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Filibuster_HK
Congo election results delayed past Sunday deadline
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-election-un/congo-election-results-delayed-past-sunday-deadline-idUSKCN1OZ0G5
KINSHASA (Reuters) - Preliminary results from Democratic Republic of Congo’s tumultuous presidential election will be delayed past Sunday’s deadline, the head of the election commission told Reuters.
The commission, known as CENI, had received only 47 percent of vote tally sheets as of Saturday, said its president, Corneille Nangaa, and it was not yet clear when the results would be ready.
The delay is the latest setback in a disorganized poll to pick a successor to President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled the country of 80 million people since his father was assassinated in 2001.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-election-un/congo-election-results-delayed-past-sunday-deadline-idUSKCN1OZ0G5
KINSHASA (Reuters) - Preliminary results from Democratic Republic of Congo’s tumultuous presidential election will be delayed past Sunday’s deadline, the head of the election commission told Reuters.
The commission, known as CENI, had received only 47 percent of vote tally sheets as of Saturday, said its president, Corneille Nangaa, and it was not yet clear when the results would be ready.
The delay is the latest setback in a disorganized poll to pick a successor to President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled the country of 80 million people since his father was assassinated in 2001.
Filibuster_HK
French Gilets Jaunes: Ministry broken into amid fresh protests
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46771363
A French government spokesman was evacuated from his office as violence broke out during "yellow vests" protests in Paris and other cities.
Benjamin Griveaux said he and his team had had to escape through a back door after a construction vehicle was used to ram the building's entrance.
There were clashes between police and protesters on what was the first protest of the new year.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, urging "debate and dialogue".
What began as a protest about a fuel tax back in November has escalated into widespread anger at rising living costs.
The march in Paris began peacefully but scuffles broke out in the afternoon, with protesters throwing projectiles at riot police who responded with tear gas.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46771363
A French government spokesman was evacuated from his office as violence broke out during "yellow vests" protests in Paris and other cities.
Benjamin Griveaux said he and his team had had to escape through a back door after a construction vehicle was used to ram the building's entrance.
There were clashes between police and protesters on what was the first protest of the new year.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, urging "debate and dialogue".
What began as a protest about a fuel tax back in November has escalated into widespread anger at rising living costs.
The march in Paris began peacefully but scuffles broke out in the afternoon, with protesters throwing projectiles at riot police who responded with tear gas.
伏羽忍冬
現實黎講, 唔可能過到2月, 美國2月會開始搞退稅啲嘢
呢個局面實際上係參院領袖McConnell做成, 唔係佢繞埋雙手, 話明唔會表決Trump唔簽嘅法案, Trump唔會摺埋到政府
而當退稅程序開始唔到, 參院班人實畀選民嘈到癡線
我就睇佢頂到幾耐
呢個局面實際上係參院領袖McConnell做成, 唔係佢繞埋雙手, 話明唔會表決Trump唔簽嘅法案, Trump唔會摺埋到政府
而當退稅程序開始唔到, 參院班人實畀選民嘈到癡線
我就睇佢頂到幾耐
:^(
Filibuster_HK
A 2,000-mile journey in the shadow of the border wall
https://www.usatoday.com/border-wall/story/flight-over-entire-us-mexico-border-fence/605855001/
https://www.usatoday.com/border-wall/story/flight-over-entire-us-mexico-border-fence/605855001/
Filibuster_HK
Pentagon chief of staff Kevin Sweeney resigns
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46773138
Department of Defence chief of staff Kevin Sweeney has resigned, a month after the Defence Secretary James Mattis announced his departure.
Rear Admiral Sweeney said in a statement that "the time is right to return to the private sector".
He is now the third senior Pentagon official to announce his resignation since President Donald Trump announced US forces would leave Syria.
Officials have said there is no timetable for the troop departure.
Rear Adm Sweeney held his post for two years from January 2017.
In a terse resignation letter, he said it had been an "an honour to serve" alongside his colleagues in the department, but made no mention of Mr Trump.
His announcement comes days after General Mattis left his post early, after initially planning to stay in his role until February.
His departure adds to a sense of uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration's defence and foreign policies since the surprise announcement of the planned withdrawal from Syria, analysts say.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46773138
Department of Defence chief of staff Kevin Sweeney has resigned, a month after the Defence Secretary James Mattis announced his departure.
