UK House of Commons rejects Brexit deal for third time; US ramps up pressure on Iran and Venezuela

British House of Commons rejects 'divorce deal' for third time

British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at the British House of Commons. Photo: ABC News

On March 29, with 286 votes in favor and 344 votes against, the British House of Commons rejected for the third time the Brexit deal (Britain leaving the European Union - EU) that British Prime Minister Theresa May agreed with EU leaders at the end of last year. This move by the British House of Commons has paved the way for a delay in Brexit, or possibly leading to the "disastrous" scenario of Britain leaving the EU without an agreement.

Before the vote, Prime Minister Theresa May urged MPs to back the Brexit deal, calling it "the last chance to secure Britain's departure from the bloc". By backing the deal, May stressed, MPs would avoid "a long extension" that would ultimately delay or ruin Brexit.

Moscow-Ankara agree on Turkish Stream gas pipeline project

The Turkish Stream gas pipeline. Photo: turkstream.info

On March 29, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that his country and Türkiye are implementing two important joint projects, including the Akkuyu nuclear power plant (NPP) and the "Turkish Stream" gas pipeline. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, Mr. Lavrov stated: "We have analyzed the roadmap for implementing important investment projects, including the Turkish Stream gas pipeline and the construction of the Akkuyu NPP by Russian experts. Both projects are being implemented according to plan. I am sure that these two projects will be completed on time."

The dual Turkish Stream gas pipeline will have a maximum capacity of 31.5 billion cubic meters per year. The first line will transport Russian gas across the Black Sea to Türkiye for domestic consumption and will become operational this year. The second line will transport gas to Southern and Central Europe.

US, China launch new round of trade talks

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He (right) and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (left) during a meeting in Beijing, China on March 29, 2019. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

Top trade negotiators from China and the United States began a new round of talks in Beijing on March 29 aimed at resolving a trade war that has threatened the global economy. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin were welcomed by Chinese Vice Premier Liu He at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, as the two sides seek to resolve a months-long trade war between the world's two largest economies.

Earlier, President Donald Trump said the US and China were close to a deal, but many officials downplayed the possibility of the two sides reaching a consensus.

Ukrainian President Pledges to Hold Free, Fair Elections

President Poroshenko.

Speaking at an event marking his final campaign event in the town of Lviv three days before the presidential election, Mr. Poroshenko said that the Ukrainian people are looking forward to the future of Ukraine and that this election is important for democracy, the future of Ukraine as well as stability in Europe. Mr. Poroshenko pledged to ensure a free and fair election.

According to President Poroshenko, this election will shape Ukraine's policy, whether it continues on the path towards the European Union and NATO or towards Russia. The President also affirmed that the government will prevent any possible irregularities in the election.

US declares to increase maximum pressure on Iran and Venezuela

The US will introduce measures to increase maximum pressure on Iran this week, Sigal Mandelker, the US Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said on March 29. She said she would discuss sanctions against Iran in the coming days with government officials from countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and India.

The United States is also applying “maximum pressure” on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Mandelker said. According to several sources, the United States has called on foreign corporations to cut oil transactions with Venezuela or face sanctions, even if such trade is not prohibited under the U.S. sanctions announced against Venezuela.