UK warns Iran of choosing 'dangerous path'; Germany admits sanctions against Russia are useless

Britain warns Iran is 'choosing a dangerous path'

Swedish oil tanker "Stena Impero". Photo: Guardian

Britain advised its ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz "for a period of time" on July 20, a day after Iran seized the British-flagged Swedish tanker Stena Impero there. "We are deeply concerned about Iran's unacceptable actions, which challenge the world's freedom of navigation," a government spokesman said after a meeting of the government's emergency committee (COBRA) to discuss the crisis. "If the situation is not resolved, there will be serious consequences."

The seizure of the Stena Impero is the latest escalation in tensions in the Gulf. Iranian officials said the Stena Impero was involved in a collision with an Iranian fishing boat before it was seized. However, when the fishing boat sent out a distress signal, the British ship ignored it. The "Stena Impero" and its 23 crew members were then taken to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, where they remained until the investigation into the incident was completed.

Germany admits sanctions against Russia are useless

Illustration: Sputnik

The imposition of economic sanctions against Russia harms trade relations with Europe and negatively affects the prosperity and success of German trade, - said Klaus Ernst, chairman of the German parliament's Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy. The economic boycott from Germany only leads to strengthening financial ties between Moscow and Beijing, the German deputy said.

In addition, Mr. Ernst also criticized the statements of the new head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, about the need for a more aggressive approach to sanctions against Russia. Mr. Ernst believes that in this way, Europe is weakening itself. He spoke about this in an interview with the German radio station Deutschlandfunk.

North Korea defends South Korea in trade tensions with Japan

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (left) and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Photo:AFP

North Korea on July 19 accused Japan of "sabotaging the trend of peace on the peninsula" after Tokyo imposed trade restrictions on Seoul. "Japan is trying to sabotage the trend of peace on the Korean peninsula by pressuring South Korea through restrictions," North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported late on July 19, describing Japan as an "arch enemy."

North Korea's comments come amid tensions between Seoul and Tokyo after a South Korean court ordered Japanese companies to pay more compensation to victims of forced labor during Japan's colonial rule of the Korean peninsula. The dispute over compensation for victims has been going on for decades.

Panama - the first Central American country to ban single-use plastic bags

Starting July 20, consumers in Panama will be able to use only recyclable or reusable shopping bags when shopping at supermarkets, retail stores, and pharmacies. Enforcement of the ban will be closely monitored by the country’s consumer protection agency.

Fines collected from violations of the ban will be used to fund education and recycling programs. The ban will also apply to warehouses and wholesale stores from January 2020.

Philippine Vice President Charged with Inciting Rebellion

Philippine police have proposed charging Vice President Leni Robredo, opposition politicians and some church leaders with conspiring to cause unrest by spreading rumors that President Rodrigo Duterte was involved in drug trafficking.

The investigation began after videos emerged online in which a masked man claimed the Duterte family was involved in drug trafficking. More than 20 people are facing trial, with the maximum sentence for sedition in the Philippines being six years in prison. Robredo's Liberal Party said the police proposal was political harassment. Vice President Robredo is one of the politicians who have been fiercely critical of Duterte's war on drugs.