General Assembly of the International Plant Protection Convention IPPC in 2015. The initiative won wide support both at the IPPC General Assembly and the General Assembly of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization FAO later that year. Besides the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the initiative has been advocated in international forums by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Finland’s
Permanent Representation to the UN. The theme year is expected to enhance the knowledge of both citizens and decision-makers on how important plant health is from the perspective of the global food security, agricultural productivity, biodiversity and environmental protection. The theme year also contributes to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
United States Announces Emergency Food Assistance for Yemen TL Bureau. Washington, DC: This week, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo announced the United States is providing nearly $131 million in additional emergency food assistance to the people of Yemen, who are suffering from the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and food-security emergency. This brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance for the Yemen response to more than $697 million since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2018.
More than half of Yemen’s population needs emergency food assistance. Without current, large-scale international humanitarian efforts, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network projects the food security situation would be significantly worse for millions, including potential famine. Most of the new funding will provide life-saving food assistance through the UN World Food Program to reach nearly 9.5 million of the most vulnerable Yemenis.
During a food crisis, preventable disease is a leading cause of death. The State Department and USAID are working with partners to provide more Yemenis with life-saving assistance and ensure that food, safe drinking water, nutrition assistance, sanitation and hygiene services, and medical care are reaching individuals and areas at the highest risk of famine. State and USAID are also scaling up development a n d
early recovery assistance to help address the underlying causes of the crisis and strengthen the ability of institutions to meet the needs of all Yemenis. To deliver this critical assistance, relief supplies and aid workers must be able to move freely throughout the country. In addition, humanitarian and commercial imports--particularly fuel, food, and medicine--must be permitted to flow freely into all of Yemen’s points of entry without impediments or delay.
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WORLD
Liam Fox meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu
Photo/UK.Gov
TL Bureau. London: The International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP met with the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. The Trade Secretary and Prime Minister discussed the growing trade and investment relationship between the UK and Israel – which has reached record levels as more than $9bn of goods were traded between the two countries last year – and the importance of ensuring bilateral trade continuity postBrexit. On continuity, the Trade Secretary welcomed Israeli cooperation in ensuring that trade agreements are rolled over and noted the significant progress that has been made in this regard.
Transitional solution for continued access to investment services following Brexit
TL Bureau. Stockholm: Under a proposal referred by the Ministry of Finance today, the Swedish Government should be able to issue regulations prescribing that companies domiciled outside the EEA can be exempted – for a certain period of time – from the requirement to hold a licence from Finansinspektionen (the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority) to provide investment services. It is proposed that, during a transitional period following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, investment firms domiciled in the UK should be allowed to continue providing services to professional clients with whom they entered into agreements prior to Brexit. The aim of the proposal is to eliminate the risk of interrupted access to the necessary financial services to handle derivative contracts entered into by Swedish businesses with a counterpart in the UK. The proposal will only be relevant if the UK leaves the EU without an agreement in place on transitional arrangements between the parties.
Finland to join the European Heritage Label initiative TL Bureau. Helsinki: Finland has decided to participate in the European Heritage Label initiative. The European Heritage Label can be awarded to sites in the EU that have a particular significance for European history, culture and integration. “The European Heritage Label is a cultural heritage initiative of the European Union. Its objective is to increase Europeans’ knowledge about European history and diverse cultural heritage,” says Minister of Culture Sampo Terho. According to Terho, joining the European Heritage Label project will bring welcome continuity to the European Year of Cultural Heritage, which is in its final stage. “Finland will continue to be actively involved in the discussion on what constitutes European cultural heritage,” Terho comments.
UK and US agree new open skies arrangements TL Bureau. London: The Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has today (28 November 2018) announced the conclusion of a new ‘open skies’ air services arrangement with the United States, ensuring the UK remains one of the world’s leading aviation hubs after Brexit for both travellers and businesses. The arrangement will replace the existing EU aviation agreement with the United States, as the UK continues to cement global ties as we prepare for a future outside of the EU. It will guarantee the continuation of the vital transatlantic routes used by tens of millions of passengers a year, ensuring people can continue to travel easily between the UK and US and maintaining choice and good value travel. It also protects our
£50 billion trading relationship between our 2 countries that is supported by air travel. Today’s announcement shows that the UK is open for business and is another positive step forward as the UK continues to develop as an outward look-
ing global player with other major economies around the world, ready to capitalise on a rich range of new global aviation and business opportunities. The deal ensures that planes flying from the UK will continue to enjoy
the same access they currently have with the US, ensuring the UK maintains its place as Europe’s most important aviation hub. These arrangements will allow airlines to continue to operate undisturbed and aid the development of new services for the future.