Rear Admiral Sweeney said in a statement that "the time is right to return to the private sector".
He is now the third senior Pentagon official to announce his resignation since President Donald Trump announced US forces would leave Syria.
Officials have said there is no timetable for the troop departure.
Rear Adm Sweeney held his post for two years from January 2017.
In a terse resignation letter, he said it had been an "an honour to serve" alongside his colleagues in the department, but made no mention of Mr Trump.
His announcement comes days after General Mattis left his post early, after initially planning to stay in his role until February.
His departure adds to a sense of uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration's defence and foreign policies since the surprise announcement of the planned withdrawal from Syria, analysts say.
Filibuster_HK
McConnell如果俾法案侵侵，佢veto時又係好大鑊，一定俾hard right media同freedom caucus 屌，因為變咗侵侵一定要負責任，而且又等於向DEM投降，所以一定唔會咁做。
某程度上GOP leadership太過易向hard-right低頭
某程度上GOP leadership太過易向hard-right低頭
:^(
:^(
:^(
伏羽忍冬
其實由一開始就係Trump要負責, 根據佢嘅講法, 無論係現況:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--6mq58zw4s
定舊帳:
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/365903717930762242
FACT – the reason why Americans have to worry about a government shutdown is because Obama refuses to pass a budget.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/398887965302091776
Leadership: Whatever happens, you're responsible. If it doesn't happen, you're responsible.
都係總統孭飛
其實McConnell佢依家咁做, 可能就要等報紙唔洗出現GOP反Trump呢個標題
問題係, 佢咁做係放棄參院check&balance嘅角色, 總統話唔簽, 參院就連票都唔投, 咁同總統隻狗有咩分別
另一個問題係, 頂到幾耐? 都係嗰句, 一到退稅季開始, 政府都係摺埋嘅話(史上未試過), 一定宇宙大爆炸, 所以現實上唔可能頂到去2月
但Trump擺明係魚蛋論恐怖分子, 好難想像佢會讓步, 咁一係眾院讓步(但眾院民主黨有無咁好死, 大條道理都唔入死佢?
所以我諗佢可能係度等, 潛住水睇下GOP民調會唔會轉向
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--6mq58zw4s
定舊帳:
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/365903717930762242
FACT – the reason why Americans have to worry about a government shutdown is because Obama refuses to pass a budget.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/398887965302091776
Leadership: Whatever happens, you're responsible. If it doesn't happen, you're responsible.
都係總統孭飛
:^(
其實McConnell佢依家咁做, 可能就要等報紙唔洗出現GOP反Trump呢個標題
問題係, 佢咁做係放棄參院check&balance嘅角色, 總統話唔簽, 參院就連票都唔投, 咁同總統隻狗有咩分別
:^(
另一個問題係, 頂到幾耐? 都係嗰句, 一到退稅季開始, 政府都係摺埋嘅話(史上未試過), 一定宇宙大爆炸, 所以現實上唔可能頂到去2月
但Trump擺明係魚蛋論恐怖分子, 好難想像佢會讓步, 咁一係眾院讓步(但眾院民主黨有無咁好死, 大條道理都唔入死佢?
:^(
:^(
所以我諗佢可能係度等, 潛住水睇下GOP民調會唔會轉向
:^(
Filibuster_HK
McConnell其實會唔會中間就唔玩，成日比Freedom Caucus逼上梁山， 另外佢一定唔想得罪Trump，因為會俾Right Wing Media屌到仆街
:^(
:^(
:^(
Filibuster_HK
New Venezuela congress chief says Maduro will be usurper president
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/new-venezuela-congress-chief-says-maduro-will-be-usurper-president-idUSKCN1OZ0N8
CARACAS (Reuters) - The newly elected chief of Venezuela’s opposition-run Congress on Saturday said President Nicolas Maduro will be “usurping the presidency” when he swears in for a second term on Jan. 10 after winning a much criticized and broadly boycotted 2018 election.
Legislator Juan Guaido of the hard-line opposition party Popular Will, who was elected to head the legislature on Saturday, said he would confront the “dictatorship” and seek fair elections, without offering details.
His statements add to criticism by governments around the world that have accused Maduro of undermining democracy and mismanaging the economy. But the largely powerless congress has few concrete means of stopping the inauguration or easing Maduro’s grip on power.
