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Filibuster_HK
Mueller probe already financed through September: officials
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-budget-mueller/mueller-probe-already-financed-through-september-officials-idUSKBN1QS2QB
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the team he assembled to investigate U.S. President Donald Trump and his associates have been funded through the end of September 2019, three U.S. officials said on Monday, an indication that the probe has funding to keep it going for months if need be.
The operations and funding of Mueller’s office were not addressed in the budget requests for the next government fiscal year issued by the White House and Justice Department on Monday because Mueller’s office is financed by the U.S. Treasury under special regulations issued by the Justice Department, the officials said.
“The Special Counsel is funded by the Independent Counsel appropriation, a permanent indefinite appropriation established in the Department’s 1988 Appropriations Act,” a Justice Department spokesman said.
There has been increased speculation in recent weeks that Mueller’s team is close to winding up its work and is likely to deliver a report summarizing its findings to Attorney General William Barr any day or week now. Mueller’s office has not commented on the news reports suggesting an imminent release.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-budget-mueller/mueller-probe-already-financed-through-september-officials-idUSKBN1QS2QB
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the team he assembled to investigate U.S. President Donald Trump and his associates have been funded through the end of September 2019, three U.S. officials said on Monday, an indication that the probe has funding to keep it going for months if need be.
The operations and funding of Mueller’s office were not addressed in the budget requests for the next government fiscal year issued by the White House and Justice Department on Monday because Mueller’s office is financed by the U.S. Treasury under special regulations issued by the Justice Department, the officials said.
“The Special Counsel is funded by the Independent Counsel appropriation, a permanent indefinite appropriation established in the Department’s 1988 Appropriations Act,” a Justice Department spokesman said.
There has been increased speculation in recent weeks that Mueller’s team is close to winding up its work and is likely to deliver a report summarizing its findings to Attorney General William Barr any day or week now. Mueller’s office has not commented on the news reports suggesting an imminent release.
Filibuster_HK
US begins work on new cruise missile after pulling out of cold war treaty
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/11/us-cruise-missile-development-russia-inf-treaty-
The US has begun building parts for a new ground-launched cruise missile in anticipation of the end of a cold war treaty that banned them, the Pentagon has confirmed.
The Trump administration declared on 1 February it was no longer bound by the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty and would withdraw completely in August, pointing to the deployment of a new Russian missile which the US has complained for more than six years was a violation of the agreement.
Michelle Baldanza, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said on Monday that fabrication had begun on components for a new ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM), which was first reported by Aviation Week.
It is the first time the US has built such weapons since the 1980s when cruise missiles were deployed in Europe in a tense standoff against Soviet SS-20 missiles.
Baldanza said that in response to Russian violation of the treaty, the US defence department started “treaty-compliant research and development of conventional, ground-launched missile concepts in late 2017”.
She stressed that the missile involved was conventional, not nuclear. She added that because the US had previously observed the INF treaty, the research work was in its early stages, but now that the US was no longer bound by its INF obligations, it was moving forward with development efforts.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/11/us-cruise-missile-development-russia-inf-treaty-
The US has begun building parts for a new ground-launched cruise missile in anticipation of the end of a cold war treaty that banned them, the Pentagon has confirmed.
The Trump administration declared on 1 February it was no longer bound by the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty and would withdraw completely in August, pointing to the deployment of a new Russian missile which the US has complained for more than six years was a violation of the agreement.
Michelle Baldanza, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said on Monday that fabrication had begun on components for a new ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM), which was first reported by Aviation Week.
It is the first time the US has built such weapons since the 1980s when cruise missiles were deployed in Europe in a tense standoff against Soviet SS-20 missiles.
Baldanza said that in response to Russian violation of the treaty, the US defence department started “treaty-compliant research and development of conventional, ground-launched missile concepts in late 2017”.
She stressed that the missile involved was conventional, not nuclear. She added that because the US had previously observed the INF treaty, the research work was in its early stages, but now that the US was no longer bound by its INF obligations, it was moving forward with development efforts.
伏羽忍冬
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47487320
(...)
In a speech to a green energy firm in Lincolnshire, Mrs May said she understood the "genuine concerns" about the backstop but appealed to MPs to recognise that the deal as a whole respected the 2016 referendum result and would ensure the UK's long-term prosperity.
"Back it and the UK will leave the EU," she said.
"Reject it and no-one knows what will happen. We may not leave the EU for many months. We may leave without the protections a deal provides, we may never leave at all."
May姐你係咪曲線緊
(...)