Ukraine announced similar hostile clarion ... Continued from page 1 Russian spokeswomen for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, accuses Ukraine of deliberately provoking Russia meanwhile Ukraine denies doing anything wrong and accuses Moscow of military aggression. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in relation to Russia’s actions instituted martial law on all regions nearby Russian territory. Since the conflict in eastern Ukraine, then the annexation of Crimea and now Kerch; the West seems too happy to enrich themselves ignoring Ukraines plight or split on fighting their own domestic battles to deal with Russia. On the Russian side, Ukraine gave no notice of military movements through the recently built bridge, making them hostile acts from Moscow’s point of view. With upcoming Ukrainian elections, the Russians argue that this is a ploy to carry favour with the Ukrainian public for President Poroshenko. Russian media portrays the moves of Poroshenko as a shortsighted attempt to pretend to be a strong man against Russia. President Putin went so far as to describe the Ukrainian acts as like ‘If they demand babies for breakfast, they would probably be served babies,’ and ‘this is such a short sighted policy it cannot have a good outcome.’. Babies aside he thinks the acts by Poroshenko are short term-ist, alarmist and grabbing at any international situation for cheap political points. Ukraine says it gave notice to the Russians and insists on its freedom
of navigation of the seas. Russia has continually been harassing and blocking at least 35 ships through the Kerch strait, hindering trade in Ukrainian ports. Meanwhile the seamen have become the victims of an unprovoked attack. Petro Poroshenko speaking to the German newspaper Bild has even gone so far as to say,’ Don’t believe Putin’s lies. Putin wants the old Russian empire back. Crimea, Donbass, the whole country”. Describing Putin as an empire builder, intent on territorial expansion. Poroshenko has spoken harsh words and now has backed them: instituting martial law in regions surrounding Russia and stopping Russians from entering the country via Minsk, Belarus as direct flights from Russia had already been discontinued. Meanwhile the Wests approach has been as uninterested as possible. Germany being the most active, Chancellor Angela Merkel seeks to alleviate the hostility and will meet with Putin personally on this issue at G20 summit in Argentina. Germany has the most to lose as the joint Russian-German gas pipeline Nord stream 2 continues to be built and is vital for Germany’s future energy needs. Further political instability such as the Kerch’s confrontation, will increase pressure on Germany to halt the completion of the pipeline. Ukraine is pushing against the pipeline because it is already a corridor of energy between the EU and Russia and it needs the income from the existing gas pipelines. Italy is also wanting to exact pressure as the
joint coalition government desperately wants to open trade with Russia and get rid of the EU sanctions, Russia being one of Italy’s main trading partners. Rome sees Germany’s Nord stream 2 pipeline building as hypocritical while sanctioning Russia. Both pressures on Germany seem unlikely to happen. France and United Kingdom look more concerned with domestic issues as France is dealing with major protests over diesel costs and the United Kingdom is distracted with debates on Brexit. The United States is following suit with Trump cancelling the meeting between him and Putin for next Friday in the Argentina’s G20 summit. He is using the Kerch incident to hide away from meeting with his Russian counterpart, as he was hugely criticised for his last meeting with President Putin. This allows him to move away from the Russian hacking scandal that has been dominating the US’ media discourse. If you were in Kiev’s shoes with a hostile and ever more aggressive Russia, you would highlight your plight and ask as much help as possible, but the situation does seem exacerbated by President Poroshenko’s choices of grandstanding for an upcoming election. The West is asleep and as Ms Merkel said Russia is causing instability not just in Ukraine but in a ‘belt of countries that cannot develop as they want. In the face of this, we cannot close our eyes’. It seems though that is exactly what the West is doing.
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AUSTRALIA
Police shut down illegal brothel in Kingston TL Bureau. Kingston: ACT Policing, with the assistance of Australian Border Force (ABF), executed a search warrant at an apartment complex in Kingston yesterday morning (Thursday, 29 November 2018). As a result of the warrant, a 65-yearold woman has been arrested and charged with operating a commercial brothel in a location other than a prescribed location, and failing to register a commercial brothel. She was granted bail and will appear in the ACT Magistrates Court at a later date. Two other women are currently subject to ABF enquiries regarding their immigration status. Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said this successful operation was the result of information received from the public. “The result of this operation demonstrates how important information from the public can be,” Detective Superintendent Moller said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for information about this illegal brothel and emphasise that information such as this assists police greatly, allowing us to shape investigations and target criminal activity in our community.” Acting Superintendent Kari Ellis from ABF ACT Operational Command said this is the second such activity in the last two months and the ABF will continue to work with ACT Policing to identify potential migration offences and protect vulnerable foreign workers.
Have your say on creating an active Central Darwin TL Bureau. Darwin : The Northern Territory Planning Commission continues to work towards the development of an Area Plan for Central Darwin. The study area includes Frances Bay and the Waterfront, through to Cullen Bay and all areas inbetween. When complete, the Central Darwin Area Plan will provide long-term guidance for land use and development that will strengthen Central Darwin as the heart of a vibrant, functional and attractive capital city. Chairperson of the Planning Commission, Dr David Ritchie, said an Area Plan for Central Darwin will bring together previous work and consultation to showcase the range of influences and opportunities across the area. “Stage 2 commences today with the release of the draft Area Plan and the Commission encourages the community to be involved to help refine the future vision for Central Darwin including areas such as Frances Bay and the Old Hospital Site. The Commission is keen to hear the views of all stakeholders who work, live and visit the city,” said Dr Ritchie.
Three arrested following investigation into Gold Coast organised crime syndicate TL Bureau. Goldcoast: Three people have been arrested and approximately 42 kilograms of illicit drugs seized as part of a long-running Australian Federal Police (AFP) led investigation involving the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) into the alleged activities of a Gold Coast based organised crime group affiliated with outlaw motorcycle gangs. In a joint release by ABF & Qld Police it is stated that In January 2018, ABF officers identified a number of imports of border controlled drugs intended for two apartment complexes on the Gold Coast.
A joint investigation into the activities of an organised crime syndicate commenced shortly after the discovery of these imports. Multiple search warrants were executed in Surfers Paradise and Hope Island on the Gold Coast, which resulted in the seizure of approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine and other smaller marketable quantities of illicit substances, weapons including two firearms, and more than $100,000 AUD cash. A total of approximately 38 kilograms of illicit drugs have been intercepted before they could reach the syndicate throughout the inves-
Border security and trade enforcement dominate ABF talks with PNG counterparts TL Bureau Canberra. order and maritime security, as well as trade enforcement were high on the agenda at the 5th Australia-Papua New Guinea (PNG) Customs Bilateral Meeting in Canberra today. Hosted by the Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner, Michael Outram APM, the meeting with Papua New Guinea Customs Service (PNGCS) marked the end of a highly successful year for the Australia-PNG relationship. Commissioner Outram reaffirmed the ABF’s commitment to working with the PNGCS as a trusted border security partner in the Indo-Pacific region. “We share many strategic challenges and opportunities with our PNG counterparts and other customs organisations in the region and it’s vital we are always looking for ways to collaborate, particularly on matters of intelligence, innovation and development,” Commissioner Outram said. “Today’s meetings with representatives from across the Home Affairs portfolio ensures that the PNGCS has access to a breadth of operational, regulatory and policy experience and expertise.” “The ABF, along with the Department of Home Affairs, committed to continue officer exchange programs and other strategic programs to ensure our strong relationship with the PNGCS continues to grow.”