“Maduro from January 10 will be usurping the presidency of the Republic,” said Guaido, a 35-year-old industrial engineer, in his first speech. “This National Assembly, as the only legitimate power elected by Venezuelans, assumes the representation of the people.”
The ruling Socialist Party with the help of the country’s top court has turned the Congress into a mostly symbolic entity, replacing its day-to-day functions with an all-powerful body called the Constituent Assembly.
Guaido on Saturday vowed “not to give up” while demanding justice for dozens of imprisoned or exiled political leaders, including some of his fellow legislators. He blamed the government for creating a “miserable” life for Venezuelans.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/new-venezuela-congress-chief-says-maduro-will-be-usurper-president-idUSKCN1OZ0N8
CARACAS (Reuters) - The newly elected chief of Venezuela’s opposition-run Congress on Saturday said President Nicolas Maduro will be “usurping the presidency” when he swears in for a second term on Jan. 10 after winning a much criticized and broadly boycotted 2018 election.
Legislator Juan Guaido of the hard-line opposition party Popular Will, who was elected to head the legislature on Saturday, said he would confront the “dictatorship” and seek fair elections, without offering details.
His statements add to criticism by governments around the world that have accused Maduro of undermining democracy and mismanaging the economy. But the largely powerless congress has few concrete means of stopping the inauguration or easing Maduro’s grip on power.
“Maduro from January 10 will be usurping the presidency of the Republic,” said Guaido, a 35-year-old industrial engineer, in his first speech. “This National Assembly, as the only legitimate power elected by Venezuelans, assumes the representation of the people.”
The ruling Socialist Party with the help of the country’s top court has turned the Congress into a mostly symbolic entity, replacing its day-to-day functions with an all-powerful body called the Constituent Assembly.
Guaido on Saturday vowed “not to give up” while demanding justice for dozens of imprisoned or exiled political leaders, including some of his fellow legislators. He blamed the government for creating a “miserable” life for Venezuelans.
Filibuster_HK
Bolton says Turkey must not attack Kurdish fighters once U.S. leaves Syria
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/bolton-says-turkey-must-not-attack-kurdish-fighters-once-u-s-leaves-syria-idUSKCN1P0090
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - White House national security adviser John Bolton added a new condition on Sunday to the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, saying Turkey must agree to protect the United States’ Kurdish allies.
Bolton, on a trip to Israel and Turkey, said he would stress in talks with Turkish officials, including President Tayyip Erdogan, that Kurdish forces must be protected.
Asked whether a U.S. withdrawal would not take place in Syria until Turkey guaranteed the Kurdish fighters would be safe, Bolton said: “Basically, that’s right.”
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-syria/bolton-says-turkey-must-not-attack-kurdish-fighters-once-u-s-leaves-syria-idUSKCN1P0090
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - White House national security adviser John Bolton added a new condition on Sunday to the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, saying Turkey must agree to protect the United States’ Kurdish allies.
Bolton, on a trip to Israel and Turkey, said he would stress in talks with Turkish officials, including President Tayyip Erdogan, that Kurdish forces must be protected.
Asked whether a U.S. withdrawal would not take place in Syria until Turkey guaranteed the Kurdish fighters would be safe, Bolton said: “Basically, that’s right.”
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Filibuster_HK
Theresa May pleads for EU to give ground and rescue Brexit deal
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jan/06/theresa-may-pleads-for-eu-to-give-ground-brexit-deal
Theresa May is preparing to make another desperate plea to EU leaders to offer a concession on the Irish backstop as she attempts to win over Brexiters who have vowed to vote down the government’s deal.
The prime minister on Sunday promised to hold the meaningful vote in parliament in the week beginning 14 January despite growing opposition from Conservative backbenchers and the Democratic Unionist party, whose votes are required to push the deal through parliament.
As MPs prepare to return to Westminster with the crucial Commons vote looming on the withdrawal agreement, Downing Street insisted that new compromises could still be won from Europe that would ensure the safe passage of May’s plan.
Chris Patten, the former Conservative Party chairman, called for a second referendum on the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jan/06/theresa-may-pleads-for-eu-to-give-ground-brexit-deal
Theresa May is preparing to make another desperate plea to EU leaders to offer a concession on the Irish backstop as she attempts to win over Brexiters who have vowed to vote down the government’s deal.
