Sweden to host expert meeting on ISIS tribunal TL Bureau, Stockholm
SINGAPORE Vol. 01 Issue 03 Jun 01, 2019
thelifenews.com.au
States’ national legal systems to prosecute these individuals. Administering justice in On Monday 3 June, civil servants from the region, by means of a tribunal or some Sweden, Germany, France, the UK, the other legal mechanism, could complement Netherlands and other countries and organ- national legal proceedings and contribute to isations will take part in an expert meeting accountability for the crimes committed to discuss the possibility of establishing a tri- during the conflict in Syria and Iraq. This bunal or some other legal mechanism to could ultimately lead to more convictions. prosecute people who fought for the terror- The Swedish Government has therefore ist group ISIS on the ground in Syria and Iraq. taken the initiative to, and will host, a meetMinister for Home Affairs Mikael Damberg ing of civil servant experts to discuss possiwill be available for comment in connection ble ways forward. Representatives of with the meeting. Citizens from many Sweden Norway, Finland, Denmark, Austria, European countries travelled to Syria and Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Iraq to join the terrorist group ISIS. The geo- Switzerland and the UK will take part in the graphical distance to evidence and testimo- meeting, as will representatives of the EU ny constitutes a challenge for the Member and UNITAD.
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West Indies took over from Pakistan by seven wickets. TL Bureau Trent Bridge West Indies squashed Pakistan by seven wickets in an uneven World Cup coordinate at Trent Bridge on Friday, with the double cross victors indicating they are a resurgent power in the one-day game. Quick bowler Oshane Thomas accepting four wickets as Pakistan were packaged out for their second-least World Cup aggregate of 105 in simply 21.4 overs on the second day of the challenge in England and Wales. West Indies traveled to triumph in simply 13.4 overs, Chris Gayle top-scoring with 50. He achieved his 50 years off 33 balls with three sixes and six fours preceding he was rejected off the following ball he confronted. Amid his innings Gayle, who considers himself the "Universe Boss", broke the record for the most sixes hit in World Cup history. He currently has 40 maximums, three more than resigned South African batsman A B de Villiers. Nicolas Pooran crushed paceman Wahab Riaz for a tremendous six over the square-leg limit to give the 1975 and 1979 title holders a perfect begin to their crusade.
US-drove alliance, The Three Summits 1,300 regular folks and Deterrence of Iran in Syria and Iraq TL Bureau, Riyadh TL Bureau, Ramadi and Mosul
13,000 non military personnel fatalities. The US-drove The alliance says it bends move started after IS made over backward to dodge non over tremendous zones of an military personnel losses area. It forced severe guideThe US-drove alliance against line more than a huge numthe Islamic State (IS) bunch ber of individuals who fell says it has unexpectedly under its control and has slaughtered in excess of completed or roused fatal 1,300 regular folks in Iraq and assaults the world over. The Syria since 2014. most recent figure given by In an announcement, the the alliance is somewhat alliance said it had completed higher than its past affirma34,502 strikes since its air tion eight months back of battle against IS started there 1,100 non military personnel about five years prior. A UK- passings. It says it is as yet based observing gathering surveying 111 progressively says the genuine toll is a lot potential instances of regular higher, assessing up to almost citizen fatalities.
of the mullahs' regime, which depends on the idea of Saudi newspapers highlighted "exporting the revolution." in their editorials on May 31, Some newspaper wrote about 2019 a number of issues at the 14th Islamic summit of the of Islamic local, regional and internation- Organization Cooperation (OIC), saying that al arenas. Some newspaper in its editori- the Islamic Summit will be al titled "The Three Summits held today in Makkah, precedand Deterrence of Iran," said ed by two Gulf and Arab that the three summits being extraordinary summits, and all hosted by the Kingdom of these summits are important Saudi Arabia aim at sending a in their regions, although the strong message to the Iranian GCC and Arab summits are difregime, that its terrorist con- ferent in their broad lines. duct cannot continue, and that However, they meet with the acceptance of Iran as a natural Islamic summit on the imporstate in the Middle East cannot tance of finding solutions for come about unless there is a many issues in which Arab and radical change in the structure Islamic interests overlap
Ten independent chairs announced to scrutinise modern slavery cases Greater transparency at forefront of changes to the national referral mechanism. TL Bureau, London
independent group of professionals to review certain cases and Potential victims of modern slav- assess whether the right decision ery will receive more transparent has been made. and joined-up support thanks to People who receive a negative plans introduced by the Home “conclusive grounds� decision Office. after being referred to the NRM Changes to the national referral the government system to identimechanism (NRM), that have fy and support victims of modern now come into force, will allow an slavery - will automatically have
their decision reviewed by a Multi-Agency Assurance Panel to be scrutinised. These panels can then require the Home Office to reconsider any case where they consider an incorrect decision to have been made. This comes as, following a pilot scheme, a new Single Competent Authority was introduced at the end of April to
handle all cases referred from front line staff and to make decisions about whether somebody is a victim of modern slavery. The expert unit within the Home Office has replaced the previous model of separate case management units in the National Crime Agency and UK Visas and Immigration.
2
U
S President Trump's representative's way to deal with Middle East harmony as Mr. Trump and Mr. Kushner at long last opened their hotly anticipated drive for what the president has called "the arrangement of the century" by reporting that the United States would hold a "monetary workshop" in Bahrain one month from now to deliver systems to put resources into the Palestinians and different Arabs. The thought is to verify monetary responsibilities from rich Persian Gulf states just as benefactors in Europe and Asia to incite the Palestinians and their partners to make political concessions to determine the decades-old clash with Israel. The White House is looking for many billions of dollars however would not recognize an exact figure; negotiators and legislators have been enlightened the objective is concerning $68 billion for the Palestinians, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. "This workshop is an essential chance to assemble government, common society and business pioneers to share thoughts, talk about procedures and stir support for potential financial speculations and activities that could be made conceivable by a harmony understanding," the White House said in an announcement. So now Trump's arrangement made for Middle East has been contradicted by Iranians denoting the yearly "Quds (Jerusalem) Day" in the Islamic Republic on May 31, 2019 and censured an arranged Middle East harmony plan that U.S. President Donald Trump has touted as the "arrangement of the century". Individuals of Iran participate in a dissent denoting the yearly alQuds Day (Jerusalem Day) on the this Friday of the heavenly month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran May 31, 2019. State sources uncovered that these walks are supported by
EDITORIAL
Trump & Irani-kis, See Middle East’s future. state and were being held in excess of 950 networks crosswise over Iran and other adjacent and indicated demonstrators conveying pennants with mottos, for example, "Jerusalem is the unceasing capital of Palestine" and "Demise to America" and "Passing to Israel". Trump will likely empower interest in the West Bank and Gaza Strip by Arab contributor nations before thinking about prickly political issues at the core of the contention. "No to the arrangement of the century" read a flag sprinkled over the news screen on state TV, which additionally demonstrated a Quds Day walk in neighboring Iraq's capital Baghdad, where a large number of warriors from amazing Shi'ite civilian armies rioted. The Iraqi minute men walked in battle exhausts yet were unarmed and did not exhibit military vehicles and substantial weaponry, a complexity to earlier years when they utilized the procession as a chance to grandstand battle ability. Numbers in Iraq were steady with yearly turnout however there was a prominent non appearance of persuasive civilian army pioneers who as a rule mark the day by conveying blazing addresses disparaging of Israel and offering thanks to Iran for its support. Quds Day
was propelled by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the pioneer of Iran's 1979 Islamic insurgency, and is hung on the last Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Restriction to Israel is a foundation of Shi'ite-drove Iran. It backs Palestinian and Lebanese Islamist aggressor gatherings contradicted to harmony with Israel, which Tehran won't perceive. In northwestern Kurdistan area, where renegade gatherings have been dynamic for a considerable length of time, police said they captured three fur-
nished activists and thwarted an arranged assault on marchers in the commonplace capital Sanandaj, state supporter IRIB detailed. Iraq's most dominant Shi'ite state armies are sponsored and prepared by Iran. They helped retake swathes of land caught by Islamic State close by Iraqi government powers bolstered by a U.S.- drove worldwide alliance. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the Trump plan will fall flat. President Hassan Rouhani said in the wake of joining the walk on Friday: "Without a doubt, the arrangement of the century will turn into the liquidation of the century and won't lead anyplace," IRNA revealed. Speakers at mobilizes in Iran promised that Palestinians would vanquish Israel. "The methodology of Lebanon's Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and Hamas has prompted Israel's progressive annihilations as of late and if Israel makes the littlest move today it faces a blast of Palestinian rockets," Revolutionary Guards representative Ramezan Sharif was cited as saying by Tasnim news
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3
W ORLD
Belarus to present over 500 editions at Red Square book festival in Moscow
Canadian Prime Minister welcomes increased collaboration with the United States TL Bureau. Europe, TL Correspondent Ontario
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today met with Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence. During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and Vice President Pence reaffirmed the strength of the CanadaUnited States relationship, highlighting how the partnership between our two countries has created millions of good, middle class jobs on both sides of the border. The Prime Minister and Vice President discussed the ratification of the new North American Free Trade Agreement, which will create good, wellpaying jobs and new opportunities for people in both countries. They then met with Canada’s council on the agreement, the Canadian Council for the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement. The Prime Minister and Vice President also welcomed the recent lifting of U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, and exchanged views on efforts to resolve other trade issues, including softwood lumber and uranium.