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tigation, including various amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and heroin. A 30-year-old Sydney man, a 30-year-old Hope Island man and a 24-year-old Hope Island woman were arrested during the operational activity. The three people were charged with a range of offences related to the trafficking of controlled drugs and dealing in proceeds of crime, pursuant to the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), and, trafficking and supply offences pursuant to the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld). The three people are expected to be charged with further Commonwealth and Qld offences.
WA introduces new bail laws for persons with links to terrorism
TL Bureau. Perth: Bail Amendment (Persons Linked To Terrorism) Bill 2018 (WA) introduced into State Parliament Persons with links to terrorism are to be subject to a presumption against bail There will be a presumption against bail for people who have demonstrated support for, or have links to, terrorist activity under proposed amendments to the Bail Act 1982 (WA) introduced into the State Parliament today. The Bail Amendment (Persons Linked To Terrorism) Bill 2018 (WA) implements the 2017 Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreement in relation to a presumption against bail applying to persons with links to terrorism. The amendments form part of a range of practical and legislative measures agreed by COAG to strengthen the nationally consistent approach to countering the evolving threat of terrorism in Australia. Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan: “It is crucial that Western Australia meets its obligations in regard to the national implementation of the COAG agreement, in order to achieve the collective goal of keeping Australians safe from the threat of terrorism.
Alleged WA drug distributor arrested TL Bureau. Perth: A man suspected of being the key Western Australian distributor for a national drug network is scheduled to face court today for the alleged trafficking of illegal drugs between Victoria and WA. The 36-year-old Dianella man is one of three arrests as the result of a National Anti-Gangs Squad WA (NAGS) operation involving Victoria Police, WA Police Force and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) targeting a network with suspected links to Outlaw Motor Cycle Gangs (OMCG). Investigations began in July 2017 after WA Police Force discovered several packages sent from Melbourne to Perth. The packages contained about 115 grams of meth-
Photo/AFP
amphetamine and 30 grams of cocaine. Collaboration with the Victoria Police then linked the packages to the 36-year-old man. In March 2018, relat-
ed search warrants undertaken in Perth by the WA NAGS resulted in charges against a 50-year-old man and 25-year-old woman.
6 Crown accounts reflect strong economic fundamentals
TL Bureau. Wellington: New Zealand’s strong economic fundamentals continue to show through in the Crown accounts, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. The Treasury today released the Crown accounts for the four months ended 31 October. “The strong jobs market, higherthan-expected residential investment and the strength of the corporate sector continued to show through in the accounts. Net debt also remained below the Budget 2018 forecast,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s still early in the new financial year and, as with the September results, readings earlier in the year can show an OBEGAL deficit due to the different timings of revenue and expenses. “The OBEGAL deficit of $258 million is similar to the same time last year as Core Crown expenses came in 1.2% ($344 million) above forecast. Half of this variance was due to the top down adjustments the Treasury makes through the year, while the remainder was spread over a number of departments. It should be remembered that expenses at the end of the previous financial year came in below forecast, meaning there might be reversals early in the current 2018/19 year.
Commission proposes to authorise Tenex’s acquisition of San-i-Pak TL Bureau. Canterbury: The Commerce Commission has today released a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation to Tenex to acquire the assets of competing Canterbury-based waste firm San-i-Pak. Tenex, through its subsidiary International Waste Limited (IWL), and San-ipak are the sole providers of medical and quarantine waste treatment and disposal services in the South Island. The acquisition would result in IWL being the only provider of these services subject to another waste management firm entering the market in the future. Chairman Dr Mark Berry said while the acquisition would substantially reduce competition, the Commission’s preliminary view was that it was likely to produce such a benefit to the New Zealand public that it should be authorised. “The removal of San-i-Pak as a competitor is likely to result in IWL raising its prices for its quarantine and medical waste disposal services in Canterbury. IWL would own the only plant capable of disposing this particular waste and we expect any other waste management firm is only likely to enter the market if it can win a large contract,” Dr Berry said. “However, while we expect competition would lessen with the acquisition, our preliminary view is the cost savings associated with the consolidation of the two firms would outweigh the likely negative consequences. We estimate that the acquisition could produce a net benefit of up to $1.3 million in net present value terms over ten years.
NZ AND OTHER OCEANIA
One Billion Trees Fund offers new opportunities TL Correspondent. Wellington: Forestry Minister Shane Jones and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor have today launched the One Billion Trees Fund – a crucial step toward achieving the goal of planting at least one billion trees by 2028. Led by Te Uru Rākau – Forestry New Zealand, the Fund provides $118 million for simple and accessible grants to landowners and organisations looking to plant trees. It also provides $120 million for
partnership projects that aim to reduce the barriers to tree planting through innovation, research and sector development initiatives. “The One Billion Trees Programme sets an ambitious target, but brings with it the huge opportunity to revitalise our regions and create real economic, social and environmental benefits across the country. It will also support Māori to realise the potential of their land,” Shane Jones said. “The Government is committed
to achieving these benefits for New Zealanders who have already shown an impressive amount of interest and goodwill in the programme. This year we exceeded the planting goal, with over 60 million trees planted. “The new Fund will build on this early momentum by supporting planting to reduce erosion, improve water quality, achieve regional development goals, enhance biodiversity, develop Māori-owned land and diversify productive land use.