The prime minister on Sunday promised to hold the meaningful vote in parliament in the week beginning 14 January despite growing opposition from Conservative backbenchers and the Democratic Unionist party, whose votes are required to push the deal through parliament.
As MPs prepare to return to Westminster with the crucial Commons vote looming on the withdrawal agreement, Downing Street insisted that new compromises could still be won from Europe that would ensure the safe passage of May’s plan.
Chris Patten, the former Conservative Party chairman, called for a second referendum on the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
Filibuster_HK
Trump threatens national emergency in 'next few days' over wall and shutdown
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/06/donald-trump-government-shutdown-border-wall-concrete-steel
Donald Trump said on Sunday he may declare a national emergency over immigration, to allow him to build a wall on America’s southern border.
As the government shutdown triggered by the president entered its 16th day, Trump threatened to take extraordinary action to bypass Congress, where Democrats refuse to pass a spending bill that would give him $5.6bn to build his wall. New House speaker Nancy Pelosi has called the wall “an immorality” and refused to fund Trump’s signature campaign pledge.
By declaring a state of national emergency, the White House thinks it will be able to unlock money without congressional approval, although it has given no specific details of the move.
The 1976 National Emergencies Act grants a president powers to take unilateral acts in times of crisis. But it also outlines congressional checks and with Democrats controlling the House, an attempt to make such a move would be fiercely and legally contested, potentially pitching the US into constitutional crisis.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/06/donald-trump-government-shutdown-border-wall-concrete-steel
Donald Trump said on Sunday he may declare a national emergency over immigration, to allow him to build a wall on America’s southern border.
As the government shutdown triggered by the president entered its 16th day, Trump threatened to take extraordinary action to bypass Congress, where Democrats refuse to pass a spending bill that would give him $5.6bn to build his wall. New House speaker Nancy Pelosi has called the wall “an immorality” and refused to fund Trump’s signature campaign pledge.
By declaring a state of national emergency, the White House thinks it will be able to unlock money without congressional approval, although it has given no specific details of the move.
The 1976 National Emergencies Act grants a president powers to take unilateral acts in times of crisis. But it also outlines congressional checks and with Democrats controlling the House, an attempt to make such a move would be fiercely and legally contested, potentially pitching the US into constitutional crisis.
DI_Cotton
做得議員就不嬲龍門任搬
好似奧巴馬時要選大法官共和黨話要等埋大選拖咗大半年
舊年就話唔等得要盡快委任
呢點我無意見
我只係覺得共和黨比侵嗰種玩法騎劫咗
根本唔去make deal只係為咗唔激嬲侵同班core support
呢種風氣轉變中長線有啲危機對於美國政治黎講
好似奧巴馬時要選大法官共和黨話要等埋大選拖咗大半年
舊年就話唔等得要盡快委任
:^(
呢點我無意見
我只係覺得共和黨比侵嗰種玩法騎劫咗
根本唔去make deal只係為咗唔激嬲侵同班core support
呢種風氣轉變中長線有啲危機對於美國政治黎講
Filibuster_HK
Palestinian Authority removes staff from Gaza-Egypt crossing
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46782179
The Palestinian Authority (PA) says it is pulling its staff out of the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, effectively closing the main exit point from the coastal territory.
A statement accused the militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, of harassing and detaining PA employees.
Hamas said the move amounted to "additional sanctions" on the people of Gaza by the West Bank-based PA.
The PA took control of the crossing in 2017 as part of a reconciliation deal.
The agreement, which was brokered by Egypt, aimed to end a decade-long split between Hamas and its secular rival, Fatah, which dominates the PA. But a dispute over power-sharing has hindered its implementation.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46782179
The Palestinian Authority (PA) says it is pulling its staff out of the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, effectively closing the main exit point from the coastal territory.
A statement accused the militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, of harassing and detaining PA employees.
Hamas said the move amounted to "additional sanctions" on the people of Gaza by the West Bank-based PA.
The PA took control of the crossing in 2017 as part of a reconciliation deal.
The agreement, which was brokered by Egypt, aimed to end a decade-long split between Hamas and its secular rival, Fatah, which dominates the PA. But a dispute over power-sharing has hindered its implementation.
