The Nation Newspaper

Tag: U.S

  • Honda raises profit forecast due to robust sales

    Honda raises profit forecast due to robust sales

    Honda Motor revised up its net profit outlook for the current financial year by 31.3 percent on Friday thanks to cost-cutting measures and strong sales in China and the U.S.

    Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles, and power equipment.

    The company has raised its net profit forecast to 545 billion yen (4.8 billion dollars) for the year through March from 415 billion yen estimated in October.

    Japan’s third-largest car maker also predicted an operating profit of 785 billion yen for the year, up 20.1 percent from 650 billion yen forecast three months ago, while sales are estimated at 13.8 trillion yen, up from 13.4 trillion yen.

    For the October to December period, Honda posted a net profit of 168.8 billion yen, up 35.9 percent from the same period in 2015, while its operating profit grew 27.4 percent to 207.7 billion yen.

    The car sales were down from 3.2 percent to 3.5 trillion yen.

    “Global vehicle sales in the quarter rose 6.8 percent from a year earlier to 1.31 million units,’’ the company said.

  • U.S warns North Korea against nuclear attack

    The United States Defence Secretary, James Mattis, has said any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea would be met with an “effective and overwhelming” response.

    Mr. Mattis spoke in South Korea, where he had been reaffirming U.S support, before flying to Tokyo, the BBC reports.

    He also reconfirmed plans to deploy a U.S missile defence system in South Korea later this year.

    North Korea’s repeated missile and nuclear tests and aggressive statements continue to alarm and anger the region.

    The U.S has a considerable military presence in South Korea and Japan, as part of a post-war defence deal.

    There are just under 28,500 U.S troops in the country, for which Seoul pays about $900m (£710m) annually.

    President Donald Trump has previously said he wants both South Korea and Japan to pay more towards maintaining that presence.

    Mr. Mattis used his visit to reassure South Korea that the Trump administration “remains steadfast” in its “iron-clad” defence commitments to the region, said the Pentagon.

     

  • SANs tackle U.S., NDLEA over Kashamu

    SANs tackle U.S., NDLEA over Kashamu

    Three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Lateef Fagbemi, Alex Izinyon and Akin Olujimi, yesterday described as illegal any attempt to extradite Senator Buruji Kashamu.
    Fagebmi, Izinyon and Olujimi, in a joint statement, said the United States and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) would be overstepping their bounds by attempting to extradite the senator.
    The SANs said: “The U.S. did not appeal against any of the two UK judgments in favour of our client. The judgments therefore, remain binding against the U.S. and Nigeria for ever. Rather than appeal against those judgments, what the U.S. did next was to latch on to the conducive atmosphere in Nigeria brewed by the political enemies of our client, who even though aware that the U.S. had lost out twice in UK courts against our client, mounted unholy pressure on the former Attorney General to commence extradition proceedings against our client. He was therefore forced to approach the courts in Nigeria for redress. Just as the English courts had ruled in his favour, four different courts in four different suits in Lagos and Abuja found in favour of the Senator.
    “Notwithstanding the various subsisting decisions referred to above given by English and Nigerian courts all outlawing the extradition of our client, the NDLEA is, in clear disobedience of the various judgments, still plotting clandestinely with other security agencies at the behest of US agents to forcibly abduct our client and smuggle him to the U.S.
    “Our client’s U.S. lawyers had filed the suit under a law of the United States which the District court in the U.S. held did not create a private right of action. Our client’s U.S. solicitors appealed against the decision of the District Court in 2016. It was that appeal that the U.S. Court of Appeals pronounced upon on 23rd January, 2017 by affirming the decision of the District Court which held that the statute ‘did not create a private right of action’. In other words, it is not open to any individual to predicate a suit on the statute. Clearly, that was not a decision on the merit of the issues submitted to the court.
    “We are in agreement with the court that mere presence of a U.S. employee during an arrest by local officials in a foreign land and even assisting the local officials in an arrest will not amount to attempted abduction. What was not put before the U.S. court of appeals for determination and which the court did not decide is a situation where the local courts in the foreign land had given express orders prohibiting arrest, abduction and/or detention, as done by the Federal High Court in its judgments prohibiting the NDLEA and other security operatives from arresting or removing and exporting our client to the U.S. Any arrest or removal in breach of the orders of the Federal High court will unarguably amount to abduction as defined in Article 2 of the United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance adopted by the General Assembly on 20th December, 2006 to which the attention of the U.S. Court of Appeals was not drawn. Indeed Article 5 of the Convention renders perpetrators of enforced disappearance and the State which organize, acquiesce in or tolerate such disappearances liable under civil law, without prejudice to the international responsibility of the State concerned in accordance with the principles of international law.
    “The U.S. court of appeal did not purport to and cannot overrule the decision of any Nigerian court which must be obeyed, except set aside by a higher court in Nigeria … We have no doubt the NDLEA will backtrack from its enthusiasm after reading our analysis of the judgment. It is also worthy of mention that the Central Authority in matters of extradition from Nigeria is the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation. The role of the NDLEA is no more than to provide information that the Attorney General may require in regard to any request for extradition. So, the only authority who can speak as to what Government is doing on any request for extradition is the Attorney General of the Federation. We are not aware that the Hon. Attorney General has assigned or delegated his statutory authority to the NDLEA.”