The stand will highlight several important themes, MINSK including the 75th anniversary of Belarus’ The Belkniga book retailer from Nazi will present over 500 edi- liberation invaders, the 2nd tions at the Red Square book festival that will take European Games and the place in Moscow on 1-6 Year of Native Land,” the June, BelTA learned from press service informed. the website of the Apart from that, the stand Information Ministry. will host an autograph “Belarus’ stand will feature signing by famous journalnew releases across vari- ist Inessa Pleskache ous themes, including fic- vskaya on 2 June at tion, children’s books, 11:30-12:30. Her book learning aids, books on Historical Journey With history, economics, psy- Francysk Skaryna is an journey chology and many more. enthralling
through Europe’s major cities where the Belarusian book printing pioneer studied, lived and worked: Krakow, Padua, Prague and
Vilnius. The fifth edition of the Red Square book festival is timed to the birthday of Alexander Pushkin and the Russian Language Day.
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled central processing units. TL Bureau, Hong Kong Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 30) seized 1 824 suspected smuggled central processing units (CPUs) with an estimated market value of about $2.8 million at Shenzhen Bay Control Point. Customs officers intercepted an outgoing private car at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday CPUs concealed inside the evening and seized 1 824 car's spare tyre.
with one count of attempting to export unmanifested cargo. He will appear at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on June 13. Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 The 42-year-old male driver million and imprisonment was arrested and charged for seven years.
Syria: Thousands of children ‘hemmed in’ by ‘brutal and gratuitous’ spike in violence TL Bureau, UN Hq Executive Director Henrietta Fore said in a statement that over the past few days, intensifying violence, had left children “hemmed in” especially in villages in northern Hama and southern Idleb, driving many families from their homes while “others are unable to move to safer areas”. This latest escalation follows months of rising violence in the area, which has reportedly left at least 134 children dead and more than 125,000 displaced in 2019 alone. And with nearly 30 hospitals under attack, the spike in violence has forced some of UNICEF’s healthcare partners to suspend their lifesaving operations. Moreover, approximately 43,000 children are currently missing school. Final exams in
parts of Idlib have been postponed, “affecting the education of 400,000 students”, she continued. Although UNICEF’s partners are on the ground in the northwest, working to reach children and families with mobile health clinics, vaccines,
psychosocial support and sanitation supplies, she said that these “quick fixes” can “go only so far” in mitigating the humanitarian fallout from the “brutal and gratuitous violence”. “Children bear no responsibility for this war, yet they suffer its carnage and
consequences more than anyone”, stressed the UNICEF chief. Ms. Fore urged parties to the conflict in the northwest and across Syria to “make every effort to protect children and the infrastructure they depend on”, including hospitals and schools. “Parties
and those who have influence over them should also forge a comprehensive and lasting peace that finally brings this war to an end, for the sake of Syria’s children and the very future of the country and the region”, concluded the UNICEF Executive Director.
4 Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians in West Bank TL Bureau, Ramallah Israeli forces early Thursday detained 14 Palestinians in various West Bank cities, according to a Palestinian source. A statement by the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said that Israeli army stormed the cities of Tubas, Nablus, Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah and El-beira and arrested the ciitizens under the pretext they are wanted by authorities
6.6 Magnitude quake strikes off El Salvador's coast TL Bureau, Bogota An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 has struck 27 kilometres off the coastal town of La Libertad in El Salvador, dpa reported. The quake hit at 0903 GMT, the US Geological Survey said. It did not pose a tsunami threat, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre
WORLD AAIB Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, Report: loss of separation
Kings-Hants People's Party Association Boeing 737 (EI-FJW) and Airbus A320 (OE-IVC) loss of separation denied access to Apple Blossom during commercial passenger flights at Edinburgh Airport. TL Bureau, Parade London A landing Boeing 737 closed to within 875 m of a departing Airbus A320 when landing at Edinburgh airport. The airport air traffic control service provider defined this as a runway incursion as the 737 was over the runway surface when the A320 was still on its takeoff roll. A combination of factors, including brief delays to the departure of the A320 and the speed of the Boeing 737 being higher than normal, led to the reduction in separation before the controllers became aware of the closeness of the aircraft. The trainee controller lacked the experience to resolve the situation in a timely manner and the supervising On-The-Job Training Instructor judged it safer to let the 737 land than to initiate a go-around in proximity to the departing aircraft.
OIC Ministerial Committee for Accountability for Human Rights Violations against Rohingya Holds Meeting on Sidelines of Makkah Summit Member States preparatory for the 14th Islamic Summit The Ministerial Committee Conference. This meeting of the Organization of came as a follow-up to the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Banjul meeting held in for Accountability for Gambia in February 2019. Human Rights Violations Gambia and Bangladesh against the Rohingya delivered statements as coMinority in Myanmar held chairpersons of the here today its second meet- Committee providing a ing this year, on the sidelines detailed explanation of the of the meeting of Foreign current situation and develMinisters of the OIC opments of the Rohingya
TL Bureau, Jeddah
minority and refugees in the Bangladesh-Myanmar border area and the overall implications of the issue. The Committee Members also reviewed the suffering of the Rohingya minority and the developments affecting their future in Myanmar and in diaspora countries in order to formulate a unified position of the OIC Member States towards the crisis
TL Bureau Kentville, NS The Kings-Hants People's Party of Canada (PPC) Association and the Matthew Southall for KingsHants campaign have been denied access, essentially banned, from participating in the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Grand Street Parade. While the official reason given by the Apple Blossom committee is due to limiting political entries, other political entries will be in the parade. There is evidence to suggest that a member of the Apple Blossom committee has ties to the federal Conservative Party of Canada and this denial of access may be an attempt to silence the PPC and the Southall campaign. An application was submitted by the Kings-Hants People's Party of Canada Association to participate in the Apple Blossom Grand Street Parade on time and in full. The application was denied in an email to the association by Apple Blossom president Logan Morse. Morse stated in his email that the denial was due to limiting of political and commercial entries.