Filibuster_HK
Gabon coup attempt: Government says situation under control
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-46779854
The political situation in Gabon is "under control" following an attempted military coup, a spokesman for the government has said.
All five of the rebels who tried to take charge have now been arrested by the authorities.
The junior officers claimed they seized power "to restore democracy" in oil-rich Gabon, where the ailing leader's family has ruled for 50 years.
Tanks and armoured vehicles could be seen in the capital Libreville.
One of the rebels was on the run for a brief period, before being found hiding under a bed, reports Radio France Internationale.
"The situation is calm. The gendarmes who are often stationed there have taken control of the entire area around the radio and TV headquarters, so everything is back to normal", said Guy-Bertrand Mapangou. a government spokesman.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-46779854
The political situation in Gabon is "under control" following an attempted military coup, a spokesman for the government has said.
All five of the rebels who tried to take charge have now been arrested by the authorities.
The junior officers claimed they seized power "to restore democracy" in oil-rich Gabon, where the ailing leader's family has ruled for 50 years.
Tanks and armoured vehicles could be seen in the capital Libreville.
One of the rebels was on the run for a brief period, before being found hiding under a bed, reports Radio France Internationale.
"The situation is calm. The gendarmes who are often stationed there have taken control of the entire area around the radio and TV headquarters, so everything is back to normal", said Guy-Bertrand Mapangou. a government spokesman.
Filibuster_HK
Brexit: Date for vote on Theresa May's deal confirmed
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46777987
MPs will vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal on Tuesday, 15 January, government sources have confirmed.
The Commons vote was called off last month by the PM, who was facing defeat, but sources have told the BBC the vote will not be delayed again.
It is also understood the government will set out further reassurances on the controversial backstop.
Meanwhile, more than 200 MPs have signed a letter to Theresa May, urging her to rule out a no-deal Brexit.
It comes as a major exercise involving more than 100 lorries is being carried out in Kent to test out how to manage traffic queues near the Channel ports in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46777987
MPs will vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal on Tuesday, 15 January, government sources have confirmed.
The Commons vote was called off last month by the PM, who was facing defeat, but sources have told the BBC the vote will not be delayed again.
It is also understood the government will set out further reassurances on the controversial backstop.
Meanwhile, more than 200 MPs have signed a letter to Theresa May, urging her to rule out a no-deal Brexit.
It comes as a major exercise involving more than 100 lorries is being carried out in Kent to test out how to manage traffic queues near the Channel ports in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Filibuster_HK
Trump wages PR war as shutdown talks falter
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/07/trump-government-shutdown-border-wall-1084693
President Donald Trump plans to give a national address and travel to the southern border as negotiations to reopen the government remain deadlocked and no real discussions are happening with Democrats.
The two moves signal that the president is not easing off his demands for billions of dollars in border wall funding that have pushed the government into one of the longest shutdowns in U.S. history. Trump said he will deliver an address on Tuesday at 9 p.m. Eastern time "on the humanitarian and national security crisis on our southern border," a clear move to challenge Democrats, who insist that they will not give him the additional border funding Trump is seeking.
After a weekend of talks that Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials held with congressional staffers, no other meetings are currently scheduled for the two sides this week, according to congressional sources, underscoring how far apart Democrats and the president remain.
Pence told reporters on Monday afternoon that the White House is looking at whether the president can declare a national emergency to build a wall on the border, which would sidestep Democrats' resistance to congressional funding for Trump's top political priority.
The House will vote later this week on reopening portions of the government that have closed during the impasse over the border wall funding issue, a move by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to keep the shutdown on the front burner. But McConnell has repeatedly said he will take up legislation onlly if it is supported by the president, and the president has vowed that he won't sign funding legislation unless it gives a major boost to border security.
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/07/trump-government-shutdown-border-wall-1084693
President Donald Trump plans to give a national address and travel to the southern border as negotiations to reopen the government remain deadlocked and no real discussions are happening with Democrats.
The two moves signal that the president is not easing off his demands for billions of dollars in border wall funding that have pushed the government into one of the longest shutdowns in U.S. history. Trump said he will deliver an address on Tuesday at 9 p.m. Eastern time "on the humanitarian and national security crisis on our southern border," a clear move to challenge Democrats, who insist that they will not give him the additional border funding Trump is seeking.