Preventing death and injury on our roads TL Bureau Wellington : Police Minister Stuart Nash and Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter are encouraging road users to be alert to a new safety campaign launched today by Police and the NZ Transport Agency in the lead up to the Christmas. “Too many people are dying on our roads and we want to support our agencies in getting the message out to drivers and riders to be safe,” says Mr Nash. “However, everyone using the road needs to take responsibility. It’s up to all of us drive to the conditions and to not treat the speed limit
as a suggestion. Everybody needs to pay attention to what they’re doing and when you’re socialising over summer, don’t drink and drive.” Today Police and the NZTA kicked off the summer season with their annual impairment prevention operation, which will be followed by a Police social media campaign focusing on the four main contributors of trauma on our roads. These are people not wearing seatbelts, driving too fast for the conditions, driving drunk, drugged, or tired, and being distracted by things like cell phones. Ms Genter says reducing the number of deaths and serious acci-
dents on our roads is her top priority as the Associate Minister of Transport. “These crashes impact families and communities across New Zealand,’’ she says. “I don’t want to see more people facing the festive season without their loved ones.’’ “Police will be out on the roads working hard to keep everyone safe. But they can’t do it alone. We all need to be responsible every time we get behind the wheel.” Mr Nash and Ms Genter say the summer campaign by Police and NZTA has a simple and clear message: drive safely.
Samoa Commitment for the Pacific Islands
TL Bureau. Samoa: The Central Bank Governors of the South Pacific region met in Samoa on the occasion of the 33rd Pacific Central Bank Governors’ meeting. The meeting’s theme was ‘Strengthening Collaboration’, with the objective of promoting the prosperity and economic welfare of our member nations. At the conclusion of the meeting the Governors stated:
“We the Pacific Central Bank Governors affirm our intention to leverage information technology to deepen and enhance the efficiency of our financial systems, so as to best support economic development and inclusion in our region. The specific strategic initiative agreed to at the meeting is to lead the development of a regional ‘know your customer’ facility and associated regionallylinked payment and settlement arrangements.
$8 million available for community conservation projects TL Bureau. Wellington: Community organisations, iwi and landholders will be able to apply for grants from an $8 million conservation fund to help save our native plants, birds and insects and habitats, Conservation Minister, Eugenie Sage announced today. Biodiversity protection will be the focus of the 2019 funding round for the Department of Conservation’s Community Fund. Grants from the Fund help community organisations, councils, iwi and private landowners carry out practical conservation projects such as controlling weed and
animal pests, planting and restoring habitats on private, Maori and public land so New Zealand’s indigenous plants and wildlife can thrive. “With 4,000 indigenous plants and wildlife threatened or at risk of extinction, community action for conservation is essential if we are to reverse the decline of our biodiversity,” Eugenie Sage said. Feedback from community groups, iwi and councils has led to changes in the Fund’s operation. “Application forms and guidance are now live on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website to give potential applicants
three months lead in time to plan and prepare their applications, substantially more than in previous years. “The time between making an application and getting a decision is likely to be shorter as a result of changes in the decision making process. “The intention is that groups will be able to get stuck in, start their projects sooner, and focus on what’s important – doing the mahi to restore indigenous biodiversity in their communities,” Eugenie Sage said. The funding round goes from 25 February to 22 March 2019, with funding decisions announced mid-year.
7
BUSINESS
CBA PARTNERS WITH WHITECOAT TO DELIVER BEST-IN-CLASS HEALTH SOLUTION TL Bureau. Sydney: CommBank Health Claim facilitates payments, claims and bookings, along with enhanced real-time settlement, reporting and reconciliation capabilities. Commonwealth Bank has announced an exclusive partnership with Australian medical technology provider, Whitecoat, to deliver a best-in-class integrated payments, claiming, and healthcare directory solution. CommBank Health Claim, a new product offering for patients and healthcare providers alike, combines familiar and accessible app-based architecture with wireless connectivity to CBA’s Albert merchant terminals. Via a single platform, and using their mobile devices, patients can approve payments and claims initiated by their provider, read moderated reviews, book appointments, and request cost estimates. CBA Business and Private Banking Group Executive, Adam Bennett said, “The complex nature of the healthcare sector has led to the opportunity to create solutions that better meet the needs of both patients and healthcare providers alike. Developing CommBank Health Claim with Whitecoat allows CBA to deliver market-leading capabilities to a vital industry sector – it helps patients make informed decisions when they need a medical health service, and significantly simplifies the claiming and payment process to make it a one-touch, Uber-like user experience. “CommBank Health Claim is another example of CBA’s leadership in the delivery of technology enabled business solutions, coming on the heels of recently launched products including Simplify, Daily IQ and Wiise.” CBA General Manager, Payments Development & Strategy, Albert Naffah said, “CommBank Health Claim is a game-changer for the healthcare industry. Never before have patients and
Photo/CBA
business owners had access to an integrated, user-friendly product via a single platform.” Whitecoat CEO Matthew Donnellan said this is an exciting partnership for Whitecoat. “Our vision is to improve the choice, transparency and well-being of the healthcare of all Australians, and this solution will help us deliver that. It will also allow Whitecoat to inform people about their choices and expected costs prior to their procedure, offering simplicity and convenience for both consumers and providers. “Payments are a central part of the broader digital healthcare ecosystem Whitecoat is building. In the broader context, the total healthcare payments
market in Australia is already in excess of $180 billion and growing at 5 per cent annually, and it is intended that over time, the solution will be available for other Commonwealth, State and Territory schemes. We are delighted to partner with CBA to better connect healthcare providers and their patients.” Healthcare providers will have access to daily settlements as well as enhanced reporting and reconciliation capability. Medicare and private health insurance claims are also processed in real-time. The app also allows patients to save their private health insurance details. This simple functionality alleviates the need for users to produce a
healthcare card to make a transaction. Ideal for expanding healthcare businesses looking for a more effective digitally enabled customer experience, CommBank Health Claim has been designed to make it fast and easy to scale. The platform is already integrated with a range of existing Practice Management Software. Healthcare providers will have the ability to engage directly with patients to grow their business, and patients will be able to save providers to their favourites to simplify the search and booking process. The technology is currently in pilot phase, and will officially launch to the market in early 2019.