The Passing of Former Jamaican Prime Minister Edward Phillip George Seaga TL Bureau, Washington DC
passing of the fifth Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most US govt condolences the Honorable Edward Phillip passing of Former Jamaican George Seaga, revered as one PM, “On behalf of the people of the country’s strong proof the United States, I offer democracy, independencemy heartfelt condolences to era leaders and as a bulwark the people of Jamaica on the for free market economic
reforms. Born in Massachusetts, Prime Minister Seaga was a close friend and valued partner of the United States. Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan awarded him the 1982 Freedoms Foundation
The UK and Canada have concerns for their citizens in Hong Kong.
Deprived of Life: New report by Euro-Med documents 130 violations by Israel against Palestinians in Jerusalem during April 2019
TL Bureau, London
debate in Hong Kong, in particular in relation to removUK & Canada made a joint ing the territorial restrictions statement by saying “We on extradition to mainland have been following the pro- China”. We are concerned posals of the Hong Kong about the potential effect of Special Administrative these proposals on the large Region Government to number of UK and Canadian amend the Fugitive citizens in Hong Kong, on Offenders Ordinance and the business confidence and on Mutual Legal Assistance in Hong Kong’s international Criminal Matters Ordinance. reputation. Furthermore, we It is clear that the proposals believe that there is a risk have generated significant that the proposals could
impact negatively on the rights and freedoms set down in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. It is vital that extradition arrangements in Hong Kong are in line with ‘One Country, Two Systems’ and fully respect Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy. We have made these views clear in our respective conversations with the Hong Kong Government. He added.
TL Bureau Geneva
American Friendship Medal for his courageous leadership and work to strengthen democratic institutions and the free market economy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fellow citizens as they mourn his passing.”
forced Palestinians to demolish their own homes in order to avoid The Euro-Mediterranean Human paying large sums of money for Rights Monitor published a the costs of demolition by the detailed human rights report on Israeli occupation municipality in Israel's unjust policies against Jerusalem There’s ample eviPalestinians, including arbitrary dence to Israel’s discriminatory detention, expulsions, demoli- policies in Jerusalem against tions of residential and other Palestinians, the report found, buildings and facilities, evictions, including on the seizure of lands home raids and restrictions on and denial of building permits, public freedoms throughout April calling on the international com2019. The report shows numer- munity to act to protect the ous cases of house demolitions Palestinians from the systematic where the Israeli authorities practices against them.
5
SINGAPORE
Hong Kong and Singapore Sign MOU to
Strengthen Cooperation in Personal Data Protection TL Bureau, Tokyo Hong Kong’s and Singapore’s data protection authorities today furthered their warm relations by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in personal data protection in the two jurisdictions. The MOU was signed by Mr Stephen Kai-yi Wong, Hong Kong’s Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data and Mr Yeong Zee Kin, Deputy Commissioner of Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) in Tokyo at the side-lines of the 51st Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) Forum. Under the MOU, the Hong Kong SAR’s Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) and Singapore’s PDPC1 will engage in the cross-sharing of experiences, exchange of best practices, joint
research projects and information exchange involving potential or ongoing data breach investigations. Mr Stephen Kai-yi Wong, Privacy Commissioner of the PCPD said, “The MOU marks the joint efforts of Hong Kong and Singapore in strengthening the cooperation between the two jurisdictions and provides a solid framework for promoting collaborative initiatives and information exchange in personal data protection. It also clearly demonstrates the PCPD’s strong commitment to stepping up cross-jurisdictional collaboration in exchange of expertise and information so as to better prepare Hong Kong to enter into the new ‘post-digital’ era.” Mr Tan Kiat How, Commissioner of the PDPC said, “A strong collaborative effort with our counterparts in Hong Kong and other jurisdictions is needed to advance personal data protection and prepare for a
The Sixth Asian Monetary Policy Forum Discusses Global Reserve and Digital Currencies
Digital Economy. We look forward to strengthening our working relations to enable all parties to collectively benefit from best practices, research and the sharing of information.” Hong Kong and Singapore continue to enjoy warm working relations in global personal data protection, with both regulatory authorities being active members of international organisations such as APPA and the Global Privacy Enforcement Network. The MOU was the outcome of an initial discussion between the two authorities in September 2018, to explore opportunities to strengthen the partnership and develop bilateral platforms for the advancement of personal data protection. As part of the enhanced cooperation, Hong Kong and Singapore are also releasing a jointly- developed Guide to Data Protection by Design (DPbD) for ICT Systems.
Chinese Minister of National Defense Calls on Prime Minister TL Bureau, Singapore
over the years. They discussed the various aspects of defence between Chinese State Councilor and cooperation TL Bureau, Singapore Minister of National Defense Singapore and China. PM Lee The Asian Monetary Policy Forum (AMPF) convenes today for General (GEN) Wei Fenghe and GEN Wei also exchanged the sixth consecutive year. The highlights of the Forum called on Prime Minister (PM) views on regional security and include presentations and discussions on the dominant role Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana underscored the importance of the US dollar and its implications for monetary policy, as this morning as part of his of deepening cooperation and introductory visit to building mutual trust among well as challenges posed by digital currencies. A joint Asian Bureau of Finance and Economic Research Singapore. Senior Minister of countries. As part of his pro(ABFER)/AMPF dinner last night marked the close of the State for Defence Heng Chee gramme, GEN Wei visited RSS ABFER annual conference, as well as the official opening of How also attended the call. Singapura – Changi Naval the AMPF. The dinner’s highlight was a speech by Sir Paul PM Lee and GEN Wei affirmed Base, where he was briefed on Tucker, Chair of the Systemic Risk Council and Senior Fellow at the long-standing, warm and the operations of the Republic Harvard University’s Center for European Studies, on “The friendly bilateral relations of Singapore Navy’s International Monetary and Financial System in the Face of between Singapore and China, Information Fusion Centre Shifting Geopolitics”. which has progressed steadily and its contribution to marAs in past AMPFs, this year’s programme features a policy dialogue with Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister of Singapore, Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Professor Steven J. Davis, William H. Abbott Distinguished Service Professor of International Business and Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Senior and Acting Secretary Fellow at the Hoover Institution, will moderate the dialogue TL Bureau Singapore Shanahan welcomed the focusing on the contemporaneous challenges faced by central Acting United States (US) renewal of the 1990 banks as well as labour market dynamics and policies. The AMPF programme today will begin with an opening Secretary of Defense Patrick Memorandum of address by Dr Philipp Hildebrand, Vice Chairman of Shanahan is in Singapore for Understanding (MOU) for the BlackRock, who will take stock of where the global economy the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue United States Use of is headed, amid the current conjuncture of a growth slow- (SLD). He was hosted to Facilities in Singapore. That down and rising trade tensions. breakfast by Minister for seminal MOU signed by our This will be followed by the presentation of the commissioned Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen this founding Prime Minister Lee paper titled “The Dollar Hegemon? Evidence and Implications morning. Acting Secretary Kuan Yew and then-US Vice for Policy Makers” by Professor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, Shanahan will also call on President Dan Quayle was Professor of Economics at the University of California, Prime Minister Lee Hsien the key document that faciliBerkeley and S.K. and Angela Chan Professor of Global Loong at the Istana later tated the US’ access to Management at the Haas School of Business. As one of the today. Singapore’s air and naval world’s leading researchers in international macroeconomics Reaffirming the excellent and bases, and underpinned the and finance, Professor Gourinchas will draw out the implicaUS’ regional presence for tions of the dominance of the US dollar for both real and long-standing bilateral defence relations between almost 30 years. Under its financial transactions, highlighting the risks posed by a diminSingapore and the US, Dr Ng ambit, the US has rotationally ishing supply of US dollar safe assets.
itime security. GEN Wei also went on board the Archerclass submarine RSS Swordsman and the Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart. GEN Wei is also in Singapore for the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue. During his time in Singapore, GEN Wei will also call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat, and be hosted to dinner by Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean.