After a weekend of talks that Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials held with congressional staffers, no other meetings are currently scheduled for the two sides this week, according to congressional sources, underscoring how far apart Democrats and the president remain.
Pence told reporters on Monday afternoon that the White House is looking at whether the president can declare a national emergency to build a wall on the border, which would sidestep Democrats' resistance to congressional funding for Trump's top political priority.
The House will vote later this week on reopening portions of the government that have closed during the impasse over the border wall funding issue, a move by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to keep the shutdown on the front burner. But McConnell has repeatedly said he will take up legislation onlly if it is supported by the president, and the president has vowed that he won't sign funding legislation unless it gives a major boost to border security.
Filibuster_HK
North Korea's Kim Jong-un visits China's Xi Jinping
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46789925
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korea's state media has confirmed.
The news follows speculation earlier on Monday that Mr Kim was possibly on his way to China by train.
Mr Kim will be in the country 7-10 January with his wife Ri Sol-ju, North Korean news agency KCNA said.
It comes amid reports of negotiations for a second summit between Mr Kim and US President Donald Trump.
The two met last June in what was the first such meeting for a sitting US president.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46789925
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korea's state media has confirmed.
The news follows speculation earlier on Monday that Mr Kim was possibly on his way to China by train.
Mr Kim will be in the country 7-10 January with his wife Ri Sol-ju, North Korean news agency KCNA said.
It comes amid reports of negotiations for a second summit between Mr Kim and US President Donald Trump.
The two met last June in what was the first such meeting for a sitting US president.
Filibuster_HK
Tax refunds will go out during shutdown, White House official says
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/07/treasury-tax-refunds-shutdown-1064149
The Trump administration has decided that tax refunds will be disbursed this year as scheduled despite the partial government shutdown.
The announcement Monday, which reverses previous policy — and surprised some in the administration’s own Treasury Department — means millions of Americans should not see a delay in their refunds even though thousands of IRS employees have been furloughed.
“Tax refunds will go out,” acting White House budget director Russ Vought told reporters Monday afternoon.
The OMB announcement came even as the Treasury Department had been knee deep into a legal analysis looking at whether the government had the power to issue the refunds amid the budget impasse.
Some in the Treasury Department don’t believe it has the legal authority to summon furloughed workers back to the office and begin issuing refunds.
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/07/treasury-tax-refunds-shutdown-1064149
The Trump administration has decided that tax refunds will be disbursed this year as scheduled despite the partial government shutdown.
The announcement Monday, which reverses previous policy — and surprised some in the administration’s own Treasury Department — means millions of Americans should not see a delay in their refunds even though thousands of IRS employees have been furloughed.
“Tax refunds will go out,” acting White House budget director Russ Vought told reporters Monday afternoon.
The OMB announcement came even as the Treasury Department had been knee deep into a legal analysis looking at whether the government had the power to issue the refunds amid the budget impasse.
Some in the Treasury Department don’t believe it has the legal authority to summon furloughed workers back to the office and begin issuing refunds.
Filibuster_HK
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim resigns
https://www.dw.com/en/world-bank-president-jim-yong-kim-resigns/a-46988502
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim will resign effective February 1, the development bank said on Monday, more than three years before his term ends in 2022.
"It has been a great honor to serve as president of this remarkable institution," said Kim, who is joining a private company focused on investments in the developing world.
In a letter to bank staff, he said he wanted to leave the organization to "take on new challenges and fully focus my efforts on leveraging private finance for the benefit of people."
The bank's chief executive officer, Kristalina Georgieva, will become interim president after Kim's departure.
https://www.dw.com/en/world-bank-president-jim-yong-kim-resigns/a-46988502
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim will resign effective February 1, the development bank said on Monday, more than three years before his term ends in 2022.
"It has been a great honor to serve as president of this remarkable institution," said Kim, who is joining a private company focused on investments in the developing world.
In a letter to bank staff, he said he wanted to leave the organization to "take on new challenges and fully focus my efforts on leveraging private finance for the benefit of people."
The bank's chief executive officer, Kristalina Georgieva, will become interim president after Kim's departure.
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Filibuster_HK
France plans tougher laws to counter yellow vest protests
https://www.dw.com/en/france-plans-tougher-laws-to-counter-yellow-vest-protests/a-46990619
France plans to introduce tough legislation to ban unauthorized demonstrations and sanction rioters in response to violent yellow vest protests, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has announced.
