The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • IMF executive board begins selection process for next MD

    The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)  has adopted an open, merit-based, and transparent process for the selection of the next managing director, the organisation has said.

    In a statement it issued in Washington D.C. and made available in Abuja on Friday, the board said the process was similar to the one used in recent rounds.

    It underscored the importance it placed on the successful candidate having the requisite global standing to lead the fund, which stands at the centre of the global financial system.

    “Individuals may be nominated by a fund governor or executive director and as with past practice, we aim to reach a decision by consensus.

    “The board intends to complete the process by Oct. 4,” it said.

    The board said it approved the decision based on certain outlines.

    It said that the successful candidate for the position would possess a distinguished record in economic policy making at senior levels and have an outstanding professional background.

    It explained that a person could be nominated for the position by a fund governor or an executive director during a nomination period which would commence on Monday at 12:01 a.m., Washington D.C. time and close on Sept. 6, at 11:59 p.m.

    “All nominations shall be communicated to the fund secretary, who shall obtain confirmation from each nominee of his or her willingness to be considered as a candidate.

    “The fund secretary shall hold the names of the nominees in confidence until the end of the nomination period.”

    According to the board, at the end of the nomination period, the secretary will disclose to it the names of those nominees who have confirmed their desire to be candidates.

    Read also: IMF chief, Lagarde resigns

    It said if the candidates were more than three, the board would keep the names of the nominees in confidence until it had drawn up a shortlist of three candidates, taking into account the above candidate profile without geographical preferences.

    It added that after shortlisting the candidates, the board would meet with the shortlisted candidates in Washington, D.C. and thereafter discuss the strengths of the candidates and make a selection.

    “Although the executive board may select a managing director by a majority of the votes cast, the objective of the board is to select the managing director by consensus with the objective of completing the selection process by Oct. 4.

    IMF is looking for a new managing director following the resignation of Ms Christine Lagarde ahead of a decision on her nomination to become head of the European Central Bank.

    Lagarde’s resignation comes to effect on Sept. 12.

    The 63-year-old former French cabinet minister, who began her career as a lawyer, has been head of the IMF since 2011. (NAN)

  • Trump takes aim at China’s developing nation status at WTO

    The Trump administration is looking to reform the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by removing countries like China from a list of developing nations who receive preferential treatment under international commerce rules.

    The White House noted that some of the world’s wealthiest nations on a per capita basis are listed as developing countries, including oil-rich nations like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, along with regional powers like Turkey, South Korea and Mexico.

    “When the wealthiest economies claim developing country status, they harm not only other developed economies but also economies that truly require special and differential treatment,’’ a White House statement said.

    REad also: I’ll make Britain great again, PM Johnson echoes Trump over Brexit

    The new policy will seek to ensure that advanced economies can no longer avail themselves of unwarranted benefits, despite abundant evidence of economic strength. The perks include trade safeguards and longer transition periods for new rules.

    The White House order allows the U.S. Trade Representative Office to compile a list of self-described developing nations that it believes should be labelled differently, possibly setting up punitive measures.

    “The WTO is BROKEN when the world’s RICHEST countries claim to be developing countries to avoid WTO rules and get special treatment. NO more!!! Today I directed the U.S. Trade Representative to take action so that countries stop CHEATING the system at the expense of the USA!,” U.S. President Donald Trump said on Twitter. (dpa/NAN)

  • Second Ebola wave hits Congo’s Beni region

    A second Ebola infection wave is spreading in Congo’s north-eastern Beni region, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported on Friday.

    More than half of the new cases over recent weeks appeared in the Beni Health Zone, which
    had already seen high infection rates about one year ago for several weeks, the Geneva-based UN
    agency said.

    According to Congo’s Health Ministry, some 2,600 cases have been recorded as of July 23. At
    least 1,765 patients have died.

    However, the WHO suspects that a quarter of all infections might not be detected, as people die
    but their relatives do not know that they had Ebola.

    The WHO declared the Ebola outbreak an international health emergency earlier in July, after the
    haemorrhagic fever spread to Goma, a major urban centre near the border with Rwanda.

