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Filibuster_HK
Blaming Russia for nerve agent attack, EU to recall ambassador to Moscow
http://www.dw.com/en/blaming-russia-for-nerve-agent-attack-eu-to-recall-ambassador-to-moscow/a-43096028
European Union leaders supported Britain on Thursday in blaming Russia for a nerve agent attack on an ex-spy and his daughter in England.
In a joint statement, the European Council said it "agrees with the United Kingdom government's assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation is responsible and that there is no plausible alternative explanation."
The European Council statement called the attack a "grave challenge to our shared security." It also said EU states would "coordinate on the consequences to be drawn in the light of the answers provided by the Russian authorities."
Diplomatic sources said several EU states were considering backing Britain by following its response and expelling Russian diplomats.
However, several EU member states, including Greece, Slovakia and Hungary, had been hesitant to point the figure at Russia.
http://www.dw.com/en/blaming-russia-for-nerve-agent-attack-eu-to-recall-ambassador-to-moscow/a-43096028
European Union leaders supported Britain on Thursday in blaming Russia for a nerve agent attack on an ex-spy and his daughter in England.
In a joint statement, the European Council said it "agrees with the United Kingdom government's assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation is responsible and that there is no plausible alternative explanation."
The European Council statement called the attack a "grave challenge to our shared security." It also said EU states would "coordinate on the consequences to be drawn in the light of the answers provided by the Russian authorities."
Diplomatic sources said several EU states were considering backing Britain by following its response and expelling Russian diplomats.
However, several EU member states, including Greece, Slovakia and Hungary, had been hesitant to point the figure at Russia.
Filibuster_HK
Catalonia fails to vote in new president as third pro-independence candidate loses secessionist support
http://www.dw.com/en/catalonia-fails-to-vote-in-new-president-as-third-pro-independence-candidate-loses-secessionist-support/a-43095187
Catalonia's political limbo continued on Thursday after far-left separatist lawmakers withdrew their support for the latest candidate for the regional presidency.
Jordi Turull, a former Catalan government spokesman, fell short of an absolute majority in the 135-seat Catalan parliament required to win. Sixty-four lawmakers voted in favor, 65 against and four abstained.
The far-left CUP party, which supports Catalonia's split from Spain, announced shortly before the election that its four lawmakers would abstain.
The parliament is set to hold a second vote on Turull's candidacy within the next 48 hours. The 51-year-old Turull only needs a simple majority to win that vote, but a lack of legislative support could stop him from progressing.
http://www.dw.com/en/catalonia-fails-to-vote-in-new-president-as-third-pro-independence-candidate-loses-secessionist-support/a-43095187
Catalonia's political limbo continued on Thursday after far-left separatist lawmakers withdrew their support for the latest candidate for the regional presidency.
Jordi Turull, a former Catalan government spokesman, fell short of an absolute majority in the 135-seat Catalan parliament required to win. Sixty-four lawmakers voted in favor, 65 against and four abstained.
The far-left CUP party, which supports Catalonia's split from Spain, announced shortly before the election that its four lawmakers would abstain.
The parliament is set to hold a second vote on Turull's candidacy within the next 48 hours. The 51-year-old Turull only needs a simple majority to win that vote, but a lack of legislative support could stop him from progressing.
Filibuster_HK
Hostages taken at French supermarket in Trèbes
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43512791
A gunman is holding several people hostage in a supermarket in Trèbes, in the south of France.
French media say the man had earlier fired shots at some policemen who were jogging, wounding one of them, but not critically.
Elite police have rushed to the Super U shop in Trèbes, near Carcassonne.
A prosecutor says the gunman claims to be in the Islamic State group. In January 2015 a jihadist gunman killed four people in a Paris supermarket.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43512791
A gunman is holding several people hostage in a supermarket in Trèbes, in the south of France.
French media say the man had earlier fired shots at some policemen who were jogging, wounding one of them, but not critically.
Elite police have rushed to the Super U shop in Trèbes, near Carcassonne.