Singapore and US to Renew Defence Memorandum of Understanding deployed fighter aircraft for exercises, refuelling and maintenance, as well as Littoral Combat Ships and P8 Poseidon aircraft to Singapore. Both sides agreed to update the 1990 MOU to be renewed by 2020, which will incorporate partnership elements of the US’ National Defence Strategy recently articulated for this region. Both sides also discussed key bilateral initiatives including more training detachments for the Republic of Singapore Air Force in a suitable US military base.
6
MALAYSIA & NEARBY
THE LISTING OF MALAYSIA IN THE US TREASURY’S & FUNDAMENTAL STRENGTH OF THE MALAYSIAN ECONOMY TL Bureau, Lumpur
Kuala
Malaysia is an open economy that builds our competitiveness upon excellent infrastructure, rising productivity, high level of transparency, strategic location and close integration with the global supply chain. While the US Department of the Treasury (US Treasury) has included Malaysia into its expanded Monitoring List of Potential Currency Manipulator, the report does not name Malaysia as a currency manipulator. In fact, the inclusion of Malaysia into the US Treasury’s Monitoring List along with other major trading economies like Germany, South Korea, Japan and Singapore only highlights the strength of the economy and the role played by Malaysia in the global economy. All countries with total trade above USD40 billion a year with the US are assessed by the US Treasury for closer inspection. Malaysia is among the 21 countries assessed. Countries would be
pl aced into the Monitoring List if they meet 2 out of 3 conditions set by the US Treasury. Malaysia is included the Monitoring List due to 2 factors. Firstly, Malaysia has a trade balance with the US of more the USD20 billion a year. Secondly, Malaysia has a healthy current account surplus of more than 2%
of its GDP. Both factors demonstrate the competitiveness of the Malaysian economy, instead of currency manipulation. Our competitiveness can be proven further by the country’s performance in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 Index and the recently updated IMD World Competitiveness
Ranking 2019. The World Bank ranks Malaysia as the 15th easiest place to do business out of 190 economies, an improvement of 9 places from the 24th place in the previous year. Meanwhile, IMD ranks Malaysia as the 22nd most competitive economy in the world, retaining our position from the previous year.
Palestine Gets Indonesia’s Detailed Disclosure of Attention at OIC Ministers International Reserves TL Bureau, Jeddah
May 2019. Since the first OIC serial Indonesian Foreign Minister meeting at the Senior Official Retno Marsudi attended the level, Indonesia has actively OIC Foreign Ministerial contributed in the negotiaMeeting in Jeddah (29/5). tion process for the HLC final This meeting was especially document. targeted to prepare two out- At the HLC preparatory meetcome documents of OIC High ing, Minister Marsudi espeLevel Conference (OIC HLC), cially highlighted the urgency including the draft of Final for the OIC country members Communique and the draft of to solidly support Palestine. resolution for Palestine and “OIC should unite through a Al-Quds Ash-Sharif. The 14th solid strategy and coordinaOIC High Level Conference tion in supporting Palestine," will be held in Mecca on 31 she added. Particularly, she
emphasized that the plan to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should consider three criteria, namely inclusivity (by involving both countries of conflict in the negotiation process), comprehensiveness (by avoiding the victimization of Palestinian political rights), and respect to the internationally-set parameters. Additionally, she affirmed Indonesia's readiness to host OIC HLC, as the confirmation of Asia's turn to hold the agenda.
Indonesia to Boost Medicines Sales in Africa TL Bureau, Johannesburg
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in Pretoria, Salman Al-Farisi, during the "The needs of the African official opening of the people to medical devices Indonesian Pavilion at the and medicines are undoubtly Africa Health Exhibition, 28May 2019 in high, but their access is still 30 limited. This provides great Johannesburg, South Africa. opportunity for us to contin- There were four Indonesian ue our penetration into the companies participated in African market. Indonesian this exhibition: PT. Biofarma, branding must be strength- PT. Dexa Medica, PT. ened, one of which is Phapros, and CV. Kurniatama through our participation in Lestari. The strategically this big exhibition" said the located Indonesian Pavilion
had successfully drawed interest of the visitors. The Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria and ITPC Johannesburg were using this exhibition not only to introduce Indonesian products, but also to provide tourism information. The Indonesian delegation who wore batik and traditional clothes managed to be a distinctive feature that distinguished them from the other participants.
as at end-April 2019 TL Bureau, Kuala Lumpur
In accordance with the IMF SDDS format, the detailed breakdown of international reserves provides forward-looking information on the size, composition and usability of reserves and other foreign currency assets, and the expected and potential future inflows and outflows of foreign exchange of the Federal Government and Bank Negara Malaysia over the next 12month period. The detailed breakdown of international reserves based on the SDDS format is shown in Tables I, II, III and IV. As shown in Table I, official reserve assets amounted to USD103,407.2 million, while other foreign currency assets amounted to USD256.8 million as at end-April 2019. As shown in Table II, for the next 12 months, the pre-determined short-term outflows of foreign currency loans, securities and deposits, which include among others, scheduled repayment of external borrowings by the Government and repayment arising from maturity of the foreign currency Bank Negara Interbank Bills, amounted to USD5,475.2 million. The short forward positions amounted to USD14,297.0 million while long forward positions amounted to USD200 million as at end-April 2019, reflecting the management of ringgit liquidity in the money market. In line with the practice adopted since April 2006, the data excludes projected foreign currency inflows arising from interest income and the drawdown of project loans amounting to USD2,506.6 million in the next 12 months. As shown in Table III, the only contingent short-term net drain on foreign currency assets are Government guarantees of foreign currency debt due within one year, amounting to USD350.9 million. There are no foreign currency loans with embedded options, no undrawn, unconditional credit lines provided by or to other central banks, international organisations, banks and other financial institutions. Bank Negara Malaysia also does not engage in foreign currency options vis-à-vis ringgit.
7 Global shares mixed TL Bureau, Tokyo European shares were mostly higher in early trading Thursday after a drop in Asia, AP reported. France's CAC 40 added 0.4% in early trading to 5,242.66, while Germany's DAX rose nearly 0.6% to 11,902.87. Britain's FTSE 100 edged up 0.2% to 7,201.12. U.S. shares were set to drift higher with Dow futures up 0.3% at 25,187. S&P 500 futures were also higher, adding 0.4% to 2,791.40. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 dropped 0.3% to finish at 20,942.53. Australia's S&P/ASX
200 slipped 0.7% to 6,392.10. South Korea's Kospi edged up 0.8% to 2,038.80. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was down 0.3% at 27,149.04, while the Shanghai Composite lost 0.3% to 2,905.81. Benchmark U.S. crude added 77 cents to $59.58. It fell 0.6% to settle at $58.81 a barrel Wednesday. Brent crude, the international standard, gained 32 cents to $68.19 per barrel. The dollar rose to 109.74 Japanese yen from 109.31 yen on Wednesday. The euro weakened to $1.1134 from $1.1154.