    Efforts to curb the spread of the virus are difficult because of the numerous rebel groups that
    are operating in eastern Congo.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • Libya detains two Russians over alleged meddling in election

    Libyan authorities have been accused of torturing a Russian  sociologist and his interpreter arrested three months over alleged attempt to influence the outcome of a planned elections in the troubled North African country.
    According to CAJ News report, Maxim Shugaley, a sociologist with the Russian Foundation for the Protection of National Values (RFPNV), and his interpreter are being kept at a prison following their arrest in the capital, Tripoli, in May.
    A third Russian national had reportedly fled the country before security services raided their residence.
    The arrest has been shrouded in secrecy and was only made public earlier this month after a Western media outlet published an article.
    The fact that Libyan lawyers are not willing to work with Russian citizens complicates the two’s bid for freedom. Individuals working with Russians risk arrest, it was gathered by CAJ News.
    According to a letter from Libyan prosecutors, the two Russians were  arrested on allegations of attempting to organise a secret meeting with Saif Islam Gaddafi,  a son of Libya’s former long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was overthrown and murdered in 2011.
    Saif is a potential candidate for the country’s presidential elections.
    Dates for the polls have not been set because of the instability characterising Libya, especially around the capital city, which has been  the centre of conflict between rival groups, especially from eastern-based commander, Khalifa Haftar, who has been launching military assault since April.
    The Head, RFPNV, Alexander Malkevich, alleged that the two citizens had been tortured behind bars.
    Malkevich said as members of a research group, the Russians were engaged exclusively in conducting sociological surveys and studying humanitarian, cultural and political situation in the country ahead of potential elections.
    The arrest has raised concern as the foreign nationals entered the country legally and notified authorities on the purpose of their visit.
     According to CAJ News report, had said Malkevich had argued at a news conference that the harassment of the Russian citizens was in reaction by authorities to outcomes of research indicating that Libyan citizens did not support the current administration but have good memories of the Gaddafi regime.
    Western forces were instrumental in Gaddafi’s overthrow. Under Gaddafi, the oil rich Libya had a vibrant economy and stable government.
    It has degenerated into anarchy following his overthrow and is now run by rival groups along ethnic lines.
    The arrest of the two Russians brings to four the number of citizens  from the country illegally detained in Libyan jails. Two sailors were arrested three years ago.
    More than 200 foreigners are jailed under horrific conditions.
    Earlier this month, an airstrike had hit a detention centre for immigrants in the Libyan capital killing at least 44 people and injuring more than 130 others.

     

     

  • Bomb threat interrupts trial of former Malaysian PM Najib

    A bomb threat briefly interrupted the trial of former Malaysian Prime Minister, , forcing the court, where the hearing was held, to evacuate on Thursday.

    Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior AC, Rusdi Mohd Isa, confirmed that the Police received a call from a man around noon, who claimed there was a blast at the court complex.

    “Action has been taken and there is no explosive material found,’’ he said in a brief statement.

    A police bomb disposal unit had combed the court building along with sniffer dogs but no explosives were found.

    READ ALSO: Police: UK, U.S. warning of bomb threat is real

    The police allowed the public back into the court three hours later, with Najib’s hearing to continuing for another hour.

    Najib is standing trial on seven count charge of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power involving 42 million ringgit ($10.3 million).

    The money was deposited into his personal bank account from SRC International, a former unit of state investment fund 1MDB.

    He faces dozens of other charges over 1MDB along with his former deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi since the former ruling party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) lost power in the general election last May.

    (Xinhua/NAN)

  • PDP congratulates new UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday congratulated the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr Boris Johnson, as he assumes office.

    The party National Chairman,  Mr Uche Secondus,  in a statement issued by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan also congratulated the UK Government on the successful election of the new prime minister.

    Secondus said that Nigeria look forward to the days ahead with enhanced synergy with UK.

    REad also: Buhari congratulates new UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

    “The PDP is confident of a more proactive Britain, in her relationship with Nigeria in critical sectors of our national life.

    “We look forward to an enhanced synergy that would boost democracy and good governance within Commonwealth States as well as reinvigorate trade and economic activities, free press, increase access to education and transfer of technology.

    ” We look forward to greater cooperation in security and military needs, among many other areas of mutual interests between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” he said.(NAN)

  • UK PM Johnson pledges to deliver Brexit by Oct. 31

    UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday pledged that the UK would leave the European Union on Oct. 31.

    Johnson made this known in his first speech after assuming the office.

    He added that London would secure a new and “better” deal with Brussels.

    “It has become clear that there are pessimists at home and abroad, who think after three years of indecision that this country has become a prisoner to the old arguments of 2016, and in this home of democracy, we are incapable of honoring a democratic mandate.

    “And so I am standing before you today to tell you, the British people, that those critics are wrong.

    “We are going to fulfill the repeated promises of parliament to the people and come out of the European Union on Oct. 31, no ifs or buts.

    Read Also; Buhari congratulates new UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

    “And we will do a new deal, a better deal,” the new prime minister said.