Eight weeks into demonstrations that have led to riots and clashes with police in Paris and other cities, the French government is struggling to deal with the leaderless movement that has become increasingly radicalized.
Philippe said Monday the government planned "updating the law in order to sanction those who do not respect this obligation to declare protests, those who take part in undeclared protests, those who arrive at protests with balaclavas."
He also announced a plan to ban "troublemakers" from participating in demonstrations, similar to the way football hooligans are banned from stadiums.
In response to destruction of businesses and property in riots, "the troublemakers, and not taxpayers" would be responsible to pay for damages, he said.
"We need to preserve the right to demonstrate in France and we must sanction those who break the law," Philippe told TF1 television.
https://www.dw.com/en/france-plans-tougher-laws-to-counter-yellow-vest-protests/a-46990619
France plans to introduce tough legislation to ban unauthorized demonstrations and sanction rioters in response to violent yellow vest protests, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has announced.
Eight weeks into demonstrations that have led to riots and clashes with police in Paris and other cities, the French government is struggling to deal with the leaderless movement that has become increasingly radicalized.
Philippe said Monday the government planned "updating the law in order to sanction those who do not respect this obligation to declare protests, those who take part in undeclared protests, those who arrive at protests with balaclavas."
He also announced a plan to ban "troublemakers" from participating in demonstrations, similar to the way football hooligans are banned from stadiums.
In response to destruction of businesses and property in riots, "the troublemakers, and not taxpayers" would be responsible to pay for damages, he said.
"We need to preserve the right to demonstrate in France and we must sanction those who break the law," Philippe told TF1 television.
Filibuster_HK
Trump administration downgrades EU mission to US
https://www.dw.com/en/trump-administration-downgrades-eu-mission-to-us/a-46990608
The unannounced move by the US State Department, which has not previously been reported, downgraded the EU delegation's diplomatic status in Washington from member state to international organization.
"We don't exactly know when they did it, because they conveniently forgot to notify us," an EU official who is familiar with the matter told DW in an interview.
"I can confirm that this has not been well received in Brussels," the person said, adding that the issue and an official EU response was still being discussed.
After the delegation noticed that the EU's Washington ambassador had not been invited to certain events late last year, officials organizing the state funeral for President George H.W. Bush provided final confirmation to EU diplomats that the status of the representation had in fact been downgraded. Diplomats believe the downgrade must have been implemented in late October or early November.
https://www.dw.com/en/trump-administration-downgrades-eu-mission-to-us/a-46990608
The unannounced move by the US State Department, which has not previously been reported, downgraded the EU delegation's diplomatic status in Washington from member state to international organization.
"We don't exactly know when they did it, because they conveniently forgot to notify us," an EU official who is familiar with the matter told DW in an interview.
"I can confirm that this has not been well received in Brussels," the person said, adding that the issue and an official EU response was still being discussed.
After the delegation noticed that the EU's Washington ambassador had not been invited to certain events late last year, officials organizing the state funeral for President George H.W. Bush provided final confirmation to EU diplomats that the status of the representation had in fact been downgraded. Diplomats believe the downgrade must have been implemented in late October or early November.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-usa-detention/moscow-accuses-washington-of-detaining-russian-citizen-after-arresting-ex-u-s-marine-idUSKCN1OZ09S
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday the United States had detained a Russian citizen, days after Moscow arrested the former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan on suspicion of spying.
Whelan was arrested by Russia’s Federal Security Service on Dec. 28. His family have said he is innocent and that he was in Moscow to attend a wedding.
The ministry said the United States detained Russian citizen Dmitry Makarenko on the Northern Mariana Islands on Dec. 29 and had moved him to Florida.
“... Makarenko, born in 1979, has arrived on Saipan Island with his wife, underage children and elderly parents. He was detained by FBI personnel at the airport right after his arrival,” the ministry said.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow could not immediately be reached for comment.
Russia says it is not willing to exchange detained ex-U.S. marine: Interfax
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-usa-espionage-swap/russia-says-it-is-not-willing-to-exchange-detained-ex-u-s-marine-interfax-idUSKCN1OZ09D
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia is not willing to exchange Paul Whelan, the former U.S. marine detained in Moscow on suspicion of spying, Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Saturday.