BUSINESS FSO - Swiss retail trade turnover fell in April 2019 TL Bureau, Neuchâtel Turnover in the retail sector fell by 0.1% in nominal terms in April 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.4% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Australian Climate Roundtable renews its commitment to successful action on climate change TL Bureau, Melbourne
union and environment groups represented. The Australian The Australian Climate Climate Roundtable includes Roundtable has met to reaf- the Australian Aluminium firm its commitment to foster Council, the Australian common ground on the vital Conservation Foundation, the issue of climate change and Australian Council of Social energy transition. Members Service, the Australian affirmed the Roundtable’s joint Council of Trade Unions, the principles for climate policy. Australian Energy Council, the They also welcomed the Australian Industry Group, the National Farmers’ Federation Business Council of Australia, to the group – adding the land the Investor Group on Climate sector to the breadth of indus- Change, the National try, business, community, Farmers’ Federation and
Federal Court finds Vocation Ltd (In Liquidation) and its officers made misleading statements to market TL Bureau, Brisbane
The Federal Court of Australia has today delivered judgment in ASIC’s civil penalty proceedings against Vocation Ltd (In Liquidation) and its officers, Mark Hutchinson (former CEO), John Dawkins (former Chairman), and Manvinder Gréwal (former CFO). The proceedings relate to various statements made to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and in documents relating to a fully underwritten placement to institutional and sophisticated investors in September 2014 and a review undertaken by the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) into two of Vocation's main registered training organisations (RTOs).
WWF-Australia. Our organisations remain concerned about the effects of climate change and agree on the continuing importance to Australia’s prosperity, environment and social cohesion of a fair, just, effective and efficient response to climate change. These are issues for public policy to address over the next three years and beyond. There is no way through this debate other than by finding common ground.
Domestic Demand is Key to Sustaining Growth in China Amid High Uncertainty: World Bank Report TL Bureau, BEIJING China’s economic growth has so far remained resilient in the face of high global uncertainty. GDP growth was 6.4 percent year on year in the fourth quarter of 2018 and in the first quarter of 2019, compared to 6.8 percent in the first half of 2018. Growth is projected at 6.2 percent for 2019 and 6.1 percent for 2020. In an external environment that has become less favorable due to slowing global growth and rising trade tensions, China’s economy will need to rely increasingly on domestic demand to sustain rapid growth, according to Managing Higher Uncertainty, the May 2019 edition of the World Bank’s China Economic Update released today. “In response to the growth moderation and less favorable external conditions, the government introduced a fiscal stimulus emphasizing tax incentives,” said Martin Raiser, World Bank Country Director for China. “While the central government has fiscal space to further increase spending, if necessary, the additional stimulus should be appropriately funded either directly at the central level or through additional fiscal transfers to the provinces. Higher spending on health, education, and social protection could help boost demand and improve the quality of services, if combined with reforms to increase efficiency.” Renewed trade tensions contributed to rising financial market
volatility in early May. Financial asset prices dropped sharply in response to the US announcement of higher tariffs on imports from China. Amid higher market volatility, the People’s Bank of China has maintained a prudent overall monetary policy stance with some targeted easing. Higher bank loans and corporate and government bond issuance led to slightly stronger growth in credit to the non-financial sector in the first four months of 2019. In 2018, lower value-added tax (VAT) rates and import duties, higher export VAT refunds, and slower growth in personal income taxes contributed to a consolidated fiscal deficit of 3.9 percent of GDP. In 2019, new tax and fee reductions and a higher limit for local government on-budget borrowing may lead to a higher consolidated deficit of about 5.9 percent of GDP. Taking into account the expected stimulus, the World Bank baseline projection for GDP growth in 2019 remains unchanged at 6.2 percent. Despite the positive surprise in GDP growth in the first quarter of 2019, net exports are unlikely to provide a sustained boost in the coming months, as new tariffs take effect and global growth slows. The escalation in trade tensions, weaker business confidence, and slower global trade growth, are expected to weigh on investment and exports in 2020, prompting a downward revision to next year’s growth forecast.
IMF Reaches Staff Level Agreement on the First Review of Ecuador’s Economic Program under the Extended Fund Facility TL Bureau, Washington DC End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision. An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Anna Ivanova met with Ecuadorian officials to further discuss the imple-
mentation of Ecuador’s economic program, supported by the IMF under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Ms. Anna Ivanova issued the following statement today: “Following productive discussions, the IMF team and the Ecuadorian authorities reached a stafflevel agreement on the completion of the first review under the EFF arrangement. Subject to the approval by the IMF Executive Board, which is expected to consider the review in June, US$250.57 million would be made available to Ecuador. “Ecuador has made considerable progress in implementing its program aligned with the Prosperity Plan, which seeks to boost
competitiveness and job creation, achieve the prosperity of all Ecuadorians, protect the most vulnerable, strengthen the institutional bases of dollarization, and strengthen the fight against corruption. Steadfast implementation of the program will help Ecuador better prepare for handling external shocks such as a potential fall in oil prices, tightening of external financing conditions, weaker global growth, as well as spillovers from the crisis in Venezuela. “Ecuador has taken significant steps in strengthening the fiscal position, which is a key priority to help solidify the institutional foundations of the dollarization system. The authorities share the view
that steadfast commitment to fiscal sustainability remains paramount. Progress on public financial management reforms has been encouraging as well with the recent publication of an action plan aimed at strengthening budget preparation, execution, and cash management practices. “The authorities are committed to strengthening the institutional foundations of the Central Bank (BCE). This reform will help: (i) align the BCE’s objectives and functions with best practices, (ii) strengthen the autonomy of the central bank, and (iii) introduce strong internal and external audit function in the BCE. It will also help strengthen the international reserve position.
8
FEATURE
‘Save Tuvalu; save the world’; UN chief echoes rallying cry from front lines of global climate emergency
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the Pacific Ocean island of Tuvalu.
TL Bureau, Tuvalu If the world is to prevail against climate change, “then we must find the political will to take transformative measures,” declared the UN chief. “Leaders must come to the UN summit in September armed with solutions as well as speeches”, he stressed, referring to the action-focused meeting he is convening in September to mobilize political ambition on climate change and push forward the goals of the Paris Agreement, which encompass greenhouse-gas-emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance. On his recent Pacific tour to the frontlines of the global climate emergency, he heard the rallying cry “Save Tuvalu; save the world,” while visiting the tiny island archipelago that is battling sea level rise and coastal erosion as warming temperatures threaten the region. “I was there to show solidarity with those suffering the worst impacts of climate change and to draw attention to the innovative climate action underway in the region,” explained the UN chief. Sea level rise in some Pacific countries is “four times greater than the global average”, he stated, saying that it poses “an existential threat to several island States”. “Oceans are in serious trouble, from coral bleaching to biodiversity loss to plastic pollution”, he warned. “Extreme weather events are on the rise, jeopardizing lives and livelihoods”.
UN Photo/Mark Garten Mr. Guterres spelled out: “Nowhere have I seen the heartbreaking impacts of climate change more starkly than in Tuvalu, a remote coral atoll nation where the highest point is less than five metres above sea level.” He recounted a visit to the home of a family “who live in a state of perpetual anxiety about inundation by the relentlessly rising seas just steps away”. The UN chief was “deeply moved by the warmth of the Tuvaluan people and their intense devotion to their land, way of life and cultural heritage”, he said, adding that while these communities have contributed almost nothing to climate change, because of big emitters, “they are now fighting to preserve their country’s very existence”.