A prosecutor says the gunman claims to be in the Islamic State group. In January 2015 a jihadist gunman killed four people in a Paris supermarket.
Filibuster_HK
Spain Catalonia: Clashes after separatist leaders detained
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43523811
Spain's Supreme Court ruled 25 Catalan leaders should be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobeying the state.
Convictions could result in up to 30 years in prison.
More than 20 people were injured as police used riot batons to keep protesters away from federal buildings in Barcelona on Friday night.
Demonstrations also took place in other parts of Catalonia.
In Madrid, a Supreme Court judge ordered five more Catalan leaders to be detained without bail, pending trial over their involvement in October's banned independence referendum.
Friday's rulings at the Supreme Court in Madrid were considered the most serious challenge to date for the Catalan independence movement. Almost the entire leadership now faces a major legal fight.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43523811
Spain's Supreme Court ruled 25 Catalan leaders should be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobeying the state.
Convictions could result in up to 30 years in prison.
More than 20 people were injured as police used riot batons to keep protesters away from federal buildings in Barcelona on Friday night.
Demonstrations also took place in other parts of Catalonia.
In Madrid, a Supreme Court judge ordered five more Catalan leaders to be detained without bail, pending trial over their involvement in October's banned independence referendum.
Friday's rulings at the Supreme Court in Madrid were considered the most serious challenge to date for the Catalan independence movement. Almost the entire leadership now faces a major legal fight.
Filibuster_HK
Trump signs massive spending bill, backing away from veto threat
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/379956-trump-says-hell-sign-massive-spending-bill-backing-away-from-veto
President Trump on Friday signed a $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill, averting a government shutdown just hours after he created drama and uncertainty by threatening a veto.
Trump blasted the measure as “ridiculous,” in large part because it contained only a fraction of the money he asked for a wall along the Mexican border and did not include a fix for young immigrants covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program he spiked last year.
But the president begrudgingly signed the bill, citing the reversal of military spending cuts that he said put the nation “at really grave risk.”
Trump, who has frequently been frustrated in working with Congress on spending bills and has surprised Democrats and Republicans alike with some of his tactics, vowed that he would not sign a similar bill going forward.
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/379956-trump-says-hell-sign-massive-spending-bill-backing-away-from-veto
President Trump on Friday signed a $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill, averting a government shutdown just hours after he created drama and uncertainty by threatening a veto.
Trump blasted the measure as “ridiculous,” in large part because it contained only a fraction of the money he asked for a wall along the Mexican border and did not include a fix for young immigrants covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program he spiked last year.
But the president begrudgingly signed the bill, citing the reversal of military spending cuts that he said put the nation “at really grave risk.”
Trump, who has frequently been frustrated in working with Congress on spending bills and has surprised Democrats and Republicans alike with some of his tactics, vowed that he would not sign a similar bill going forward.
Filibuster_HK
China Is Making a Bold Military Power Play
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2018-china-navy-bases/
Bloomberg有關中美係亞太印度洋的基地部署，幾靚
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2018-china-navy-bases/
Bloomberg有關中美係亞太印度洋的基地部署，幾靚
:^(
Filibuster_HK
China Is Making a Bold Military Power Play
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2018-china-navy-bases/
Bloomberg有關中美係亞太印度洋基地部署的infographics，幾靚
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Filibuster_HK
British authorities raid Cambridge Analytica offices in London
http://www.dw.com/en/british-authorities-raid-cambridge-analytica-offices-in-london/a-43111987
Investigators from Britain's information regulatory agency on Friday raided the central London offices of Cambridge Analytica, the consulting company at the center of a Facebook data misuse scandal.
A High Court judge had granted the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) a warrant for the search on Friday evening.
ICO chief Elizabeth Denham had requested the warrant on Thursday after a whistleblower said Cambridge Analytica had illegally used private information of some 50 million Facebook users to support US President Donald Trump's 2016 electoral campaign.
