UK House of Commons rejects Brexit deal for third time; US increases pressure on Iran and Venezuela
(Baonghean.vn) - The British House of Commons rejected the "divorce agreement" for the third time; Moscow and Ankara agreed on the "Turkish Stream" gas pipeline project; Moscow and Ankara agreed on the "Turkish Stream" gas pipeline project; the US announced to increase maximum pressure on Iran and Venezuela... are the world's outstanding news in the past 24 hours.
British House of Commons rejects 'divorce deal' for third time
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| 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 House of Commons voted, Prime Minister Theresa May urged MPs to back the Brexit deal, calling it "the last chance to secure Britain's departure from the bloc". Prime Minister May stressed that by backing the deal, MPs would avoid "a long extension" that would ultimately delay or ruin Brexit.
Moscow-Ankara agree on Turkish Stream gas pipeline project
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| 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 negotiations
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| 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 to resolve a trade war that threatens 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 likelihood of a deal being reached.
Ukrainian president pledges to hold free, fair elections
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| President Poroshenko. |
Speaking at an event marking the last activity of his election campaign 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 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, continuing on the path towards the European Union and NATO or towards Russia. The President also affirmed that the government will prevent any possible violations in the election.
The US announced to increase maximum pressure on Iran and Venezuela
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US Deputy Secretary Sigal Mandelker. Photo: Bloomberg News. |
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, Ms. 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 US sanctions announced against Venezuela.