In a speech to a green energy firm in Lincolnshire, Mrs May said she understood the "genuine concerns" about the backstop but appealed to MPs to recognise that the deal as a whole respected the 2016 referendum result and would ensure the UK's long-term prosperity.
"Back it and the UK will leave the EU," she said.
"Reject it and no-one knows what will happen. We may not leave the EU for many months. We may leave without the protections a deal provides, we may never leave at all."
May姐你係咪曲線緊
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y4t7sds12
The Attorney General Geoffrey Cox has finally published his legal advice on the assurances brought back from Strasbourg last night.
He says the "legal risk remains unchanged" of the UK being stuck in the backstop.
He says the "legal risk remains unchanged" of the UK being stuck in the backstop.
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DUP sources: “The party cannot support the Prime Minister’s deal in tonight’s vote.” #Brexit
ERG's legal team known as the "Star Chamber" say they will call on MPs to vote down the deal.
Sir Bill Cash says: “In the light of our own legal analysis and others we do not recommend accepting the government’s motion today.”
ERG's legal team known as the "Star Chamber" say they will call on MPs to vote down the deal.
Sir Bill Cash says: “In the light of our own legal analysis and others we do not recommend accepting the government’s motion today.”
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Filibuster_HK
MPs debate Theresa May's revised Brexit deal in parliament – watch live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KilLxiMO50A
Brexit: ERG says it cannot recommend voting for May's deal – Politics live
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/mar/12/brexit-mps-vote-theresa-may-backstop-deal-jeremy-corbyn-politics-live
Reaction to May deal ahead of MPs' vote
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-politics-parliaments-47529293
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KilLxiMO50A
Brexit: ERG says it cannot recommend voting for May's deal – Politics live
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/mar/12/brexit-mps-vote-theresa-may-backstop-deal-jeremy-corbyn-politics-live
Reaction to May deal ahead of MPs' vote
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-politics-parliaments-47529293
黃貫中
英國下議院第二度否決脫歐協議，投票結果為：
贊成：242票
反對：391票
在1月的表決中，贊成協議的有202名議員；兩者差距由1月的230票縮減至149票。
根據政府早前的計劃，下議院明天會表決是否支持無協議脫歐。
贊成：242票
反對：391票
在1月的表決中，贊成協議的有202名議員；兩者差距由1月的230票縮減至149票。
根據政府早前的計劃，下議院明天會表決是否支持無協議脫歐。
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Filibuster_HK
Venezuela's Juan Guaidó faces sabotage investigation
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47538874
Venezuela's Chief Prosecutor Tarek Saab says he has asked the Supreme Court to investigate opposition leader Juan Guaidó for allegedly sabotaging the country's electrical system.
Much of Venezuela has been without power since Thursday afternoon.
President Nicolás Maduro has said that "US technology" was used to sabotage the electricity grid and has pointed the finger at the opposition.
Mr Guaidó says it is down to government mismanagement.
Mr Saab's announcement came just hours after President Maduro had said in a televised message to the nation that "the hour of justice has come" and that the "justice [system] will go after the person behind this criminal attack against the Venezuelan electricity system".
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47538874
Venezuela's Chief Prosecutor Tarek Saab says he has asked the Supreme Court to investigate opposition leader Juan Guaidó for allegedly sabotaging the country's electrical system.
Much of Venezuela has been without power since Thursday afternoon.
President Nicolás Maduro has said that "US technology" was used to sabotage the electricity grid and has pointed the finger at the opposition.
Mr Guaidó says it is down to government mismanagement.
Mr Saab's announcement came just hours after President Maduro had said in a televised message to the nation that "the hour of justice has come" and that the "justice [system] will go after the person behind this criminal attack against the Venezuelan electricity system".
Filibuster_HK
George Pell: Australia court jails cardinal for six years
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-47549297
Cardinal George Pell has been jailed for six years after being convicted of sexually abusing two boys in Australia.
The former Vatican treasurer is the most senior Catholic figure ever to be found guilty of sexual offences against children.
Pell abused the 13-year-old choir boys in a Melbourne cathedral in 1996, a jury ruled last year.
The cardinal, 77, maintains his innocence and is appealing against his convictions.
In sentencing Pell on Wednesday, a judge said the cleric had committed "a brazen and forceful sexual attack on the two victims".
"Your conduct was permeated by staggering arrogance," said Judge Peter Kidd.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-47549297
Cardinal George Pell has been jailed for six years after being convicted of sexually abusing two boys in Australia.
The former Vatican treasurer is the most senior Catholic figure ever to be found guilty of sexual offences against children.
Pell abused the 13-year-old choir boys in a Melbourne cathedral in 1996, a jury ruled last year.