Cambridge Analytica and Facebook have denied committing any crimes.
http://www.dw.com/en/british-authorities-raid-cambridge-analytica-offices-in-london/a-43111987
Investigators from Britain's information regulatory agency on Friday raided the central London offices of Cambridge Analytica, the consulting company at the center of a Facebook data misuse scandal.
A High Court judge had granted the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) a warrant for the search on Friday evening.
ICO chief Elizabeth Denham had requested the warrant on Thursday after a whistleblower said Cambridge Analytica had illegally used private information of some 50 million Facebook users to support US President Donald Trump's 2016 electoral campaign.
Cambridge Analytica and Facebook have denied committing any crimes.
Filibuster_HK
Trump ‘to expel Russian diplomats in solidarity with UK’
http://www.euronews.com/2018/03/25/trump-to-expel-russian-diplomats-in-solidarity-with-uk-?
President Donald Trump has been advised to expel dozens of Russian diplomats from US soil and an announcement will likely be made on Monday, according to Bloomberg.
Citing two anonymous sources close to the White House, the news outlet reported Saturday that advisers recommended the action following the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain.
The issue was allegedly discussed Friday by Trump, US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Security Adviser H R McMaster.
But the president could still change his mind, a source warned, as he wants to make sure his European allies take equivalent action.
A source added that US officials were coordinating a united response with Europe, where countries including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and the Czech Republic are expected to expel Russian officials on Monday.
http://www.euronews.com/2018/03/25/trump-to-expel-russian-diplomats-in-solidarity-with-uk-?
President Donald Trump has been advised to expel dozens of Russian diplomats from US soil and an announcement will likely be made on Monday, according to Bloomberg.
Citing two anonymous sources close to the White House, the news outlet reported Saturday that advisers recommended the action following the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain.
The issue was allegedly discussed Friday by Trump, US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Security Adviser H R McMaster.
But the president could still change his mind, a source warned, as he wants to make sure his European allies take equivalent action.
A source added that US officials were coordinating a united response with Europe, where countries including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and the Czech Republic are expected to expel Russian officials on Monday.
Filibuster_HK
Marchers across the US united in plan for pro-gun politicians: 'Vote them out'
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/24/marchers-across-the-us-united-in-plan-for-pro-gun-politicians-vote-them-out
For four minutes and 25 seconds, 18-year-old Emma Gonzalez held a crowd of hundreds of thousands in the nation’s capital in near total silence. With tears rolling down her cheeks, intermittently closing her eyes, the teenager’s stillness told its own story.
In the moments before, she had called out the name of each of her fellow students and teachers gunned down five weeks ago. By the time she broke her silence Gonzalez had been on stage for six minutes and 20 seconds, the same time it took a gunman to claim 17 lives at her school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, in Parkland, Florida.
That a teenager unknown to the country until a little over a month ago could command such quiet respect and deep introspection among a rally of this size illustrates just how powerful the student-led movement to rise from the Parkland massacre has become.
Marchers from all over the United States had filled Pennsylvania Avenue from front to back, spilling over into walkways and holding signs aloft that decried endemic American gun violence, hapless politicians and the extremist gun rights movement that holds them captive.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/24/marchers-across-the-us-united-in-plan-for-pro-gun-politicians-vote-them-out
For four minutes and 25 seconds, 18-year-old Emma Gonzalez held a crowd of hundreds of thousands in the nation’s capital in near total silence. With tears rolling down her cheeks, intermittently closing her eyes, the teenager’s stillness told its own story.
In the moments before, she had called out the name of each of her fellow students and teachers gunned down five weeks ago. By the time she broke her silence Gonzalez had been on stage for six minutes and 20 seconds, the same time it took a gunman to claim 17 lives at her school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, in Parkland, Florida.
That a teenager unknown to the country until a little over a month ago could command such quiet respect and deep introspection among a rally of this size illustrates just how powerful the student-led movement to rise from the Parkland massacre has become.
Marchers from all over the United States had filled Pennsylvania Avenue from front to back, spilling over into walkways and holding signs aloft that decried endemic American gun violence, hapless politicians and the extremist gun rights movement that holds them captive.