The ‘whole planet’ at stake “Make no mistake: it is not just Tuvalu, or small islands, or the Pacific at stake”, underscored the SecretaryGeneral. “It is the whole planet”. Building seawalls along the coastline in Tarawa, Kiribati, to to protect against high tides or tsunamis. Lauren Day/World Bank | Building seawalls along the coastline in Tarawa, Kiribati, to to protect against high tides or tsunamis. What is happening to these countries “is a sign of what is in store for the rest of us”, he warned. “People all over the world are starting to feel the impacts of the climate emergency – and these will only worsen”. Lauren Day/World Bank | Building seawalls along the coastline in Tarawa, Kiribati, to to protect against high tides or tsunamis.The UN chief recalled meeting young children who “are already fearful for their future and are relying on my generation to secure it”. “As Secretary-General of the UN, I have many battles”, he said. “But as a grandfather, the struggle against climate change is the fight of my life”. Noting that “we are not winning”, Mr. Guterres urged that political will must be fund “to take transformative measures”. “We must acknowledge the moral authority of the Pacific nations, frontrunners in the race against the climate emergency”, he stated “And we must find sustainable solutions, invest in renewable energies and increase resilience and adaptation”.
9
LIFE AND REAL ESTATE
Carnival Cruise Australia welcomes 1million passengers
NEW COTTAGE COLLECTION AT CINNAMON SHORE NORTH OFFERS SMALL-SCALE LUXURY AND CLASSIC COASTAL CHARM Seven Fountain Plaza Cottages accommodate vacation homebuyers seeking smaller properties, with prices starting in the $400,000s. TL Bureau
TL Bureau Sydney Carnival Cruise Line Australia has welcomed one million passengers since the brand’s arrival six years ago. Many of the guests were past passengers wearing T-shirts with the slogan ‘I’m one in a million.’ CCL spokeswoman told that they do not know which individual passenger is the 1,000,000th, but we do know that he or she is boarding today for an 11-day round cruise to the South Pacific. As reported, VP Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke gets misty-eyed when she talks about the 2,680-passenger Carnival Spirit arriving in Sydney for the first time in October 2012. Vandekreeke was sent to ‘check out Australia’ by then CCL CEO Gerry Cahill. She
arrived in September 2010 and stayed to launch and run the Australian operation. In December her third ship, the 3,900-passenger Carnival Splendor, arrives in Sydney for year-round cruising and Carnival Spirit will move to the new international cruise terminal in Brisbane. Carnival Legend, which supplemented the operation, will be homeported in Tampa in October. Vandekreeke said that from dancing waiters and dazzling shows to wild waterslides and warm welcomes, they are honoured and thrilled that 1 million guests have chosen to entrust their precious Australian holiday time to Carnival Cruise. Every Australian guest we host is one in a million, and we endeavour to deliver fun, memorable holidays for each and every one.
Port Aransas, TexasSea Oats Group announces the groundbreaking of Fountain Plaza Cottages – a collection of seven, small-scale beach homes grouped inside a landscaped courtyard at Cinnamon Shore North. Each cottage is under 1,000 square feet, with names like Minnow and Scallop to denote their diminutive scale. “We’re excited to offer these one- and two-bedroom, single-family cottage homes — and to work with a quality builder like Waggoner Custom Homes,” says Developer Jeff Lamkin of Sea Oats Group, Inc. “Not everyone needs a multistory, multi-bedroom space at the coast, but they still want privacy and the charm of a community like Cinnamon Shore.” The Fountain Plaza Cottages offer very livable floor plans, with ingenious use of spacethat capitalizes on the Tiny House movement and on the down-sizing trend among American homebuyers. Yet each showcases the rigorous design standards of Cinnamon
Shore. Home plans by Schnell Urban Design, LLC, celebrate classic cottage architecture, with design details such as dormer windows, exposed rafter tails, decorative porch railings, and ideas from beach communities that have stood the test of time. Of four home designs, three will repeat in the plaza, giving the group aesthetic continuity. They range from a 749square-feet plan for cottages named Seahorse and Minnow to a 971-square-foot design for a pair of homes called Sand Crab and Starfish. There’s an 853-square-foot plan for two, one-bedroom cottages, Sand Dollar and Scallop, while Piggy Perch, with one bedroom, 841 square feet and a crowning cupola, serves as a focal point for the enclave. “It’s been so much fun to look at these plans and prepare to build these classic cottages,” says Pete Waggoner of Waggoner Custom Homes, based in Port Aransas. “There’s such innovative use of space inside, while the porches and balconies really foster a sense of relaxation and community.”
Fourth-generation German carpenters, Waggoner and his brother, Tim, trained as true apprentices in the craft. They developed loyal crews who have worked with them on projects from the West Coast back into the heart of Texas and along the Lone Star State’s Coastal Bend, where they’ve built homes for the past 14 years. The soughtafter duo has already contributed their skills to Cinnamon Shore, building several homes there, including the Coastal Living Idea House in 2015. “We’re glad to bring a new collection of cottages and a new style of single-family residences to the Cinnamon Shore village,” Tim Waggoner says. “It’s really an amazing collection with such great curb appeal.” The Fountain Plaza Cottages are going up just beyond the Social Circle, helping to finish one side of Cinnamon Shore North. The community has grown for more than a decadeand nears completion, while it recently broke ground on an expansion, Cinnamon Shore South, located just one mile away.
Singapore to host inaugural Asian edition of gamescom in October 2020 Hosting gamescom asia will catalyse development of Singapore‘s gaming industry and further enhance Singapore’s status as a choice destination for first-in-Asia cutting-edge business events TL Bureau Singapore thgamescome world's largest computer and video games festival, will make its Asian debut (“gamescom asia”) in Singapore from 15 to 18 October 2020. This marks a major win for the video games and esports industry in Singapore. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between STB and Koelnmesse today to mark a new partnership for the upcoming festival. Organised by Koelnmesse and sponsored by game, the Association for the German
Games Industry, gamescom has been held in Cologne, Germany annually since 2009. Over the past decade, it has grown to be the largest international games festival and Europe’s leading business platform for the games industry, with over 300,000 attendees every year. The staging of an Asian edition in Singapore is in line with Koelnmesse’s key strategy of growing its global competence in digital media and entertainment.“gamescom is a brand with a worldwide reputation that stands for both games as the largest entertainment medium of our time, and for outstanding business opportuni-
ties. With gamescom asia, we are creating a new event in 2020 for the local games industry and gamers in one of the fastest-growing regions of the world. We are happy and excited about the first Asian edition in Singapore next year and thankful for our partners,” added Mr Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “STB started discussions with Koelnmesse two years ago to develop an Asian edition of gamescom in Singapore. There were also numerous discussions with stakeholders such as IMDA, ESG, industry associations,
games developers and organisers of local gaming and esports events. Apart from adding vibrancy to our events calendar, we aim for gamescom asia to position Singapore as the natural base for the development and commercialisation of digital and gaming content, which in turn will support our digital media industry.” gamescom asia will comprise a two-day industry gaming conference and a three-day trade and public exhibition, including esports events, emerging technologies in video games, as well as gaming workshops, meetand-greet sessions and cosplay theatrics. Delegates can also
look forward to a launch of global titles and extensive showcase of gaming-related offerings. Over and above the heavy schedule of events and activities, gamescom asia will be a platform for industry thought leaders, local and regional buyers, programmers, game designers and audio professionals to network, learn and exchange insights with their international counterparts. There will be business opportunities for both local and regional companies as the event will allow them to tap into the region’s flourishing and lucrative gaming market.