  • Canada to offer temporary residency to stranded U.S travellers

    Canada to offer temporary residency to stranded U.S travellers

    Canada will offer temporary residency to travellers stranded by U.S. President Donald Trump’s orders temporarily barring people from seven Muslim-majority countries, a senior official said on Monday.

    Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen told a news conference he did not know how many people might be eligible but said only a handful of passengers headed to the United States from Canada had been denied boarding.

    Trump on Friday gave an executive order barring citizens from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the U.S. for the next 90 days

    “Let me assure those who may be stranded in Canada that I will use my authority as minister to provide them with temporary residency if they need it,” Hussen said.

    Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has refrained from criticising the United States, which takes 75 percent of Canadian exports, preferring instead to stress Canada is open to refugees.

    “Every country has the right to determine their policies,” said Hussen.

    The Canadian Council for Refugees and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), called on Ottawa to withdraw from a Safe Third Country agreement with the U.S., under which Canada returns asylum seekers crossing the border.

    “There’s a danger that the U.S. is doing blanket detentions and deportations … and not honouring asylum claims,” said CCLA Executive Director Sukanya Pillay.

    Such a move would be diplomatically insulting and Hussen said the pact would remain unchanged for now.

    Local and national politicians have condemned Trump’s ban and the opposition New Democrats want an emergency debate in the federal Parliament.

    The U.S. Consulate in Toronto said it would suspend services on Monday because of a planned demonstration.

    More than 200 Canadian technology company founders, executives and investors said on Sunday that Ottawa should immediately give temporary residency to those displaced by Trump’s order.

    “(We) understand the power of inclusion and diversity of thought, and that talent and skill know no borders,” they said in an open letter.

    Canada wants to attract tech workers from abroad while retaining those who are often lured away.

    No fewer than 300,000 Canadians work in California’s Silicon Valley.

    Bob Vaez, the Iranian-born chief executive of tech firm Event Mobi, cancelled plans on Sunday to accept an industry award in Las Vegas.

    “Many event organisers could seek alternative locations.

    “Are they going to keep their conferences in the U.S., knowing that so many people are going to be barred?” he said.

  • ‘Doomsday clock’ : Time moves closer to midnight

    ‘Doomsday clock’ : Time moves closer to midnight

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s “ill-considered” comments about expanding the U.S. nuclear arsenal are among the reasons a group of nuclear scientists on Thursday moved their symbolic doomsday clock 30 seconds closer to midnight.

    The scientists, who have been assessing global security for 70 years, said the global security landscape “darkened” last year for a number of reasons, but cited Trump’s statements in particular.

    “The president’s intemperate statements, lack of openness to expert advice, and questionable cabinet nominations have already made a bad international security situation worse,” the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists said.

    Lawrence Krauss, a physicist and member of the bulletin’s board, said moving the clock to two-and-a-half minutes before midnight is historic.

    “The clock has not been closer to midnight in 64 years,” he said in a news conference.

    In addition, they cited his “disturbing comments” about the use and proliferation of nuclear weapons for their decision to move the clock and his questioning of climate change.

    But the scientists also said the international community failed to “come effectively to grips” with both nuclear weapons and climate change last year.

    Beyond the election of Trump, the scientists listed a number of other reasons for their assessment, including strains in relations between the U.S. and Russia, which together possess more than 90 percent of the world’s nuclear weapons, and North Korea’s underground nuclear tests.

    The doomsday clock first appeared 70 years ago as a graphic on the first cover of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists magazine.

    Over the decades the scientists have recognised climate change as an additional threat, and in their report said: “it could change life on Earth as we know it”.

  • Mass Exodus hits US State Department,as diplomats resign

    Mass Exodus hits US State Department,as diplomats resign

    At least three senior U.S. diplomats at the State Department have left their posts, State Department officials on Thursday said.

    It was not clear whether their departure was part of the normal transition process when a new administration starts or whether it was a coordinated walkout by diplomats who had served in Democrat Barack Obama’s administration.

    A week ago, Republican President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, former Exxon Mobil Corp Chairman Rex Tillerson, was confirmed by the Senate foreign relations committee.