    Johnson stressed he was convinced that a deal without checks on the Irish border and without the backstop clause was possible.

    “It is, of course, vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate, and we are forced to come out with no deal, not because we want that outcome, of course not, but because it is only common sense to prepare,” Johnson said.

  • Trump congratulates Boris Johnson, says he will be ‘great’

    President Donald Trump has congratulated Boris Johnson on his win in the Tory leadership race, saying he will make a “great” Prime Minister.

    The US President via Twitter on Tuesday said: “Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    Read Also: May congratulates Johnson, urges him to ‘deliver Brexit that works for whole UK’

    “He will be great!”

    Boris will on Wednesday take over from Theresa May officially.

     

  • Iran detains 17 citizens accused of spying for the CIA

    Iran says it has detained 17 citizens accused of spying for the CIA, saying that some of them will be executed.

    The country’s intelligence ministry said it had broken up a spying ring consisting of Iranian who were lured by a chance to move to the US and work there, CNN reported on Monday.

    The suspects were “employed in sensitive and vital private sector centers in the economic, nuclear, infrastructural, military and cyber areas … where they collected classified information,” an Iranian intelligence official told state TV on Monday, according to Sky News .

    The intelligence official did not give his name, which Sky News said is unusual.
    The CIA has not yet responded to Iran’s announcement.

    The mission of the alleged spies had been to collect classified information “from substantial centers as well as intelligence/technical operations,” the intelligence ministry said in a document, cited by CNN.

    Iranian authorities arrested the alleged spies’ months ago, and many of them have been detained in prison since, according to Sky News and CNN reported.

    Some of the suspects have also been sentenced to death, though the unnamed intelligence official did not say how many, Sky News reported.

    Read Also: US to send troops to Saudi Arabia amid Iran tensions

    Iran’s intelligence ministry said in a document, as cited by CNN: “Defendants serving their sentences in prison mentioning tempting promises of CIA officers including emigration to USA, a proper job in America, and money.”

    All 17 suspects have confessed to spying for the CIA, CNN said.

    Amnesty International reported last week, however, that Iranian authorities have a history of using solitary confinement and threats against family members to make people unsavory to the regime confess to crimes they didn’t commit.

    The ministry also appeared to suggest that Iranian authorities plan to retaliate against the CIA.
    It said, according to CNN: “Individuals who consciously and deliberately betrayed the country and refused to compensate for the losses have been handed over to the judiciary system.”

    “Others, who honestly cooperated with the security system and their remorsefulness have been proved, have been managed with intelligence direction against Americans,” the ministry added.

    Tehran’s announcement comes amid weeks of spiraling tensions with the West.

    There have been several maritime skirmishes on the Strait of Hormuz a narrow waterway to Iran’s south that’s crucial to global oil trade since mid-June.

    Iranian authorities seized two British-linked oil tankers in the strait last Friday, in what appears to be retaliation to the UK’s seizure of an Iranian oil tanker off the British territory of Gibraltar on July 4. Iran seized the British-flagged Stena Impero, and briefly detained another ship, the Mescar.

    US President Donald Trump last week also said a US warship had shot down an Iranian drone, though Tehran has repeatedly said this didn’t happen.

    Iran and the West remain at odds over the 2015 nuclear deal and crippling US sanctions. Tehran violated a 300 kg limit on enriched uranium earlier this month and has vowed to increase its stockpile.

    (NewsNow.co.uk )

  • France finds wreckage of submarine that disappeared in 1968

    The French Navy has found the wreckage of its ‘Minerve’ submarine, which disappeared off the coast of Toulon in the Mediterranean Sea in 1968, leading to the loss of 52 lives.

    “We have just found the Minerve.

    “It was a successful operation, a moment of relief and a demonstration of technical prowess.

    “I would like to spare a thought for the families of those who have waited for this moment for so long,’’ said French Armed Forces Minister, Florence Parly, on Monday.

    The government decided in 2018 to renew efforts to find the Minerve, following requests from the bereaved families and found it, thanks to the use of new sonar and drone technology.

    Read Also: France president, Infantino booed at FIFA Women’s World Cup final ceremony

    The reason the submarine sank remains unknown.

    Minerve was laid down on May 1958 at the Chantiers Dubigeon shipyard in Nantes and launched on May 31, 1961.

    She had a maximum speed of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

    After a shakedown cruise to Londonderry Port, Bergen, and Gothenburg in November 1962, the submarine sailed from Cherbourg to Toulon, arriving on Dec. 22, 1962.

    She was commissioned into the 1st Submarine Squadron on June 10, 1964.

    Minerve operated solely in the Mediterranean Sea.