Media Advisory: International Trade Union Business calls for action on Confederation World Congress, Copenhagen, 2 Constitutional Recognition TL Bureau . - 7 December. Theme: “Building Workers’ Melbourne: Business acknowledges the work of the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition in producing its final Power: Change the Rules”. report and continues to call for long overdue recognition for In-
Brussels: Over 1,200 trade unionists from more than 130 countries will gather at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 2 - 7 December for the 4th International Trade Union Confederation World Congress, which takes place every four years. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is the largest democratic organisation in the world representing 207 million workers and 331 national trade union centres. The 2018 theme is “Building Workers’ Power: Change the Rules”. The opening ceremony takes place at 16:00 on Sunday 2 December and includes ad-
Photo courtesy/ITUC
dresses from the Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen; the Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Frank Jensen; International Labour Organiza-
tion Director-General Guy Ryder; LO-Denmark President Lizette Risgaard; and ITUC President João Antonio Felicio. The address by ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow outlining the state of the world for working people and the findings of the ITUC Frontlines Poll 2018 will take place in the Congress plenary on Monday 3 December. Four debates to shape the future policies of the ITUC will take place under the themes of Peace, Democracy and Rights; Regulating Economic Power; Global Shifts – Just Transitions; and Equality.
digenous Australians. “As outlined in our submissions to the Committee, the Business Council has long supported constitutional recognition and strongly supports constitutional enshrinement of The Voice. “We acknowledge the Committee’s recommendations for further work on the design of The Voice but call for that work to be conducted with purpose and urgency to avoid holding up long overdue constitutional recognition. “The Uluru Statement from the Heart articulates what meaningful constitutional recognition looks like to Indigenous communities and we urge political leaders to work with bipartisanship towards a referendum quickly. “A co-design process, as recommended, should outline how The Voice will be progressed to referendum as quickly as is practicably possible, in a manner that is Indigenous-led and engages all Australians” “Our members are firmly committed to Indigenous empowerment and economic inclusion. “Our members employ more than 20,000 Indigenous Australians and have spent or contracted more than $2 billion with Indigenousowned businesses and joint ventures since 2014.
8
FEATURE
Stanford experts reflect on the most destructive fire season in California history
The 2018 fire season in California gave Stanford experts much to think about, including how the state can develop better policies for preventing fires and new research to better understand the long-term effects of breathing smoky air. BY AMY ADAMS California.: Aftermath of fire that destroyed home In November, the Camp Fire in Butte County and the Woolsey Fire near Los Angeles together killed at least 90 people, burned more than 250,000 acres, destroyed more than 20,000 structures and generated unhealthy air conditions in communities hundreds of miles away. The fires also gave Stanford faculty much to consider as they look ahead to a hotter, drier climate and the possibility of even more destructive fire seasons in the future.
We asked experts in health, climate change and public policy to discuss what they learned from this fire season, how the fires influenced their research objectives and ideas they have for fire prevention. Noah Diffenbaugh The recent fires highlight the growing risks in California and the American West. Many of the recent fires in California have occurred with record or near-record combustible material that have been elevated by hot conditions. Decades of research show not only that the area burned in the West has been increasing, but also
that global warming has been playing a role by increasing the dryness of vegetation on t h e l a n d scape. The National Climate Assessment that was released b y t h e U. S . g o v ern m e n t t h e d a y after Thanksgiving confirmed t h i s ev i d en ce, h i g h l i g h t i n g t h a t global warming has been res p o n s i b l e fo r aro u n d h a l f o f t h e historical increase in area b u rn ed . Wi t h r e g a r d s t o t h e c o n d i tions in California over the past few y ears , i t i s cl ear f r o m m u l t i p l e l i n es o f ev i d en c e t h a t C a li fo rn i a i s n o w i n a n e w c l i m a t e ,
in which conditions are much more likely to be hot, leading to earlier melting of snowpack and e x a c e r b a t i n g p e r i ods of low precipitation when they occur. The net effect is an extension of the fire season and greater potential for large, intense wildfires. A key research question going forward is exactly how much the odds of the record-setting conditions that we have just experienced have already been elevated, and how much further they will be elevated in the coming years as global warming continues to unfold.
9
LIFE & REAL ESTATE
No National Property Slump
Photo/first national real estate
TL Bureau. According to the head of Australia’s largest independent real estate network, there is no national property slump and Australians should be more optimistic about our economic and property market outlook. First National Real Estate chief executive, Ray Ellis says there is much to be optimistic about nationwide and that declines in sections of both Sydney and Melbourne’s property markets do not make up a ‘national market’. ‘Don’t expect to read it in the headlines but we are not in a property slump and the market is not about to crash’
says Mr Ellis. ‘Housing prices in regional Tasmania and its cities are growing strongly, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra are all ahead of where they were at this time last year and Brisbane will soon absorb its current supply of new apartments. Perth is about to turn the corner and many regional areas, including some quite close to Melbourne, have extremely positive outlooks. Even Melbourne’s west is up 1.4 per cent over the past 12 months.’ Mr Ellis points out that Australians have enjoyed a strongly rising seller’s market since the Global Financial Cri-
sis and that the gains in some areas have been stratospheric. As with all market cycles, he believes it’s now time for the areas that experienced the most rapid growth, and particularly the most expensive properties in those areas, to adjust back to more realistic levels. ‘Those negative adjustments in the highest quartile skew the data significantly, exacerbating a sense of gloom, but again, that doesn’t indicate what’s going on everywhere’ says Mr Ellis. ‘Current circumstances present great opportunities for first home buyers in Sydney and Melbourne, now that foreign and Australian investors have
retreated after much tighter lending restrictions were introduced. Plus, a trend of homeowners from Sydney and Melbourne selling up and moving to Tasmania, Adelaide and Brisbane is underpinning moderate growth in those markets. ‘There’s plenty of unsatisfied demand out there and when that combines with our increasing population, which is still growing by 300,000 per year, and the fact that we have declining unemployment, what we are witnessing is an evening out of our markets more generally and a return to more normal conditions’.