    He has yet to be confirmed by the full Senate. The departures will put more pressure on Tillerson to fill these senior posts.

    Those confirmed to have left are Gregory Starr, Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security, Michele Bond, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs and Tom Countryman, the acting undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security.

  • U.S. commends ECOWAS for ousting Jammeh

    The United States (U.S.) has commended Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its show of leadership in peacefully ousting former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.

    The U.S. Department of State, in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr Mark Toner, also welcomed the ongoing peaceful transition in that country and the commitment to democracy by the people.

    “The United States welcomes the ongoing peaceful transition of power in The Gambia and congratulates President Adama Barrow on his inauguration.

    “We applaud the commitment to democracy and the restraint shown by the Gambian people over the past weeks.

    “We commend the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional partners for their leadership in addressing the situation,” the statement said.

    The U.S. also commended Jammeh for departing The Gambia peacefully and avoiding the use of violence.

    “We appreciate the decision by Yahya Jammeh to depart The Gambia peacefully.

    “We also echo President Barrow’s call for Gambians to unite and work together as brothers and sisters for the future of The Gambia.

    “The United States is proud of our close ties to the people of The Gambia and looks forward to working closely with President Barrow and his team to achieve the aspirations of all Gambians.”

  • U.S donates military tents to Nigeria police

    U.S donates military tents to Nigeria police

    The United States on Friday donated eight military grade multi-purpose tents to the Nigeria police for the quick return of civil authorities in communities liberated from the Boko Haram insurgents.

    Ms Rosalyn Wiese, the Director, U.S. International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, presented the items to the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Ibrahim Idris, in Maiduguri.

    Wiese explained that the gesture was to support the country toward the re-establishment of civil authorities in communities liberated in the North-East.

    “The U.S. Government is partnering with the Federal Government of Nigeria to support efforts to deploy additional civilian security, particularly the police to the North-East Nigeria.

    “The tents are being donated to the police because many areas have been ravaged by Boko Haram and many public buildings, including police stations and barracks are still being rebuilt,’’ she said.

    Wiese added: “A successful transition to community-oriented policing that focuses on working closely with all members of the community is crucial to building trust, establish relationships and improve communication.

    “We are also working with the Nigeria Police to improve training and equipment for its personnel in the North-East’’.

    She said that the U.S. planned to donate additional equipment and furniture to the police as part of its efforts to ensure restoration of civil authority in the North-East.

    Receiving the items, Idris represented by Mr Yakubu Jubrin, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Zone 12, thanked the U.S. Government for the gesture and promised judicious use of the items.

  • ECOWAS gets U.S. ICT support

    ECOWAS gets U.S. ICT support

    The U.S. Government has supported the ECOWAS with Information Technology and Communication equipment to enhance its early warning mechanism, as part of its partnership to promote peace and security within the sub-region.

    Mrs Halima Ahmed, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security said in a statement on Friday in Abuja that the gesture would enable the Early Warning Directorate to achieve its objectives and mandate.

    “The equipment will enhance the capacity and coordination of National Early Warning and Response Centres in member states, as well as the collation of relevant data within the community,” she said.

    Ahmed further expressed gratitude to the U.S. Government for its continued support to peace and security in West Africa.

    Also, Mr Derell Kennedo, Political Officer of the U.S. Embassy, expressed the interest of the U.S. in peace and security within the region.

    Kennedo said that peace and stability in West Africa would not only benefit ECOWAS citizens but also the U.S.

    Two vehicles were also presented to the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate.

  • Cuba: U.S. ends preferential immigration policy

    Cuba: U.S. ends preferential immigration policy

    The U.S. has ended a preferential policy toward Cubans who arrived in the country illegally.

    A report on Friday in Washington said that under most circumstances they would henceforth be sent home rather than allowed to apply for residency.

    The White House said in a statement that the change means people who flee the communist country, would be treated the same way migrants from other countries are treated.

    “Effective immediately, Cuban nationals who attempt to enter the U.S. illegally and do not qualify for humanitarian relief will be subject to removal, consistent with U.S. law and enforcement priorities.

    “The U.S. is also ending a programme that gave preferential treatment to Cuban medical personnel seeking entry to the US.

    The statement recalled that the so-called “wet-foot/dry-foot” policy was put in place more than 20 years ago and was designed for a different era.

    It said the policy allowed anyone who fled Cuba and made it to U.S. soil to stay and pursue a residency, while people stopped at sea were sent back.

    The White House called the move an important step forward in President Barack Obama’s effort to normalise relations with Cuba.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that Obama re-established diplomatic relations with Havana last year, ending more than five decades of isolation with its Cold War foe.

    The Cuban government has agreed to accept the return of Cuban nationals who are sent back, just as it has been accepting the return of migrants intercepted at sea.