10
SPORTS
Captains ready for season finale at HSBC Paris Sevens
TL Bureau, Paris
The captains of the 16 teams taking part in the final round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019, held in Paris this weekend, came together at the Eiffel Tower today. As the season draws to a close the race for the series title is more fierce than ever with only two points separating Fiji (164) and USA (162) in first and second position. After being crowned Cup champions in London last weekend, Fiji have overtaken USA on the leaderboard and will be looking for another win this weekend to end their 2019 campaign on a high, with Fiji captain Paula Dranisinukula commenting: "We will fight for the number one spot and we are looking forward to that. It will be an enjoyable weekend for the boys on the field but also for the spectators here in Paris." Fiji had double the reason to cele-
brate last weekend as they also guaranteed their spot at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by ensuring that they'd finish in the top four of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings. They were accompanied by USA and New Zealand who also earned qualification and South Africa have all but joined them, needing simply
to take to the field in Paris to confirm their place. As well as the top four teams in this season's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series automatically qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as host nation, Japan will also be represented when rugby sevens makes its second Olympic Games appearance next summer. Striving to reclaim
FIBA to launch FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series
TL Bureau, MIES (Switzerland) The first-ever FIBA 3x3 competition dedicated to women started on May 31, 2019. “We are excited to launch the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series,” FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said. “Similar to what FIBA achieved in basketball with the new women’s national team competition system, the tremendous growth of the 3x3 basketball discipline now allows us to offer women a chance
to play 3x3 at the highest level on a regular basis. This will represent a unique opportunity to bring new countries on the focus as well as for the best players to prepare and offer an amazing show at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.” Each team will represent their national federation at the Women’s Series. Eight teams (Australia, China, France, Japan, Mongolia, Netherlands, Ukraine, USA) will compete in the inaugural event in Chengdu, China on May 31-
June 1, 2019. A total of 8-12 events are expected to take place this year from May to September and will be announced throughout the season on the official website https://ws.fiba3x3.com. Teams will be allocated to events based on the number of events they have already been allocated to and their team ranking. National federations interested in registering a team and/or hosting a Women’s Series event can still contact FIBA for more information
the top spot in the standings USA captain Madison Hughes commented: "It's right down to the wire now - it's been a good season up until this point and the job is to finish it off. "We know that Fiji are a fantastic team and it's going to be a tough test so we're just going to do everything that we can to end on a high note and give ourselves
the best possible chance of success." Hosts France created history last weekend by beating New Zealand 19-14 in their Cup quarterfinal which saw them progress to the semi-finals where they were defeated by Australia. They will be hoping that their form continues into their home tournament at the Stade Jean-Bouin this weekend with captain Jean Pascal Barraque commenting: "It is a real pleasure to finish the series in Paris because we put in a great performance in London and we hope to continue that form in front of a home crowd." Ireland captain Billy Dardis is looking forward to their HSBC Paris Sevens invitational appearance after meeting with an experienced Fiji outfit in the HSBC London Sevens quarter-finals, commenting: "We're delighted to be here in Paris, last week went pretty well for us with a few good wins.
International players, coaches and referees at the heart of experienced Rugby World Cup 2019 disciplinary team TL Bureau, Dublin
tency across multiple jurisdictions One-team ethos between Experienced team selected for citing, judicial and match official showcase event Former Rugby environments Regular calibration World Cup participants among sessions with citing commissionjudicial panel selections ers, judicial personnel and match Enhanced disciplinary process officials to achieve alignment on launched after RWC 2015 to fur- game-trends, law application ther alignment and consistency emphasis and consistency The One-team ethos to bind on and panel of eight citing commissionoff-field sanctioning process ers is brimming with internationWorld Rugby has announced the al experience and includes five team of citing commissioners members with previous Rugby and judicial chairs and panel World Cup experience, while the members for Rugby World Cup judicial panel members selection 2019, which kicks off on 20 features former Scotland coach September.Revised sanctions Frank Hadden, South Africa star table launched in 2017 and Stefan Terblanche, England’s game-wide education of discipli- Leon Lloyd and referee of 19 nary personnel to drive consis- tests, Ireland’s Donal Courtney. Citing Commissioners: James Absaloms (Kenya)*, Freek Burger (South Africa)*, Shaun Gallagher (England), John Montgomery (Scotland), Scott Nowland (Australia)*, Michael O’Leary (New Zealand)*, David Pelton (USA) and Murray Whyte (Ireland)* Judicial chairs: Adam Casselden SC (Australia)*, Jean-Noël Couraud (France)*, Sir James Dingemans (England)*, Mike Hamlin (England), Nigel Hampton QC (New Zealand), Alan Hudson (Canada)*, Roger Morris (Wales)*, Shao-Ing Wang (Singapore) and Pamela Woodman (Scotland) * Denotes previous Rugby World Cup experience Judicial panel members: Donal Courtney (Ireland, former international referee), David Croft (Australia, played at Rugby World Cup 2003), Frank Hadden (Scotland, head coach at Rugby World Cup 2007), Olly Kohn (former Wales international), John Langford (former Australia international), Leon Lloyd (former England international), José Luis Rolandi (Argentina, former international referee), Stefan Terblanche (South Africa, played at Rugby World Cup 1999 and 2003) and Valeriu Toma (Romania, former international assistant referee)
11
TECH/AUTO
Bugatti Veyron legends – the modern-day hyper sports car Twenty years ago Bugatti reinvented the hyper sports car segment with the Veyron Image TL Bureau Molsheim Four turbochargers, over 1,000 PS and speeds in excess of 400 km/h. The world had not seen a super sports car like this prior to its presentation in 2000. When the relaunched French luxury brand Bugatti showcased its first series production car for decades, the term super sports car was no longer adequate to describe it. “Thanks to the Veyron, Bugatti catapulted itself into a new dimension. We set benchmarks around 20 years ago with the first luxury hyper sports car and we are proud of that to this day,” explains Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “The Veyron continues to be a car of superlatives: it broke several speed records and redefined what outstanding automotive engineering can do,” he adds. The hyper sports car’s name goes back to French racing driver Pierre Veyron, active for Bugatti between 1933 and 1953 in roles including test driver and development engineer. In 1939 he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans together with French racing driver Jean-Pierre Wimille in a Bugatti Type 57C Tank. Production of the Veyron
started in 2005 at the newly built workshop in the Alsatian town of Molsheim. “With the Veyron, Bugatti brought vehicle production back to France where our luxury brand was established 110 years ago and where it belongs,” Stephan Winkelmann explains.
16-cylinder engine as the driving force The newly developed and iconic 16-cylinder engine with an engine capacity of 8.0 litres is at the heart of this vehicle, generating a torque of 1,250 newton metres between 2,200 and 5,000 rpm. The unit features four turbochargers and initially generated 736 kW/1,001 PS at 6,000 rpm, accelerating the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and propelling it to 200 km/h within 7.3 seconds. Its top speed is a
staggering 407 km/h. Consequently, the Veyron was the world’s fastest seriesproduction sports car at its production launch. In 2010, the Veyron Super Sport, generating 883 kW/1,200 PS, set a further speed record at 431 km/h. It is necessary to activate a second key, the socalled Speed Key, to be able to reach the incredible speed of over 400 km/h. When this key is activated, the Veyron is lowered to a V-shape, the rear wing is adjusted and the diffuser flaps are closed to lower the drag. A technical masterpiece. Such levels of power, sporty character and luxury with a vehicle length of 4.46 metres were an innovation back then. At the start of development, Bugatti engineers struggled to master the tough and new challenges resulting from the powerful
engine and high speeds beyond 400 km/h. It took a supplier around five years just to develop a tyre that was able to guarantee the required speed of over 400 km/h. Ten radiators keep the unit and its add-on parts within a pleasant temperature range. A seven-speed, dual clutch gearbox (DSG) distributes the force to the vehicle’s four wheels, while all-wheel drive and sophisticated aerodynamics guarantee sufficient traction at all speeds. Carbon-ceramic brake discs and an air brake make sure the vehicle decelerates safely. Stephan Winkelmann is sure that “the Veyron is not only incredibly powerful and fast, but also absolutely suitable for everyday use. Having been able to balance these two extremes is unique within the automotive world.”