The cardinal, 77, maintains his innocence and is appealing against his convictions.
In sentencing Pell on Wednesday, a judge said the cleric had committed "a brazen and forceful sexual attack on the two victims".
"Your conduct was permeated by staggering arrogance," said Judge Peter Kidd.
Filibuster_HK
US to withdraw all remaining embassy personnel from Venezuela
https://www.dw.com/en/us-to-withdraw-all-remaining-embassy-personnel-from-venezuela/a-47866764
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said late Monday that the United States will withdraw all remaining diplomatic personnel from its embassy in Caracas as the crisis in Venezuela deepens. He said the staff would leave by the end of the week.
The move worsens already frayed relations between the two nations. President Donald Trump has said that he doesn't rule out any options including military intervention to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The US has already imposed sanctions designed to choke off Venezuelan oil sales, which are the lifeblood of the leftist government in Caracas.
Much of Venezuela has been without electricity going on five days now due to a power outage that the government blames on what it calls sabotage encouraged by the US.
Venezuela is in the grips of an acute economic crisis that has helped the rise of opposition leader Juan Guaido, the national assembly speaker who in late January declared himself to be the interim leader. More than 50 countries, led by the US have endorsed him as President.
"This decision reflects the deteriorating situation in Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," Pompeo wrote on Twitter.
https://www.dw.com/en/us-to-withdraw-all-remaining-embassy-personnel-from-venezuela/a-47866764
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said late Monday that the United States will withdraw all remaining diplomatic personnel from its embassy in Caracas as the crisis in Venezuela deepens. He said the staff would leave by the end of the week.
The move worsens already frayed relations between the two nations. President Donald Trump has said that he doesn't rule out any options including military intervention to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The US has already imposed sanctions designed to choke off Venezuelan oil sales, which are the lifeblood of the leftist government in Caracas.
Much of Venezuela has been without electricity going on five days now due to a power outage that the government blames on what it calls sabotage encouraged by the US.
Venezuela is in the grips of an acute economic crisis that has helped the rise of opposition leader Juan Guaido, the national assembly speaker who in late January declared himself to be the interim leader. More than 50 countries, led by the US have endorsed him as President.
"This decision reflects the deteriorating situation in Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint on US policy," Pompeo wrote on Twitter.
Filibuster_HK
US, Taliban make 'real strides' in Afghan peace talks
https://www.dw.com/en/us-taliban-make-real-strides-in-afghan-peace-talks/a-47881896
US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their latest round of peace talks with progress made but no agreement on a timetable for a foreign troop withdrawal, both sides said Tuesday.
The 16 days of talks in the Qatari capital Doha produced an agreement "in draft" on a troop withdrawal timeline and counterterrorism assurances, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said on Twitter.
"The conditions for peace have improved. It's clear all sides want to end the war. Despite ups and downs, we kept things on track and made real strides," the Afghan-born US diplomat said.
The Taliban have held multiple rounds of talks with US negotiators, but have so far refused to negotiate directly with the Afghan government or commit to a ceasefire amid nearly daily attacks.
https://www.dw.com/en/us-taliban-make-real-strides-in-afghan-peace-talks/a-47881896
US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their latest round of peace talks with progress made but no agreement on a timetable for a foreign troop withdrawal, both sides said Tuesday.
The 16 days of talks in the Qatari capital Doha produced an agreement "in draft" on a troop withdrawal timeline and counterterrorism assurances, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said on Twitter.
"The conditions for peace have improved. It's clear all sides want to end the war. Despite ups and downs, we kept things on track and made real strides," the Afghan-born US diplomat said.
The Taliban have held multiple rounds of talks with US negotiators, but have so far refused to negotiate directly with the Afghan government or commit to a ceasefire amid nearly daily attacks.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/11/algerian-president-says-he-will-not-run-again-after-weeks-of-protests
The Algerian president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has withdrawn his bid for a fifth term in office after mass protests against his rule and postponed elections scheduled for April to allow for consultation on reforms “for a new generation”.
Bouteflika made the surprise announcement on Monday in a letter to the Algerian people released by his office. The 82-year-old leader, who has been in power for two decades, acknowledged three consecutive weeks of demonstrations against his rule in which hundreds of thousands of people from across Algerian society took to the streets.
“I understand the motivations of the many people who chose this method of expression,” Bouteflika said in the letter, praising the peaceful nature of the protests before promising sweeping constitutional and political changes.
“This new system and new republic will be in the hands of a new generation of Algerians,” he said, promising a national conference lasting until the end of this year to find his successor.