2018 Poised to Advance Tourism’s Leadership among Top Global Economic Sectors TL Bureau. Madrid: The latest figures on world tourism issued by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) show that international tourist arrivals grew 5% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2018. This reflects continued strong demand in a favourable overall economic context. All world regions enjoyed robust growth in international tourism in the first nine months of this year, fuelled by solid demand from major source markets. Asia and the Pacific led growth (+7%), followed by Europe and the Middle East (+6% each), Africa (+5%) and the Americas (+3%). Despite comparatively slower growth between July and September,
UNWTO estimates that destinations worldwide received 1,083 million international arrivals through September, an additional 56 million when compared to the same period of 2017. 2018 results to date are in line with UNWTO’s growth forecast of +4% to +5% for the year. The first nine months of the year usually account for about three quarters of total annual international arrivals, as they include the Northern Hemisphere high season months of July and August. Positive growth in tourism earnings across most destinations With few exceptions, preliminary data on international tourism receipts confirm the positive trend seen in arrivals, with particularly strong results in
Asian and European destinations. Among the top earners, tourism earnings in the United Kingdom were up by 12% despite a decline in arrivals. In Australia, receipts increased by 11% whereas France reported an 8% growth and Italy 6%, both in line with growth in arrivals. Tourism receipts in the United States, Spain and Germany went up 3%. In Asia, China recorded a 21% increase in tourism earnings, with Macao (China) and Japan also leading results with 20% and 19% growth, respectively. International tourism expenditure Preliminary data on tourism spending for the first nine months of 2018 reflect increasing de-
mand from major source markets. The Russian Federation (+15%) reported the largest increase in spending and continues to recover strongly after some years of decline. The United Kingdom reported 10% growth despite a weak pound against the euro and US dollar, and tourism spending from France picked up 10% after some years of rather flat growth. The United States, the world’s second largest source market, recorded a 7% increase in line with the performance of recent years while top source market China showed a minor decrease in spending in the first six months of 2018 as a result of the weaker Yuan.
10 Canada, England and New Zealand go unbeaten on day one in Dubai
Photo/world rugby Dubai
TL Bureau. Dubai: England were the surprise package on day one of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens on Thursday, beating defending series and Dubai champions Australia and Glendale runners-up USA to finish top of a pool for the first time since the final round of the 2015-16 series. Their reward is a rematch with Australia in the Cup quarter-finals after the Olympic champions lost 22-17 to USA in their final Pool B thanks to a last-gasp try by Cheta Emba. New Zealand, the winners of the opening round in Glendale last month, and Canada were the other sides to go unbeaten on day one at The Sevens Stadium to top Pool A and C respectively. The Black Ferns Sevens will face Russia in the first quarter-final at 09:00 local time (GMT+4) on Friday after they secured the remaining place with a hard-fought 19-0 win over invitational side Kenya in their final Pool C match. New Zealand won their day one encounter 29-12. Canada, like their North American rivals, also needed a last-gasp try to win their last pool match, Charity Williams bursting through the defence with 30 seconds to go to break the deadlock and secure a 21-14 win against France, the side they faced in the bronze final in round one.
SPORTS
New Zealand crowned champions in Dubai TL Bureau. Dubai: A brace of tries from HSBC Player of the Final Tyla Nathan-Wong secured a fourth title in seven years for New Zealand at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens 2018 on Friday. New Zealand had to work hard for their 26-14 victory over Canada, who were playing in their first Cup final at The Sevens Stadium in series history, but have now won their last 30 matches on the series and 39 in a row in global competitions. New Zealand captain Sarah Goss was named player of the tournament and said afterwards: “I feel amazing – Dubai is one of my favourite places to play. It’s been an amazing couple of days and I’m proud of the efforts of the girls. The new girls thrived and they will get better and better with the opportunity.” The Black Ferns Sevens’ fifth tournament title in a row on the series means they have increased their lead in the standings to six points over Canada (34) with USA third on 32 and defending series
champions Australia now fourth on 28 points after winning the bronze medal in Dubai. Fiji, New Zealand and Australia finish the opening day of the men’s competition unbeaten and are joined in the Cup quarter-finals by defending Dubai
and series champions South Africa as pool winners. South Africa will take on England in the first Cup quarterfinal at 11:00 local time (GMT+4) before New Zealand face Scotland and Australia tackle Argentina.Fiji, 2015 winners in Dubai, will then meet USA in the last quarter-final.
