Russia's lower house of parliament approves pension law amendments; Iran slams US for 'economic terrorism'

US, Japan and EU propose WTO reform

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem (center), US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (left) and Japanese Economy Minister Hiroshige Seko (right). Photo: AFP/TTXVN

On September 25, the United States, Japan and the European Union (EU) agreed to oppose unfair trade and propose reforms to the World Trade Organization (WTO). According to a joint statement issued at a trilateral meeting between Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the proposal expressed concern about the domestic subsidy warning system and the strengthening of the activities of the WTO's standing committees.

The statement said that some third countries have serious overcapacity, which threatens technological development and undermines global trade. The three officials stressed that market-oriented conditions are fundamental to achieving a global trading system that benefits all parties. Therefore, the actions of these third countries are worthy of criticism and the US, Japan and the EU are considering implementing a number of measures.

Russian lower house approves Putin's proposed pension law amendments

Panorama of a session of the Russian State Duma in Moscow. Source: AFP/VNA

On September 26, all 385 deputies in the State Duma (lower house) of Russia unanimously approved the amendment to the pension law proposed by President Vladimir Putin, which stipulates that the retirement age for women is 60 years old instead of 63 years old as originally proposed by the government. Meanwhile, for men, the retirement age is increased to 65 years old.

In addition, President Putin also proposed doubling unemployment benefits for those who have not reached retirement age from 2019, and applying a preferential retirement mechanism for women who have many children. He also supported maintaining a preferential mechanism in calculating land and real estate taxes for those who comply with current regulations on retirement age. Chairman of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin said the above reforms are aimed at increasing the living standards of pensioners.

Iran's President: US sanctions are economic terrorism

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York (USA) on September 25, 2018. (Source: THX/TTXVN)

On September 26 (Vietnam time), in a speech before the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani opposed the US sanctions against his country, calling it an act of "economic terrorism". The Iranian leader stressed that world security is being threatened when some countries have a "disdainful attitude" and "disrespect for international values ​​and institutions".

He asserted that going against multilateralism is not a display of strength, but a "symptom of weak understanding." President Rouhani also criticized US President Donald Trump's previous speech, accusing the White House boss of trying to "overthrow" Iran's leadership.

Türkiye arrests 39 suspects linked to cleric Gulen

Turkish police raid terrorists in Adana. Illustrative photo. AFP/TTXVN

Turkish police on September 26 arrested at least 39 people, including soldiers, suspected of being linked to the network of supporters of cleric Fethullah Gulen, who lives in exile in the US and is accused by Ankara of masterminding the failed coup in July 2016.

State-run Anadolu news agency reported that police launched simultaneous operations against 71 suspects in 23 provinces across the country and that of those arrested, 36 were serving in the military.

US, South Korea still at odds over Iran sanctions waivers

An Iranian oil production facility on Khark Island off the Persian Gulf. Photo: AFP/VNA

South Korea and the United States remain at odds over Seoul's request for an exemption from Washington's sanctions on Iranian oil imports, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said on September 26.

The United States has urged South Korea and other countries to stop importing oil from Tehran or face so-called sanctions announced in May after Washington withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. South Korea hopes the United States will grant it a conditional exemption, similar to one granted under the Obama administration. But US Secretary of State Fannon said that even if Seoul were exempted from the sanctions, the benefits would be limited. He added that the Trump administration would consider the specific situation facing South Korea.

Jordanian king calls for urgent aid for Palestinian refugees

Palestinian refugees outside the UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City. Source: AFP/VNA

Jordan's King Abdullah II has called for urgent aid for Palestinian refugees to prevent the lure of extremism after the United States ended funding for UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Speaking to the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, King Abdullah II said he wanted to revive the Middle East peace process, while expressing concern about the risk of UNRWA's financial shortfall.

King Abdullah stressed the need to fully fund the UN agency and support other efforts to protect families, ensure the stability of communities, and prepare young people for productive lives.

Portugal reaches agreement with France, Spain to receive migrants

Rescue ship Aquarius carrying migrants docks in Senglea, Malta. Source: THX/TTXVN

On September 25, Portugal announced that it had reached an agreement with France and Spain to take in 10 of the 58 migrants on the Aquarius rescue ship operating in the Mediterranean Sea.

In a statement, Portugal's Interior Ministry said it was taking in the migrants in order to coordinate with France and Spain and share the burden of receiving migrants. However, it did not specify where the ship was currently anchored. France had reluctantly agreed to allow the Aquarius to dock in Marseille, instead of sending the rescue ship to Malta.

Niger: Malaria causes spike in child deaths

Children suffering from malaria and malnutrition at the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) medical center in Guidan-Roumdji, Niger. Photo: AFP/ VNA

On September 25, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that the number of child deaths in southern Niger had increased dramatically in the past month, with an average of 10 children per day. The causes of death were mainly malaria and severe malnutrition.

According to a VNA correspondent in Africa, MSF's representative in Niger, Dorian Job, said that in recent weeks, the organization has never witnessed such heartbreaking images and fears that this is just the beginning of a new tragedy that is about to happen. Mr. Dorian said that currently, MSF's medical staff have only been able to reach less than 20% of the pediatric patients who need treatment here.

Huu Quan