Filibuster_HK
Italy elections: Five Star Movement and rightists strike deal to elect speakers
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/25/italy-elections-five-star-movement-and-rightists-strike-deal-to-elect-speakers
Italy’s anti-establishment Five Star Movement has joined with conservative parties to elect the speakers of both houses of parliament, but there was no immediate sign they might extend the pact and form a government.
The 4 March national election ended in a hung parliament, with Five Star becoming the largest party, while a rightist alliance including ex-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party and the anti-migrant League emerging as the biggest bloc.
After days of behind-the-scenes talks, the two factions joined forces to elect Five Star heavyweight Roberto Fico as president of the lower house and Forza Italia veteran Elisabetta Casellati as president of the Senate – both highly prestigious posts.
The conservative alliance came close to collapse on Friday after the League sided with Five Star to reject Forza Italia’s first choice for the Senate position. But hasty overnight negotiations patched up the row, at least for the short term.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/25/italy-elections-five-star-movement-and-rightists-strike-deal-to-elect-speakers
Italy’s anti-establishment Five Star Movement has joined with conservative parties to elect the speakers of both houses of parliament, but there was no immediate sign they might extend the pact and form a government.
The 4 March national election ended in a hung parliament, with Five Star becoming the largest party, while a rightist alliance including ex-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party and the anti-migrant League emerging as the biggest bloc.
After days of behind-the-scenes talks, the two factions joined forces to elect Five Star heavyweight Roberto Fico as president of the lower house and Forza Italia veteran Elisabetta Casellati as president of the Senate – both highly prestigious posts.
The conservative alliance came close to collapse on Friday after the League sided with Five Star to reject Forza Italia’s first choice for the Senate position. But hasty overnight negotiations patched up the row, at least for the short term.
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Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont detained in Germany
http://www.dw.com/en/former-catalan-president-carles-puigdemont-detained-in-germany/a-43123009
The lawyer for former Catalan leader, Carles Puigdemont, says that his client is being held by German police at a police station in northern Germany.
Lawyer, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, said that highway police had stopped Puigdemont on Sunday after he crossed the border from Denmark to Germany. He also confirmed that Puigdemont had been on his way back to Belgium where he lives in exile since fleeing Spain.
A German police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, saying that, based on a European warrant, Puigdemont "was arrested today at 11:19 am by the autobahn police force of Schleswig-Holstein."
Puigdemont has been a fugitive since Catalonia's failed bid to become independent from Spain last October. The Spanish Supreme Court on Friday issued fresh arrest warrants against Puigdemont and six other Catalan politicians who are abroad.
http://www.dw.com/en/former-catalan-president-carles-puigdemont-detained-in-germany/a-43123009
The lawyer for former Catalan leader, Carles Puigdemont, says that his client is being held by German police at a police station in northern Germany.
Lawyer, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, said that highway police had stopped Puigdemont on Sunday after he crossed the border from Denmark to Germany. He also confirmed that Puigdemont had been on his way back to Belgium where he lives in exile since fleeing Spain.
A German police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, saying that, based on a European warrant, Puigdemont "was arrested today at 11:19 am by the autobahn police force of Schleswig-Holstein."
Puigdemont has been a fugitive since Catalonia's failed bid to become independent from Spain last October. The Spanish Supreme Court on Friday issued fresh arrest warrants against Puigdemont and six other Catalan politicians who are abroad.
http://www.dw.com/en/poland-agrees-to-minor-changes-to-planned-judicial-reforms-in-response-to-eu-criticisms/a-43092508
Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party will modify plans to shake up the country's judiciary that have been criticized by the European Union, a PiS lawmaker said on Thursday.
The EU's executive arm, the European Commission, has threatened to sanction Poland if it fails to back-track on plans Brussels has said would threaten the independence of the Polish judiciary.
Poland's opposition said the changes were "a lie" and amounted to "window dressing," citing the fact that the PiS had already taken over the body that oversees judicial impartiality, the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS), and replaced multiple court presidents.