Great attendance and strong engagement at FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Photo/FIBA
Softball South Africa named country’s Sports Federation of the Year in boost for Olympic Baseball Softball TL Bureau. Lausanne: “This recognition by South Africa’s highest-ranking sporting leaders shows how baseball and softball continue to break new ground in Africa and evolve into a major global sport that will add value to the Olympic programme wherever the Games are staged.” - Riccardo Fraccari, WBSC President Softball South Africa (SSA) has been named South Africa’s 2018 National Federation of the Year -- the highest distinction a National Sports Federation can achieve in the country under Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). Softball, roller sports and gymnastics were the three finalists in the category of National Federation of the Year at the 13th Annual South African Sports Awards in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The top federation award is based “on growing and developing sport in schools in the Republic of South Africa,” recognising softball’s universal popularity and appeal to young people, which has been given a recent boost in South Africa -- and around the world -- due to baseball and softball’s upcoming Olympic return at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
TL Bureau. Shanghai: FIBA held a productive and successful first Partner Workshop for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 on TuesdayWednesday, November 27-28, at the Wanda Reign on the Bund in Shanghai, China. The workshop, hosted by FIBA with the support of the China 2019 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the Shanghai LLOC, served as an opportunity to provide relevant information in preparation for the World Cup that will take place from August 31-Sep-
tember 15 of next year. The event was attended by 125 people, ranging from account managers to CEOs, who represent 15 different partners working to help make the first-ever 32-team edition of FIBA’s flagship competition the biggest and best ever. Over the course of the two days, the participants took part in 16 sessions and listened to 23 speakers as they covered World Cup-related topics including: the ongoing Qualifiers, the Competition Calendar, the Official Draw, Ticketing,
Hospitality Program, Promotion Milestones, TV Production & Broadcast, Market & Consumer Research, Digital Media, Venues, Rights Delivery, Branding, Licensing and Rights Protection. Among the stakeholders taking part in the workshop were: all eight of FIBA’s Global Partners (BG, Ganten, Molten, Nike, TCL, Tencent, Tissot and Wanda), two FIBA Global Suppliers (Connor Sports and Schelde), two FIBA Official Licensees (PPW and BSCD) and representatives of National Partners.
11
TECH/AUTO
Groupe PSA and Toyota open the next chapter TL Bureau Tokyo: Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Groupe PSA (PSA) today announced the next chapter of their successful and mutually beneficial longterm partnership in the European market. Specifically, the companies have agreed the following: From end 2019, PSA will expand the range of commercial vehicles supplied to Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME) for sale in Europe under the Toyota brand by supplying TME with a C-Van from its Vigo plant (Spain). PSA and TME started their collaboration on mid-size light-commercial vehicles in 2012, with the Toyota PROACE produced at Groupe PSA’s Hor-
dain plant, France. The aim of the deepening collaboration is for both companies to use their respective strengths to offer both compact and mid-size light commercial vehicles in Europe, benefiting from development and production cost optimisation. Toyota will participate in the development and industrial investment costs for the future light-commercial vehicle. From January 2021, Toyota will take financial ownership of the Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile Czech s.r.o. (TPCA) plant in Kolin (Czech Republic), the manufacturing joint venture that produces the compact Asegment models12.
The TPCA joint venture was created by PSA and TMC in 2002 and included a review clause that allowed each partner to reconsider their shareholding. The plant will become a subsidiary of TME, joining the seven other plants Toyota already operates in Europe. The Kolin plant will continue to produce the current generation compact A-segment models for the two companies. Toyota intends to continue production and employment in the future at the Kolin plant. Marking the agreement, TMC Executive Vice-President Didier Leroy
said: “Today’s announcement reflects the complementarity and excellent relationship that exists between Groupe PSA and Toyota. Our agreement allows each company to play to its strength while sharing technology and development costs. Our commitment to the Kolin plant demonstrates Toyota’s philosophy of producing cars where we sell them and our longterm manufacturing presence in Europe.” Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Groupe PSA’s Managing Board, added: “We open a new chapter of our successful and mutually beneficial partnership, based on our trusting relationship for the best advantage of our clients, and our companies.”
Automobili Lamborghini Announces 2019 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Schedule
Photo courtesy/Lamborghini
TL Bureau. Daytona Beach: Automobili Lamborghini has announced the 2019 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America schedule. The first round of the season will begin at a new venue for the championship in 2019 as the season will visit Barber Motorsports Park from April 5-7. The 2.38-mile, 15-turn course will challenge the field in what should be an exciting pair of 50-minute races to get the season started just outside of Birmingham, Ala. The next four venues will be familiar stops as all will be run in conjunction with the IMSA WeatherTech Championship. Drivers will return to their machines for Round 2 at Watkins Glen International in upstate New York the weekend of June 27-30. Round three will then be contested at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin on the weekend of Aug. 2-4. The last two race weekends 2019 LAMBORGHINI SUPER TROFEO NORTH AMERICA SCHEDULE (made index/table) Date Venue City Country Apr. 5-7 Barber Motorsports Park Leeds, Ala. USA June 27-30 Watkins Glen International Watkins Glen, NY USA Aug. 2-4 Road America Elkhart Lake, Wis. USA Aug. 23-25 VIRginia International Raceway Alton, Va. USA Sept. 13-15 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, Calif. USA Oct. 24-25 Circuito de Jerez Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz Spain Oct. 26-27 World Final – Circuito de Jerez Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz Spain
include Alton, Va.’s VIRginia International Raceway from Aug. 23-25 and then WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California on the weekend of Sept. 13-15. The final round of the year and the
2019 World Final will be contested in southern Spain at the Circuito de Jerez from October 24-27. These two rounds mark the end of the season of all of Lamborghini’s one-make series which also includes Europe, the Middle East and Asia. It also serves as the ultimate challenge between the best drivers from around the world to decide the world champion of Lamborghini Super Trofeo. Full 2019 broadcast schedule to be announced in the near future.