Toyota to Establish New Plant in Myanmar TL Bureau, Toyota City
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has decided to establish Toyota Myanmar Co., Ltd., (TMY) as its first vehicle production company in Myanmar where it will locally produce the Hilux from February 2021. The automotive market in Myanmar, in accordance with the growth of the economy, the demand for new vehicles has soared in recent years (2018 market: approx. 18,000 units, 2.1 times more than the previous year). Toyota currently sells the Hilux, Vios, Rush, and other vehicles in Myanmar by relying on imports, but will establish TMY in June 2019 and promote initiatives that will allow even more customers to choose Toyota vehicles, in preparation for a market that promises to continue expanding steadily. Toyota plans to construct the new TMY plant in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, situated in the southern suburbs of Yangon city, the country's largest metropolis. Investment is expected to be approx. 52.6 million USD. Toyota plans to hire approx. 130 new employees, and intends to build approx. 2,500 Hilux vehicles per year using the SKD (semi knock-down) method when operations begin in 2021.
SENSORY STEERING WHEEL KEEPS YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD TL Bureau, Glasgow The research, in partnership with Glasgow University, has created a ‘sensory steering wheel’, parts of which can be quickly heated and cooled to inform drivers where to turn, when to change lane or to warn of an approaching junction. This could be particularly useful when visibility is reduced through poor weather or the layout of the road. The technology has also been applied to the gear-shift paddles to indicate when hand over from the driver to autonomous control in
Jaguar Land Rover researches rapid heating and cooling of the steering wheel for use with turn-by-turn navigation ‘Sensory steering wheel’ helps reduce driver distraction by keeping eyes on the road Drivers not paying attention is a major contributor to road accidents Thermal changes could also be used to warn of approaching junctions and roads with poor visibility
future self-driving vehicles is complete. Driver distraction is a major contributor to road accidents around the world and accounts for 10 per cent of all fatal crashes in the USA alone*.
Jaguar Land Rover’s research suggests thermal cues could be a way to keep drivers fully focused on the road. The cues work on both sides of the steering wheel, indicating
the direction to turn by rapidly warming or cooling one side by a difference of up to 6oC. For comfort a driver could adjust the range of temperature change. Studies have shown** temperaturebased instructions could
also be used for nonurgent notifications, where vibrations could be deemed unnecessarily attention grabbing, for example as a warning when fuel is running low, or for upcoming events, such as points of interest.
12
WORLD
A ‘strong and united Europe’
Sipila’s Government has never been more needed, declares UN chief Guterres the longestTL Bureau, Aachen serving one The Secretary-General was in the ancient continental capital of Aachen, close to the French border, where he received the Charlemagne Prize, awarded each year since 1950, for services towards European unification. As a former Portuguese Prime Minister, and one of the architects of the European Union’s efforts in the late 1990s and early 2000s to strengthen social safety nets, solidarity, and cooperation with Africa and India, Mr. Guterres described himself as a “committed European” who understood that, in bestowing the award, Aachen was paying tribute “to the commitment, service, and sacrifice of the women and men of the United Nations”. The European Union, which grew out of the ashes of two world wars, has forged “an
TL Bureau, Helsinki
exemplary partnership” with the United Nations, said Mr. Guterres, and the breakup of the 28-nation political and economic bloc, “would inevitably be the failure of multilateralism and the failure of a world in which the rule of law can prevail”. “The hard truth is, we collectively have taken too many things for granted”, he added, noting that democratic principles “are under siege, and
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with foreign ministers of France and Germany TL Bureau, Kyiv President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with foreign ministers of France and Germany President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Heiko Maas. The Head of State noted the special role of France and Germany in resolving the situation in east Ukraine, in particular in the framework of the Normandy format. "I would like to once again express gratitude to President of France Emmanuel Macron for congratulations on winning the elections and for the meeting before I became President of Ukraine.
‘We need to restore trust’ “I wish Europe could stand up more decisively for the multilateral agenda. The United Nations need a strong and united Europe. For this to happen, Europe will need to come to grips with some serious challenges”, said Mr. Guterres.
the rule of law is being undermined. Inequalities are on the rise. Hate speech, racism and xenophobia are fuelling terrorism through social media”. Hailing Europe’s continuing role as a champion of universal values, he said that multilateralism was under fire “precisely when we need it most, and when it has never been so fit to address these challenges”.
On Saturday 1 June, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä’s Government will take the lead as the longest-serving Finnish Government. On 1 June Sipilä’s Government will have been in office for 1,465 days. The term of the two Governments led by Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen lasted for 1,464 days. On 8 March 2019, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä submitted his Government’s request for resignation to the President of the Republic. His Government will continue in a caretaker capacity until the new Government is appointed. Finnish Governments ranked by days in office on 1 June 2019 (data retrieved from the Information system on ministers) Government number of days in office (top ten) 74. Sipila | 1 465 66. Lipponen | 1 464 67. Lipponen II | 1 464 64. Holkeri | 1 458 63. Sorsa IV | 1 456 65. Aho | 1 449 69. Vanhanen | 1 396 20. Kivimaki | 1 394 70. Vanhanen II | 1 161 72. Katainen | 1 099
Mozambique: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom meets the child cyclone survivors who’ve lost everything
Mr Modi takes oath as the Prime Minister TL Bureau, UN Hq
Karamjit Singh Karwana, Foreign Correspondent New Delhi Shri Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India, marking the start of his second term as the PM. The Hon’ble President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Eminent personalities including world leaders, captains of industry, Bollywood, media along with a huge number of well wishers were present during the oath taking ceremony.
During the week, the actor travelled to the coastal city of Beira, one of the areas worstaffected by Cyclone Idai, which killed over 600 people and destroyed nearly 240,000 homes when it made landfall in March. Sitting on the sandy floor of a tent at the Samora Machel site for internally displaced people, named after the country’s founding president, Mr. Bloom listened to children recount devastating stories of how they lost everything in the cyclone. Thirteen-year-old Alzina Lopes described the moment
Cyclone Idai made landfall, leaving her stranded in waistdeep floodwaters. Now she wants to go back to school, and dreams of becoming a traffic officer. “It’s remarkable to see children, who have been through so much, gain a sense of normality in the safe spaces set up by UNICEF, where they are free to sing, dance, play and just be children,” said the Goodwill Ambassador. “These are children and young people with dreams, they want to be in school”, he continued “but almost everyone I’ve met here has lost their classrooms, their books
and crucial identification documents due to the cyclones”. Mr. Bloom said that it was “heartbreaking” that without IDs “they are unregistered, almost invisible and vulnerable to exploitation”. In the aftermath of tropical cyclones Idai and Kenneth, 1.1 million children remain in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. UNICEF is supporting families affected by the cyclones to either return home or relocate to safer places. It is also providing healthcare, nutrition, education, sanitation and protection services.