12 EU Reaffirms Support for Iraq TL Bureau. Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi received European Union CounterTerrorism Coordinator Gilles de Kerchove, currently on a visit Iraq. During the meeting, Kerchove stressed the EU’s support for Iraq in other military and security fields
U.S. Delegation to the 24th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change TL Bureau. Washington, DC: The 24th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place in Katowice, Poland, December 2-14, 2018. Judith Garber, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) at the Department of State, will serve as the U.S. head of delegation. U.S. Ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher will represent the United States at the World Leaders Summit on December 3. The U.S. delegation will also include officials from the White House, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the Department of Treasury, the Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Administration’s position on the Paris Agreement remains unchanged. The United States intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement as soon as it is eligible to do so. The United States is participating in ongoing negotiations, including those related to the Paris Agreement, in order to ensure a level playing field that benefits and protects U.S. interests.
Combating terrorism with preventive work and preparedness
TL Bureau. Helsinki: Finland’s counter-terrorism preparedness and capabilities are based on close cooperation between authorities and other actors in society. The Government adopted a Resolution on the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy on 29 November. The Strategy includes 31 actions that are either already being carried out or the implementation of which will begin immediately as a collaborative effort of authorities and other actors. “The best way to combat terrorism is through preventive action. Successful counter-terrorism requires a collaborative effort of all parties involved and sufficient resources and competences of the authorities,” says Minister of the Interior Kai Mykkänen. The National Counter-Terrorism Strategy aims to establish a sustained and active approach to counter-terrorism in Finland. The Strategy creates a framework for operating models encompassing all of society and guides and directs the allocation of counter-terrorism resources and the development of legislation.
WORLD
NCST to Visit A&N Islands from 4th to 6th December, 2018 to Investigate and Monitor the issue of US National Feared Killed by Protected Tribes Karamjit Singh Parwana. Foreign Correspondent. New Delhi: The issue of US national feared killed by protected tribes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands was discussed today in 108th meeting of the N atio nal Co mmis s io n for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) under the chairmanship of Dr. Nand Kumar Sai, Chairperson of the Commission. The Commission reviewed the reports submitted by Ministry of Home Affairs and Andaman & Nicobar Administration on the incident. The Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, apprised the Commission regarding the background of a deci-
sion of the Ministry to relax Restricted Area Permit for 30 islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He also informed that a five Member Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Tribal Welfare) of the A&N Administration has been constituted by Lt. Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to review the institutional mechanism to prevent the landing of the foreign national in the North Sentinel Island; and to suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future. The Committee will submit its report within 30 days. The Chairperson, NCST ex-
pressed that following the unfortunate incident, the vulnerability of Sentinelese tribes in North Sentinel Island has increased many fold, and any aggressive steps to recover the body will adversely disturb the peace and tranquility in the island. He mentioned that the Commission will be visiting the A&N Islands from 4th to 6th December, 2018 for investigation and monitoring of the matter under Article 338A(5a) of the Constitution of India. He reiterated that all necessary steps must be taken by the Government to maintain “Inviolability of North Sentinel Island”.
OPERATION TRIVIUM STRIKES AGAIN: FIVE YEARS TARGETING MOBILE ORGANISED CRIME GROUPS TL Bureau. Amsterdam: Joint operation in four EU Member States: the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Lithuania, coordinated by the Dutch National Police Several hits led to further investigations by the German and Lithuanian authorities The operation was coordinated from Europol’s Coordination Centre Between 14 and 16 November 2018, law enforcement authorities from four EU Member States (the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Lithuania), coordinated by the Dutch National Police and with the support of Europol, carried out the fifth edition of operation Trivium targeting mobile organised crime groups (MOCGs) and their infrastructure across the EU. Europol hosted and coordinated the operation from the Coordination Centre, which was set up at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague
with Dutch, German and Lithuanian authorities deployed to Europol and the Belgian authorities joining remotely. During the operation, police checked 350 people and over 130 vehicles in participating countries, which resulted in more than 40 hits and over 50 arrests. The multi-agency operation Trivium, launched in 2013, aims to tackle foreign national offenders who use the EU’s road network with a specific focus on disrupting criminality. Since the beginning, this operation has enjoyed growth and success across several operations. So far 58 746 vehicles have been checked and 36 997 activities carried out. Furthermore, this operation enhances road safety and the levels of trust and confidence in local communities by delivering law enforcement and educational activities – such as road traffic controls on personal and freight vehicles – which are designed to tackle criminality.
Bahrain condemns explosion targeted a British security complex in Afghanistan
TL Bureau. Manama: The Kingdom of Bahrain has condemned the terrorist explosion that targeted a British security complex in Kabul, Afghanistan, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of persons. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain affirms its solidarity with the United Kingdom and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in combating violence, extremism and terrorism,” said the ministry in its statement issued today. The ministry expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured as a result of this heinous terrorist act.
Young people most at risk in a flood, warns Environment Agency & British Red Cross 18-34s least aware of dangers of flooding in their area More than half of 18-34s would not know what to do in an emergency Mental health impacts of flooding can last for two years or more TL Bureau. London: The Environment Agency and British Red Cross are urging young people to learn how to protect themselves and help their communities when flooding hits after research shows a lack of knowledge is putting them at risk. According to Environment Agency research, 18-34 year olds are least likely to know if the area where they live is at risk of flooding and least likely to know how to protect their homes and possessions. Less than half (48%) of un-
der 35s would know what to do if a flood warning was issued. This week, the government published new climate change projections which show that sea levels are set to rise over this century and more frequent, extreme weather requires urgent action. This means that knowing your flood risk and understanding what action to take in a flood is more important than ever. 5.2 million homes and businesses in England are at risk of flooding and the average cost of flood damage to a home is £30,000 but the devastat-
ing consequences can go beyond the material. Those who experience flooding in their own home are also at high risk of suffering from negative mental health impacts which can last for years after flooding has hit. The most recent Public Health England research shows that over a third of people who were flooded in 2014 suffered with depression, anxiety or PTSD and nearly a quarter of people were still experiencing these negative mental health impacts two years later.
